Cost of Living in Sicily: What Daily Life Really Costs in Carini

Our Cost of Living in Sicily Update from Carini

This is our latest cost of living in Sicily update, based on what we’re actually spending day-to-day as a retired couple living in Carini. These aren’t estimates or dreamy wish lists. This is real money, real life.

From the quirks of heating a small home to how much we actually spend on coffee and groceries, you’ll get a no-nonsense look at what it really costs to live comfortably in Sicily without going overboard. This cost of living in Sicily update aims to be as transparent as possible, helping you plan realistically if you’re considering a move here.

What We Pay in Rent

We rent a small home in Carini, and we’re grateful—it was a good find. Rent here is cheaper than in most U.S. cities, but you’ll still want to budget for some extras. Our place is a small cottage on the ground floor with a private gate operated by remote control, a security system, a courtyard, a detached kitchen, and two bedrooms.

The rent is €450 per month, including water, sewer, and Internet. That’s a great value—especially for a ground-floor cottage with secure private parking, a yard, and those utilities included. That kind of setup is not easy to find and definitely a blessing.

When budgeting for rent in Sicily, it’s important to factor in location, size, and included utilities. Our cost of living in Sicily update shows that €450/month is a fair price for our cottage, but prices can vary widely depending on town and amenities.

Utilities: Heating, Gas, and Electricity

This is where it gets tricky. Our hot water comes from a small electric water heater, and the entire apartment runs on electricity, except for the cooktop, which uses a bombola (gas tank) under the sink.

Heating in the winter was a challenge at first. Our first electric bill came in at €243 because we were running the wall unit, the electric oven, and the air fryer a lot more than we should have. Since then, we’ve learned how to manage better.

We adjusted to the reality of concrete wall construction and no insulation—layering clothes, using a space heater more strategically, and closing doors to heat unused rooms. By March and April, our electricity bill dropped by about €90 per month.

Using gas to cook is definitely more economical. We also turn the gas off at the bombola after each use, both for safety and to make sure nothing leaks if someone accidentally hits the dial.

Heating costs are a significant part of the cost of living in Sicily update. Many homes, especially older ones, lack insulation, which can increase electricity bills. Managing heating effectively is essential to keep costs down.

Internet and Phone

Our home internet is included in the rent—which is unusual here—and that’s a great value. We use Iliad for mobile, and our cell phones (two lines with data) cost us €9.99 each per month, so just under €20/month total.

Good internet is crucial for daily life, especially if you work remotely or stay connected with family. This cost of living in Sicily update highlights that internet costs can vary, but having it included in rent simplifies budgeting.

Grocery Shopping and Food Prices

We typically spend about €350–€400 per month on groceries, and that covers our regular needs including fresh seafood. Coffee? An espresso at the bar is about €1.20, and a cappuccino is closer to €2.50. Going out for lunch or dinner is affordable if you stick to neighborhood places.

Food is a major expense in the cost of living in Sicily update. Shopping locally and embracing seasonal produce helps keep costs manageable while enjoying fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Dining out is generally affordable but can add up if frequent. Local trattorias and family-run restaurants offer good value and authentic flavors.

Small Surprises and Tradeoffs

We buy bottled water every week. The tap water is technically safe, but locals don’t drink it. We were also given a Wi-Fi extender by the owner, which is not typical—definitely above and beyond. We also bought a few space heaters at €17 each, which used much less energy than the wall unit and worked surprisingly well.

We’ve had to adapt in small ways: putting rugs down on tile floors in winter, keeping doors closed between rooms, and getting used to the rhythms of town life—like everything shutting down for riposo in the afternoon. These things aren’t bad, just different.

These tradeoffs are part of what you’ll find when living here. Our cost of living in Sicily update reflects both the benefits and adjustments needed for comfortable life in Carini.

Transportation and Car Costs

We drive a Toyota Yaris which runs on diesel. Our monthly fuel costs average around €65, which is more expensive per liter than in the U.S., but our smaller, fuel-efficient car helps keep costs much less expensive than what we paid in the U.S. Car insurance runs about €78 per month, a bit higher as it’s the first year of registration.

Car maintenance, including oil changes and annual inspections, is generally affordable compared to other countries. Parking in town is free in many spots but can require coins for meters elsewhere, so we keep a supply handy.

Public transportation exists but is limited, so owning a car is often necessary outside larger towns. This makes transportation a meaningful part of the cost of living in Sicily update.

Entertainment and Social Life

Eating out is something we do often, and when we do, it’s affordable. A simple meal can cost €10-15 per person. Special occasions and celebrations do add up, like Easter dinners or birthdays, but those are occasional splurges.

We also enjoy spending time with friends and neighbors, which adds to our quality of life without much extra cost. Sicily’s social culture really shines in this way—dinners, coffee dates, and casual gatherings are part of the rhythm.

Festivals and public events often provide free entertainment, making social life rich without a heavy price tag—an important factor in the cost of living in Sicily update.

Miscellaneous Expenses

We budget for things like household supplies, occasional repairs, and extras like dry cleaning. For example, we paid €25 to have a down comforter professionally cleaned. We also bought gardening supplies and tools, spending about €62 to start a small garden which we hope will reduce some grocery costs over time.

Other expenses include toiletries, occasional clothes, and gifts, which add to the overall monthly budget in this cost of living in Sicily update.

Healthcare Costs and Considerations

Healthcare in Sicily is generally affordable, especially compared to many countries. We budget for occasional private visits and medications not fully covered by the public health system.

The public health system is reliable and accessible, but some expats prefer private doctors for convenience and English-speaking staff. We budget for emergencies and specialist care, but we have not needed it so far.

Factoring healthcare into your cost of living in Sicily update is essential for planning a realistic budget.

Tips to Manage Your Budget and Maximize Value

One important part of any cost of living in Sicily update is learning how to stretch your euro without sacrificing quality of life. We’ve found that shopping at local markets not only gets us fresher produce but also supports small businesses and keeps costs lower than big supermarkets.

Buying seasonal fruits and vegetables is another way to save money while enjoying the best flavors Sicily has to offer. We also recommend cooking at home more often; Sicilian cuisine is simple, fresh, and doesn’t require expensive ingredients.

For utilities, being mindful of electricity use and heating habits makes a noticeable difference. Simple habits like turning off lights when not in use, airing out rooms instead of constantly heating them, and using timers on heaters can help control bills.

Transportation costs can be managed by planning errands efficiently and using local buses where possible. Though we rely on our car, combining trips and carpooling can save on fuel.

Finally, embracing the slower pace and local lifestyle means you’ll naturally find ways to cut unnecessary spending. For example, social activities often revolve around low-cost gatherings like coffee with friends or free community events.

This cost of living in Sicily update is all about practical tips and honest numbers, helping you build a budget that works for your life here.

Final Thoughts on Our Cost of Living in Sicily Update

Our monthly expenses for March and April hovered around €1,400. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, car costs, occasional extras, and healthcare. We find the cost of living in Sicily to be reasonable, especially when balanced against the quality of life and slower pace.

It’s not “cheap” in a vacuum, but compared to many parts of the U.S. or Europe, it’s affordable and sustainable for retirees or anyone seeking a more relaxed lifestyle.

We hope this cost of living in Sicily update helps you understand what daily life really costs in Carini. It’s about managing expectations, being flexible, and appreciating the local culture and rhythms.

For more details and ongoing updates, keep following our journey here at SicilianLife.

Don’t forget to download our free guide, Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Moving to Sicily, to help you prepare for your own move.