Yes, it's significantly cheaper than the north—when it comes to rent, groceries, and everyday expenses.

Atmospheric in Bari Vecchia, elegant in Murat, more affordable in Madonnella or Libertà, middle-class in Poggiofranco.

Bari Airport connects the city to German-speaking countries; the port connects it to Greece and Albania.

Not necessarily in the city; but a car is handy for exploring the surrounding area and the beaches of Apulia.

Yes, it's significantly cheaper than the north—when it comes to rent, groceries, and everyday expenses.

Atmospheric in Bari Vecchia, elegant in Murat, more affordable in Madonnella or Libertà, middle-class in Poggiofranco.

Bari Airport connects the city to German-speaking countries; the port connects it to Greece and Albania.

Not necessarily in the city; but a car is handy for exploring the surrounding area and the beaches of Apulia.

Moving to Bari: Housing, Work, and Daily Life

Q: What is the job market like?

Weaker than in the north, but better than in many other parts of the south. Many people work remotely or are self-employed.

Q: Are there any tax benefits for retirees?

In smaller municipalities in Apulia, the 7% flat-rate tax may be of interest to foreign retirees.

Q: What's the climate like?

Mediterranean: hot, dry summers and mild winters.

Q: Will I be able to get by with English?

In the tourism industry, to some extent, yes. For everyday life and dealing with government agencies, Italian is important.

Q: What are the first steps to take with the authorities?

Tax ID, registration with the municipality, enrollment in the National Health Service, and a bank account.

Table of contents

Bari is the vibrant capital Apulia (Italian Puglia): A port city on the Adriatic Sea, the gateway to Greece and the Balkans, with a charming old town and a low cost of living. This guide will help you figure out if the south is right for you, where to live, and how to find work.

Why Bari?

Bari Connects Mediterranean lifestyle, the sea, and a low cost of living with the infrastructure of a true metropolis (port, airport, university). Apulia is a region on the rise—both in terms of tourism and the economy. The job market is weaker than in the north, but better than in many other parts of the south. If you’re looking for sun, beaches, and an affordable lifestyle, this is the place for you.

Where to Live: Neighborhoods and Rents

Bari Vecchia: the picturesque Old Town—charming, but crowded.
Murat: the elegant, grid-patterned downtown area with shops.
Madonnella, Liberty: closer to downtown and more affordable.
Poggiofranco, San Pasquale: middle-class and cozy.

Rents are significantly lower than in the north. To learn how lease agreements work, go to Rent an Apartment.

Tourist traps or la dolce vita in Rome, Italy (© shutterstock.com)

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Labor and the Economy

Bari is the Apulia's Economic and Commercial Hub: Ports and logistics, trade, food and agriculture, tourism, a growing IT sector, and the university. The job market is weaker than in the north; many newcomers work remotely or are self-employed. 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

Bari is inexpensive – for rent, groceries, and everyday expenses. For retirees, the 7% flat-rate tax may also be of interest in smaller municipalities in Apulia. The overview of the Cost of living.

Everyday Life: Traffic and Climate

The center is within easy walking distance; buses and regional trains provide access to the city and the surrounding area (including the Ferrovie del Sud Est into the hinterland). The Bari Airport connects the German-speaking world with the port, which links to Greece and Albania. The climate is mediterranean: hot, dry summers and mild winters. Learn more at Public Transportation.

First Steps in Bari

The usual order applies: Codice Fiscale, Residenza at the Comune di Bari, 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 (often from remote work or self-employment), choose a region based on your budget and daily life, and be patient with the bureaucracy. Get your Codice Fiscale and—if you’re a non-EU citizen—the appropriate visa, and work through the steps one by one.