Your Expat Community in Florence

Florence can offer both incredible experiences and everyday frustrations. The city is walkable, full of history, and the food is unreal. However, tourists can make the city feel overcrowded, especially in summer.

There’s a solid expat community of around 100,000 people, so making friends shouldn’t be too hard. Life moves at a slower pace, which is great for work–life balance but frustrating when dealing with things like visas or setting up a bank account.

Speaking of work, job opportunities are limited unless you speak Italian or work remotely.

The heat in July and August can be brutal, and many apartments don’t have AC. If you’re okay with the challenges, Florence is an amazing place to live.

While it's possible to get by in Florence without speaking Italian, especially in tourist areas where many locals speak English, learning the language significantly enhances daily life.

You may get by with English in restaurants, hotels, and main attractions; however, you’ll eventually face a language barrier. Especially for tasks like grocery shopping, visiting local markets, or handling bureaucratic processes. Knowing Italian is beneficial.

To immerse yourself more fully and ease daily interactions, consider enrolling in a local language school. Options include the Scuola Leonardo da Vinci, Istituto Il David, and Parola School — all offer courses tailored to your proficiency level.

Finding a job in Florence as a foreigner can be challenging, especially if you don’t speak Italian. The job market is competitive, and many positions require Italian proficiency.

However, there are opportunities in sectors like tourism, hospitality, and education, where English speakers are in demand. For instance, teaching English or working in international schools can be viable options.

Additionally, the tourism and service industries often seek staff during peak seasons, typically from April to September. Networking and connecting with local expat communities can help in discovering job leads.

It’s best to start your job search before relocating and consider learning Italian to increase your employment prospects.

Absolutely. Florence is a highly walkable city, and most places in the center are within a 15–20 minute walk. Public transport is reliable, with an extensive bus and tram network, and a single ticket costs around €1.50.

Driving in the city is more of a hassle than a convenience as parking is limited, traffic can be heavy, and the historic center has restricted driving zones (ZTL), meaning non-residents can’t enter with a car.

If you need to travel outside Florence, trains are excellent, with fast connections to cities like Rome, Milan, and Bologna. Unless you plan to live in the countryside, a car isn’t necessary.

Florence is a safe city. Most areas are fine to walk around, even at night. However, because it’s a major tourist destination, petty crime like pickpocketing is common, especially in crowded spots like the Santa Maria Novella train station, Ponte Vecchio, and the Duomo area. Scams targeting tourists are common, but they’re usually minor annoyances rather than serious threats. Violent crime is rare.

Residential neighborhoods outside the historic center tend to be safer, with lower crime rates. That said, it’s always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings, avoid carrying valuables in open bags, and be cautious in less busy areas at night.

If you need emergency assistance, Italy’s police number is 112, and Florence has a strong police presence in tourist-heavy areas.

It really depends on what kind of lifestyle you’re looking for.

Oltrarno is a great option if you want an authentic, local feel. It’s away from the busiest tourist areas while full of artisan shops, traditional restaurants, and a strong sense of community. It’s popular among expats who want to blend into Florentine culture rather than just experience it as a visitor.

San Niccolò is another good choice, offering a quiet, small-town vibe while still being close to the city center. It’s got narrow streets, cafes, and a slightly slower pace compared to the more crowded parts of Florence.

If you need more space and a family-friendly environment, Campo di Marte is a solid option. It’s a further out, but that means bigger apartments, more parks, and good schools. It also has a strong local feel, and you won’t find as many tourists there.

For those looking for total peace and quiet, Fiesole is up in the hills overlooking Florence. It’s a small, historic town with stunning views, great hiking trails, and a relaxed atmosphere. The downside is that it’s a bit of a commute into the city, but if you don’t mind that, it’s a beautiful place to live.

San Marco is a good middle ground. It’s residential but still lively, with shops, restaurants, and easy access to everything. It’s a popular choice for students and professionals who want to be near the city center without being in the thick of tourist activity.

Each neighborhood has its own character, so it’s worth exploring them in person before deciding where to settle.

If you’re looking for rental options, sites like HousingAnywhere and Spotahome list apartments for short- and long-term stays.

Florence has several international schools that cater to expat families. Here’s a selection of some of them:

The International School of Florence is one of the oldest in Europe and follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum for students from preschool to high school. The Canadian School of Florence offers a Canadian-based education system, covering kindergarten through high school.

For French-speaking families, the Lycée Victor Hugo follows the French national curriculum from preschool to high school. The Florence Bilingual School provides an Italian-English bilingual education for early childhood and primary students.

There’s also the Westminster International School, which offers the IB Primary Years Programme for younger students.

Florence isn’t the cheapest city in Italy, but it’s more affordable than Milan or Rome. Rent is the biggest expense, with prices varying depending on location. Living outside the city center can save you money, but it means a longer commute. Utilities can add a significant cost, especially in winter and summer when heating or cooling is needed.

Groceries are fairly priced, especially if you shop at local markets instead of big supermarkets. Eating out can be expensive in tourist areas, but there are plenty of affordable local spots. Public transport is reliable and inexpensive, making it a great alternative to owning a car. Other everyday expenses, like gym memberships and coffee, are generally reasonable.

On average, a single person’s monthly expenses, excluding rent, fall within a reasonable range. Those who budget well and live slightly outside the city center can keep costs lower.

Here’s a quick look at the monthly cost of living in Florence: