Campania

Campania grabs you by the collar. No other region in Italy announces itself quite so forcefully — in the chaos and contradictions of Naples, in the vertiginous drama of the Amalfi Coast, in the humbling scale of Vesuvius looming over the bay. For expats who want a life lived at full intensity, it is without equal. For those who prefer things orderly and predictable, it will require adjustment.

That said, the idea that Campania is simply too difficult for expats is increasingly out of date. Naples itself has undergone a genuine renaissance over the past decade — cleaner, safer, and more culturally confident than at any point in recent memory, with a food scene that requires no qualification or caveat whatsoever. It is, by most measures, one of the most exciting cities in Europe right now, and a growing number of expats are arriving to find that out for themselves. North of the city, the ancient Roman town of Caserta offers more space, lower costs, and the extraordinary Bourbon royal palace on its doorstep.

Beyond Naples, the picture diversifies sharply. The Amalfi towns — Positano, Ravello, Amalfi itself — are among the most beautiful places in the world to live, though their cost and tourist intensity make them a considered choice rather than a practical default. The Cilento coast to the south, anchored by towns like Palinuro and Acciaroli, offers a quieter, more affordable coastal alternative with its own considerable charm. Inland, the wine country around Avellino and the ancient city of Benevento provide a more rural, rooted way of life at genuinely low cost.

Campania cost of living spans a wider range than almost any other Italian region. Naples sits at around €1,400 to €2,200 per month for a comfortable lifestyle, while the Amalfi Coast commands a significant premium. Move inland or south along the Cilento and costs drop considerably — often to €1,100 to €1,600 per month.

Moving to Campania is for expats who understand that the best things in Italy have never been straightforward — and that the reward is proportional to the effort.