Digital Nomad Life in Modena, Italy
Summary: Modena, Italy is a popular destination for digital nomads due to its vibrant culture, excellent food, and affordable cost of living. The city is located in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy and has a population of approximately 180,000 people. The monthly cost of living for a digital nomad in Modena is estimated to be around $1,500 USD, including rent, food, and other expenses. The cost of renting a centrally located, one-bedroom apartment with high-speed internet access in Modena is approximately $800 USD per month. The best neighborhood to live in Modena is the historic city center, which is home to many of the city's most popular attractions, including the Duomo di Modena and the Ghirlandina Tower. The city center is also well-connected to the rest of the city by public transportation. The weather in Modena, Italy is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit (1-24 Celsius) throughout the year.
How do I meet people in Modena?
When we asked people living in Modena about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats living in Modena can join a variety of clubs and activities, such as language exchange groups, book clubs, and sports teams. Expats can also meet people by attending local events, such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups dedicated to expats living in Modena. This can be a great way to connect with other expats and learn more about the local culture," said one person in Modena.
What is life like in Modena?
When we asked people living in Modena what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Modena is a great place for expats and digital nomads to live. The city is full of culture, history, and art, and the locals are friendly and welcoming. The cost of living is relatively low, and there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars to explore. The city is well-connected to the rest of Italy and Europe, making it easy to travel to other cities and countries. The climate is mild and sunny, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Modena is a great place to live for those looking for a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of opportunities to explore," said one person in Modena.
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 Modena?
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 Modena is to search online for rental listings. Websites such as Immobiliare.it, Casa.it, and Idealista.it are great resources for finding apartments, houses, and other types of rental properties in Modena. Additionally, you can also search for rental listings on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Additionally, you can also contact local real estate agents who specialize in rental properties in Modena. They can provide you with more information about the rental market in the area and help you find the perfect place to live," said one expat in Modena.
What do I need to know before moving to Modena?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Modena, they said:
"Before retiring in Modena, expats should be aware that the cost of living is relatively high compared to other parts of the country. Additionally, the climate is generally mild, with hot summers and cold winters. Expats should also be aware that the city is quite small, so it may be difficult to find a wide variety of activities and entertainment. Furthermore, the city is quite traditional and conservative, so expats should be prepared to respect local customs and traditions. Finally, expats should be aware that the language barrier may be an issue, as Italian is the primary language spoken in Modena," explained one expat living in Modena, 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.
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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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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Modena?
"Expats in Modena appreciate the city's rich cultural heritage, which is evident in its many historical monuments, churches, and museums. They also enjoy the city's vibrant food culture, with its renowned balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and traditional dishes like tortellini and tagliatelle. Additionally, expats appreciate the friendly and welcoming nature of the locals, who are always willing to help out newcomers. Finally, Modena's proximity to other cities in the region, such as Bologna and Florence, makes it an ideal base for exploring the rest of Italy," said one expat in Modena.
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 Modena?
"Expats in Modena 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 Modena. Additionally, the pace of life in Modena is much slower than in many other places, and expats may find it difficult to adjust to the slower pace. Furthermore, the local culture is quite traditional and conservative, and expats may find it difficult to fit in with the locals. Finally, the local cuisine is quite different from what many expats are used to, and it can take some time to get used to the flavors and ingredients," said one person in Modena.
What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Modena for a while?
"If you plan to stay in Modena 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," said one person in Modena.
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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Modena?
We asked people in Modena if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:
"It is important to be mindful of local customs and etiquette when visiting Modena. It is considered impolite to be late for appointments or social engagements. It is also important to dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing clothing. Additionally, it is important to be respectful of religious sites and to avoid taking photographs without permission. It is also important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking loudly in public. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local cuisine and to avoid eating with your hands," said one expat who made the move to Modena.
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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 are healthcare services like in Modena?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Modena, they replied:
"Modena offers a wide range of healthcare services to its citizens. The city is home to a number of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide a variety of medical services, including general and specialized care. Modena also has a number of pharmacies, which provide prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. Additionally, the city has a number of specialized medical centers that provide services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Furthermore, Modena has a number of specialized medical centers that provide services such as cardiology, neurology, and oncology. Finally, the city also has a number of mental health services, including counseling and psychotherapy," explained one person living in Modena, 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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What are the pros and cons of living in Modena?
"Expats and digital nomads living in Modena appreciate the city's rich cultural heritage, its vibrant food scene, and its close proximity to other major cities in the region. They also enjoy the city's relaxed atmosphere and the friendly locals. On the downside, some expats and digital nomads find the cost of living in Modena to be quite high, and the city can be quite crowded during peak tourist season. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who don't speak Italian," explained one expat living in Modena, 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.
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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