Thinking About a Move to Southern Italy? Here’s What You Need to Know in 2026
Why So Many People Want to Move to Southern Italy
If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to warm Mediterranean breezes, historic towns, quiet beaches and a slower, more meaningful pace of life, you’re not alone. More and more expats, remote workers and retirees are choosing to move to southern Italy for its combination of affordability, culture, climate and colourful community.
Regions like Puglia, Calabria, Sicily and Basilicata offer something the north can’t: more space, more sunshine, lower living costs, and a lifestyle that feels rooted in tradition - pizzica anyone? Among them, Puglia, especially Salento, has become a standout choice thanks to its crystal-clear coastlines (both the Adriatic and the Ionian seas are easily accessible) charming historic centres and delicous food - read more about that here!
Cost of Living: One of the Biggest Reasons to Move to Southern Italy
Compared to northern regions like Lombardy or Veneto, the cost of living in southern Italy is significantly lower. That’s a major advantage if you’re relocating from Australia in particular where the $ is halved or you’re retiring and seeking a simpler lifestyle.
Here’s what many expats notice:
Rent is far cheaper — especially in smaller towns or non-tourist areas
Groceries, produce and local markets are very affordable
Dining out and local experiences cost less overall plus there are many free activites
Property prices can be surprisingly reasonable, particularly if you’re coming from a bigger city
This makes it easier for expats to live comfortably while enjoying a higher quality of life, and it means you can travel more. Many expats use Salento as a base and are able to fit in a lot more holidays throughout the year than if they’d committed to a very hefty rental in Florence, Milan or Rome.
Dinner in the most stunning area, Matera
Lifestyle: Slower, Warmer, Happier
When people move to southern Italy, they almost always mention the lifestyle shift. You don’t just live in southern Italy, you kinda live with it.
Expect:
Long Sunday lunches with friends
A strong sense of community
Warm, sunny days most of the year
Less stress, more balance
More time outdoors
Local traditions, festas and celebrations
And of course, the one that gets all Aussies: far later dinner times (no-one goes out to eat in summer before 9pm!)
In places like Salento, life moves with the seasons. Summer brings lively piazzas filled with open-air concerts and the evening spent enjoying aperitivi by the sea; winter offers peace, quiet and deeper connection with the local community – actually a personal favourite time of mine.
If you’re craving a place where human connection matters more than hustle culture, southern Italy might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Who Should Consider Moving to Southern Italy?
A move to southern Italy works especially well for:
✔️ Remote workers / digital nomads. Great for those who want affordability, beauty, and a healthier work-life balance. Internet availability has improved dramatically in recent years.
✔️ Retirees. Relaxed lifestyle + lower expenses = excellent retirement base.
✔️ Families. A safe environment with strong community values and family-friendly traditions.
✔️ Anyone craving a slower, more intentional life. The culture encourages presence, connection, and simplicity.
Challenges to Expect When Moving to Southern Italy
To create a realistic guide (and we all love honesty), it’s important to mention challenges too:
Bureaucracy is slow
Learning Italian takes time - a lot longer than you think, especially for Aussies. It’s very common to meet European expats who pick up the language a lot faster than us.
Public transport can be limited outside big cities. It’s also often very confusing and timetables are updated without much notice.
Job opportunities (local ones) are fewer than in the north.
Things operate on a very different rhythm — which takes adjustment.
None of these are deal-breakers, but being prepared helps make your transition smoother.
Final Thoughts: Should You Move to Southern Italy?
If you’re dreaming of the sunshine and the charm that only southern Italy can bring, moving here could be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make, and there are many options to choose from. Whether you’re drawn to the whitewashed towns of Puglia, the dramatic coasts of Calabria or the volcanic beauty of Sicily, southern Italy offers a life that is both affordable and emotionally rich.
Ready to explore the idea more seriously? We can help with everything from relocation guidance to local insights, settling-in services and personalised experiences that help you feel at home faster.
Sound good? Get in touch.