Who Verona makes sense for
Verona has about 255,000 residents and is in Veneto, near the border with Lombardy. The economy is a mix of logistics, agrifood, wine, trade fairs and tourism.
- Families who want a beautiful, safe, mid-sized city.
- Remote professionals who travel between Milan, Venice and northern Europe.
- Retirees looking for culture, good hospitals and the lake nearby.
by Frecciarossa or Italo to Milan, on the fastest trains
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 (August 2026 update). They are references, not guaranteed prices.
| Item | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom in the center | € 868 |
| 1-bedroom outside the center | € 607 |
| 3-bedroom (family) in the center / outside | € 1,705 / € 1,063 |
| Monthly transit pass | € 42 |
| Basic utilities (85 m²) | € 172 |
| Groceries, 1 adult | € 320 [estimate] |
| Simple restaurant meal | € 16 |
Run your own numbers in the cost of living calculator.
Neighborhoods to consider
- Città Antica: the center inside the bend of the Adige River, near the Arena; lots of tourists.
- Borgo Trento: residential and elegant, near the hospital and the center; popular with families.
- San Zeno: a historic neighborhood with a village feel, calmer than the center.
- Borgo Venezia: large, with shops and services, more affordable rent.
- Valdonega: in the hills, green and quiet, 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.
The main international option is the International School of Verona (English-language, with IGCSE and a path to the IB Diploma). Sources show fees between about € 3,720 and € 9,600 per year [confirm tuition with the school]. There are fewer options than in Milan; some families combine public school with extra language lessons.
Health care
The university hospital (AOUI Verona) has two sites: Borgo Trento (Ospedale Civile Maggiore) and Borgo Roma (Policlinico G.B. Rossi). The area also has the Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, in Negrar, which is part of the SSN network. 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: Verona Porta Nuova is on the Milan–Venice line and the Brenner line (Bologna–Munich). Milan is about 1h10 away on the fastest trains.
- Airport: Verona Villafranca (VRN), about 10 km from the center [confirm]; Bergamo and Venice are alternatives.
- In the city: ATV buses. The historic center is a ZTL and is easy to get around on foot or by bike.
Climate
Hot, humid summers and cold, foggy winters. Near Lake Garda the climate is milder. Spring and fall are the best seasons.
Pros and cons
A beautiful, safe city, a great rail location, a university hospital, the lake and mountains nearby, lower rent than Milan.
Few international schools, heavy tourism in the center, a more limited job market, farther from Milan.
Frequently asked questions
Can I live in Verona and work in Milan?
Every day, the commute is tiring and expensive. It works if you go to Milan once or twice a week.
Is Verona cheaper than Milan?
Yes, especially for family-size rentals. Compare the two in the city comparison tool.
Is it better to live in Verona or on Lake Garda?
Verona has more services all year round. The lake is quieter, but empties out in winter. See also Brescia and Lake Garda.
Sources: Numbeo – Verona (08/2026); Tuttitalia / ISTAT, population as of 01/01/2026; doris.school – International School of Verona (10/2026); Omio – Milan–Verona timetables (10/2026).