Was wondering what it's really like. I'll be in northern Italy, Cervia which is a small town but on the coast and touristy during the summer, for several years so wondering what everyday shopping (groceries etc.) will be like.
I've read that eating out can be quite expensive and that alot of things come attached with fees and taxes.
I'll have a housing budget of 2600 Euro's a month so as far as I can tell I should be able to get something fairly nice.
Thanks in advance for any info.
Ron
Contact roninrome.com. He can probably give you so directions on living expenses.
Ron,
With €2600 monthly, you'll do well in a small town like Cervia. I'm sure Claire from Bergamo can also add her thoughts but we survive on far less than that and live next to the Vatican in Rome. Groceries can be expensive, but our utlitiy bills are quite low compared to the States. Of course, we have no dryer, no AC, no dishwasher, no satellite, one TV, etc... and our heat is gas.
As far as fees and taxes... you won't be buying a car or motorino anytime soon. First you have to work through tte paperwork to be "allowed" to purchase these items. That would include you visa, permesso, residenzia, carta d'identita, etc. We own a motorino (kind of) and pay about €500 a year in insurance and €100 a year in taxes. If you get a car, whole different story.... but you're probably a ways off from that unless you have all your papers. Good Luck!
Ron in Rome
2600 is a nice amount, I'm assuming it's after taxes. You didn't mention if it is just you or if you will have other people living with you which obviously means spending more on groceries and utilities. For 1000 Euros you could get something really nice in Cervia, big, or at least big for Italy, and that is probably on the high side, though if the apartment is furnished or not will affect the price too. Remember that "unfurnished" in Italy means just that, there will be no kitchen cabinets or appliances and most likely there won't be a sink in the bathroom, the idea being that you would bring your own. And in some cases non even light fixtures. Look into places that are listed as furnished, the landlord would most likely be happy to take out any furniture you don't want. 1600 euros is good for living expenses and the longer you live there you find better and better ways to shop. We go to this place that sells all fruits and vegetables for a euro a kilo, plus wine for a little more than a euro a liter. I do have a dryer, a dishwasher, and other major appliances, but I live with 3 other people, plus we have two cars, car insurance and gas to think about, plus school fees, and all the other millions of things you have in a family budget. Still, 1600 (after paying for housing) should be more than enough to live quite comfortably.
Here is a link to an on-line Italian supermarket. It would give you an idea of the range of goods sold and prices in general. No doubt you can buy cheaper or dearer elsewhere!
Thanks for the responses everyone.
It'll be myself, wife and two kids.Our house budget of 2600 erou will be just for rent. It's either use it or loose it so we have the local company agent looking for a fully furnished place for us in Cesena if possible and Cervia as second choice.
Basically all expenses are on the company.Food, phone, cable, internet,gasoline is on us.
I checked out that link Linda.....things seem a little more expensive compared to here but not outrageous like I was half expecting.
I just wanna say....I'm pretty surprised by the amount of responses I've gotten in only two posts. Most boards I've been on people seem to not want to share info wich seems to defeat the purpose in the first place.....you guys seem like a pretty knowledgable and friendly bunch. Look forward to soon sharing my own knowledge and experiences here.
Thanks again,
Ron
Ron, we'd love for you to share your experiences living in Italy. We can live vicariously through you. However, we already have a Ron in Rome. You'll have to be a Ron in Cervia. You can start a club.
We'll be in the province of Ravenna so was thinking that Ron in Ravenna rolls of the tongue better.:O)
Ron - Being Italian I can see one problem you may have to deal with - NO BOILED PEANUTS IN RAVENNA!!! SORRY
Greg
LOL!!
I'm a yankee by birth....not a boiled peanut fan....just doesn't seem right!
If the place isn't amazing (like a big villa complete with pool) for 2600 euros a month in Cervia then you are being ripped off.
Really?? I mean....I expect something fairly nice but you really think something on that scale?
Make that Rich Ron in Ravenna.
I just do not understand the south's obsession with boiled peanuts. I know !!!! an acquired taste.
