Who Florence makes sense for
Florence has about 362,000 residents and is the capital of Tuscany. The economy revolves around tourism, fashion, craftsmanship and universities, including many American programs.
- Families who want an international community and several English-language schools.
- Retirees and remote professionals who value culture and outdoor life.
- People who work in art, design, fashion or teaching.
by Frecciarossa to Milano Centrale
average rent for a 1-bedroom in the center
residents (ISTAT, Jan 2026, estimate)
Cost of living
Average monthly figures in euros, according to Numbeo (October 2026 update). They are references, not guaranteed prices.
| Item | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom in the center | € 1,396 |
| 1-bedroom outside the center | € 930 |
| 3-bedroom (family) in the center / outside | € 2,458 / € 1,649 |
| Monthly transit pass | € 39 |
| Basic utilities (85 m²) | € 218 |
| Groceries, 1 adult | € 330 [estimate] |
| Simple restaurant meal | € 24 |
To run your own numbers, use the cost of living calculator.
Neighborhoods to consider
- Oltrarno (Santo Spirito, San Frediano): charming, with a neighborhood feel and artisans; expensive and in demand.
- Campo di Marte: residential, with its own train station and the stadium; good for families.
- Novoli / Rifredi: more modern and affordable, near the university and Careggi hospital.
- Bellosguardo / Galluzzo: green and quiet, in the hills to the south; a car helps.
- Fiesole and Bagno a Ripoli: neighboring towns, more space and views of the city.
Schools
Public school is free and open to children of foreign residents. Enrollment usually opens in January for the school year starting in September.
International options: International School of Florence (IB, ages 3 to 18; about € 14,950 to € 26,420 per year at the upper school campus), Canadian School of Florence, Florence Bilingual School (Cambridge, bilingual, about € 8,500 to € 9,100) and the Lycée Victor Hugo (French).
Health care
The main hospital is Careggi (a university hospital). For children, Meyer is a national reference center. In the center is the historic Santa Maria Nuova. Once you have residency, you register with the SSN and choose a family doctor. See our list of Portuguese-speaking doctors.
Transportation
- Airports: Amerigo Vespucci (FLR, Peretola), connected to the center by tram; and Pisa (PSA), with more international flights, about 1 hour away.
- Train: Firenze Santa Maria Novella is on the high-speed line. Milan in about 1h55, Rome in about 1h30, Bologna in under 40 minutes.
- In the city: tram lines (tramvia) and buses. The center is a limited traffic zone (ZTL).
Climate
Florence sits in a valley: very hot, dry summers and cool, damp winters. July and August can be tough without air conditioning.
Pros and cons
Beauty and culture, a large international community, good English-language schools, Tuscany right there, fast trains.
Rent among the highest in Italy, heavy tourism in the center, intense summer heat, a limited job market outside tourism.
Frequently asked questions
Is Florence good for families with children?
Yes, especially for its range of international and bilingual schools. School costs add up, though: plan for them before choosing a neighborhood.
Do I need a car?
In the center and nearby neighborhoods, no. In the hills and neighboring towns, a car helps a lot.
Florence or Bologna?
Florence has more international schools and more beauty; Bologna is cheaper and better located for trains. Compare them in the city comparison tool.
Sources: Numbeo – Florence (10/2026); Tuttitalia / ISTAT, population as of 01/01/2026; doris.school – international schools in Florence (10/2026); SBB – Frecciarossa travel times (06/2025).