Accommodation in Italy

Accommodation in Italy is one of the main expenses for international students. The cost depends on the city, location, room type, and whether you live alone or share with other students. Common options include university residences, shared apartments, private rooms, studios, and student residences.

A 1-bedroom apartment in Italy can cost around €563–€724 (₹61,700–₹79,300) per month, with rents generally higher in city centres. Milan and Rome are among the more expensive cities, while smaller student cities can offer more affordable options.

For students, sharing an apartment or applying for university and regional accommodation can help lower monthly costs. This guide covers Accommodation in Italy costs, the best student cities and areas, university and private housing, rental documents, visa requirements, and ways to save money.

Thinking about studying abroad? Check Study in Italy for a quick look at the courses, universities, costs and student life in Italy.

Accommodation in Italy for International Students.

International students in Italy can choose from university housing, shared apartments, private rooms, studios and private student residences. International students should find the choice by looking at budget, university location and how much privacy is needed.

Students can also look for university and regional housing. Students should visit the Universitaly portal, which currently lists 45,843 student beds and lets them check accommodation offered by universities across different Italian regions.

Types of Student Accommodation in Italy

International students can mainly choose between these options:

• University accommodation: University or regional student residences are often a good choice for students who want a lower-cost option close to campus.
• Shared apartments: You rent a room and share the kitchen, bathroom, and other common areas. This can help reduce rent.
• Private studios: A studio gives you more privacy, but it usually costs more than sharing an apartment.
• Private student residences: These are made for students and may include furnished rooms, Wi-Fi, laundry areas, study spaces, and shared facilities.
• Short-term accommodation: Students who have not found a long-term home can stay in temporary housing first and look for a permanent place after arriving.

Average Accommodation Cost in Italy

The average accommodation cost in Italy depends on where you live and what type of home you choose. The cost in Italy is higher when you live in the city centre, and the cost in Italy can be lower if you live outside the centre.

For students renting a room in a shared apartment can be a way to manage the budget. Student housing at the university or in the region can also cost less than renting an apartment, although the availability depends on the university in Italy and the eligibility rules.

Accommodation option	Approx. monthly cost	Best suited for
1-bedroom apartment in city centre	€500–€1,522 (₹54,800–₹1.67 lakh)	Students wanting a private apartment
1-bedroom apartment outside city centre	€400–€1,041 (₹43,800–₹1.14 lakh)	Students looking for lower rent
Shared apartment	Usually lower than a full apartment	Students sharing rent and bills

The INR values are approximate and can change with the exchange rate.

Please note: Milan has a higher rent index than many other Italian cities, while cities such as Padua have a lower rent index. This is one reason students often compare cities before choosing where to study.

Planning your study budget? Read our detailed guide on Cost of Living in Italy to understand accommodation, food, transport and other monthly expenses in Italy.

Student Accommodation Costs in Italy by City

The cost of student accommodation in Italy changes a lot from one city to another. Milan and Rome are usually more expensive while cities such as Turin and Padua can be easier on a student budget. Your actual rent will also depend on whether you choose a shared room, private room or full apartment.

A 1-bedroom apartment in Italy costs around €500–€1,522 (about ₹54,800–₹1.67 lakh) per month, in the city centre.

For a quick comparison, the accommodation costs in some popular Italian student cities are given below:

City	1-bedroom rent in city centre	1-bedroom rent outside centre
Milan	€1,000–€1,800 (₹1.10–₹1.97 lakh)	€700–€1,200 (₹76,700–₹1.32 lakh)
Rome	€900–€1,500 (₹98,600–₹1.64 lakh)	€650–€1,100 (₹71,200–₹1.20 lakh)
Bologna	Around €750–€1,200 (₹82,200–₹1.32 lakh)	Around €600–€950 (₹65,700–₹1.04 lakh)
Florence	€800–€1,300 (₹87,600–₹1.42 lakh)	€600–€1,000 (₹65,700–₹1.10 lakh)
Turin	€550–€900 (₹60,300–₹98,600)	€450–€750 (₹49,300–₹82,200)
Padua	€600–€950 (₹65,700–₹1.04 lakh)	€500–€800 (₹54,800–₹87,600)
Pisa	€550–€900 (₹60,300–₹98,600)	€450–€750 (₹49,300–₹82,200)
Naples	€550–€900 (₹60,300–₹98,600)	€400–€700 (₹43,800–₹76,700)

Source: Numbeo

Note: The city figures are indicative rent ranges and can change based on the neighbourhood, property type, size, and current listings.

Still deciding? Here are the top Reasons to Study in Italy.

Best Cities and Areas for Student Accommodation in Italy

Choosing the city can make student life in Italy easier and more affordable. Milan, Rome, Bologna, Florence, Turin and Padua are choices for international students. However, rent is not the same in every city. Milan has the rent index, among these six cities while Turin has a much lower rent index.

Here are some popular cities and areas students can consider:

1. Milan

Milan is a city for students and business but housing can be pricey. Students looking for housing can consider Città Studi, Lambrate, Turro and Bovisa. The University of Milan also lists housing in Lambrate and Ripamonti. Some student housing is also, in Città Studi and Turro.

Area	Why students consider it	Cost level
Città Studi	Close to university areas and student housing	High
Lambrate	Good public transport and university access	High
Turro	Student residences and metro access	Medium to high
Bovisa	Good connection to universities and railway services	Medium to high

2. Rome

Rome is a city with many universities and many housing choices. Students can look at San Lorenzo, Bologna, Tiburtina and Ostiense. Rome is useful to choose an area with access, to metro, bus or train services because daily travel can take time.

Area	Why students consider it	Cost level
San Lorenzo	Popular with students and close to university areas	Medium to high
Bologna	Good transport connections	Medium to high
Tiburtina	Railway and metro connections	Medium
Ostiense	Good transport links and city access	Medium to high

3. Bologna

Bologna is a well‑known student city for the University of Bologna and it feels like a place where students love to live. Students can explore areas such as San Donato, Bolognina and the city centre. The University of Bologna also offers information, on student housing, rental agreements and housing support.

Area	Why students consider it	Cost level
San Donato	Close to university facilities	Medium to high
Bolognina	Good access to the city and station	Medium
City centre	Close to shops, services, and university areas	High

4. Florence

Florence is popular with international students and has many private rental options. Areas such as Novoli, Rifredi, Campo di Marte, and Gavinana can be considered. Students should compare rent with travel time before choosing a place.

Area	Why students consider it	Cost level
Novoli	Good option for students near university areas	Medium
Rifredi	Transport connections and housing options	Medium
Campo di Marte	Residential area with good city access	Medium to high
Gavinana	Quieter area outside the main centre	Medium

5. Turin

Turin can be an affordable choice than Milan. Turin has a rent index of 18.47 compared with 39.17 for Milan showing a difference, in rental costs.

Students can consider San Salvario, Vanchiglia, Cenisia and Aurora depending on their university and transport needs.

Area	Why students consider it	Cost level
San Salvario	Close to the city centre and transport	Medium
Vanchiglia	Near university areas and city centre	Medium
Cenisia	Residential area with good transport	Lower to medium
Aurora	Close to the centre and often considered for lower-cost housing	Lower to medium

6. Padua

Padua feels welcoming to students. You can find university residences, private apartments or rooms for rent.

The University of Padua lists Portello, Arcella, Forcellini, Facciolati, and Sacra Famiglia among areas where students can find accommodation. Padua a rent index of 23.26, which is lower than Milan's 39.17 and Rome's 29.59.

Area	Why students consider it	Cost level
Portello	Close to university institutes and student areas	Medium
Arcella	Popular residential area with housing options	Lower to medium
Forcellini	Residential area with university access	Medium
Facciolati	Close to university and hospital areas	Medium
Sacra Famiglia	Residential area with city connections	Medium

University Accommodation in Italy

University accommodation in Italy can be a choice, for students who wish to live near their university and keep rent affordable. Italian universities and regional student welfare bodies provide kinds of rooms and dormitories. Whether university accommodation is available how university accommodation costs and what rules apply vary depending on the university and the region.

University Dormitories and Student Residences

University dormitories are usually shared student residences. Depending on the residence, students may get a single or shared room along with common kitchens, study areas, laundry facilities, or other shared spaces.

The main points to know about university accommodation are:

Feature	What students can expect	Good for
University dormitories	Student rooms with shared facilities	Students who want to live near campus
Student residences	Rooms with common areas and basic services	International and local students
Regional residences	Housing offered through regional student welfare bodies	Students who meet income or merit rules

DSU Accommodation in Italy

DSU accommodation refers to student housing provided through regional bodies that support the right to higher education. It is mainly aimed at students who meet the required income and merit conditions. International students can also apply if they meet the rules.

For international students, the income assessment may use an ISEE Parificato, which is used for students whose family income and assets are outside Italy.

Eligibility and Application Process for University Accommodation 

The rules are not the same across Italy. Students normally need to check the accommodation call published by their university or regional student welfare body.

The usual process is:

1. Check the accommodation call for your university or region.
2. Read the income and merit requirements.
3. Prepare the required academic and financial documents.
4. Submit the application before the stated deadline.
5. Wait for the ranking or allocation result.
6. Complete the residence formalities if a place is offered.

Students should apply early because university and regional accommodation has a limited number of places. The official Universitaly portal also provides information about regional student welfare bodies and accommodation options across Italy.

Private Accommodation in Italy for Students

Private accommodation is a choice for international students in Italy. Private accommodation allows students to rent a room in a shared apartment live in a studio or choose a private student residence. The rent depends on the city, location and type of accommodation.

For students sharing an apartment is often an affordable choice. The University of Bologna estimates that a single room in a shared apartment costs around €400 (₹43,800) per month plus utilities while a shared room costs around €300 (₹32,900) plus utilities. Private accommodation can offer flexibility, for students.

Shared Apartments

Shared apartments let students rent one room while sharing the kitchen, bathroom and other common areas. This can help reduce the monthly cost.

Option	Cost or setup	Suitable for
Single room	Around €400 (₹43,800)/month + utilities in Bologna	Students who want their own room
Shared room	Around €300 (₹32,900)/month + utilities in Bologna	Students with a smaller budget
Shared apartment	Rent and some bills are divided	Students who want to save money

Private Studios

A private studio gives students their own room, kitchen and bathroom. It offers more privacy but usually costs more than sharing an apartment.

Factor	What students get	Cost point
Private space	Own living and sleeping area	Higher rent than a shared room
Location	Centre or outside the city centre	Central areas usually cost more
Bills	Utilities may be separate	Add them to the monthly budget

For a general Italy-wide reference, an average rent of €723.66 (₹79,300) for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre and €563.36 (₹61,700) outside the city centre as of September 2026.

Private Student Residences

Private student residences are made for students and may offer furnished rooms and shared facilities. Some also provide services such as Wi-Fi, laundry, study areas or meals.

Feature	What may be included	What to check
Furnished room	Bed, desk and basic furniture	What furniture is included
Shared facilities	Kitchen, laundry and common areas	Which facilities are included
Extra services	Wi-Fi, meals or cleaning	Whether they cost extra

How to Find Student Accommodation in Italy

Finding student housing in Italy is easier if you begin early and check on sources. Universities usually have their housing services, student dorms and help with renting. The University of Bologna for example offers housing services and a private accommodation board while the University of Padua started its verified Cerco Alloggio service, for students in 2026.

Here are the main steps students should follow:

• Check the university website: Look for student residences, housing offices, accommodation calls and private rental information on the university website.
• Apply for university housing early:  University residences have limited places and fixed deadlines. For the 2026/27 year the University of Padua accepted applications, for international first‑year students until 25 August 2026.
• Use verified housing platforms: Use university-supported services where possible. Padua's 2026 Cerco Alloggio service provides listings with photos, prices, addresses and landlord details, and the listed properties are checked by the university's housing advisor.
• Compare the total cost: Check the rent along with utilities, deposit, internet, transport and other charges before choosing a place.
• Check the location: A cheaper room far from your university may increase your travel costs. The University of Bologna also advises students to consider transport when choosing accommodation.
• Read and verify the rental contract: Make sure the contract clearly shows your name, rent, deposit and rental period. Non-EU students should also check the accommodation documents needed for their residence permit.

Rental Agreement and Deposit in Italy

Before renting accommodation in Italy, students should check the rental contract carefully. It should clearly show the rent, deposit, contract period and other costs. Students should also check who pays the utilities and whether the contract needs to be registered.

Rental Point	What Students Should Check	Key Detail
Monthly rent	Rent amount and payment date	Check if utilities are included or paid separately
Security deposit	Deposit amount and refund rules	Many landlords may ask for around 2 months rent as a deposit
Contract period	Start and end dates	Make sure the contract covers your study period
Utilities	Electricity, water, heating and internet	These costs may be separate from rent
Extra charges	Agency, registration or other fees	Ask for a full cost breakdown before signing
Rental contract	Names, address, rent and terms	Read the full agreement before making payment
Contract registration	Registration with the Italian Revenue Agency	Check whether the landlord has completed the required registration
Deposit return	When and how the deposit will be returned	Check the conditions for deductions before moving out

Accommodation in Italy for Student Visa

Students applying for an Italy student visa may need to show where they will stay in Italy. The accommodation proof should clearly show the place where the student plans to live. A rental contract, university residence confirmation or other accepted proof can be used, depending on the case.

Students should keep these points in mind when arranging accommodation for their visa application:

• Arrange accommodation before applying: Try to have a confirmed place to stay before submitting your visa application. Check the latest requirements with the Italian embassy or consulate handling your application.
• Use a clear accommodation document: The document should show details such as the address, student's name, stay period and accommodation provider where applicable.
• University accommodation can be useful: A confirmation from a university residence can serve as proof of where you will stay. Universities such as the University of Milan and University of Padua provide official student residence options.
• A registered rental contract can be important: For private accommodation, students should make sure the rental agreement is properly documented. The University of Padua's 2026/27 guidance requires a registered rent contract for students using private accommodation for certain university benefit purposes.
• Keep accommodation details: If you have not found a long-term rental yet keep proof of your stay. Make sure to check with the Italian consulate. Make sure it meets your visa requirements.
• Check the visa rules: Visa requirements can change. Students should check the instructions from the Italian embassy. Students should check the instructions, from the Italian consulate. Do this before submitting their application.

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Italy

Accommodation can take up a big part of a student's budget in Italy. A few simple choices can help lower the cost. For example, the latest Numbeo data shows that a 1-bedroom apartment costs about €160 (₹17,600) less per month outside the city centre than in the city centre on average.

Students can use these tips to save money on Accommodation in Italy:

• Choose a shared apartment: Sharing a flat can reduce your rent because the cost is divided between tenants. The University of Bologna estimates a single room in a shared apartment at around €400 (₹43,800) per month + utilities.
• Look outside the city centre: Rent is usually lower away from the centre. In Italy, the average 1-bedroom rent is about €563.36 (₹61,700) outside the centre compared with €723.66 (₹79,300) in the centre.
• Apply for university housing: University residences and regional student housing can be cheaper than private rentals. Check your university and regional student welfare body for available places and application dates.
• Compare rent and bills: Do not compare only the monthly rent. Check electricity, water, heating, internet and other charges before choosing a room.
• Start looking early: Begin your search before arriving in Italy. Early planning gives you more housing choices and more time to compare prices.
• Check transport costs: A cheaper room far from your university may not save much if you have high daily travel costs. Choose a place with good public transport or within cycling or walking distance.

Conclusion

Finding the right Accommodation in Italy can make student life much easier. Students can choose from university residences, shared apartments, private studios and private student residences. The cost depends on the city, location and type of accommodation.

Before choosing a place, compare the rent, bills, location and transport costs. Students should also check university housing options and regional benefits, as these can help reduce the cost. Most importantly, read the rental contract carefully and verify the property before making any payment.

Starting the search early can give students more choices and help them find a safe place that fits their budget.

Planning your studies in Italy? If you need help with choosing a university, understanding student costs, or navigating your study abroad journey, you can book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad’s study abroad experts today!