Moving to Lombardia
Italy's richest and most business-driven region and, by the community, the number one area for Russian speakers - there are more here than anywhere else. A high standard of living and salaries come bundled with the country's most expensive rent. It suits professionals and remote workers with income; in Milano itself it is hard on budgets and big families, but cheaper options sit nearby (Bergamo, the province).
Updated: - permesso.love editorial team
In brief: about the region
- Part of Italy: Northern Italy
- Regional capital: Milano
- Cities in our catalog: 3
- Cost of living: very high cost
Cities in the region
Economy and jobs
The country's financial and business hub with the stock exchange in Milano - Italy's best market for IT, design, marketing and remote work, with international companies that use English in the office. By the community local salaries often lag the cost of living (people compare Milano to Munich, not in its favour), and without Italian many positions are closed. The auto industry and logistics are strong too. Check current information yourself.
Russian-speaking community
The main hub of the Russian-speaking community: active chats, networking, Russian-speaking accountants, lawyers and doctors (often at a markup). In Milano itself the vibe is businesslike and "transactional", not quite enough for everyday friendships for many; in Bergamo and other towns of the province the community is described as warmer, "living rather than surviving".
Healthcare
By the community access to care here is among the best in the country: in big cities it is easier to find doctors and specialists, Russian-speaking ones included, and the electronic health record (Fascicolo Sanitario) works with SPID/CIE login. The SSN and tessera sanitaria via ASL are arranged as everywhere, only the local organization differs. Check what is current on the ground.
Pros
- Italy's best job market (IT, design, marketing, remote work)
- The largest and most organized Russian-speaking community
- Excellent transport: trains, airports, an hour or two to the mountains and lakes
- In the province (Bergamo and others) you can live noticeably cheaper than in Milano
Cons
- The most expensive and competitive rent in the country
- Local salaries often lag the cost of living
- Milano's businesslike, burnout-prone pace is hard on families and those who like calm
- A continental climate: a foggy winter and a hot, humid summer
Community voices
I tallied up expenses in Milano and Munich, and it came out against Milano: you spend about the same, but the average salary there is nearly double. So yes, the region is rich, but so are the bills.
We were aiming for Milano but ended up settling in Bergamo. Housing here is noticeably cheaper, there is more greenery, and the community is friendlier - it feels like people actually live here, not just survive. We drive to the lakes and to Milano easily.
FAQ
How much does living in Lombardy cost?
It is the country's most expensive region: Milano has Italy's dearest, most competitive rent, and by the community salaries often lag the expenses. In the province - Bergamo and other towns - living is noticeably cheaper. Check current prices.
Is there a Russian-speaking community in Lombardy?
The largest in Italy: active chats, networking, Russian-speaking accountants, lawyers and doctors. In Milano the vibe is businesslike and "transactional", while in Bergamo and the province towns the community is described as warmer.
What is healthcare like in Lombardy?
By the community access to care here is among the country's best: big cities make it easier to find doctors and specialists, Russian-speaking ones included, and the Fascicolo Sanitario e-health record works with SPID/CIE login. Check what is current on the ground.
Related
Other regions (Northern Italy)
Subjective community observations across different years, not a ranking. Verify on the ground.
All Italian regions