If you’re planning to move to Italy and thinking about Turin, one of the biggest questions you’ll have is: where should I live?
When I first moved here from the UK, I had no idea which areas were good, which were expensive, and which ones were best for expats. And honestly, Turin isn’t a city where you can just guess each area has a completely different feel depending on whether you’re in the centre, north, south, or near the river.
So in this guide, I’m going to break down the best areas to live in Turin, Italy, based on lifestyle, budget, transport links, and overall vibe so you can choose what’s actually right for you.
I’ll also include real insights from living here, approximate rental prices, and what each area is really like day-to-day.

1. Centro (City Centre) – Best for First-Time Expats
📍 Location: Central Turin
🚉 Transport: Porta Susa & Porta Nuova (main stations + metro line)
💰 1-bed apartment: €700–€1,200/month
If it’s your first time living in Turin, the city centre is honestly one of the easiest places to start.
I lived in the centre for 3 years close to Porta Susa station, and it was the perfect location. I was able to work in different schools all within walking distance, which saved me money because I didn’t need to use public transport much.
It was also perfect for my social life I could meet friends and just walk home. I used to walk down Via Garibaldi all the time, window shopping and getting my steps in.
You’re also close to major landmarks like the Egyptian Museum and Piazza Castello, which really gives you that “Italian lifestyle” feel.
Pros
- Beautiful architecture
- Everything within walking distance
- Great for social life
- Excellent transport connections
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited green space
- Parking can be difficult
Perfect if you want convenience and lifestyle in one place.
Gran Madre – Stunning but Premium Living
📍 Location: East Turin (across the river)
🚉 Transport: Bus/tram connections (no metro)
💰 1-bed apartment: €800–€1,300/month
If I could personally choose an area to live in, it would be Gran Madre. I love it so much.
It’s just across the river, close to the Gran Madre church, and near green spaces like Parco del Valentino. You can easily walk or cycle into the centre.
The architecture is stunning, and the whole area feels more relaxed and slightly more upscale. There are also lots of small boutiques and nice cafes.
Pros
- Beautiful area
- Close to nature and parks
- Great location (close but quieter than centre)
Cons
- Expensive
- Fewer rental options
- (Real talk) dog mess on some streets
Great for both families and singles who want a more aesthetic, calmer lifestyle.
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2. Crocetta – Quiet, Safe & Residential
📍 Location: South-west of the centre
🚉 Transport: Close to Porta Susa, good bus/tram links
💰 1-bed apartment: €650–€1,000/month
Crocetta is one of the more elegant and peaceful areas in Turin.
It’s very clean, safe, and feels more “local” compared to the centre. You’ll see more families and professionals here.
There are also good schools in this area, which makes it popular for families.
Pros
- Very safe
- Quiet and residential
- Beautiful buildings
Cons
- Higher rent prices
- Not much nightlife
Ideal if you want something calm but still close to everything.
3. San Salvario – Popular with Expats & Nightlife
📍 Location: South of the centre
🚉 Transport: Porta Nuova + metro line
💰 1-bed apartment: €600–€900/month
San Salvario is very popular with younger people, students, and expats.
It’s a really lively area I go there often to try new restaurants and bars. It’s right next to Parco del Valentino, one of the biggest green spaces in Turin.
That being said, parking here is extremely difficult, and some parts can feel a bit rough at night.
Pros
- Lively and social
- Great food and nightlife
- Close to park
- Good for students
Cons
- Noisy
- Can feel unsafe in some areas
- Parking is a nightmare
Perfect if you want energy and don’t mind a bit of chaos.
4. Vanchiglia – Trendy & Creative
📍 Location: North-east of the centre
🚉 Transport: Bus/tram connections
💰 1-bed apartment: €650–€1,000/month
Vanchiglia has a really cool, creative vibe.
I don’t go there all the time, but I’ve had friends who lived there and loved it. It’s close to the centre but slightly quieter than San Salvario.
There are lots of independent cafes, small shops, and a younger crowd.
Pros
- Trendy and up-and-coming
- Good balance of quiet + social
- Close to centre
Cons
- Prices rising
- Limited availability
Great if you want something a bit more unique.
5. Santa Rita – Affordable & Family-Friendly
📍 Location: South-west Turin
🚉 Transport: Bus/tram (no metro nearby)
💰 1-bed apartment: €500–€800/month
I used to work in this area, and I actually liked it. It’s quite busy and packed with shops, but in a local way not touristy at all.
You definitely get more for your money here in terms of space and rent.
Pros
- More affordable
- Local lifestyle
- Good for families
Cons
- Further from centre
- Less nightlife
Great if you want value for money.
6. Aurora – Budget Option (Mixed Reputation)
📍 Location: North of the centre
🚉 Transport: Bus/tram connections
💰 1-bed apartment: €400–€700/month
Aurora is one of the cheapest areas in Turin, but it has a mixed reputation.
Some parts are improving and becoming more modern, especially closer to the centre.
Pros
- Affordable
- Up-and-coming in some areas
Cons
- Safety varies
- Less polished
Definitely visit before committing.
Quadrilatero Romano – Best for Nightlife
📍 Location: Central-west Turin
🚉 Transport: Close to Porta Susa
💰 1-bed apartment: €700–€1,100/month
This area is perfect for nightlife bars, restaurants, and energy everywhere.
It’s very central, so everything is within walking distance.
Pros
- Amazing location
- Great nightlife
Cons
- Noisy
- Busy
Best for singles or couples who love going out.
Lingotto – Modern & Well Connected
📍 Location: South Turin
🚉 Transport: Metro line (Lingotto station)
💰 1-bed apartment: €500–€850/month
Lingotto is further out but very well connected thanks to the metro.
It’s also home to shopping centres and more modern buildings.
Pros
- Metro access
- Good for families and students
- More space
Cons
- Less nightlife
- Further from centre
Great balance of affordability + convenience.
How to Choose the Right Area in Turin
It really depends on your lifestyle:
- First time in Turin → Centro
- Want quiet and safe → Crocetta
- Love nightlife → San Salvario / Quadrilatero
- Trendy vibe → Vanchiglia
- On a budget → Santa Rita / Aurora
- Want something aesthetic → Gran Madre
- Want metro access → Lingotto
Turin has something for everyone whether you want city life, quiet streets, or something more affordable.
The best advice I can give is:
Visit the area if you can
Don’t rush into a contract
Think about your lifestyle, not just price
Choosing the best area to live in Turin, Italy can completely shape your experience here.
Once you find the right area for you, everything else just falls into place.
See you in the next post
xoxo Rebeah