Apulia (Italian Puglia), the heel of the Italian boot, is one of the most popular regions in the south: two coastlines, white towns, the famous Trulli and very low costs. This guide shows you the best places to live, how much it costs, and how to find work.
Why Puglia?
Apulia stands out for plenty of sunshine, beaches along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, good food, and a low cost of living. The region is experiencing a boom in tourism and the economy, but it is still significantly less expensive than the north. For foreign retirees, the 7% Flat-Rate Tax attractive in smaller communities.
Where to Live: Towns and Housing
- Bari: the capital city with a major city's infrastructure (its own Bari Guide).
- Lecce: the „Florence of the South“ with its magnificent Baroque architecture, the center of the Salento.
- Valle d’Itria (Ostuni, Locorotondo, Alberobello): white towns and Trulli (typical round houses with conical roofs).
- Gargano and coastal towns: the sea and nature.
Living is inexpensive – from a city apartment to a Masseria (Estate). To learn how lease agreements work, see Rent an Apartment.
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Labor and the Economy
The economy thrives on Agriculture (olive oil, wine, vegetables), Tourism, the food industry, ports and logistics, as well as a growing IT and aerospace sector centered around Bari and Brindisi. The job market is weaker than in the north; many newcomers make a living through remote work, self-employment, or retirement. You can find out how to search in the guide Find a Job.
Cost of living
Apulia is inexpensive – for rent, real estate, and everyday life. Combined with the 7% retirement tax, this makes the region attractive to retirees. The overview of the Cost of living.
Everyday Life: Climate and Transportation
The climate is mediterranean: plenty of sunshine, hot, dry summers, mild winters, and often windy. A In the countryside, a car is practically a necessity; Airports in Bari and Brindisi, as well as rail lines, connect the region. Learn more at Driving in Italy.
First Steps in Apulia
The usual order applies: Codice Fiscale, Residenza at your municipality of residence, registration with the health department, and a bank account. You can find the complete process in the Moving Checklist.
What You Need to Do Next
Choose between city (Bari, Lecce) and countryside/coast, determine your income, and—if you’re retired—check the 7% tax in a smaller municipality. Get your Codice Fiscale and—if you’re a non-EU citizen—the appropriate visa, and work through the steps one by one.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Apulia
Sources
- Puglia Region (accessed in June 2026)
- ISTAT – National Institute of Statistics (accessed in June 2026)
