Lake Garda is especially popular among Germans, Austrians, and Swiss: it has a mild climate and a Mediterranean feel, yet it’s only a few hours’ drive from home. This guide shows you what life by the lake is all about, where to live, and how to find a job.
Why Lake Garda?
The lake provides a mild, almost Mediterranean climate with olive and lemon trees—unusual for northern Italy. Add to that a high quality of life, easy access via the Brenner Highway, and a large German-speaking community. If you’re looking for nature, a lake, and mountains all in one place, this is the place for you.
Three Regions on One Lake
Important to know: Lake Garda covers an area of three regions and provinces – The west bank belongs to Lombardy (province of Brescia), the east bank to Veneto (province of Verona), and the north bank to Trentino. Government agencies, municipality (Italian municipality) and, in some cases, the rules also vary depending on which side of the river you're on. For registration purposes, the municipality where you live is always what counts.
Where to Live: Cities and Rent Prices
- South Bank: Sirmione, Desenzano, Peschiera – well-connected (train, highway), lively, expensive.
- East Bank: Bardolino, Garda, Malcesine – tourist destinations, wine region.
- West Bank: Salò, Gardone – elegant, peaceful.
- North Shore: Riva del Garda, Torbole – sports-oriented (wind, climbing), part of Trentino.
Living right on the lake is expensive and housing is scarce in the summer; it’s more affordable in the surrounding area. You can read about how rental agreements work at Rent an Apartment.
Where to Go in Italy? A Comparison of Regions for Expats
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
The economy around the lake depends heavily on Tourism and Hospitality – Many jobs are seasonal (spring through fall). In addition, there are jobs in viticulture, skilled trades, and small businesses. For year-round, better-paying jobs, many people commute to Verona or Brescia; working from home and remote work are also popular. You can find out how to search in the guide Find a Job.
Cost of living
Rents and prices are high in the lakeside tourist towns; it’s more affordable to live in the countryside and during the off-season. Our overview of the Cost of living.
Everyday Life: Traffic and Climate
There is a Car This is usually convenient—the towns are far apart, and there’s a lot going on in the summer. There are train stations in Desenzano and Peschiera (on the Milan–Venice line), among other places, and ferries connect the two shores. The climate is mild. More at Public Transportation and Driving in Italy.
First Steps at Lake Garda
The usual order applies here as well: Codice Fiscale, Residenza at your municipality of residence (depending on which side of the river you live on—in Lombardy, Veneto, or Trentino), 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
First, decide which side of the river is right for you (transportation, budget, region), and determine whether your job is seasonal or year-round. Get your Codice Fiscale and—if you’re a non-EU citizen—the appropriate visa, and register with the appropriate municipality.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Lake Garda
Sources
- ISTAT – National Institute of Statistics (accessed in June 2026)
- Lombardy Region (accessed in June 2026)
