Is the cost of living in Italy more expensive then the United States?

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martox45

I'm living in Tuscany and from a yearly stats this is the 2nd year that the cost for feeding in this area is the lowest all over Italy.
Other regions can be less expensive for hotels, renting an house,etc. but generally speaking southern regions are a bit less expensive as here and here is less expensive as in the North.
Big towns belongs to another dimension and they're really very expensive, in any side of Italy. For Americans however the biggest problem is the weak rate of the US$ against the â‚¬uro because our prices are not that expensive if put into relation with American employees salary that's higher than ours. In the top tourist towns prices are higher as in the cities/villages out of the routes but also in Florence if you use the common sense you can find cheaper shops to buy what you need to "survive". As previous answerer said it's possible Italy is for you are more expensive than a few small towns in the States but it's for sure much cheaper than NYC....!!

lazer

It depends heavily on where in Italy you are comparing to which part of the States. On the whole, yes, Italy is more expensive, and Tuscany is one of most expensive areas, particularly once you get outside of big, expensive cities, such as Rome, Venice, Florence and Milan.

On the other hand, New York is more expensive than some of the less-popular, less-beautiful rural areas in Italy.

sally b

Absolutely Italy is more expensive. Italy is on the Euro, so one dollar is the equivalent of about 75 cents in Italy, last I was there, which was about two years ago. Truth be told, American dollars do not go very far at all in Europe in general since the Euro.

That aside, one thing about Italy is that there are sooo many expatriates, and there is so much unemployment. Many teach English under the table, because it is so difficult to obtain citizenship even after you do marry an Italian. It's a very complicated affair, but if you are determined, you will do fine. Know this, it won't be easy. Living in the US in general is a bargain compared to living in Italy, especially cities like Rome.

ontheroadagainwithoutyou

It's amazing what just a few years makes. In 2000, Italy was a dream come true for Americans. The Lire was still used and the dollar was strong. Now, it has totally flipped. The EURO is strong and the dollar weak, so you have to work hard and be highly resourceful to make ends meet when in Italy using dollars. And yes, the where you are comparing it U.S. and Italy also makes a HUGE difference.

Mark

I don't think

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