Puglia

The word is out on Puglia. What was, a decade ago, a genuine secret shared between knowing expats and discerning Italian holidaymakers has become one of the most talked-about relocation destinations in Europe. The question worth asking now is not whether Puglia is worth moving to — it plainly is — but which part, at what cost, and with what expectations firmly in check.

The heel of Italy’s boot is longer and more varied than its Instagram reputation suggests. The Baroque cities of the Valle d’Itria — Alberobello with its trulli, the whitewashed hilltop drama of Ostuni, and the quietly sophisticated Locorotondo — have become the region’s most sought-after expat addresses, and prices are beginning to reflect that. For those who arrived five years ago, the value was extraordinary. For those arriving now, it remains good — but research and speed matter more than they once did.

Further south, the Salento peninsula around Lecce — Baroque architecture, flat terrain, long summers, and two coastlines within easy reach — has developed its own distinct expat identity. Lecce itself functions as a proper city with university life, good healthcare, and a food and wine culture of genuine distinction. Coastal towns like Otranto, Gallipoli, and Santa Maria di Leuca offer a more seasonal, sea-focused lifestyle. To the north, the Gargano promontory around Vieste and the agricultural flatlands of the Tavoliere remain considerably less visited and considerably more affordable than the region’s famous south.

Puglia cost of living has risen in recent years but remains competitive. Most expats budget between €1,200 and €2,000 per month, with meaningful variation between the now-fashionable Valle d’Itria and the quieter northern provinces.

Moving to Puglia in 2025 means joining a region mid-transformation — still genuinely beautiful, still largely affordable, but changing fast enough that those who have been considering it would do well not to wait too long.