Cost Of Living In Sicily Italy: Our Carini Monthly Budget Breakdown

The cost of living in Sicily Italy is one of the biggest questions for anyone considering a move. With its captivating history, scenic beauty, and relaxed lifestyle, Sicily is attracting more expats, retirees, and slow-living seekers every year. One of the most pressing questions for those considering a move to Sicily is the cost of living in Sicily Italy.

Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant energy of Palermo with its Baroque churches and lively markets or the serene charm of the coastal towns, understanding the actual cost of living in Sicily Italy is key.

In this blog, we’re pulling back the curtain on our actual monthly expenses in Italy as a couple living in Carini, Sicily, a picturesque town just outside of Palermo. We’ll break down our essential monthly expenses so you can see how affordable (or not) life in Sicily can be based on the cost of living in Sicily Italy.

So, is living in Sicily truly affordable in 2025? Join us as we dive into the actual cost of embracing the Sicilian lifestyle, where the joy of discovery meets the comfort of timeless tradition, and learn more about the cost of living in Sicily Italy.

Food, Entertainment, and Essentials

One of the biggest perks of living in Sicily is the vibrant food culture. Whether it’s a quick bite at a family-run trattoria or an elegant evening at a seafood festival, dining out in Sicily is both affordable and memorable. This month we spent about €80 on entertainment and eating out, including a great seafood dinner during a stretch of rainy weather.

We shop at a mix of wholesale markets, local shops, and tiny family-owned stands. Our monthly grocery bill averages around €400. That includes everything from fresh fish and vegetables to pasta and olive oil. Living in Sicily means you get local, fresh ingredients at prices that don’t wreck the budget.

Healthcare and Everyday Services

As residents, we use the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale, Italy’s national health system. We typically spend about €8 a month on medications. Croce had an eye exam and got progressive lenses and frames for €137. I also had a dental cap reattached for just €30 with no appointment.

For phone service, we use Iliad for our Italian numbers, €10 per line. We also keep our U.S. numbers active through Mint Mobile for $15 each. This helps with banking and two-factor logins tied to U.S. accounts.

Transportation Costs

We drive a Toyota Yaris, and our fuel costs are around €70 monthly. Fuel is pricey in Italy, but our car is efficient, and we drive modest distances. Parking in Carini is easy and cheap. We average €7 to €8 monthly, though Croce once got hit with a €68 fine for skipping the local parking meter system.

Our AXA car insurance runs €78 a month. It’s high because our car was newly registered in Italy, but the rate should go down. The peace of mind is worth the expense.

Utilities and Household Expenses

Our first electricity bill came in at €243. That’s high, but we were still adjusting and using space heaters. Everything in our house is electric, so we expect that number to drop as we adapt. Cooking is done with a gas tank that cost €25 and has lasted over two months. We budget about €10 monthly for gas. Garbage and recycling is estimated at €25, but we’re still waiting for our first bill.

Rent and Setup Costs

Our rent is €450 a month for a furnished two-bedroom, one-bath cottage in Carini. That includes water, internet, and sewer. It’s about 884 square feet total with indoor and outdoor space, gated entrance, and private garden. A peaceful setup in a quiet area.

Moving costs hit hard that first month: €1,650 total. That included things like a coffee machine, office gear, and car registration. These were one-time costs, but important to factor in when calculating the real cost of living in Sicily Italy.

Monthly Budget Summary

Altogether, our monthly expenses come in just under €1,400. That includes housing, food, healthcare, utilities, transportation, and more. We live comfortably and don’t feel deprived. For us, it’s a solid balance of affordability and quality of life.

Sicily offers affordable housing, decent healthcare, and low day-to-day costs, making it ideal for retirees, expats, or anyone looking to slow down without giving up comfort. If you want to see how this compares to our early impressions, check out our first impressions and price shock post.

If you’re planning a move, this breakdown should help give a clearer picture of what to expect when it comes to the cost of living in Sicily Italy.