Cost of living in Bologna: What you can expect

Wondering if you can afford to live in Bologna? Read this guide to find out what your monthly expenses in Bologna would look like.

Yordan

4 minute read

·

Updated on 16 Mar 2026

·

Living

The cost of living in Italy is lower compared to the EU average. But how does that translate to the price tag of living in Bologna? You'll be happy to know that the cost of living in Bologna is relatively affordable for expats.

To help you budget for your life abroad, we'll give you a break down of the cost of living in Bologna into 4 key areas:

• Rental prices
• Food prices
• Leisure prices
• Public transport

Ultimately, the cost of living in Bologna will depend on your lifestyle and budget. While it's true that Bologna isn’t the cheapest city in Italy, it’s possible to live here and not break the bank– especially if you compare it to other major cities like Rome and Milan.

The cost of living in Bologna for a single person is somewhere between €965 per month excluding rent. With rent, you should budget at least €1,620 for your monthly expenses.

Considering that the average salary in Bologna is €1,931 per month after tax, you’ll certainly be able to live here comfortably.

The rental expenses in Bologna

The rental accommodation prices in Bologna are up by 1.6% since 2022. But rent is still more affordable in Bologna than in other Italian cities like Milan and Rome, especially if you're looking to find student accommodation in Bologna.

The rent you will pay depends quite a bit depending on which neighborhood you live in Bologna. As per HousingAnywhere’s Rent Index, the average rental prices you’ll have to cover in Bologna are:

Utilities are another significant expense to consider when living in Bologna. A typical monthly bill for a two-bedroom apartment – including costs for electricity, water, gas, and garbage collection – can be around €209. Internet service and data is typically an additional €37 per month.

Knowing your tenant rights in Italy can make a big difference when renting in Bologna.

What the food prices in Bologna are like

The price you’ll pay for groceries in Bologna is €332. The higher purchasing power in the capital of the Emilia Romagna region makes this cost manageable.

You can trust the following prices to give you a good impression of what to expect:

If you’re looking to stretch your budget buying groceries in Italy, farmer’s markets, such as Campagna Amica, take place every week and have plenty of fresh produce at a price lower than in the supermarket.

Leisure time expenses

With a pleasant climate and a bustling social scene, you’ll often be tempted to spend part of your monthly budget on living the La Dolce Vita like a true Italian.

The numbers below should give you a good impression of what you can expect to spend during your downtime in Bologna:

Many of the museum tickets are cheaper than movie tickets. It's a great alternative when you're low on budget and want something to do with your new international friends.

The public transport expenses

Although the city is walkable, the public transport system in Bologna is well-developed. It's made up of trams and buses and covers the whole city.

Here’s what the price of using public transportation in Bologna is:

Moving to Bologna is an exciting adventure so a good relocation checklist keeps it from getting overwhelming.

Students heading to Bologna for university also have a slightly different set of priorities. Make sure your budgeting plan covers monthly spend in more detail from rent and transport to food and nights out. Your cost of living can be lower than the average in Bologna.

Now that you’re aware of the relative cost of living in the city, it’s time to explore homes for rent in Bologna. Since rent is the biggest part of your budget, we recommend you to start your search early. Happy budgeting!