Rest assured that in Italy most apartments for rent are fully furnished, or at least endowed with a bed, a dresser, a refrigerator, and a washing machine. Expats find it hard to pass up the chance to score antiques and premium quality furniture in Italy, so most leave the furniture behind.
Ladies need not worry about leaving behind their most prized clothing because Italy is a shopping haven. Haute couture clothing is everywhere, but there are also good finds that are relatively affordable.
So, now you know what Italy has to offer, what will it cost?
Italy is the most expensive European Union country to live in, with a large array of taxes ranging from income tax to social security, housing tax and additional indirect tax.
When it comes to accommodation, even a humble abode in Rome is expensive. Rent in Italy all depends on location, and in the major cities this means parting with more of your hard-earned money.
Expats may choose to live in suburban areas in medium-sized house and in rural areas where farmland, cottages and villas are aplenty. A cozy room here can cost as little as 80 euro a month. The downside is the transportation cost especially if you are working in the city.
If city life is your cup of tea, monthly housing for a single person costs around 400 euro. Adding utilities, water and gas to your bill is an extra 200 euro per month. Expatriates should expect to have additional charges of 10-20 percent in taxes (housing and insurance benefits) if they are staying in urban areas.
An apartment with three to four bedrooms costs 2,500 euro every month, while classy condominiums can cost up to 10,000 euro in downtown areas and coastal regions.
However, in return there are housing services provided for citizens and expatriates, in which home repairs are covered by living insurances. The employer may also meet your utility costs.
You'll need to allocate around 400 euro for food and drinks on a monthly basis. Dining in Italy, even in a standard restaurant can mean spending between 50 and 100 euro per person. Splurging on Italian fine dining will cost you a staggering 150 euro per person for a three-course meal.
Local products are pricey because of taxation. The venerable Italian cuisines and recipes have made local herbs expensive even to its citizens from cheese to extra virgin olive oil, to pasta and pastries, canned tomatoes and Italian vinegar.
Since income tax, along with other deductions, is high, job and insurance benefits are provided to all workers. Salaries can significantly increase depending on the employer's standards and of course, the worker's performance. The government also financially protects employees.
Schooling is another cost to consider. Private schools are available but private Catholic institutions are considered expensive and only upper class citizens or scholars get to attend. Italy's excellent public education is free and compulsory from 6-14 years of age.
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