I’ll be honest when I first moved to Italy, I had no real idea what the cost of living in Turin Italy would actually look like.
Some people assume Italy is cheap. Others think it’s expensive. The truth? It depends and real life expenses can surprise you.
In this post, I’m breaking down my actual monthly costs living in Turin (Torino), based on my personal experience. If you’re planning a move or just curious about expat life, this will give you a realistic picture of what to expect.
If you’re planning a move, understanding the cost of living in Turin Italy is essential to budgeting realistically and avoiding surprises.
Rent in Turin: What You Can Expect
Let’s start with the biggest expense rent.
Our apartment is around 85–90 square meters with two bedrooms. In our area, a similar property typically costs:
- €500 – €600 per month
Compared to the UK, you often get more space for your money in Italy, especially in cities like Turin.
Utilities & Bills in Italy
Condominium Fees (Including Water)
In Italy, many buildings have “condominium fees” which cover:
- Cold water
- Building maintenance
- Cleaning & garden upkeep
We pay around:
- €1,100 – €1,200 per year
You may also want to read the following related posts:
The Reality of Living in Italy: 9 Honest Cons No One Talks About
How to Find a Job in Italy as an Expat (Realistic Tips That Actually Help)
13 Bookshops in Turin to Visit Today
How to Rent an Apartment in Turin, Italy (2026 Guide): Contracts Explained
Gas & Heating Costs
Gas is where costs can fluctuate a lot depending on the season.
- Winter: €330 – €350 (every 2 months)
- Spring/Autumn: ~€260
- Summer: ~€80
One important thing to know in many Italian apartments, heating is centrally controlled and only turned on between October and April.
Public Transport in Turin
Public transport is simple and affordable.
You can get a monthly pass (similar to an Oyster card in London):
- €30 – €50 per month
Perfect if you commute daily using buses or the metro.
Driving in Italy: Hidden Costs
Owning a car in Italy comes with several expenses:
Car Insurance
- New drivers: up to €2,000 per year
- Experienced drivers: around €400 per year
Car Tax (Bollo)
- Around €360 per year
Fuel
- Around €1.60 per litre
- Roughly €150/month depending on usage
Gym Memberships in Turin
Fitness is actually pretty affordable here.
- Budget gyms: €20 – €30/month
- Full-service gyms: ~€660/year
You can choose between basic no-frills gyms or more premium options with saunas and trainers.
Healthcare Costs in Italy
Italy has public healthcare, but waiting times can be long.
That’s why many people (including me) use a mix of public and private services.
- Specialist visits: €100 – €120
- Monthly average spend: €100 – €200
Dental Costs
Dental care can be pricey if you go private:
- Cleaning: ~€100
- Fillings: €220+
Prices vary a lot depending on the clinic.
Internet & Mobile Plans
These are actually very affordable compared to many countries.
- Internet: ~€60 every 2 months
- Mobile plan: ~€15/month
You can often find even cheaper deals if you shop around.
Food Costs in Turin
This is one area that surprised me.
Personally, I find food in Italy more expensive than in the UK especially if you prioritise quality.
Our weekly grocery spend:
- €120 – €150 per week
And if you live with an Italian… food quality is not negotiable
Extra Lifestyle Costs
These aren’t essentials, but they add up:
- Netflix: €15.99/month
- Disney+: ~€8.99/month
- Amazon Prime: €36/year
Eating out, travel, and social life will vary depending on your lifestyle.
Final Thoughts: Is Turin Expensive?
Overall, I’d say the cost of living in Turin Italy is reasonable.
- Rent offers great value
- Transport is affordable
- But healthcare and food can be higher than expected
Like anywhere, your lifestyle will determine how much you spend but Turin strikes a really nice balance between affordability and quality of life.
What’s Next?
In my next post, I’ll break down:
How much apartments actually cost in Turin (and what you get for your money)
Turin, in particular, is a great middle ground.
If you’re planning to move, I hope this guide has helped you understand the real numbers behind everyday life here.
See you in the next post
xoxo Rebeah
