Digital Nomad Life in Turin, Italy
Summary: Turin, Italy is a popular destination for digital nomads due to its low cost of living, vibrant culture, and excellent infrastructure. The city is home to a population of approximately 890,000 people, making it the fourth largest city in Italy. The monthly cost of living for a digital nomad in Turin is estimated to be around $1,500 USD, including rent, food, and entertainment. The cost of renting a centrally located, one-bedroom apartment with high-speed internet access in Turin is approximately $800 USD per month. The best neighborhood to live in Turin is the Centro Storico, which is the city's historic center. This area is known for its beautiful architecture, lively atmosphere, and convenient access to public transportation. The weather in Turin, Italy is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit (2-24 Celsius) throughout the year.
How do I meet people in Turin?
When we asked people living in Turin about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats in Turin can join a variety of clubs and activities, such as language exchange groups, sports teams, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, visiting museums and galleries, or joining a local church or synagogue. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups dedicated to expats living in Turin. This can be a great way to connect with other expats and learn more about the city," explained one expat living in Turin, Italy.
What is life like in Turin?
When we asked people living in Turin what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Turin is an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads due to its vibrant culture, excellent cuisine, and affordable cost of living. The city is home to a diverse population of locals and expats, making it easy to find a community of like-minded people. The city is also well-connected, with excellent public transportation and easy access to the rest of Europe. Expats and digital nomads in Turin can enjoy a variety of activities, from exploring the city's many museums and galleries to taking part in the city's lively nightlife. The city also offers a range of outdoor activities, from skiing in the nearby Alps to hiking in the nearby hills. With its rich culture, excellent food, and affordable cost of living, Turin is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads," said one person in Turin.
Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
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Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
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Where should I live in Turin?
We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Turin is to search online for rental listings. There are many websites that offer listings for apartments, houses, and other types of accommodation in the city. Additionally, you can also search for rental listings in local newspapers and magazines. Additionally, you can also contact local real estate agents who can help you find a suitable place to live in Turin. Finally, you can also ask friends and family who live in the city for recommendations," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Turin.
"We used a Relocation Agent I asked the company to hire. We looked at 15-16 apartments, most of which were terrible. Landlords rent the 4-walls and not much else. Painting, repairs, lighting and installing a kitchen is up to the tenant (Ikea is the most economical for kitchens). We have only 1 car, so it was important to be on/near a public transportation line (excellent, by the way) and close in to the city," explained one person living in Torino, Italy.
What do I need to know before moving to Turin?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Turin, they said:
"Before retiring in Turin, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, Italian. It is also important to research the cost of living in the city, as well as the availability of healthcare and other services. Additionally, expats should consider the climate in Turin, as it can be quite cold in the winter months. Finally, expats should research the local culture and customs to ensure a smooth transition into their new home," said one expat in Turin.
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Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Turin?
"Expats in Turin appreciate the city's rich cultural heritage, which includes a variety of art galleries, museums, and historical sites. They also enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife, with its many bars, clubs, and restaurants. Additionally, expats appreciate the city's friendly locals, who are always willing to help out newcomers. Turin is also known for its excellent cuisine, with its many traditional dishes and local specialties. Finally, expats appreciate the city's beautiful architecture, which includes a mix of old and new buildings," explained one person living in Turin, Italy.
"Cheap wine, Fresh food , Rich history, learning a new language and watching my kids learn it," said one expat in Torino.
Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
What do people find most challenging about the culture in Turin?
"The claustrophobia of living so close to others, the small living accommodations, and tight spaces. Even the parks are small. And are only built to fit preschool sized children. Hard to find places for older kids to play outside. I think elementary school children must stay locked in their apartments when they aren't at school. The crime: all the door locking, alarms, bars on the windows of peoples bedroom even in the suburbs," said one expat in Torino.
"Expats in Turin often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. The language barrier can be a challenge, as Italian is the primary language spoken in the city. Additionally, the pace of life in Turin is much slower than in many other cities, and expats may find it difficult to adjust to the slower pace. The local cuisine can also be a challenge for expats, as it is quite different from what they may be used to. Finally, the local customs and etiquette can be difficult to understand, and expats may find it difficult to fit in with the locals," remarked one member in Turin.
What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Turin for a while?
"If you plan to stay in Turin for a while, you will need to apply for a residence permit. Depending on the length of your stay, you may need to apply for a long-term visa. You will also need to provide proof of sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your stay. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of health insurance coverage," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Turin.
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Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Turin?
We asked people in Turin if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:
"I do it all the time....most due to mispronunciations or verb tenses. I wore shorts and a t-shirt out in my "garden" (think no grass, just bricks) due to what I'd call heat. I swear I have permanent heat stroke here. My landlord comes out of his apartment in long pants and a coat. I'm from the northern US. I got the funniest look from him. He can't understand why we haven't turned on the heat yet," said one person in Torino.
"It is important to be aware of the cultural norms in Turin, to avoid making any cultural faux pas. For example, it is considered rude to be late for social engagements, so it is important to arrive on time. Additionally, it is important to dress appropriately for the occasion, as dressing too casually or too formally can be seen as disrespectful. It is also important to be aware of the local customs when it comes to dining etiquette, such as not speaking with your mouth full or not eating with your hands. Finally, it is important to be respectful of the local culture and to avoid making any negative comments about the country or its people," said one expat who made the move to Turin.
Connect
Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
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What are healthcare services like in Turin?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Turin, they replied:
"Turin offers a wide range of healthcare services to its citizens. The city is home to a number of public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide a variety of medical services, including general and specialized care. The city also has a number of specialized centers for the treatment of specific conditions, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health. Additionally, Turin has a number of pharmacies and health stores that provide a range of products and services related to health and wellness. The city also has a number of health centers that offer preventive care, such as vaccinations and health screenings. Finally, Turin has a number of specialized centers for the elderly, providing services such as home care and rehabilitation," explained one digital nomad living in Turin, Italy.
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Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
What are the pros and cons of living in Turin?
"Expats and digital nomads living in Turin appreciate the city's rich cultural heritage, its vibrant nightlife, and its excellent food. They also enjoy the city's proximity to the Alps, which makes it a great destination for outdoor activities such as skiing and hiking. Additionally, Turin is known for its affordable cost of living, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. On the downside, some expats and digital nomads find the city to be a bit too quiet and lacking in diversity. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who don't speak Italian," explained one expat living in Turin, Italy.
Connect
Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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