Moving to Sicilia
The largest island in the Mediterranean: volcanoes, ancient culture at the meeting of Italian, European and Arab worlds, magnificent beaches, baroque architecture. By the community it has very affordable housing and a warm climate, but work is scarce, summers locally hit 40, infrastructure is weaker than the north, and the Russian-speaking community is small. A realistic option more for remote workers and lovers of the south.
Updated: - permesso.love editorial team
In brief: about the region
- Part of Italy: Islands
- Regional capital: Palermo
- Cities in our catalog: 2
- Cost of living: low cost
Cities in the region
Economy and jobs
GDP per capita is one of the country's lowest; the economy rests on agriculture, winemaking, small business and tourism, with airports in Palermo and Catania. By the community people plainly note that "work is scarce and it is hot"; little skilled or IT work, and remote work is the most reliable income. Check current information yourself.
Russian-speaking community
The Russian-speaking community is decent by southern standards but overall small and more social-and-touristy than settled; there is no dense diaspora like in the north. A few families live here and are happy, but do not count on much support from fellow expats.
Healthcare
By the community southern and island access to doctors is weaker than in the north, and pharmacy supply hinges on a single logistics base (if one place lacks a medicine, others may too). In big Palermo and Catania it is easier than in the backcountry. The basic SSN and tessera sanitaria work as everywhere. Check what is current on the ground.
Pros
- Low rent and cost of living
- A warm climate, magnificent beaches and Etna nearby
- A rich culture: baroque, theatres, antiquities
- Airports in Palermo and Catania for trips
Cons
- Little work, mostly tourism and the season
- Very hot summers (locally up to 40), a seismically active zone
- Weaker infrastructure and healthcare access
- A small Russian-speaking community, hard without a car
Community voices
The views in Sicily are great and the sea is wonderful - one sunset over Etna is worth it. But living there, I agree, is not so great: work is scarce and it is hot. In winter, though, it is quite comfortable.
Palermo is a beautiful baroque city, there is plenty to see, and it is certainly no dirtier than Naples. But without a car, outside Palermo and Catania, Sicily is hard, and renting as a private individual without an agency is very tough.
FAQ
How much does living in Sicily cost?
Very affordable: low rent and living costs with a warm climate. The flip side is one of the country's lowest GDPs per capita and a market where, by the community, "work is scarce and it is hot"; remote income is the safest bet. Check current prices.
Is there a Russian-speaking community in Sicily?
Decent by southern standards but overall small and more social-and-touristy than settled; there is no dense diaspora like in the north. A few families live here happily, but do not count on much expat support.
What is healthcare like in Sicily?
By the community island access to doctors is weaker than the north's, and pharmacy supply hangs on a single logistics chain: if one place lacks a medicine, others may too. Big Palermo and Catania are easier than the backcountry. Check what is current on the ground.
Related
Other regions
Subjective community observations across different years, not a ranking. Verify on the ground.
All Italian regions