Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Italy Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Tuscany's property market is included in our pack
If you are thinking about moving to Tuscany as an expat, you are probably wondering what daily life really looks like, how much it costs, and whether the region lives up to its reputation.
This guide covers everything from net salary targets and healthcare quality to visa options and property buying rules, all based on official Italian data sources and real expat experiences.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest changes in 2026, so you always have fresh and reliable information at your fingertips.
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 Tuscany.
Is Tuscany a good place to live in 2026?
Is quality of life getting better or worse in Tuscany in 2026?
As of early 2026, quality of life in Tuscany remains stable with a slight upward trend, thanks to contained inflation and improved energy stability compared to the chaotic years of 2022 and 2023.
The factor that has improved the most in Tuscany over the past two to three years is energy cost predictability, as utility bills are no longer spiking unpredictably and household budgets are easier to plan, especially outside of Florence where heating costs matter more.
On the other hand, the persistent challenge in Tuscany remains housing competition in Florence and popular tourist zones, where landlords increasingly price rentals for short-term visitors rather than long-term expat residents, pushing rents higher and making it harder to secure stable leases.
Are hospitals good in Tuscany in 2026?
As of early 2026, hospitals in Tuscany are considered among the best in Italy, with the region consistently scoring in the high-quality bands of the national Programma Nazionale Esiti hospital outcomes program.
The hospitals expats most commonly recommend in Tuscany include AOU Careggi in Florence for general and specialized care, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana in Pisa for university-level medical services, and AOU Senese Le Scotte in Siena for comprehensive regional healthcare.
A standard doctor consultation in Tuscany costs between 0 and 36 euros in the public system depending on your exemption status, while private specialist visits typically range from 90 to 220 euros (about $95 to $235 USD) depending on the city and specialty.
Private health insurance is strongly recommended for expats in Tuscany, especially before SSN registration is complete, because it provides faster access to specialists and English-speaking medical networks, and several visa categories require proof of coverage at entry.
Are there any good international schools in Tuscany in 2026?
As of early 2026, Tuscany has a solid selection of international schools, with the strongest concentration around Florence and a few quality options in Siena and the countryside, offering curricula like the International Baccalaureate and American-style programs.
The most reputable international schools for expat families in Tuscany include The International School of Florence (ISF), which is the largest and most established, International School of Siena as an IB World School, and Tuscany Avant Garde International School (TAGIS) in the Casentino Valley for families seeking a countryside setting.
Annual tuition fees at international schools in Tuscany typically range from 13,000 to 25,000 euros ($13,800 to $26,500 USD) depending on the grade level and school, with additional costs for bus transport, lunch, and extracurricular activities.
Waitlists can be long at popular schools like ISF in Florence, especially for kindergarten and primary entry years, so applying 6 to 12 months ahead is recommended, while public schools in Tuscany are generally good but require Italian language skills that most expat children do not have initially.
Is Tuscany a dangerous place in 2026?
As of early 2026, Tuscany is generally safe by Western European standards, with violent crime being rare and the main concerns being opportunistic theft and pickpocketing in tourist-heavy areas like Florence, Pisa, and Lucca.
The most common safety concerns expats should be aware of in Tuscany are bag snatches near train stations like Santa Maria Novella in Florence, scooter-related theft in city centers, and occasional petty scams targeting tourists in crowded piazzas and museums.
The safest neighborhoods for expats in Tuscany are residential areas with stable communities, such as Campo di Marte, Le Cure, and Gavinana in Florence, the historic center of Lucca inside the walls, and quieter zones in Siena like Antiporto and Ravacciano.
Women can generally live alone safely in Tuscany, and it is common for single women to do so, though standard big-city precautions apply in Florence, particularly around major stations and nightlife areas late at night.
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How much does everyday life cost in Tuscany in 2026?
What monthly budget do I need to live well in Tuscany in 2026?
As of early 2026, a single person needs approximately 2,300 to 2,900 euros per month ($2,450 to $3,080 USD) to live comfortably in Florence, or 1,900 to 2,500 euros ($2,020 to $2,660 USD) in smaller Tuscan cities like Lucca, Siena, or Arezzo.
For a modest but decent lifestyle in Tuscany, a realistic monthly budget is around 1,600 to 2,000 euros ($1,700 to $2,130 USD), which covers basic rent in a less central area, groceries, public transport, and limited dining out.
For a more comfortable or upscale lifestyle in Tuscany, including a nice one-bedroom apartment in a desirable neighborhood, regular restaurant meals, and weekend trips, expect to spend 2,500 to 3,200 euros per month ($2,660 to $3,400 USD).
Housing is by far the largest expense category in Tuscany, typically consuming 40 to 50 percent of a monthly budget, with one-bedroom apartments in Florence ranging from 1,100 to 1,500 euros and in smaller cities from 800 to 1,150 euros.
What is the average income tax rate in Tuscany in 2026?
As of early 2026, a typical middle-income earner in Tuscany with a gross salary of around 35,000 to 50,000 euros faces an effective total tax burden of approximately 30 to 38 percent, including IRPEF income tax, social contributions, and regional and municipal add-ons.
Italy uses a progressive IRPEF tax system with brackets ranging from 23 percent on income up to 28,000 euros to 43 percent on income above 50,000 euros, but the effective rate most residents pay is lower due to standard deductions, credits, and the calculation of social contributions.
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.
What kind of foreigners actually live in Tuscany in 2026?
Where do most expats come from in Tuscany in 2026?
As of early 2026, the largest groups of expats in Tuscany come from other EU countries like Germany, France, and the UK, followed by Americans seeking lifestyle or retirement destinations, and a significant population of non-EU residents from Eastern Europe, Asia, and South America working in services and manufacturing.
Foreign residents make up approximately 11 to 12 percent of Tuscany's total population, with the highest concentrations in the provinces of Florence, Prato, and Pisa where economic activity and international institutions are strongest.
EU and American expats are drawn to Tuscany primarily for its quality of life, cultural heritage, food and wine culture, and the possibility of remote work, while non-EU residents often come for employment opportunities in tourism, caregiving, and small business.
The expat population in Tuscany is a diverse mix of retirees enjoying the Italian lifestyle, working professionals in international schools and research institutions, and a growing number of digital nomads taking advantage of Italy's new remote worker visa.
Where do most expats live in Tuscany in 2026?
As of early 2026, expats in Tuscany concentrate most heavily in Florence and its surrounding metro area, followed by Lucca for its walkable historic center, Pisa for its university and airport access, and the Chianti and Val d'Orcia countryside for those seeking rural lifestyle properties.
These neighborhoods attract expats because they offer a combination of international schools, English-speaking services, good public transport connections, and established expat communities that make integration easier, along with the cultural richness that defines Tuscany.
Emerging neighborhoods attracting more expats include Rifredi and Novoli in Florence for better value and modern amenities, Sant'Anna in Lucca for practical residential living, and smaller towns in the Casentino Valley and Lunigiana region where property prices remain more affordable.
Are expats moving in or leaving Tuscany in 2026?
As of early 2026, Tuscany is experiencing a net inflow of expats, with the foreign resident population continuing to rise, driven by lifestyle seekers, remote workers, and retirees attracted by Italy's quality of life and visa options.
The main factor driving expats to move to Tuscany right now is the combination of Italy's new digital nomad visa, stable living costs compared to Northern Europe, and the enduring appeal of Tuscan food, culture, and landscapes.
The main factor causing some expats to leave Tuscany is the difficulty of finding long-term rental housing in Florence and popular areas, where short-term tourist rentals dominate and landlords prefer higher-paying seasonal visitors.
Compared to similar destinations in the region like Portugal's Algarve or Spain's Costa del Sol, Tuscany attracts a slightly older and more culture-focused expat demographic, with growth that is steady but less explosive than in some emerging Southern European hotspots.
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What paperwork do I need to move to Tuscany in 2026?
What visa options are popular in Tuscany in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most popular visa types for expats moving to Tuscany are the digital nomad and remote worker visa for location-independent professionals, the work visa sponsored by an Italian employer, and the elective residence visa for financially independent individuals and retirees.
For the digital nomad visa, the main eligibility requirements include proof of remote work for a non-Italian company or clients, a minimum annual income of approximately 25,000 to 28,000 euros, valid health insurance, and at least six months of prior remote work experience in a qualified field.
Yes, Italy now offers an official digital nomad visa introduced in 2024, which allows non-EU remote workers to live and work in Italy for up to one year, with renewal options for up to five years total if requirements continue to be met.
The digital nomad visa is initially valid for one year and can be renewed locally at the Questura, while elective residence visas typically require renewal every one to two years, and work visas depend on the employment contract duration with extensions possible through the permesso di soggiorno process.
How long does it take to get residency in Tuscany in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical processing time to obtain a permesso di soggiorno residence card in Tuscany ranges from 3 to 7 months from the date of submission, with Florence generally at the slower end due to higher application volumes.
Common factors that can delay residency applications in Tuscany include incomplete documentation, missing translations or apostilles, backlogs at the local Questura, and scheduling delays for biometric appointments, while having all paperwork properly prepared and working with an immigration specialist can speed things up.
An expat must live continuously in Italy for at least five years to become eligible for permanent residency, known as the permesso di soggiorno UE per soggiornanti di lungo periodo, and after ten years of legal residence, they can apply for Italian citizenship if they meet language and other requirements.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Italy. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
How hard is it to find a job in Tuscany in 2026?
Which industries are hiring the most in Tuscany in 2026?
As of early 2026, the industries hiring the most in Tuscany are tourism and hospitality, which remain the backbone of the regional economy, followed by food and wine production including agritourism, and specialized manufacturing in sectors like fashion, leather goods, and precision mechanics.
Getting hired in Tuscany without speaking Italian is realistic only in specific niches, such as international schools, English-language tourism services, some tech and remote roles, and research positions at universities, but for most local jobs Italian fluency is expected or required.
The types of roles most accessible to foreign job seekers in Tuscany include teaching positions at international schools, hospitality management in hotels and restaurants catering to tourists, English-speaking tour guide work, and remote positions with international companies where the employee simply lives in Tuscany.
What salary ranges are common for expats in Tuscany in 2026?
As of early 2026, typical gross salary ranges for expats working in Tuscany span from about 22,000 to 70,000 euros per year ($23,400 to $74,500 USD) depending heavily on the industry, role, and whether the position is local or with an international organization.
Entry-level and mid-level expat positions in Tuscany, such as hospitality roles, administrative jobs, and junior teaching positions, typically pay 22,000 to 35,000 euros gross per year ($23,400 to $37,200 USD), which translates to net monthly pay of roughly 1,400 to 2,100 euros.
Senior and specialized expat roles in Tuscany, including international school leadership, engineering positions, and senior hospitality management, can command 45,000 to 70,000 euros gross annually ($47,900 to $74,500 USD), with some executive or highly specialized positions exceeding this range.
Employers in Tuscany do not commonly sponsor work visas compared to major business hubs like Milan, but sponsorship is more available through international institutions such as schools, universities, and companies with established immigration processes.
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What's daily life really like for expats in Tuscany right now?
What do expats love most about living in Tuscany right now?
Expats living in Tuscany consistently praise the walkable historic centers, the extraordinary food and wine culture that feels authentic rather than performative, and the easy access to beaches, mountains, and other Italian cities within a few hours.
The lifestyle benefit most frequently praised is the slower pace of life that encourages long lunches, evening passeggiata walks, and genuine human connection, which many expats describe as transformative after leaving high-pressure urban environments.
The practical advantage expats appreciate most in Tuscany is the high quality of public healthcare relative to cost, combined with reliable public transportation in and between cities and reasonable grocery prices for excellent local produce.
The social and cultural aspect that makes Tuscany particularly enjoyable is the strong sense of neighborhood community, with local festivals, weekly markets, and bar rituals that allow expats to integrate into Italian daily life rather than remaining outsiders.
What do expats dislike most about life in Tuscany right now?
The top complaints expats have about living in Tuscany are the slow and frustrating bureaucracy for permits and registrations, the difficulty of finding long-term rental housing in Florence and popular areas, and the over-tourism pressure that makes certain neighborhoods feel crowded and expensive.
The daily inconvenience that frustrates expats most in Tuscany is the appointment-based culture for even basic administrative tasks, where nothing happens without scheduling in advance and spontaneous problem-solving is nearly impossible.
The bureaucratic issue causing the most headaches is the permesso di soggiorno process, which involves long waits at the Questura, repeated requests for documents, and timelines that can stretch to six months or more, leaving expats in legal limbo.
These frustrations are generally manageable rather than deal-breakers for most expats, who accept them as the price of living in a beautiful and culturally rich region, especially once the initial paperwork phase is complete.
What are the biggest culture shocks in Tuscany right now?
The biggest culture shocks expats experience when moving to Tuscany are the strict adherence to meal times with restaurants closed between lunch and dinner, the appointment-only approach to nearly all services, and the significant seasonal shift in energy between tourist-packed summers and quiet winters.
The social norm that surprises newcomers most in Tuscany is the importance of regular, predictable presence, where shopkeepers, baristas, and neighbors warm up only after seeing you repeatedly in the same places at the same times, making relationship-building a slow process.
The aspect of daily routines that takes longest for expats to adjust to is the sacred lunch break, typically from 1pm to 3:30pm or later, during which most shops close, business stops, and any errand you forgot becomes impossible until late afternoon.
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.
Can I buy a home as a foreigner in Tuscany in 2026?
Can foreigners legally own property in Tuscany in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreigners can legally own property in Tuscany with essentially no restrictions for EU citizens, and non-EU citizens can also purchase property as long as their country has a treaty of reciprocity with Italy, which includes the United States, Canada, Australia, and most major nations.
The main condition that applies to non-EU foreigners buying property in Tuscany is the reciprocity rule, which means Italians must be able to buy property in your home country for you to have the same right in Italy, and a notary will verify this as part of the purchase process.
Foreigners in Tuscany can own all types of property including apartments, houses, villas, farmhouses, and land, with no restrictions on property categories, though some historic or agricultural properties may have specific renovation or usage requirements under local planning rules.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the whole property buying process for foreigners in Tuscany.
What is the average price per m² in Tuscany in 2026?
As of early 2026, the average price per square meter for residential property in Tuscany is approximately 2,600 euros ($2,760 USD or about $256 per square foot), though prices vary dramatically from around 1,500 euros per sqm in Arezzo province to over 4,500 euros in Florence city center.
Property prices in Tuscany have trended upward over the past two to three years, rising approximately 4 percent nominally since early 2024, driven by strong demand from international buyers, second-home seekers, and limited housing supply in desirable historic centers.
Also, you'll find our latest property market analysis about Tuscany here.
Do banks give mortgages to foreigners in Tuscany in 2026?
As of early 2026, mortgages for foreigners in Tuscany are available but limited, with most Italian banks willing to lend to non-residents who meet strict documentation and down payment requirements, though the process is slower and more demanding than for Italian residents.
Banks in Italy known to offer mortgages to foreigners include Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit, and BNL, though working with a specialized mortgage broker is often necessary because not all branches handle international applications and products vary significantly.
Typical mortgage conditions for foreigners in Tuscany include a loan-to-value ratio of 50 to 60 percent (meaning a 40 to 50 percent down payment), interest rates currently around 3.5 to 4.5 percent, and maximum loan terms of 20 to 25 years with the requirement that the loan be fully repaid before age 75.
To qualify for a mortgage in Tuscany, foreigners typically need a valid passport, an Italian tax code called the codice fiscale, proof of income for the past 2 to 3 years, bank statements, an Italian bank account, and often translated and apostilled documents if issued outside Italy.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Italy.
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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 Tuscany, 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 it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| ISTAT Labour and Wages | Italy's official statistics agency for incomes and employment data. | We used it to anchor salary expectations and labour market context for Tuscany in 2026. We then adjusted estimates using local market realities and cross-checks from regional data. |
| ISTAT HICP Inflation | The official inflation series used across Europe and nationally. | We used it to bring cost of living estimates forward into 2026. We then validated budgets against current utility and housing benchmarks. |
| Agenzia delle Entrate OMI | Italian government's official property price database by zone. | We used it to anchor purchase and rent price ranges across Tuscan municipalities. We then triangulated with market reports and typical expat property choices. |
| AGENAS | National agency behind Italy's hospital outcomes program. | We used it to validate that Tuscany hospitals perform well on measurable outcomes. We then listed specific hospitals expats commonly use in the region. |
| ARS Toscana | Tuscany's regional health research agency summarizing official PNE results. | We used it to localize national healthcare data specifically to Tuscany. We then used that evidence to answer healthcare quality questions with a regional lens. |
| Portale Immigrazione | Official Italian government portal for immigration processes. | We used it to map the real paperwork flow for residency permits. We then produced realistic timeline estimates by combining official steps with typical processing patterns. |
| Italian MFA Digital Nomad Visa | Official consular guidance on visa requirements and eligibility. | We used it to describe the legal basis and requirements for the digital nomad visa. We then compared it with other common expat visa routes in Tuscany. |
| Unioncamere Excelsior | Italy's official labour demand survey for hiring needs. | We used it to identify which industries are actively hiring in Tuscany. We then translated that into realistic job search guidance for expats. |
| ISTAT DEMO | Official population register including residents by citizenship. | We used it to ground foreign resident statistics and trends in Tuscany. We then cross-referenced with local immigration summaries for regional context. |
| Immobiliare.it | Italy's largest real estate portal with detailed price tracking. | We used it to validate current property prices per square meter across Tuscan provinces. We then combined this with official OMI data for robust estimates. |
| Consiglio Nazionale del Notariato | Official Italian notariat guidance on property transactions. | We used it to confirm foreigner property ownership rules and transaction requirements. We then integrated this with practical buying guidance for expats. |
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.
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