The city of Venice stretches across 118 small islands and is divided into boroughs—the most famous of these areas include Cannaregio, Castello, Dorsoduro, San Polo, Santa Croce and San Marco. San Marco, by far the most famous borough, is home to sites such as St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.
However, with all of these different areas to choose from, it can sometimes be difficult to decide which neighborhood might be the best for renting in Venice, Italy. Typically, this decision comes down to what you are able (or willing) to pay. A one-bedroom apartment in the City Centre costs an average of $713 per month, while a three-bedroom rental is going to be an average of $1,426.70 per month. If these prices look a little steep for your budget, there is also the option of renting a less expensive place outside of the City Centre. Here, a one-bedroom costs an average of $535 per month.
Since Venice is an ancient city, there are a few additional things to keep an eye out for when considering an apartment for rent. Most people suggest avoiding living on the ground floor of a building because the fall and winter seasons often bring high water into the canals, and can cause flooding to an apartment on the first floor. Before signing a lease, it’s also important to thoroughly check and see if the gas, heat and electricity are all in working order within the building. Older buildings in Venice can sometimes have inadequate wiring, so this is something that should be confirmed in advance of signing a binding agreement.
Transportation is another interesting aspect of living that should be considered—especially within a city that is completely immersed in water! Thankfully, walking is not such a bad idea when you’re crossing beautiful streets and bridges. However, if walking seems too much of a chore, there is always the option of a water bus or water taxi. And of course, if you have friends or family in town (or if you simply want to spoil yourself with a real treat), you can always take one of those legendary gondola rides that weave through the tiny canals of the city.
Remember, rent won’t be the only thing you’ll be paying for. There are other expenses to think about when considering moving to a foreign country. There is dining out, groceries, transportation, clothing, transportation, personal care and other expenses to keep in mind. A pair of Levi jeans is roughly $100; For lunch in the business district, expect to pay about $20. Since it is Italy, you can expect to get a good bottle of table wine for pretty cheap – about $8. However, a dozen eggs is a bit more pricey than in the states, at about $4 a dozen. Dinner for two at a nice Italian restaurant, despite it being local fare, will run you about $80. Here’s a good rule of thumb: If you keep your rent budget at about ⅓ of your income, and ½ of your income for transportation, recreation, entertainment, utilities, groceries and apparel, you should be able to live in Venice, Italy quite comfortably.
All-in-all, the cost of living is very similar to that in the United States. However, it’s important to understand what to expect before making a huge move out of the country.
Finding that perfect apartment can sometimes seem like a daunting task. However, when you’re searching in Venice, it can be considered part of the exciting adventure!
Photo by Sarah Ferrante Goodrich on Unsplash
