Umbria

Umbria does not try to compete with its neighbours. Landlocked, unhurried, and quietly self-assured, it sits at the geographical heart of Italy and, for a certain kind of expat, at the heart of what moving to Italy is really about.

This is a region of medieval hilltop towns, ancient olive groves, and a landscape so consistently beautiful that it earned the nickname the Green Heart of Italy long before anyone thought to market it. Perugia, the regional capital, offers the most complete urban experience — a proper city with a respected international university, a thriving arts scene, good healthcare, and an elevated historic centre that manages to feel both grand and intimate. An hour to the south, Terni provides a more affordable, workaday alternative with strong transport links and a growing expat presence.

Beyond the two cities, Umbria’s appeal is almost entirely about its smaller towns. Assisi needs little introduction, but its neighbour Spello offers much of the same magic with far fewer visitors. Orvieto, perched dramatically on its volcanic plateau, is among the most striking towns in central Italy, while Spoleto combines a rich festival culture with a genuinely liveable everyday character. For those drawn to complete rural immersion, the villages of the Valnerina and the shores of Castiglione del Lago on Lake Trasimeno offer a pace of life that feels increasingly rare.

Umbria cost of living remains one of the most attractive in central Italy, with monthly expenses typically ranging from €1,200 to €1,800. Property, in particular, offers outstanding value relative to Tuscany just across the border.

Moving to Umbria is a considered choice — and for the expats who make it, rarely a regretted one.