Moving to and living in Venezia
A unique city on the water, but living on the island itself is expensive and "museum-like". By the community it makes more sense to settle in Mestre on the mainland: noticeably cheaper, frequent trains (about 20 minutes) and a handy hub for Padova, Verona and all of Veneto. It suits students and those ready for the tourist crush.
Updated: - permesso.love editorial team
In brief: city and relocation
- Region: Veneto
- Cost level: high cost
- Single-person budget, rough: 1105-2122 euro/mo
- Questura: permesso speed: usually slow (per community)
Housing and rent
On the island rent is expensive and scarce, and the questura often asks non-students for a two-year contract. By the community housing in Mestre is noticeably more affordable; it is best to live near the station for transport. Factor in the seasonal acqua alta. Check current prices yourself.
Russian-speaking community
There is a Russian-speaking presence - cultural and creative meetups, literary evenings - but the island itself is very transient because of the tourists and students. In Mestre the atmosphere is more everyday and local.
Jobs
On the island work is mostly seasonal and tourism-based (hotels, guides, food service). In Mestre and on the mainland employment is steadier, plus it is convenient to commute to the neighbouring Veneto cities.
Living budget: Venezia
- Single person, one-bed
- 1105-2122 euro/mo
- Family with kids, two-bed
- 2020-3384 euro/mo
Rough ranges: the community has few concrete rent figures here, so this is a price-tier estimate plus ARERA and ISTAT reference values. Check current numbers.
Build your own budget line by linePros
- An incomparable lagoon and world-class cultural heritage
- Mestre is a practical, cheaper base with a transport hub
- Easy to travel to Padova, Verona and across Veneto
- Beaches nearby (Bibione, Caorle) and the Dolomites 1.5-2 hours away
Cons
- On the island it is very expensive, crammed with tourists, a "museum" feel
- A housing shortage and the questura's demand for a two-year contract
- Seasonal acqua alta (flooding) and a damp, windy climate
- Mestre is more practical but lacks Venetian charm
Community voices
After a couple of days on the island we moved to Mestre - close, but a totally different, far more livable atmosphere. If you settle in Mestre, do it right by the station: the trains run often and late.
Living on Venice itself is living in a museum. Beautiful if you love water, but expensive and impractical; there are so many tourists that you get worn out.
Quotes are paraphrased and anonymized; subjective experience, not statistics.
FAQ
How much does living in Venice cost?
On the island itself it is expensive and housing is scarce, and the questura often asks non-students for a two-year contract. By the community it is wiser to settle in Mestre on the mainland - noticeably cheaper, about 20 minutes from the island by train. Check current prices.
Is there a Russian-speaking community in Venice?
There is a presence - cultural and creative meetups, literary evenings - but the island itself is very transient because of tourists and students. In Mestre the atmosphere is more everyday and local.
Is Venice worth moving to?
By community experience living "in a museum" on the island is expensive and impractical - it suits students and those ready for the tourist crush and the acqua alta. The practical scenario is Mestre by the station: a transport hub for Padova, Verona and all of Veneto.
Documents and timing
Other cities in Veneto
These are subjective community observations across different years, not a ranking or a promotion. Verify prices and conditions on the ground.
All cities for relocation