Florence (Italian Firenze) is the cradle of the Renaissance and one of the most popular destinations for German-speaking expats in Italy: compact, full of art, and a great place to live—but expensive due to tourism. This guide will help you decide whether the capital of the Tuscany what suits you, where you live, and how you find work.
Why Florence?
Florence offers world-class—Art and Culture, a walkable historic center, and a high quality of life in a compact area. The city has an international flair (with many U.S. programs and language schools) and is well-connected—the express train takes you to Rome in about 1.5 hours or to Bologna in just over half an hour. The downside: heavy tourism and correspondingly high rents.
Where to Live: Neighborhoods and Rents
- Centro Storico: the historic center—beautiful, but expensive and touristy.
- Oltrarno (Santo Spirito, San Frediano): authentic, artisanal, and trendy, south of the Arno.
- Campo di Marte, Le Cure, Rifredi: cozy and a little more affordable.
- Fiesole and the hills: quiet and upscale, with a view of the city.
Short-term rentals are driving up rents; expect high prices per square meter in the city center. To learn how lease agreements work, see Rent an Apartment.
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Labor and the Economy
The economy thrives on Tourism and Hospitality, Art and Restoration, Fashion and Leather (Florence is home to major fashion houses) as well as traditional Craft. In addition, there are the university and English-language educational programs. You can find out how to search in the guide Find a Job; qualified newcomers should Tax Regime for Impatriates Check.
Cost of living
Florence is one of the more expensive cities in Italy—mainly because of rent. It’s more affordable to live outside the city center and in the surrounding areas. The overview of the Cost of living.
Everyday Life: Traffic and Climate
The city is compact and easy to explore on foot or by bike; tram lines (tramvia) complement the bus service. Please note: Florence has a large, strictly monitored ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato, restricted-traffic zone) – do not drive into the area without prior authorization. The climate in the valley basin is hot and humid in the summer, mild in winter. More at Driving in Italy and Public Transportation.
Getting Started in Florence
The usual order applies: Codice Fiscale, Residenza at the Comune di Firenze, 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 (that’s where the bottleneck is) and be realistic about the high rent. Figure out your job and budget, get your Codice Fiscale, and—if you’re a non-EU citizen—the appropriate visa, and work through the administrative steps one by one.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Florence
Sources
- City of Florence (accessed in June 2026)
- ISTAT – National Institute of Statistics (accessed in June 2026)
