Italy’s blend of rich cultural heritage and varied cost of living makes it an appealing destination for retirees. Travel + Leisure conducted extensive research, including interviews with local residents and frequent travelers, and engaged with online communities such as the Retired Expats in Italy Facebook group, where members share invaluable insights on topics like taxes, housing, and healthcare.

In 2023, Expatica reported that approximately five million foreigners, making up about 8.8 percent of the population, were living in Italy. EU citizens can retire in Italy without a visa and access the public healthcare system, while non-EU citizens require a residence visa and proof of stable income for stays exceeding 90 days.