Home » The Best Countries to Live & Invest Overseas: Country Guide Hub » Europe » Italy » Bologna, Italy

Bologna, Italy

Bologna is one of the largest historic cities in the world. This all comes at a price but it still can be a great place to live or retire.

We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.

Bologna, Italy

Key Takeaways: Bologna in 2026

Heavy rain is common during the spring and autumn months.
Rent for a two-bedroom apartment averages around US$1,325 per month.
High-speed internet and mobile bundles cost approximately US$30.
Bologna enjoys a warm maritime climate suitable for retirement.
Dining out twice a week costs a couple about US$337 monthly.

Bologna is the capital city of the Emilia-Romagna region in Northern Italy. It’s a large city of more than 1 million people. Bologna benefits from four distinct seasons. In the summer months temperatures average in the high 80s and drop to the low 40s during the winter.

July and August can feel oppressively hot in Bologna. Most residents take their holidays during this period and head to a beach town, or overseas.

Bologna is one of the largest historic cities in the world. There are buildings and monuments dating back to Roman times as well as medieval and renaissance works.

Also, Bologna is home to the oldest University in Europe, the University of Bologna. Founded in 1088, it’s one of the most prestigious Universities in the world.

This all comes at a price. Bologna is the third most expensive city in Italy for cost of living. Most residents argue that it still provides good value for money.

You’re paying more to live in a beautiful and well preserved city with a thriving cultural scene. The high population of students gives the city a lot of energy and helps keep the local economy strong.

Start Your New Life Overseas Today!

Sign up for our free daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter, and we'll send you a FREE report on the 12 Best Places To Retire Overseas In 2026.

We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.

Reviewed By Lief Simon

Lief Simon is the managing editor of Global Property Advisor, Simon Letter, and Offshore Living Letter. He has purchased more than 45 properties, investing in 23 different countries around the world.

Start Your New Overseas Life Today

A world full of fun, adventure, and profit awaits! Sign up for our free daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter, and we’ll send you a FREE report on the 12 Best Places To Retire Overseas In 2026

We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.

Where To Live In Bologna, Italy

Aim to live within the historic city walls. This is not only where the best real estate and neighborhoods can be found, it’s also close to the city center.

Living here will put you within walking distance of everything the center has to offer.

Prices in the center are more expensive, but the area has everything you need close at hand. The best food, drink, shops and lots to do and see. It’s also largely covered by the porticoes that offer protection from the elements.

Living within the walls also means you don’t need to own a car. The public transport network is good, and it’s also a very walkable city. Parking is also at a premium and it’s expensive.

The other option is to rent a bike from one of the strategic rental points found across the city. Buying a moped is another option.

If you prefer to live outside the city center there are some nice options. This will also allow you to own a car as you will be able to find a parking space.

Bololognina is a vibrant neighborhood outside, but close to, the city walls. This area attracts students, artists, immigrants and couples with young families. It’s an affordable place to live with lots to see and do.

Cost Of Living In Bologna, Italy

Apartment or House Ownership Budget In Bologna


Expense	Monthly Cost	Notes
Mortgage		Not included here as too variable.
Transportation	US$76	Two monthly TPER transport passes.
Utilities	US$221	Basic utility bill, including electricity, gas, water, and garbage collection
Cell phone		Included in monthly internet fee.
Internet	US$30	Including 1 Gigabit of internet, a SIM card with 30 Giga per month for your smartphone, and Vodafone TV (Vodafone Italia)
Cable TV		Included in monthly internet fee.
Household help	US$132	Paying US$11 an hour for one three-hour visit per week
Entertainment	US$485	Eating out twice a week at a mid-range, local restaurant: US$337. Drinks twice a week at a nearby watering hole: (beer: US$3.70; glass of wine: US$5.30; bottle of wine: US$25). Movie theater trip twice a month (tickets: US$4 per person for people over age 60).
Groceries	US$208 to US$292	Between US$52 and US$73 spent per week on groceries for a couple.
Gym membership	US$150	Cost of two monthly memberships.
Medical appointment	US$55	Cost of one brief exam, paid in cash or with credit or debit
Total	US$1,357 to US$ 1,441	Monthly expenses for a couple.

Apartment or House Rental Budget


Expense	Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent	US$1,325	Unfurnished, two-bedroom, comfortable apartment in a desirable part of town

Penny-Pincher’s Budget (for a couple, bare minimum costs for all)


Expense	Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent	US$681	Cheapest part of town; basic one-bedroom rental.
Transportation	US$30	Two TPER City Passes for public transport.
Utilities	US$127	Basic utility bill, including electricity, gas, water, and garbage collection.
Internet	US$30	Including 1 Gigabit of internet, a SIM card with 30 Giga per month, and Vodafone TV with Vodafone Italia
Entertainment	US$200	Eating out twice a week at a mid-range, local restaurant: US$127. Drinks twice a week at a nearby watering hole: (beer: US$3.70; glass of wine: US$5.30; bottle of wine: US$25). Movie theater trip twice a month (tickets: US$4 per person for people over age 60).
Cable TV		Included in monthly internet fee.

Household help	US$132	Paying US$11 an hour for one three-hour visit per week
Groceries	US$140 to US$232	Between US$37 and US$58.07 spent per week on groceries for a couple.

Total	US$1,214 to US$1,306	Monthly expenses for a couple

Currency conversion at today’s exchange rate.

Wondering what it really costs to live in Italy?

Get a clear breakdown of everyday expenses in Italy—including housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare—so you can budget accurately before you make the move.

Full Guide: Cost of Living in Italy

Weather In Bologna, Italy

With it’s warm maritime climate, Bologna is the ideal place for either a short break or a retirement destination.

The best time of year to visit Bologna, Italy, is throughout most of the year.

Winter season in Bologna goes from December until March.

On the other hand, summer’s in Bologna can be very hot. July is the warmest month with tempratures that can reach 90°F.

Most importantly, there can be periods of heavy rain, particularly during spring and autumn. So, it’s recommended to stay alert for any sudden changes that might occur.

Start Your New Life Overseas Today!

Sign up for our free daily e-letter, Overseas Opportunity Letter, and we'll send you a FREE report on the 12 Best Places To Retire Overseas In 2026.

We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.

Reviewed By Lief Simon

Lief Simon is the managing editor of Global Property Advisor, Simon Letter, and Offshore Living Letter. He has purchased more than 45 properties, investing in 23 different countries around the world.

Start Your New Overseas Life Today

We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.

Bologna, Italy- FAQs

What Is Bologna, Italy, Known For?

Bologna, Italy, is known for its artistic, cultural and historical heritage. The architecture in Bologna is particularly impressive with medieval churches and squares.

Why Is Bologna Called The Red City?

Bologna is called the Red city because of the huge amount of red tiled rooftops across its landscape.