What are rents like in Sicily right now? (2026)

If you're wondering how much it costs to rent in Sicily right now, you're in the right place.

This article breaks down typical rents across Sicily's cities and neighborhoods, and we keep updating it so you always get fresh numbers.

And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Sicily.

Who is the author of this content?

INVESTROPA

A team specialized in real estate investing in European countries

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Sicily. If you’d like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

What are typical rents in Sicily as of 2026?

What's the average monthly rent for a studio in Sicily as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a studio in Sicily is around €300 ($325 USD).

Most studios across the island fall within €250 to €400 monthly ($270 to $430 USD), depending on whether you're in a small inland town or a sought-after coastal area.

Factors that push studio rents higher include proximity to historic centers, sea views, air conditioning, and recent renovations, with neighborhoods like Politeama in Palermo or Centro in Catania commanding the top end.

What's the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom in Sicily as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Sicily is approximately €450 ($485 USD).

The realistic range spans €350 to €650 monthly ($380 to $700 USD), depending heavily on location and condition.

You'll find the cheapest 1-bedroom rents in smaller cities like Trapani or inland Messina province, while Palermo's Libertà district and Catania's Borgo-Sanzio sit at the higher end.

What's the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom in Sicily as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average monthly rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Sicily is around €650 ($700 USD).

Two-bedroom rents typically range from €500 to €900 monthly ($540 to $970 USD), with renovated units in prime locations at the upper limit.

The most affordable 2-bedroom rentals are in Messina's outer neighborhoods like Annunziata-Giostra or Trapani's less central zones, while Palermo's Mondello and Catania's Ognina-Picanello are among the priciest.

By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Sicily.

What's the average rent per square meter in Sicily as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average rent per square meter in Sicily is approximately €8.40 ($9.05 USD) monthly.

Across Sicily's neighborhoods, rent per square meter ranges from €7.50 to €10 ($8 to $11 USD), with Palermo at €9.90 and Trapani at €7.80 representing the high and low ends.

Compared to other Italian regions, Sicily remains affordable, sitting well below Milan's €22 or Rome's €15 per square meter.

Properties pushing above average typically feature recent renovations, air conditioning, elevator access, sea views, or proximity to historic centers or universities.

How much have rents changed year-over-year in Sicily in 2026?

As of early 2026, rents in Sicily have increased approximately 6% compared to one year ago.

Main factors driving this growth include persistent demand from students and seasonal workers, limited new construction, and competition from short-term rentals in tourist areas like Ortigia and Taormina.

This 6% increase is slower than 2024's pace, when some coastal areas saw double-digit growth, suggesting the market may be stabilizing.

What's the outlook for rent growth in Sicily in 2026?

As of early 2026, rents in Sicily are projected to grow 3% to 7% over the coming year, with significant variation by neighborhood.

Key factors include ongoing domestic migration from northern Italy, strong tourism demand in coastal areas, and tight supply of quality long-term rentals in Palermo and Catania.

Neighborhoods expected to see strongest growth include Ortigia in Siracusa, Mondello in Palermo, and parts of the Taormina area.

Risks that could change projections include a tourism slowdown, short-term rental regulation changes, or unexpected new housing supply.

We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Italy. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.

Which neighborhoods rent best in Sicily as of 2026?

Which neighborhoods have the highest rents in Sicily as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with highest rents in Sicily are Politeama-Libertà in Palermo at around €11/sqm ($12 USD), Ortigia in Siracusa at roughly €10.50/sqm ($11.30 USD), and Centro in Catania at approximately €10/sqm ($10.80 USD).

These premium neighborhoods command higher rents due to walkability, historic architecture, reliable services, and in some cases, sea proximity.

Typical tenants in these high-rent areas include young professionals, remote workers seeking Mediterranean lifestyle, and expats drawn to historic charm.

By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Sicily.

Where do young professionals prefer to rent in Sicily right now?

The three neighborhoods where young professionals most prefer to rent are Politeama-Libertà in Palermo, Borgo-Sanzio in Catania, and Ortigia in Siracusa, combining central locations with active nightlife.

Young professionals typically pay €400 to €650 monthly ($430 to $700 USD) for a well-located 1-bedroom, with furnished units at the higher end.

Amenities attracting young professionals include walkable streets with cafes and coworking spaces, reliable internet, proximity to offices, and lively social atmosphere.

By the way, you will find a detailed tenant analysis in our property pack covering the real estate market in Sicily.

Where do families prefer to rent in Sicily right now?

The three neighborhoods where families most prefer to rent are Resuttana-San Lorenzo in Palermo, Borgo-Sanzio in Catania, and Annunziata-Giostra in Messina, offering more space and quieter streets.

Families renting 2-3 bedroom apartments typically pay €550 to €850 monthly ($595 to $920 USD), with larger units in well-maintained buildings at the upper end.

Features making these neighborhoods attractive include parks, school proximity, safer streets, and availability of larger apartments.

Top schools near these areas include public primary schools in Palermo's northern districts, well-regarded licei in Catania's residential zones, and international options for expats near Siracusa.

Which areas near transit or universities rent faster in Sicily in 2026?

As of early 2026, the three areas that rent fastest near transit or universities are Palermo's Politeama-Libertà corridor, Catania's Centro and Borgo-Sanzio near the university, and Messina's Centro with its concentrated services.

In these high-demand areas, well-priced properties stay listed 45 to 60 days, compared to the regional average of 75 to 105 days.

The typical rent premium for properties within walking distance of transit or universities ranges €50 to €100 monthly ($55 to $110 USD) above comparable units further out.

Which neighborhoods are most popular with expats in Sicily right now?

The three neighborhoods most popular with expats are Ortigia in Siracusa, Centro Storico in Palermo, and Mondello-Arenella on Palermo's coast, offering historic character and lifestyle amenities.

Expats typically pay €500 to €800 monthly ($540 to $865 USD) for a 1-2 bedroom, with renovated Ortigia units pushing toward €1,000.

Features drawing expats include English-friendly services, walkable streets, reliable internet for remote work, sea proximity, and vibrant international communities.

Most represented expat communities include Northern Europeans (British, German, Dutch), Americans seeking slower pace, and digital nomads from various countries.

And if you are also an expat, you may want to read our exhaustive guide for expats in Sicily.

Who rents, and what do tenants want in Sicily right now?

What tenant profiles dominate rentals in Sicily?

The three tenant profiles dominating Sicily's rental market are local employees in public sector and retail, university students in Palermo, Catania, and Messina, and seasonal workers in tourism and hospitality.

Local employees make up roughly 40% of long-term rental demand, students about 25%, and seasonal workers around 20%, with the remaining 15% split between expats, remote workers, and relocating families.

Local employees seek affordable 1-2 bedroom apartments in residential neighborhoods, students look for studios or shared rooms near universities, and seasonal workers need furnished short-term rentals in coastal areas.

If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Sicily.

Do tenants prefer furnished or unfurnished in Sicily?

In Sicily, roughly 55% of tenants prefer furnished rentals while 45% opt for unfurnished, varying significantly by neighborhood and tenant type.

Furnished apartments command a premium of €50 to €100 monthly ($55 to $110 USD) compared to unfurnished equivalents.

Tenants preferring furnished rentals include students, seasonal workers, expats, and remote workers on shorter stays, while local families and long-term employees often prefer unfurnished to personalize their space.

Which amenities increase rent the most in Sicily?

The five amenities increasing rent most in Sicily are air conditioning, outdoor space (balcony/terrace), renovated bathroom, elevator access in older buildings, and high-speed internet.

Air conditioning adds €30 to €60 monthly ($32 to $65 USD), outdoor space adds €40 to €80 ($43 to $86 USD), renovated bathroom adds €25 to €50 ($27 to $54 USD), elevator access adds €20 to €40 ($22 to $43 USD), and reliable internet adds €15 to €30 ($16 to $32 USD).

In our property pack covering the real estate market in Sicily, we cover what are the best investments a landlord can make.

What renovations get the best ROI for rentals in Sicily?

The five renovations with best ROI for Sicily rentals are installing air conditioning, modernizing the bathroom, refreshing the kitchen, fixing damp or mold issues, and adding insulation or efficient windows.

Air conditioning costs €1,000 to €2,500 ($1,080 to $2,700 USD) and increases rent €30 to €60 monthly; bathroom modernization costs €3,000 to €6,000 ($3,240 to $6,480 USD) for €25 to €50 boost; kitchen refresh costs €2,000 to €5,000 ($2,160 to $5,400 USD) for €20 to €40 increase; damp repair costs €500 to €2,000 ($540 to $2,160 USD) protecting tenant retention; insulation costs €1,500 to €4,000 ($1,620 to $4,320 USD) for €15 to €30 premium.

Poor ROI renovations to avoid include luxury finishes exceeding neighborhood standards, pools in non-premium areas, and high-end smart home systems most tenants won't pay extra for.

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Italy versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.

How strong is rental demand in Sicily as of 2026?

What's the vacancy rate for rentals in Sicily as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the average vacancy rate for rentals in Sicily is approximately 6%, meaning about 94 out of 100 units are occupied.

Across Sicily, vacancy ranges from 4% in high-demand areas like Palermo's Centro Storico and Catania's Borgo-Sanzio to 8-9% in smaller inland towns.

The current 6% is roughly in line with historical averages, though tourist micro-markets have tightened as short-term rentals absorbed available stock.

Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in Sicily.

How many days do rentals stay listed in Sicily as of 2026?

As of early 2026, rentals in Sicily stay listed an average of about 90 days before finding a tenant.

Days on market ranges from 45 to 60 for well-priced apartments in Palermo's Politeama or Catania's Centro, up to 100-120 for overpriced or lower-quality units.

Compared to one year ago, days-on-market has increased slightly as more supply entered and some landlords price above market.

Which months have peak tenant demand in Sicily?

Peak months for tenant demand in Sicily are late August through October, when students return and seasonal workers transition, followed by a secondary surge from April through June as summer tourism hiring ramps up.

Factors driving this pattern include university calendars in Palermo, Catania, and Messina, tourism hiring cycles, and the Italian tendency to move after August holidays.

Lowest demand months are December through February, when holidays slow the market and fewer people actively search.

What will my monthly costs be in Sicily as of 2026?

What property taxes should landlords expect in Sicily as of 2026?

As of early 2026, landlords in Sicily should expect €70 to €150 monthly in IMU property tax, or €850 to €1,800 yearly ($920 to $1,945 USD annually) for a typical rental apartment.

Depending on cadastral value and municipal rate, annual property taxes can range from €500 ($540 USD) for a modest inland apartment to over €2,500 ($2,700 USD) for larger city properties.

Property taxes are calculated by multiplying cadastral value (a government-assessed figure often below market value) by the IMU rate set by your local municipality.

Please note that, in our property pack covering the real estate market in Sicily, we cover what exemptions or deductions may be available to reduce property taxes for landlords.

What utilities do landlords often pay in Sicily right now?

In most long-term rentals in Sicily, landlords rarely pay utilities directly; electricity, gas, water, and internet are typically transferred to tenants.

When landlords cover utilities (common in furnished short-term or student housing), typical monthly cost runs €100 to €200 ($108 to $216 USD) for a one-bedroom.

Common practice is for tenants to handle all utility contracts, while landlords cover condominium fees, extraordinary building repairs, and sometimes lease registration costs.

How is rental income taxed in Sicily as of 2026?

As of early 2026, landlords in Sicily can choose between cedolare secca flat tax at 21% (or 10% for qualifying affordable housing contracts), or ordinary IRPEF progressive tax varying by total income.

Main deductions under IRPEF include mortgage interest, renovation costs, management fees, and a standard 5% maintenance reduction, though cedolare secca means forgoing these for a simpler flat rate.

A common Sicily-specific mistake is choosing cedolare secca without realizing it blocks ISTAT rent indexation, meaning rent cannot increase with inflation during the entire lease.

We cover these mistakes, among others, in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in Sicily.

We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Italy compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.

What sources have we used to write this blog article?

Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Sicily, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.

We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.

Source	Why we trust it	How we used it
Idealista Sicily Rent Report	Major European property platform with transparent methodology and long-term time series.	We used it as our primary Sicily-wide rent per square meter benchmark. We extracted year-over-year changes for rent growth estimates.
Immobiliare.it Sicily Market Page	Italy's largest property portal with consistent tracking and defined indicators.	We cross-checked Sicily's rent per square meter against Idealista. We referenced their time-to-rent and demand pressure definitions.
Agenzia delle Entrate OMI	Italy's official property market observatory run by the national tax agency.	We used it as an official benchmark to validate rent levels by city and zone. We treated OMI as a reality check against portal indexes.
Bank of Italy Housing Survey	Italy's central bank surveys a large panel of real estate agents quarterly.	We used it for demand, supply tightness, and outlook sentiment. We grounded our 2026 forecasts in this survey.
ISTAT Housing Statistics	Italy's official national statistics institute with audited methodologies.	We grounded macro housing context including supply and price drivers. We referenced demographic data for tenant profile analysis.
MEF IMU Database for Sicily	Ministry of Finance's official database for municipal property tax rates.	We used it as the authoritative reference for property tax expectations. We directed readers here to check their municipality's rate.
Agenzia delle Entrate Cedolare Secca	Official tax authority page explaining the flat tax regime for rental income.	We confirmed the 21% and 10% rates. We cited the rule about giving up ISTAT indexation under this regime.
ARERA Energy Regulator	Italy's official energy and water regulator with transparent tariff updates.	We confirmed utility costs are regulated and updated periodically. We framed realistic utility budgeting based on their framework.
Eurostat Rent Index Context	EU's statistical authority with standardized cross-country methodology.	We contextualized Sicily's trends within Europe's upward trend. We confirmed rising rents aren't just a portal artifact.
Reuters Short-Term Rental Policy	Global wire service with editorial standards and verified sourcing.	We used it for policy backdrop affecting long-term supply in tourist markets. We referenced it when discussing Sicily's 2026 outlook.
Idealista Palermo Report	City-level and neighborhood-level rent data with year-over-year changes.	We named actual Palermo neighborhoods and quantified rent premiums. We translated per-square-meter data into monthly rents.
Idealista Catania Report	Consistent city and sub-area structure matching Palermo methodology.	We identified highest-rent areas in Catania. We treated it as the second major city anchor for Sicily estimates.
Immobiliare.it Siracusa Page	Transparent city time series and year-over-year change for Siracusa.	We anchored Siracusa as a key outlier due to Ortigia and tourism. We triangulated provincial variation beyond Palermo and Catania.