The HONEST Cost of Living in SICILY: Our Personal Breakdown

Sicily, with its sun-drenched landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, is a timeless Mediterranean gem that has captured the hearts of many around the world. The allure of this island—its picturesque coastlines, tranquil villages, and relaxed way of life—has drawn countless dreamers seeking a permanent escape or an extended sabbatical.

However, beneath Sicily’s undeniable beauty lies the practical reality of daily life. Before you completely immerse yourself in the idyllic lifestyle of Sicily, it’s crucial to take a closer look at the financial aspects of living on this stunning island.

The cost of living in Sicily is often the subject of much debate. While some tout the island as an affordable haven, others warn that the hidden expenses can catch newcomers by surprise.

In this blog, we provide an honest, transparent, and detailed breakdown of the actual cost of living in Sicily. Drawing from our personal experiences as expatriates, we offer real-world examples to guide you in making well-informed financial decisions. 

We believe that understanding the cost of living is an essential step in ensuring a smooth transition to your Sicilian life—whether it’s for a few months or a lifetime.

Join us as we delve into the intricate details of living in Sicily. We’ll explore everything from rent and utilities to groceries, dining out, and healthcare. We aim to empower you with the information you need to decide whether the Sicilian dream aligns with your budget and lifestyle.

Here’s an overview of the key categories we’ll be discussing in this post:

• Sicily Housing Costs
• Water and Sewer Costs
• Garbage and Recycling System
• Electricity Costs
• Gas Costs
• Internet and Cell Phone Service
• Car Insurance and Fuel Costs
• Medical and Dental Costs
• Grocery Costs
• Entertainment and Dining Out
• Monthly Budget Recommendation
• Additional Fees to Consider (Exchange Rates, Transfer Fees)

Let’s drive in. 

1. Sicily Housing Costs: Affordable Yet Quality Living

When it comes to the cost of housing, Sicily offers a wide range of options, from charming countryside villas to modern apartments in bustling cities. One of the most attractive aspects of living in Sicily is the relatively low cost of rent compared to other parts of Europe. For example, we secured a spacious three-bedroom, two-bath villa that spans 1,500 square feet for just €600 per month. 

The villa was fully furnished, complete with marble floors and elegant furnishings. When we moved in, we paid a security deposit of €600, totaling €1,200 for the move-in cost.

This is a remarkable deal when compared to similar accommodations in cities like Rome, Milan, or Paris. Even in larger cities like Palermo or Catania, you can find good-quality apartments at affordable rates. 

While rent prices vary by location, you’ll typically find that living in smaller towns or rural areas offers even more attractive prices. For example, a two-bedroom apartment in a rural area could cost as little as €350–€400 per month.

2. Water and Sewer Costs: A Unique System

In Sicily, water is a precious resource, and many homes are equipped with private wells. We are fortunate to have access to healthy water, which means that our water and sewer costs are practically nonexistent.

We use well water for all our needs, from cooking to cleaning and bathing. However, for specific uses, like pasta broth that we do not drain, we opt for bottled water to ensure cleanliness.

Municipal water services are quite affordable for households without access to well water. On average, most households pay a small monthly fee for water usage, which can range from €10 to €30, depending on the size of the property and water consumption.

3. Garbage and Recycling System: A Model of Efficiency

Sicily takes its recycling system seriously. The island has an extensive waste separation program that encourages residents to sort their waste into categories like organic, paper, plastic, metal, glass, and non-recyclable trash. The system’s efficiency is impressive, with garbage collection scheduled on different days for each category.

We pay €25 per month for garbage collection, which includes a robust recycling program. It’s important to note that understanding the collection schedule can be a bit of a learning curve for newcomers, as the system is different from many other places. 

However, with the help of an app on our phone, we quickly adapted and were impressed by how smoothly the waste management system operated.

4. Electricity Costs: Keeping the Lights On

Electricity in Sicily is relatively affordable, but the costs can vary depending on your usage. For example, we pay an average of €110 per month for electricity. This includes the use of fans, air conditioning (especially in the summer months), and other household appliances like the washing machine. The bill is issued every two months, totaling approximately €220 for each billing cycle.

It’s worth noting that we use gas for heating, so our electricity consumption is mainly for cooling, lighting, and running household appliances. If you’re in a larger home or use more electricity, your bill may be higher, but overall, electricity costs in Sicily are manageable.

5. Gas Costs: Heating and Cooking

Gas is used in Sicily for both cooking and heating. For our cooking needs, we rely on a gas stove, and for heating, we use a gas-powered radiator system. Our monthly gas price in Sicily is €29 for the outdoor stove, and the main heating gas supply costs us around €75 per month, which is paid bi-monthly. These prices are quite reasonable, considering the efficiency of the system.

If you live in a larger home or use more gas for heating during the colder months, your expenses may increase. However, overall, gas prices in Sicily are manageable.

6. Internet and Cell Phone Service: Affordable Connectivity

Having reliable internet is essential, especially for those working remotely or staying connected with family and friends. We pay €17 per month for internet service through a provider called Wishnet. The service has been reliable, and we’ve never experienced any issues, even when downloading large files for work. The price has recently increased to €18.99 per month, but it’s still very affordable compared to other European countries.

For our cell phone service, we use a local provider called Ho. We pay €8 per phone per month, totaling €16 for both of our phones. The service includes a generous data allowance, unlimited minutes, and texts. It’s a great deal, especially when compared to mobile plans in other countries.

7. Car Insurance and Fuel Costs: Affordable Transport

Car insurance is another essential expense for expats in Sicily. We pay €900 per year for car insurance with HDI Insurance Agency, which works out to about €75 per month. If you choose to pay monthly instead of annually, the cost may be slightly higher, but opting for the annual payment plan saves us money.

Fuel costs in Sicily are reasonable as well. We drive a diesel-powered Toyota Yaris, and we spend about €70 per month on fuel. Diesel is currently priced at around €1.69 per liter, which is significantly cheaper than gasoline. Overall, driving in Sicily is relatively affordable, especially if you drive a fuel-efficient car.

8. Medical and Dental Costs: High-Quality Healthcare

Sicily offers excellent healthcare, especially for Italian citizens who are eligible for the country’s socialized healthcare system. As Italian citizens, we receive free medical care, though some services may require small co-pays. For instance, a recent visit to an orthopedic specialist for a twisted ankle, including an X-ray and consultation, cost us just €30.

Dental care in Sicily is also affordable. A recent appointment to repair a crown cost us €50, and we were able to get an appointment on the same day. Private medical insurance or international coverage is available for non-citizens, but the healthcare system in Sicily is highly regarded for its quality and affordability.

9. Grocery Costs: Fresh and Local

Groceries are another area where Sicily shines. We spend around €320 per month on food, which includes everything from fresh meat and fish to vegetables, fruits, and dry goods. The food here is incredibly fresh and affordable, especially when buying local, seasonal produce. We buy everything we can from local markets, supporting Sicily’s “zero-kilometer” food movement.

Imported goods, especially those that are out of season, can be expensive, but overall, Sicily food prices are lower than what we experienced in other European countries. Fresh swordfish, for example, is available at a reasonable price, and the local produce is top-notch.

10. Entertainment and Dining Out: Enjoying Life in Sicily

Dining out in Sicily is an affordable pleasure. We eat out once a week at a local restaurant, where we typically spend around €15 for both of us. Sicily is known for its delicious food, and dining out is an experience worth savoring. 

We also enjoy visiting museums and attending cultural events, which are often very affordable. We budget between €75 and €100 per month for the cost of eating out in Sicily and entertainment, which includes everything from casual meals to museum visits and local events.

11. Monthly Budget Recommendation: A Comfortable Life

Based on our experience, we recommend budgeting approximately €1,500 per month for a couple living comfortably in Sicily. This budget allows for rent, utilities, groceries, dining out, and entertainment. It’s important to remember that costs can vary depending on your lifestyle and location. You can indeed find cheaper housing options in rural areas, and some expenses, like fuel and car insurance, may vary depending on your vehicle and driving habits.

12. Additional Fees to Consider: Exchange Rates and Transfer Costs

When budgeting for living in Sicily as an American, it’s essential to consider the exchange rate if you’re coming from another country. If you’re transferring money from a country like the U.S., you’ll lose a bit on the currency conversion. Services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) may have small fees, which should also be factored into your budget.

In conclusion, Sicily offers a unique and affordable lifestyle that many dream of. While it may not be the cheapest place in Europe, it is certainly within reach for most expats, especially when compared to other major European destinations. With a clear understanding of the costs involved, living in Sicily can be a rewarding and comfortable experience.

If you’re thinking about moving to Sicily, we hope this guide provides valuable insights into the true cost of living there. It may not be the cheapest place in the world, but it is certainly a financially viable option for those seeking a slower pace of life, rich culture, and beautiful landscapes.