Bologna, Italy

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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.

Bologna, Italy

Cozy cityscape of Bologna Italy
AdobeStock/Ekaterina Belova

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.

Where To Live In Bologna

Bologna, Italy.
iStock/bernotto

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.

Apartment or House Ownership Budget In Bologna

ExpenseMonthly CostNotes
MortgageNot included here as too variable.
TransportationUS$76Two monthly TPER transport passes.
UtilitiesUS$221Basic utility bill, including electricity, gas, water, and garbage collection
Cell phoneIncluded in monthly internet fee.
InternetUS$30Including 1 Gigabit of internet, a SIM card with 30 Giga per month for your smartphone, and Vodafone TV (Vodafone Italia)
Cable TVIncluded in monthly internet fee.
Household helpUS$132Paying US$11 an hour for one three-hour visit per week
EntertainmentUS$485Eating 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).
GroceriesUS$208 to US$292Between US$52 and US$73 spent per week on groceries for a couple.
Gym membershipUS$150Cost of two monthly memberships.
Medical appointmentUS$55Cost of one brief exam, paid in cash or with credit or debit
TotalUS$1,357 to US$ 1,441Monthly expenses for a couple.

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Apartment or House Rental Budget

ExpenseMonthly CostNotes
RentUS$1,325Unfurnished, two-bedroom, comfortable apartment in a desirable part of town

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

ExpenseMonthly CostNotes
RentUS$681Cheapest part of town; basic one-bedroom rental.
TransportationUS$30Two TPER City Passes for public transport.
UtilitiesUS$127Basic utility bill, including electricity, gas, water, and garbage collection.
InternetUS$30Including 1 Gigabit of internet, a SIM card with 30 Giga per month, and Vodafone TV with Vodafone Italia
EntertainmentUS$200Eating 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 TVIncluded in monthly internet fee.
Household helpUS$132Paying US$11 an hour for one three-hour visit per week
GroceriesUS$140 to US$232Between US$37 and US$58.07 spent per week on groceries for a couple.
TotalUS$1,214 to US$1,306Monthly expenses for a couple

Click here for currency conversion at today’s exchange rate.

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Weather In Bologna, Italy

Weather in Bologna Italy
Weather-and-climate.com

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.

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.

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