Calabria (Italian Calabria) is the tip of the Italian boot: long beaches on two seas, rugged mountain ranges, plenty of sunshine, and the lowest cost of living in the country. Authentic, unspoiled—and with a weak economy. This guide shows you the best places to live and what to look out for.
Why Calabria?
Calabria offers Sunshine almost all year round, stunning coastlines, and very low costs: the turquoise-blue Tyrrhenian Sea (Tropea, Capo Vaticano), the Ionian Sea, and mountainous regions such as Sila, Pollino, and Aspromonte. For foreign retirees, the 7% Flat-Rate Tax particularly attractive in smaller communities. The downside: a weak job market, more red tape, and, in some cases, limited infrastructure.
Where to Live: Towns and the Countryside
- Catanzaro: the capital, nestled between the mountains and the Ionian Sea.
- Reggio Calabria: the largest city on the Strait of Messina, across from Sicily.
- Cosenza: a vibrant college town in the north.
- Tropea, Capo Vaticano, Scalea: popular coastal towns on the Tyrrhenian Riviera.
Housing is one of the cheapest in Italy. To learn how lease agreements work, go to 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
Strong are Agriculture (citrus fruits, bergamot, wine, red onions from Tropea), Tourism and the major container port Gioia Tauro as well as the administration. The labor market is weak and strongly informal; most newcomers make a living through remote work, self-employment, or retirement. You can find out how to search in the guide Find a Job; for those who aren't tied to a specific location, it's worth Remote Worker Guide.
Cost of living
Calabria is one of the most affordable regions in Italy. Combined with the 7% retirement tax, it is very attractive for retirees. The overview of the Cost of living.
Everyday Life: Climate and Transportation
A A car is practically a must, since train and bus service is sparse outside the coastal corridor; airports in Lamezia Terme, Reggio Calabria, and Crotone provide connections to the mainland. The climate is mediterranean with long, hot summers and mild winters. Learn more at Driving in Italy.
First Steps in Calabria
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
Determine your income (remote work, self-employment, or pension), plan to buy a car, 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 Calabria
Sources
- Calabria Region (accessed in June 2026)
- ISTAT – National Institute of Statistics (accessed in June 2026)
