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It would be easier to list what Italy doesn’t have (Domino’s and afternoon cappuccinos) than to list everything this iconic country has to offer.
Some visitors come for the spectacular food and wine; others for history, romance or stunning coastlines.
It’s no surprise that today’s travelers are flocked to Italy at rates 70% higher than last year, breaking tourism records left and right. But one traveler demographic in particular is coming to Italy in droves: digital nomads.
In fact, the demand for digital nomads in Italy has increased so much that the country has created a new digital nomad visa that will hopefully launch later this year.
For many digital nomads, The biggest hurdle to working remotely from Italy is the painful price tag.
Top Italian destinations like Rome, Milan, and Florence can cost digital nomads upwards of $4,300 per month, but those aren’t the only options.
Here are the five most affordable digital nomad destinations in Italy right now:
palermo
The popular Sicilian capital happens to be the cheapest big city in Italy. The average cost of living for a digital nomad here is $2,300 per month.
Palermo is also one of the ten fastest growing digital nomad hubs in the world. The city is home to five times as many digital nomads today as it was in 2018.
While the infrastructure for digital nomads on the quiet coast of Sicily can’t compete with bustling Rome or Milan, nomads will still find plenty of options for working remotely.
There are more than 60 coworking from $11 per day or $300 per month. The international community is a diverse mix of digital nomads, expats, slow travelers, and exchange students from far and wide.
Staying connected in Palermo is quite easy. Wi-Fi averages 15mbps and is widely available throughout the city. SIM cards are $21-26 for 15G tour packages (plus $10 activation fee).
Enjoying the good life by the Sicilian sea doesn’t have to break the bank, either. Espresso will get your day started for less than one euro ($1.09). A simple meal in a restaurant averages $10. You can leave one of Palermo’s famous and colorful farmer’s markets with a week’s worth of groceries for less than $20.
Exploring the larger Palermo region is also affordable. Bus rides are less than $2, and regional trains to nearby coastal towns like Cefalu can be purchased for as little as $7.
Perugia
Are you in the mood for a kiss? Perugia is home to Italy’s famous Baci Perugina, or chocolate « kiss. »
Nicknamed « University City, » it is also known for its vibrant nightlife and youthful energy. For those interested in learning Italian while working and traveling, Perugia is home to some of the best Italian courses in the country.
This hidden gem also boasts some of the most affordable rentals in Italy, reducing the average cost of living for a digital nomad at $2,200 per month.
The cost of living here is cheaper than more than 80% of other western European cities.
The convenient location of the Umbrian capital is another selling point. Digital nomads can enjoy quick and easy access to both Rome and Florence ($10-20 and 1.5-3 hours by train) while living at half the cost of these big cities.
Wi-Fi speeds average 64 Mbps. There are only a handful of coworking spaces in Perugia, but there are plenty of cafes and libraries to work from.
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Padua
Just 20 miles from wacky Venice, there’s an underrated cultural destination at a price that’s perfect for digital nomads.
Padova’s movie towers and picturesque rivers would make anyone wonder why all the tourists go straight through the ‘city of canals’.
Digital nomads may feel like they are living in an Italian movie, but they won’t feel the pressure. The average cost of living for a digital nomad here is $2,300 per month.
Free Wi-Fi averages 54mbps and is widely available throughout the city. There are 40+ coworking spaces starting at $110/month.
Naples
Ah, the slightly seedy birthplace of everyone’s favorite food: pizza.
Many digital nomads find it worth braving a little roughness in the fringes of Napoli for a real taste of Italian culture and cuisine at affordable prices.
The median cost of living for a digital nomad in Naples is $2,900 per month. The city is a well positioned city, economic base for exploring the Amalfi Coast and nearby islands.
There are over 40 coworking spaces starting at $22/day and a handful of beautiful libraries. Wi-Fi speeds average 74mbps. Digital nomads will have more luck working from their laptops in historic libraries, shared offices, and cafes near Federico II University than most cafes in Naples.
No matter what pace of life or what Italian dish you prefer, there is an affordable city in Italy waiting for you. Digital nomads can take this opportunity to explore a country like no other without breaking the bank.
traveler alert: Don’t forget travel insurance for your next trip!
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
