Moving from
to

Complete relocation analysis: taxes, real prices, quality of life, and what salary to ask for.

The verdict

Cost of living is similar. Tax rate goes from 37.6% to 34.4%. Quality of life drops by 1 points.

Germany (64/100) and Italy (63/100) present a highly competitive Quality of Life matchup, with only a single point separating them. Italy’s warmer climate stands out, scoring 63 (14°C) against Germany’s 46 (10°C), marking the largest gap at 17 points. Germany's healthcare system is demonstrably stronger, rated 73 compared to Italy's 62, and its internet infrastructure is more robust (82 vs 73). In terms of safety, Germany holds a slight advantage (89 vs 85). Italy offers a slightly lower price level (85 vs Germany's 94), making it marginally more affordable, while both countries share almost identical taxation scores (Germany 27, Italy 26).

This comparison is exceptionally close; neither country emerges as a definitive winner, with trade-offs in climate and public services balancing out.

Moving to Italy? NLV varies by city.

Rome60 Florence59 Milan53

Tax Comparison

At $53,745 USD equivalent gross salary

🇩🇪 Germany

Gross€49,307

Income Tax-€8,092

Social-€10,465

Net€30,750

Effective Rate37.6%

🇮🇹 Italy

Gross€49,307

Income Tax-€11,942

Social-€5,024

Net€32,340

Effective Rate34.4%

Net difference: +$1,733/year in Italy.Full calculator →

What Things Actually Cost

Price Index: Germany = 93, Italy = 89 (US = 100)

🍔

Big Mac

$5.50→$5.20

-5%

☕

Starbucks Tall Latte

$4.70→$4.20

-11%

🍺

Beer 500ml (bar)

$5.00→$6.00

+20%

📱

iPhone 16 128GB

$900.00→$900.00

🎬

Netflix Standard (monthly)

$13.49→$12.99

-4%

⛽

1L Gasoline (95)

$1.80→$1.90

+6%

🚇

Single Transit Ticket

$3.00→$2.00

-33%

🏠

Airbnb Studio (city center)

$90.00→$85.00

-6%

See all 30 products →

What Salary to Ask For

If you earn €49,307 gross in Germany ($53,745USD), here's what you need in Italy depending on your goal:

Same net income (tax only)

€46,385

You keep the same $33,518/yr net in both countries. Italy taxes 3.9% less.

Same purchasing power (recommended)

€44,390

Accounts for the fact that prices are similar in both countries. This is the number to negotiate.

Net Life Value at $54K

🇩🇪 Germany

🇮🇹 Italy

NLV combines net income, cost of living, and quality of life into one score. Similar overall quality of life in both countries.

Calculate with your exact salary →

Quality of Life

Germany: 64/100 vs Italy: 63/100

Cost of Living

Climate

+17

Safety

-4

Healthcare

-11

Internet

-9

Taxation

-1

Moving to Italy: Practicalities

Visa Openness

55/100

English Level

48/100

Expat Community

10.5%

Digital Nomad Visa

Available

Frequently Asked Questions

How much tax do I save moving from Germany to Italy?▾

The effective tax rate changes from 37.6% in Germany to 34.4% in Italy. You keep about $1,733.25 more per year in Italy.

Is Italy cheaper to live in than Germany?▾

Cost of living is similar between the two countries (within 5% across 30 products).

What salary do I need in Italy to match my lifestyle in Germany?▾

Use our salary calculator to find the exact amount. It accounts for income tax, social contributions, and cost of living differences between Germany and Italy. As a rule of thumb: a similar gross salary should maintain your lifestyle.

Is it worth moving from Germany to Italy?▾

It depends on your priorities. The financial difference is small. Consider quality of life, climate, healthcare, and personal factors.

Also Consider

🇩🇪 → 🇺🇸 United States 🇩🇪 → 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇩🇪 → 🇫🇷 France 🇩🇪 → 🇪🇸 Spain 🇩🇪 → 🇵🇹 Portugal 🇩🇪 → 🇳🇱 Netherlands

Moving from 🇩🇪 Germany to 🇮🇹 Italy