Prices and daily expenses for Erasmus students in Italy (2025)

What are the living costs for Erasmus students in Italy?

One of the most important questions for students preparing for an Erasmus program is , "How expensive is daily life in Italy?" While the costs of transportation, food, grocery shopping, and hairdressing vary from city to city, getting the big picture is crucial for budget planning. This article outlines the basic expenses and average prices students can expect in Italy through 2025.

Grocery shopping 🛒

Although food prices in Italy are somewhat higher in the big cities, you can generally find products that fit into a student budget.

• Bread: 1.50 – 2 €

• Milk (1 L): 1.30 €

• Eggs (12-pack): €3.50

• Pasta (500 g): 1.20 €

• Cheese (1 kg): 9 – 12 €

• Chicken (1 kg): 8 – 10 €

• Tomatoes (1 kg): €2.50

• Apples (1 kg): 2 €

👉 Students generally prefer supermarkets like Lidl, Eurospin and Coop because the prices are cheaper.

Market (official sites)

• Esselunga — esselunga.it

• Conad — conad.it

• Lidl Italia — lidl.it

• Eurospin — Eurospin

• Carrefour Italia — Carrefour Italia

• PAM Panorama – pampanorama.it

• Iper “La grande i” – iper.it

• MD discount — MD

• ALDI Italia — ALDI - Homepage

Going out to eat 🍕

Restaurant prices in Italy vary depending on the city and type of restaurant:

• Cheap restaurant (student-friendly menu): 12 – 15 €

• Mid-range restaurant (meal for 2): 40 – 50 €

• Fast food (McDonald's menu): 9 – 10 €

• Coffee (Espresso): 1 € – 1.50 €

• Cappuccino: €1.50 – €2.50

• Pizza slice (from the bakery): 3 – 4 €

👉 The cheapest options for students are usually pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) and small trattorias.

Transport 🚉

In Italy, public transport does not represent a major burden on students' budgets.

• Single ticket (subway, bus): 1.50 – 2 €

• Monthly student subscription: €25 – €35 (varies by city)

• Taxi opening fee: 4 – 5 €

• Intercity train (high-speed train Milan – Florence): €25 – €40

👉 For students , buying a subscription is much cheaper in the long run.

Personal expenses 💇

• Barber (men's haircut): 15 – 25 €

• Hairdresser (women's haircut): 25 – 40 €

• Gym membership (monthly): €30 – €100

• Cinema ticket: 7 – 10 €

  
  

Accommodation costs 🏠

Accommodation prices are the most variable item.

• Dormitory room (single room): 300 – 500 €

• Shared apartment (room rent): 350 – 600 €

• Studio apartment: 600 – 900 €

👉 In cities like Milan, Rome and Florence the prices are higher, while in cities like Bologna, Turin or Bari they are cheaper.

Average monthly budget (for Erasmus students 2025)

• Accommodation: 400 – 600 €

• Food & grocery shopping: €200 – €300

• Transport: 30 €

• Personal expenses: 100 – 150 €

👉 The average Erasmus student spends between €750 and €1,100 per month .

Erasmus in Italy isn't as expensive as it seems, but the choice of city directly impacts your budget. While the cost of living in large cities (Milan, Rome, Florence) is high, living in medium-sized cities (Bologna, Turin, Pisa) is significantly cheaper. The most important advice for students: shop at chain stores, get a subscription, and split the costs with your roommates.