British retirees looking for Mediterranean sunshine may find Italy offers a more affordable option than expected. Fresh research suggests that several regions combine low living costs with authentic culture and strong infrastructure.
In certain areas, monthly rentals can start from about £440, while property purchases often fall below £150,000.
A study by InternationalLiving.com highlights Puglia, Tuscany, Le Marche, Abruzzo, Sicily, Umbria and Liguria as prime destinations.
Jennifer Stevens, IL Executive Editor said: "Italy delivers a variety of lifestyles at a cost that may surprise you. From vineyard-draped hills to relaxed coastal towns and mountain villages steeped in tradition, this is a country where you can live well on a modest budget, enjoy an excellent healthcare system, experience deep-rooted culture and history, and be part of a vibrant and welcoming community."
The analysis notes that the regions offer everything from coastal promenades to mountain retreats, with reliable healthcare and transport links that make retirement both comfortable and practical.
Puglia stands out as particularly budget-friendly, with rental accommodation available for less than £580 monthly in charming locations such as Lecce and Ostuni.
The region combines Mediterranean coastal living with practical amenities including quality healthcare facilities in Brindisi and Bari, alongside robust transport infrastructure.
Sicily presents even lower costs, with numerous towns offering flat rentals at £370 or below, whilst entire properties in Abruzzo's countryside can be secured for approximately £36,700.
A couple retiring to Abruzzo could maintain a comfortable lifestyle on £1,320 to £1,880 monthly, enjoying dramatic landscapes that span from snow-capped mountains to sandy coastlines.
The island of Sicily has attracted attention through its one-euro property schemes, though conventional real estate remains exceptionally affordable throughout the region.
Best places to retire in Italy
| GETTYMajor Sicilian cities including Catania, Siracusa and Ragusa have established expatriate communities, with newcomers finding the local culture particularly hospitable.
Tuscany remains accessible despite its reputation, particularly in Arezzo province where flats rent for under £440 monthly and countryside stone properties sell for well below six figures.
The area maintains Tuscany's characteristic golden landscapes and Renaissance culture whilst providing modern hospitals, railway connections and vibrant cultural activities.
Le Marche delivers similar appeal to Tuscany but without tourist congestion, featuring Renaissance settlements like Urbino and Ascoli Piceno alongside Adriatic coastal towns such as Senigallia.
Major Sicilian cities including Catania, Siracusa and Ragusa have established expatriate communities
| GETTYThe region combines hillside villages with beachfront properties, all supported by dependable public healthcare and efficient transport networks linking inland areas to the coast.
Umbria, Italy's "Green Heart", attracts retirees to medieval settlements including Todi, Spoleto and Orvieto, where farmhouses with land remain available under £150,000.
The region benefits from convenient rail and motorway connections to Rome and Florence, whilst maintaining a tranquil atmosphere centred on seasonal festivals and outdoor markets.
Liguria's coastal stretch from the French frontier to Tuscany includes affordable alternatives to the Cinque Terre, with two-bedroom flats in towns like Imperia and Chiavari renting for under £730 monthly.
Italy's appeal extends beyond mere affordability, with each region offering distinct character and lifestyle options
| Wallpaper FlareThe region enjoys particularly mild winters and comfortable summers, complemented by strong public transport and first-rate healthcare in larger settlements.
Italy's appeal extends beyond mere affordability, with each region offering distinct character and lifestyle options to suit different retirement preferences.
Whether drawn to Puglia's whitewashed coastal towns, Abruzzo's dramatic mountain-to-sea landscapes, or Umbria's spiritual medieval villages, British retirees can find authentic Italian communities ready to welcome newcomers.
The combination of accessible healthcare, reliable transport infrastructure, and living costs that allow comfortable retirement on modest budgets makes these seven regions particularly attractive alternatives to Britain's rising expenses.
From morning markets in Sicilian piazzas to sunset strolls along Ligurian promenades, Italy promises retirees not just financial relief but a richly textured Mediterranean lifestyle that remains surprisingly within reach.