Catania is Sicily’s second-largest city: lively, youthful, and baroque—nestled at the foot of Mount Etna and on the Ionian Sea. It’s considered the island’s most economically dynamic city and is affordable. This guide will help you figure out if the city is right for you, where to live, and how to find work.
Why Catania?
Catania offers Mediterranean lifestyle, sunshine, and low costs – combined with an economic dynamism that’s unusual for the south. This Baroque city, built of black lava stone, is bustling and home to a large university, a port, and a major airport. Mount Etna and beautiful coastlines are right on its doorstep. Our overview of the Sights in Catania.
Where to Live: Neighborhoods and Rents
- Centro Storico (around Via Etnea): lively and central.
- Borgo-Sanzio, Picanello: middle-class and cozy.
- Ognina, Picanello Coast: by the sea.
- Surrounding Area (Aci-Orte, Gravina): more affordable by car or train.
Rents are low compared to the north. You can read about how lease agreements work at Rent an Apartment.
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North, Central, or South? A comparison of climate, costs, jobs, and the expat community—here’s how to find the right region to move to in Italy.
Labor and the Economy
Catania is the center of Sicily's „Etna Valley“ – the tech and semiconductor industries (including microelectronics). In addition, there are Ports and Logistics, Tourism, retail, food, and the university. The job market is better than in many parts of the South, but overall it's manageable; many also make a living through remote work or self-employment. You can find out how to search in the guide Find a Job. More about the island in the Sicily Guide.
Cost of living
Catania is inexpensive – for rent, markets, and everyday life. For retirees, the 7% flat-rate tax may also be of interest in smaller surrounding communities. The overview of the Cost of living.
Everyday Life: Traffic and Climate
The city center is within easy walking distance; there is a small metro system, buses, and the suburban railway. Circumetnea around Mount Etna. Catania Airport is one of the largest in southern Italy. The climate is mediterranean with long, hot summers and mild winters. Learn more at Public Transportation.
First Steps in Catania
The usual order applies: Codice Fiscale, Residenza at the Comune di Catania, 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
Determine your income (tech industry, remote work, or self-employment), choose a region based on your budget and lifestyle, and be patient with the red tape. 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 Catania
Sources
- Municipality of Catania (accessed in June 2026)
- ISTAT – National Institute of Statistics (accessed in June 2026)
