Who Turin makes sense for
Turin has about 856,000 residents and is the capital of Piedmont. It was the first capital of unified Italy and is the birthplace of the Italian auto industry. Today it is also a hub for aerospace, technology and research.
- People who want a big city at a lower cost than Milan.
- Students and researchers at the Politecnico di Torino and the Università di Torino.
- Families who love the mountains: ski resorts are about an hour and a half away.
average rent for a 1-bedroom in the center
by Frecciarossa to Milan
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 | € 771 |
| 1-bedroom outside the center | € 518 |
| 3-bedroom (family) in the center / outside | € 1,359 / € 895 |
| Monthly transit pass | € 38 |
| Basic utilities (85 m²) | € 212 |
| Groceries, 1 adult | € 300 [estimate] |
| Simple restaurant meal | € 18 |
Run your own numbers in the cost of living calculator.
Neighborhoods to consider
- Crocetta: residential and elegant, near the Politecnico; popular with families.
- Centro / Quadrilatero Romano: historic, with arcades, cafés and everything within walking distance.
- San Salvario: lively and multicultural, near Parco del Valentino.
- Cit Turin: a neighborhood of Art Nouveau (Liberty) buildings, quiet and well served by the metro.
- Borgo Po / Precollina: green, across the river, with larger homes.
Schools
Italian public school is free and open to children of foreign residents. Enrollment for the first year is online, usually in January.
International options: International School of Turin (IB, ages 3 to 18, about € 8,300 to € 18,800 per year), Vittoria International School (Cambridge and IB), World International School of Torino (IB) and Lycée Français International Jean Giono (French curriculum, about € 5,550 to € 7,770 per year).
Health care
The main public hub is the Città della Salute e della Scienza, which brings together the Molinette hospital, the CTO and the Regina Margherita children's hospital. There are also the Ospedale Mauriziano and San Giovanni Bosco. Once you have residency, you register with the SSN and choose a family doctor. See our list of Portuguese-speaking doctors.
Transportation
- High-speed rail: Frecciarossa and Italo connect Porta Nuova and Porta Susa to Milan in about 1 hour (the fastest from 47 minutes between some stations), and continue to Bologna, Florence and Rome.
- Airport: Torino Caselle (TRN), about 16 km from the center [confirm].
- In the city: one automated metro line, plus GTT trams and buses. Metro line 2 is in the planning stage.
- France: direct trains to Paris via the Fréjus line [confirm whether the service is running].
Climate
Continental climate: hot summers, cold winters that are drier than in Milan, with occasional snow. The Alps on the horizon are part of the scenery. Winter air quality is also a weak point.
Pros and cons
Low rent for a big city, a rich cultural life, great food, mountains nearby, good universities.
A smaller job market than Milan's, an airport with fewer flights, polluted air in winter.
Frequently asked questions
Is Turin cheaper than Milan?
Yes, especially for rent: a 1-bedroom in the center costs about half, according to Numbeo. Compare them in the city comparison tool.
Can I live in Turin and work in Milan?
It's possible with the fast train, but the cost of daily tickets adds up. It works best if you go to Milan a few days a week.
Are there many Brazilians in Turin?
There is a community, but it's smaller than in Milan. Foreigners in the city come from many backgrounds, which helps with settling in.
Sources: Numbeo – Turin (10/2026); Tuttitalia / ISTAT, population as of 01/01/2026; doris.school – international schools in Turin (08/2026); SBB – Frecciarossa travel times (06/2025); Trainline – Milan–Turin timetables (10/2026).