Sicily (Italian Sicilia) is the largest island in the Mediterranean and a dream destination: volcanoes and beaches, ancient temples, sumptuous food, and very low costs. On the other hand, the job market is weak. This guide shows you the best places to live and what to look out for.
Why Sicily?
Sicily offers Sun almost all year round, the ocean, culture, and a very affordable cost of living. The island offers a wide variety of attractions—from Mount Etna to Baroque towns to small islets. For foreign retirees, the 7% Flat-Rate Tax This is particularly interesting in smaller communities. The downside: a weak job market, a lot of red tape, and, in some cases, limited infrastructure outside of urban centers.
Where to Live: Towns and Housing
- Palermo: the diverse capital (its own Palermo Guide).
- Catania: A lively port city near Mount Etna, with good transportation links.
- Syracuse, Ragusa, Noto: Baroque Beauties in the Southeast (Val di Noto).
- Taormina and Coastal Towns: more touristy and upscale.
Living is very affordable, and in rural areas, it can be very affordable. You can read about how rental agreements work at Rent an Apartment.
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Labor and the Economy
Strong are Agriculture (wine, citrus fruits, olive oil), Tourism, food, ports, and—in the Catania area—a tech and semiconductor industry („Etna Valley“). Overall, however, the job market is weak and 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.
Cost of living
Sicily is one of the the most affordable regions in Italy. Combined with the 7% retirement tax, the island is very attractive to retirees. The overview of the Cost of living.
Everyday Life: Climate and Transportation
The climate is Mediterranean to subtropical: long, hot summers and mild winters. A A car is almost indispensable, since train and bus service is infrequent outside the cities; airports in Palermo and Catania provide connections to the mainland and abroad, with ferries supplementing these services. More at Driving in Italy.
First Steps in Sicily
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 for 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 Sicily
Sources
- Sicilian Region (accessed in June 2026)
- ISTAT – National Institute of Statistics (accessed in June 2026)
