Lively in the Centro Storico, more affordable in Bolognina, middle-class in Saragozza or Murri, and even more affordable in the well-connected surrounding areas.

In the city, this is usually not the case—the arcades make it possible to get around on foot, with buses and trains providing additional options.

Lively in the Centro Storico, more affordable in Bolognina, middle-class in Saragozza or Murri, and even more affordable in the well-connected surrounding areas.

In the city, this is usually not the case—the arcades make it possible to get around on foot, with buses and trains providing additional options.

Moving to Bologna: Housing, Work, and Daily Life

Q: Is Bologna expensive?

In the upper mid-range—more expensive than the south, but cheaper than Milan. Rents are high due to the large number of students.

Q: Which industries are performing well?

The machinery and automotive industries (Motor Valley), the food industry, the trade show and publishing sectors, IT, and the university.

Q: How central is Bologna?

Very central: Bologna Centrale is a major transportation hub; Florence is about 35 minutes away.

Q: What's the climate like?

Continental: hot, humid summers and cold, foggy winters.

Q: Is the housing market tight?

Yes, the large number of students makes him feel stressed. It's worth starting your search early.

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

At the university and in international companies, that's often the case. For everyday life and dealing with government agencies, Italian comes in handy.

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

Bologna is Italy's city of students and fine living: home to Europe's oldest university, famous for its cuisine and arcades, and—thanks to its central location—a perfect transportation hub. This guide will show you whether the capital of the Emilia-Romagna what suits you, where you live, and how you find work.

Why Bologna?

Bologna is considered A great place to live, cosmopolitan, and well-organized: a youthful university atmosphere, excellent cuisine, and a high quality of life. The central location makes the city a rail hub—Florence, Milan, and Venice are all within easy reach. The job market is strong, and rents are in the upper mid-range (students are driving demand).

Where to Live: Neighborhoods and Rents

Centro Storico: the famous arcades (portici), lively, but expensive and student-oriented.
Bolognina, San Donato: up-and-coming and a bit more affordable.
Saragozza, Murri, Colli: middle-class, quiet, toward the hills.
Surrounding Area (well-connected by train): more affordable for commuting.

Because there are so many students, the housing market is tight—so start looking early. You can read about how to do that at Rent an Apartment.

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

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Labor and the Economy

Emilia-Romagna is one of the regions with the strongest economies Italy. Strong in and around Bologna: Machinery and Automotive Industries („Motor Valley“), food, trade shows and conferences, publishing, IT, and the university. This means a a strong labor market with many skilled-worker positions. You can find out how to search in the guide Find a Job.

Cost of living

Bologna is in the price range of upper middle range – More expensive than the south, but cheaper than Milan. Rents, in particular, are high because of the students. The overview of the Cost of living.

Everyday Life: Traffic and Climate

Thanks to its covered arcades, the Old Town is ideal for exploring on foot; buses serve the city, and the Bologna Centrale Station is one of Italy's most important transportation hubs (Florence is about 35 minutes away). The climate is continental: hot, humid summers and cold, foggy winters. More at Public Transportation.

First Steps in Bologna

The usual order applies: Codice Fiscale, Residenza at the Comune di Bologna, 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

Start looking for an apartment early (the student housing market is tight) and take advantage of the central location for work and getting around. Get your Codice Fiscale and—if you’re a non-EU citizen—the appropriate visa, and go through the administrative steps one by one.