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 wish lists. This is real money, real life.

From the quirks of heating a small home to how much we spend on groceries and coffee, 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 is meant to help you plan realistically if you’re considering a move here.

What We Pay in Rent

We rent a small home in Carini, and it was a great find. Rent is cheaper than in most U.S. cities, but you’ll still want to budget for extras. Our place is a ground-floor cottage with private parking, a courtyard, detached kitchen, and two bedrooms.

The rent is €450 per month, including water, sewer, and Internet. That’s a solid deal for the space, features, and location.

When budgeting for rent in Sicily, factor in location, size, and included utilities. Our cost of living in Sicily update shows €450/month is fair, but prices vary.

Utilities: Heating, Gas, and Electricity

Our hot water comes from a small electric water heater. The apartment runs on electricity except the cooktop, which uses a bombola (gas tank) under the sink.

Our first electric bill was €243 because we used the wall unit, oven, and air fryer a lot. We’ve since adjusted by layering clothes, using a space heater more wisely, and closing off unused rooms.

By spring, our bill dropped by about €90. Gas is cheaper, and we turn it off after each use to prevent leaks.

Heating costs are a key factor in the cost of living in Sicily update. Homes here often lack insulation, so electricity bills can spike in winter.

Internet and Phone

Our home internet is included in the rent, which is rare. For mobile, we use Iliad. Two lines with data cost €9.99 each, so just under €20/month.

This cost of living in Sicily update shows that having internet included in rent is a budget-friendly perk. Mobile costs are low too.

Grocery Shopping and Food Prices

We spend about €350 to €400 per month on groceries, including seafood. An espresso is about €1.20, and a cappuccino is closer to €2.50.

Local trattorias offer good meals for €10 to €15. Eating out often is affordable but adds up if done too frequently.

Food is a major part of the cost of living in Sicily update. Buying local and seasonal keeps things manageable and delicious.

Small Surprises and Tradeoffs

We buy bottled water weekly. Tap is safe but locals don’t drink it. The owner gave us a Wi-Fi extender, which was above and beyond. We also bought space heaters at €17 each that use less energy than the wall unit.

We’ve added rugs, closed off rooms in winter, and adjusted to afternoon riposo when everything shuts down. These are small but real changes.

These kinds of tradeoffs are part of daily life. Our cost of living in Sicily update reflects both the value and the adaptations.

Transportation and Car Costs

We drive a diesel Toyota Yaris. Fuel costs around €65/month. Insurance is about €78/month since it’s our first year of registration.

Car maintenance is affordable. Parking is mostly free, though you’ll need coins for some meters. Public transport exists but isn’t reliable, so owning a car is usually necessary outside major cities.

This part of the update shows that car costs are manageable but essential.

Entertainment and Social Life

Eating out is affordable, usually €10–15 per person. Celebrations like Easter or birthdays cost more but are occasional.

Spending time with friends and neighbors, and enjoying festivals, keeps social life active without much cost.

Sicilian culture values connection, avoiding overspending, which lowers your entertainment budget naturally.

Miscellaneous Expenses

We budget for things like household supplies, dry cleaning, and minor repairs. A down comforter costs €25 to clean. We spent €62 on gardening tools to grow some of our own food.

We also include toiletries, gifts, and clothes in our monthly budget.

This cost of living in Sicily update includes these smaller expenses that often get overlooked but matter over time.

Healthcare Costs and Considerations

Healthcare is affordable. We budget for private visits and medications not fully covered.

The public system works well, but many expats prefer private doctors who speak English. So far, we haven’t needed much medical care.

Factoring in healthcare is an essential part of any cost of living in Sicily update.

Tips to Manage Your Budget and Maximize Value

Shopping at local markets gets you fresher produce and better prices. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are cheaper and tastier.

Cooking at home helps too. Sicilian recipes are simple, fresh, and budget-friendly.

Save on electricity by using timers, turning off lights, and airing rooms naturally. Combine errands and carpool to cut fuel costs.

A slower pace helps reduce unnecessary spending. Coffee with friends or local events cost little but adds a lot to daily life.

This cost of living in Sicily update offers honest numbers and useful tips to build a sustainable budget.

Final Thoughts on Our Cost of Living in Sicily Update

We spent about €1,400/month during March and April. That includes rent, food, utilities, car costs, and extras.

It’s not “cheap,” but it’s affordable compared to the U.S. and much of Europe. You just need to be mindful and flexible.

We hope this cost of living in Sicily update helps you get a clearer idea of what to expect. It’s about managing expectations and embracing the lifestyle.

To get ahead on your move, download our free guide, Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Moving to Sicily.