As with any relocation, there are many pros and cons of moving to Florence. The city is an incredibly beautiful, culturally rich Italian hub that boasts gorgeous weather, incredible food, and sights that would wow even the most seasoned traveller. As with all destinations, there are some downs to go with the many ups of life in this city. Below, we explore the good and not-so-good aspects of living in Florence.
Accommodation in Florence
+ PRO: A diverse range of housing options is available
Florence hosts an incredible selection of accommodation types – ranging from charming apartments close to the historic town centre to freestanding houses and villas in the beautiful Tuscan countryside. Expats from all walks of life are sure to find a place they will relish living in.
- CON: Apartments in the city can be cramped
Living close to Florence's city centre can be a major draw for those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture, but apartments in Florence can be small and stuffy, particularly those located on the lower floors. Units with balconies and terraces are available, too, but are often much pricier than their ground-floor counterparts.
Accommodation in Florence
The Best (and Worst) Areas and Suburbs in Florence
Lifestyle in Florence
+ PRO: There is plenty to see and do
Florence is packed with culture and history, and also boasts a high quality of life, with plenty to keep you busy throughout the year. For those interested in the arts, Florence offers many museums and beautiful architectural sites that are well worth a visit. There are also green spaces scattered throughout the city, where you can enjoy an afternoon in nature. Foodies will have plenty of options to tantalise their taste buds, and shopaholics should look no further than the countless stores and boutiques spread around town.
+ PRO: Violent crime is incredibly low in Florence
Expats moving to Florence can rest assured that, regardless of where they choose to live in the city, they will be safe walking the streets day and night. Florence is incredibly safe, with few to no cases of violent crime being reported. Despite this, you should be aware of opportunists, as cases of pickpocketing and bag snatching do occur in tourist areas, albeit infrequently.
Cost of living in Florence
+ PRO: Florence is cheap compared to other Western European cities
The cost of living in Florence is lower than in other major European cities. Grocery stores sell affordable seasonal local produce, while clothing prices are reasonable, too. Expats will also find that rent is comparatively reasonable, although the prominence of tourists in the city can drive up prices in the centre.
- CON: Salaries tend to be low
Although the cost of living in Florence is low compared to other places, it may not seem so cheap to people earning locally. This is because salaries are lower than the average in other European cities. Work can also be challenging to find in Florence, and expats may struggle to find a high-paying job.
Food in Florence
+ PRO: Food is delicious in Florence
As is the case in most Italian cities, the food in Florence is to die for. Rich aromas waft through the streets, and you won't be disappointed by the taste, either, as Italian cooking is renowned for the incredible flavours in every dish.
- CON: Eating out is expensive
Once again, due to the droves of tourists that make their way through Florence each year, restaurant prices in the city centre can be exorbitant. Expats will find that it’s much cheaper to buy local produce and an Italian recipe book and attempt to replicate the dishes themselves.
Culture in Florence
+ PRO: People are friendly and generous
Despite Florence having a reputation for curt locals, many expats say they have found them to be friendly and generous. Although you might come across a local who dislikes the influence tourists have on their precious city, expats who make an effort to learn the language and culture will find locals kind and accommodating.
- CON: It can be tricky to make good, lasting friendships
As many expats come through Florence for a season or two before moving on, finding expat friends who intend to stick around in the city can be difficult. As for making friends with locals, learning Italian will go a long way, and persistence is key. Speaking only English and putting minimal effort into getting to know the culture is not the way to impress potential local friends.
Getting around in Florence
+ PRO: It's easy to get around on foot
Florence is a small city with an even smaller centre, and it’s pretty easy to get around by walking or cycling. While public transport is helpful to get to the outskirts, it only takes 30 minutes to walk from one end of Florence to the other, so it’s not strictly necessary.
- CON: Florence is densely populated
While the city’s many pros make it an ideal destination for people to either live in or visit, they also contribute to why it is so overcrowded. The bustling streets are teeming with tourists and locals all year round, which can make this small city feel even smaller.
+ PRO: It is centrally located
Florence is centrally located in Italy, and it’s easy to hop on a train and travel around the country. Italy’s location in Europe is also ideal for visiting neighbouring countries.