Moving to Naples: a comprehensive guide for aspiring expats
Want to move to Naples? Here, get our tips on housing, job opportunities, and how to adapt to the local culture.
15 min read
Rich in culture, history, and traditions and known worldwide for its cuisine, Naples is an excellent choice if you want to live as an expat in Italy.
Among the main advantages are certainly the cost of living, which is lower than in other large Italian cities, and the city's closeness to the sea, which makes for plenty of beautiful, sunny days and generally good weather year-round.Still, it's not easy to get settled in a new city, especially if you don't speak Italian (yet!) and aren't familiar with real estate and employment in Naples.
Here, we’ve put together everything you need to know about moving to Naples, from accommodation and work to healthcare and the cost of living.
Moving to Italy?
See all you should know to make your move as smooth as possible.
According to data from the Ministry of the Interior updated as of January 1, 2023, Campania is home to almost 200,000 legally residing foreign citizens. Of these, over 100,000 live in Naples, which has a total population of around 1,000,000. Consequently, the expat community in the city represents about 10% of the population.
To start off on the right foot, you can join various groups and dedicated associations such as Internations or Expat.com, which organize events and gatherings so you can meet people from all over the world.
There's no shortage of festivals throughout the year, including concerts, shows, and events with an Italian flavor. Activities like these are a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and meet other expats with similar interests.
Finding accommodation in Naples as an expat
Looking for somewhere to live in Naples can be complicated, especially with steep market prices in prime city locations. However, it’s always possible to stay in a hotel or short-term rental for the first few days or weeks. Once you figure out which areas interest you, it’s easier to look for a long-term place to live.
Finding a place to rent in Naples: the basics
There are various online platforms you can use to find a rental property in Naples. These portals let you compare prices, districts, and nearby amenities.
Typically, you’ll either find a place to rent privately or engage the services of a real estate agency. While the first option may help you save on some costs, it's also the more risky choice. If you go through an agency, you might be able to find better places, and the agency can step in to help if anything goes wrong.
Finding accommodation in Naples as an expat
Looking for somewhere to live in Naples can be complicated, especially with steep market prices in prime city locations. However, it’s always possible to stay in a hotel or short-term rental for the first few days or weeks. Once you figure out which areas interest you, it’s easier to look for a long-term place to live.
Finding a place to rent in Naples: the basics
There are various online platforms you can use to find a rental property in Naples. These portals let you compare prices, districts, and nearby amenities.
Typically, you’ll either find a place to rent privately or engage the services of a real estate agency. While the first option may help you save on some costs, it's also the more risky choice. If you go through an agency, you might be able to find better places, and the agency can step in to help if anything goes wrong.
If you’re looking to rent a property in Italy for the long term, you’ll generally encounter three types of contracts:
Freely negotiated tenancy agreement (4+4): These kinds of agreements last for four years at a rental price agreed between the two parties. They can also be automatically renewed for another four years when they expire.
Regulated tenancy agreement (3+2): With these contracts, the tenant association sets the rental price, and the agreement lasts for three years. After that, it can be explicitly renewed for another three years or automatically extended for two years.
Short-term lease contract: This is a contract lasting a maximum of 18 months, often used by business travelers, students, and people doing apprenticeships or professional training.
After the rental contract is signed, the landlord may ask for a security deposit to cover any unpaid rent or damage that the tenant causes. The amount and conditions of the deposit are set out in the contract.
How to buy a house in Naples
If you’re moving to Naples and want to buy a home, the same principle applies as with renting: It’s generally more secure to go through a real estate agency.
When buying property, the first things to consider are the district and its market pricing, so that you can find the most cost-effective option that’s still in line with your needs.
In 2024, the average price per square meter is around €2,500, with peaks of over €4,500 in central neighborhoods like Posillipo, Chiaia, Mergellina, and Vomero. In areas further from the center, prices start around €1,400.
To begin the purchase process, you need to have a bank account and submit a formal purchase offer. Then, the land registry (Catasto in Italian) and the urban planning office will complete some additional checks.
Once the documents are ready, a preliminary contract is drawn up and you’ll need to pay a deposit. Finally, a notary helps to prepare and register the bill of sale.As far as costs go, you should plan for the following expenses:
Real estate agency commission — approximately 3%
Land registration tax — 2% of the land value for the purchase of a first home, and 9% for a second home
Fixed mortgage tax — as of 2024, €50
Fixed stamp duty — as of 2024, €50
Notary fees —varies by notary
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Besides Rome’s historic city center, there are plenty of sought-after districts across the city. Here are a few of them:
Chiaia: Elegant and refined, Chiaia is centrally located near Naples' waterfront, ideal for long walks alone or with company. The area is full of tree-lined streets, renowned shops, and good restaurants, and it's well connected to the rest of the city. The only downside is the cost, which is noticeably higher than in other neighborhoods.
Vomero: A central residential area, Vomero is known for its green spaces and wide range of services, including schools and shopping centers. It's good for couples and families, although prices are higher than in neighborhoods further from the center.
Posillipo: Among the most prestigious areas in the city, Posillipo is in a hilly area full of luxury villas, with breathtaking views overlooking the Gulf of Naples.
Fuorigrotta: Perfect for young people and students, Fuorigrotta is a dynamic and lively neighborhood, known for fairs and sports events at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Prices are significantly lower here, making it ideal for anyone on a tighter budget.
How to find work in Naples
The Italian job market has had its ups and downs over the years, and working in Naples as an expat can still come with some challenges. There are also several requirements that apply only to non-European job seekers.
If you’re a European Union citizen, you have the same freedom as Italians do to live in and travel around the country. You’re also allowed to engage in employment or perform self-employed work. All you need is to carry a passport or valid identity document that permits foreign travel, and request an Italian tax code.
However, the situation is more complicated for workers who aren’t from Europe. If you’re aren’t an EU citizen, you need an entry visa and a residence permit valid for a certain type of work, such as seasonal, self-employment, or employed work. Alternatively, you can apply for a residence permit for family and/or study reasons.
Finding a job in Rome will be much easier if you can speak Italian, especially for jobs that involve interacting with the public. Once you know the language, you can expand your search to many more kinds of jobs. Networking and socializing with other working expats can also be useful.
The average annual salary in Naples is about €26,000 or €9 per hour, equivalent to approximately €1,350 per month, but this can range from €1,200 to €1,800.
Salaries can be slightly higher if you work for a large company, but they can also be lower — if you work for a small, privately owned business, for example.
It's also worth noting that Naples has an employment rate of 41% among people aged 15 to 64, the lowest among Italy's largest cities. To avoid falling into financial difficulties, it's wise to have work lined up before you move to Naples.
VAT in Naples for expats
As mentioned already, European citizens can apply for any type of work in Naples. Alternatively, if you prefer to be self-employed, you can register for VAT.
The same applies to non-Europeans — you can also register your own business.
One particular advantage Italy offers is that VAT is a flat rate. With this simplified system, tax is only due on the amount you earn, which is helpful when starting a new business.
Before you register for VAT, it's always good to talk to an accountant. This is especially true if you plan to work remotely and run your business from another place.
The cost of living in Naples
There’s always a trade-off with living in large cities like Naples: Although there may be more jobs and chances to grow your career, the daily cost of living is usually higher than in smaller towns and cities.
Starting with basic expenses: A room can cost between €300 and €400, while renting a studio or one-bedroom apartment ranges from €450 to €700. Prices may be higher in the more central areas of the city.
Groceries cost around €50 per week, for a total of about €200 per month.
Single rides on public transport cost €1.45, but a monthly pass is available for €35 and is valid on all modes of transportation.
If we also include utilities, the average monthly costs are around €650 to €750 if you're renting a room, and up to about €900 to €1,000 if you opt for a studio or one-bedroom apartment.
Considering other household expenses, restaurants, gym and entertainment, and any other costs, you would need a net salary of at least €1,400 to €1,500 per month to live comfortably in Naples.
How does Naples' healthcare system work?
No matter when you’re moving from, adapting to a different healthcare system can come with a steep learning curve. According to Italy’s constitution, the right to healthcare is guaranteed not only for Italian citizens but also for anyone who lives in Italy.
For EU citizens, the rules depend on how long you’re staying in Italy. If you stay less than three months, you can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive emergency healthcare. All you have to do is go to the appropriate public facility, show your card, and pay for a “ticket” if necessary.
Anyone staying in Italy for more than six months has to have mandatory private health insurance or be registered with the country’s National Health System (SSN).
People from countries outside the EU who stay for less than 90 days in Italy can pay the regional rates to access SSN healthcare. And anyone with a tourist visa can get private health insurance, which covers medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation expenses.
However, if you have a longer residence permit, you can contact the local health authority and get set up with a general practitioner. This also ensures that any dependent family members can access healthcare services.
Registering with the SSN is mandatory if you work, are applying for or renewing a residence permit, or are waiting for other official documentation. It’s also required for unaccompanied foreign minors. To learn more, read our guide to health insurance in Italy.
Schools and education in Naples
Many expats initially move to Naples to study at one of the city’s high-level universities. The cost of studying at a university in Italy is very reasonable compared to other countries — plus, there are many different scholarships, projects, and benefits for foreign students.
For example, students within certain income brackets are entitled to free or subsidized accommodation, as well as free meals in the university canteen. Some students might also qualify for tax advantages or fee reductions.
Some of the best educational institutions are:
University of Naples Federico II: Ranked as one of the best universities in the world according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject, Federico II has various campuses located throughout the city. It's known for its excellent programs in agriculture, architecture, pharmacy, and biotechnology sciences.
University Suor Orsola Benincasa: Suor Orsola is a non-state university founded in 1895, focused on the humanities but also offering courses in economics, modern languages, and communication sciences, and master's degrees in archaeology and educational consulting.
University L’Orientale of Naples: Founded in 1732, L'Orientale is one of Italy's most renowned universities for the study of languages, cultures, and societies of Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Parthenope University of Naples: This institution has been active since 1919 and has over 15,000 students supported by 320 professors and 250 administrative staff. It offers more than 50 courses across undergraduate and graduate levels, and is divided into two schools: Economics and Law, and Science, Engineering, and Health.
Getting around in Naples
Although southern Italy isn't as well connected as the north, you can get to Naples from most Italian cities without too much difficulty, either by bus, train, or airplane.
If you're arriving at Naples International Airport, you can get to the city center via dedicated shuttles, with travel times of about 20 to 30 minutes.
If you're arriving by train, you can get off at Naples Central Station, located near the city center.
To get around the city, you can buy a monthly transit pass for €35, which allows you to use all of the bus, tram, and metro lines.
Alternatively, you could ride a bike or electric scooter — although with Rome’s heavy traffic, this option can be quite dangerous and stressful.
The regional train network conveniently connects Naples to nearby cities and towns. Travelers can buy weekly or monthly passes to reduce transportation costs.
Of course, the solution you choose for your daily trips will mostly depend on the areas you live, work, and hang out in.
Cultural differences between Naples and the rest of Italy
When you step foot in Naples for the first time, you immediately immerse yourself in a city full of history, legend, and a love for local tradition.
Unlike more international cities like Milan, Naples and its residents are particularly attached to local customs.
If you want to experience your expat life more like the locals do, take some time to learn about the traditions and typical ways of life of Campanian people.
Here are a few other quirks that might catch expats by surprise:
Eat like a local: Naples and its residents have always been known for their traditional recipes. From pizzas, babà, pastiera, pasta frittatine, parmigiana, genovese, montanare, and mozzarella, you'll truly be spoiled for choice!
Coffee at all hours: Neapolitan coffee is one of the main symbols of the city, ideal for having a chat in good company. It doesn't matter if you've known someone for years or have just met — there's always time for a coffee.
Un caffè sospeso: Besides drinking a lot of coffee, you might hear someone paying for a "caffè sospeso," or "suspended coffee." Basically, it means paying for an extra coffee in advance for the next customer. It's a simple gesture that demonstrates the spirit of community among Neapolitans.
Superstitions: Before arriving in Naples, know that Neapolitans are very superstitious. Walking under a ladder, turning bread upside down on the table, seeing a black cat cross your path, or sleeping with the foot of the bed facing the door could bring you years and years of bad luck.
Neopolitan dialect: One of the first things you'll notice in Naples is that you won't hear Italian spoken, but Neapolitan, a true language now known throughout Italy. We highly recommend seizing the opportunity to learn it so you can fully integrate with the locals.: Romans are generally friendly and expressive, even to strangers. But this familiarity might be disarming for people from more socially formal cultures.
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If you're preparing to move to Naples, the first thing to do is start planning how you'll manage your money, both in terms of accommodation and daily living expenses. Remember to consider the costs of any university study or training courses, expenses related to healthcare, visas, and any unforeseen events that could arise along the way.Fortunately, an N26 account can help you manage your expenses as an expat in Naples. It makes it simple to actively monitor your cash flow and set customized spending limits based on your personal habits.You can also use the N26 Spaces feature to create sub-accounts within your main bank account. Think of them like virtual piggy banks where you can stash savings for your future projects or different goals. And if you need a little extra help, read through our guide on how to open a bank account in Italy.
FAQs
It all depends on what you’re looking for. Naples is a thriving international city and offers a fascinating blend of history and culture — not to mention the amazing food and Mediterrean climate.
Expats in Naples live in various areas of the city, such as Chiaia, Mergellina, Posillipo, Vomero, and Fuorigrotta.
Yes — but. Many expats manage to live in Naples without speaking any Italian.
However, having some knowledge of Italian dialect can make your day-to-day life a lot easier. Plus, you’ll have better job opportunities and be more likely to integrate into the local community.
"Italy can be welcoming to expats. Many foreigners have successfully settled and integrated into Italian society. Italians are known for their warmth and friendliness, and you can often find a sense of community within expat groups.However, your experience as an expat in Italy depends on how well you speak the language, your location, and how familiar you are with Italian bureaucracy (which can be complex).
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Yes, as an EU citizen, you have the right to live and work in Italy without applying for a work visa. But even so, you may have to follow some bureaucratic procedures to register for work and to access public services.
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