Common Questions About Moving to Sicily Italy

Sicily, Italy, is a destination that has captured the hearts of many. From its rich history to its stunning natural beauty, it’s the largest island in the Mediterranean, with breathtaking landscapes that range from the majestic Mount Etna to the crystal-clear waters of the Aeolian Islands. With a temperate climate, incredible food, and an affordable cost of living, it’s easy to see why many are drawn to this enchanting island.

However, before you pack your bags and start your new life in Sicily, there are some practical things to understand. Whether it’s the cost of living, transportation, or navigating local customs, moving to Sicily Italy requires careful planning.

In this blog, we’ll explore the most common questions aspiring expats ask when considering relocating to Sicily. Drawing from personal experience and real-life feedback, we’ll help you understand what life in Sicily is genuinely like.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most frequent questions.

Life Before and After Citizenship

I moved to Italy in 2006 after getting citizenship through marriage. My husband Croce is originally from Sicily, and we moved to the island to help care for his mom after his dad passed away. Since I already had citizenship, our move was a bit easier.

Nearby Towns and Villages

If you’re looking to settle near Palermo, check out towns like Torretta, Capaci, Cinisi, Mondello, Sferracavallo, Tommaso Natale, Partinico, and Terrasini. We’re partial to the western side of the island, though we haven’t spent time yet on the eastern side like Catania or Taormina.

Buying a Car in Sicily

We chose to buy a car here instead of shipping one from the U.S. It made more sense financially. We bought a 2009 Toyota Yaris for €6,500, diesel-powered and semi-automatic. It’s perfect for island driving, and we get great mileage.

Cost of Living Compared to Texas

Rent here is about 60% cheaper than what we paid in Texas. Our apartment came fully furnished too. For the same money, you get more space and a better lifestyle overall.

Why I Ordered a Burger in Sicily

Even though Sicilian food is incredible, I have diabetes, so I sometimes need something different. After a year of local dishes, I had a bacon cheeseburger (without the bun), and it was delicious.

Is Solar Energy Common?

Yes, very common. Solar panels are everywhere here, and the sunshine makes it a smart move for homeowners and businesses.

Currency Exchange in Sicily

Italy uses the Euro, and the old Lira is gone. The exchange rate hovers around $1 to €0.97. We use Wise for international transfers, and it’s worked out well for us.

Legal Help for Relocation

We recommend Pete and Chris, who work out of Calabria, or Alfred Zappala in Catania. Both can help with visa paperwork and relocation questions.

Dealing with the Language Barrier

Basic Italian goes a long way. Tourist areas may have some English, but if you want to build relationships, you need to learn the language. Duolingo and YouTube helped us a lot.

Public Transportation in Sicily

In Carini, we have buses and a train station. Many towns offer similar transit options. You don’t have to drive if you don’t want to.

Sardinia vs Sicily Cost of Living

Friends in Sardinia say it’s even cheaper than Sicily. Both places are affordable, but Sardinia might have an edge on housing costs.

Healthcare for Type 1 Diabetes

We’ve had a good experience so far with doctors and dentists. We haven’t needed emergency care, but regular visits have been smooth. As with anywhere, quality varies by provider.

Visa and Citizenship Process

Since we’re dual citizens, we didn’t have to deal with visas. But if you need one, check with your consulate or hire someone familiar with Italian immigration law.

Car Insurance in Sicily

We pay about €900 a year on our €6,500 car. Streets are tight and drivers can be aggressive, so expect some dings and scratches over time.

Short-Term Rentals

Look for “transitorio” rentals. They’re ideal if you’re testing out the area before committing to a long-term lease. Plenty of options in most towns.

How Close Are You to the Beach?

We’re about a 7 to 8 minute drive from the beach. The Tyrrhenian Sea is warm and perfect for relaxing swims almost year-round.

Setting Up a Bank Account

We opened an account with Intesa SanPaolo in Carini. Took about an hour. You need your codice fiscale and proof of address, but it’s a simple process.

Do You Need Radiators in Sicily?

Yes, in winter. The homes are made of cement or stone and have no insulation. It gets cold. Most people use radiators or gas heaters (bombola).

Relocating to Sicily can be an exciting adventure, but you’ll want to be ready for the realities too. Transportation, cost of living, and even little things like heating and banking take planning. Hopefully, this helped answer some of your top questions.

Check out our full blog archive for more real-life insights on life in Sicily.