Retired teachers report that their monthly living expenses decreased by almost $3,000 after relocating from the U.S. to Italy

As they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Venice, Italy, in June 2023, Tony Smarrelli, 74, and his wife, Francine, 75, made a significant decision to leave the U.S. and permanently relocate to Italy. The retired elementary teachers from Syracuse, New York, were inspired by a moment in St. Mark’s Square when a quartet began playing the classic Italian song “Malafemmina.” For Tony, whose father and grandfather were from Tocco da Casauria in Abruzzo, this moment was emotional, reminiscent of his father’s Sunday dinners filled with Italian music.
Later that year, the Smarrellis moved to Scalea, a charming coastal town in Calabria, seeking to reconnect with their Italian heritage—Francine’s mother was from Naples. They found a 1,500-square-foot property listed by an American-run real estate agency and purchased it for €150,000 (approximately $162,000) in November 2023. After a second trip to Italy that year, they made an offer on the home, secured visas in the U.S. within three hours, sold their house, and returned to Italy in December.
To facilitate their move, they hired a lawyer to expedite their residency permit and obtained an elective residence visa, which requires a minimum passive income of €38,000 (around $40,700). The couple chose Scalea for its attractive quality of life, scenic views, and slower pace, enjoying lower dining costs and friendly locals.
Despite the home being livable upon purchase, they invested an additional €80,000 (around $86,500) in renovations, including new plumbing, electric systems, and two new bathrooms. While overseeing the renovations from a nearby rental, they praised their architect and construction team for finishing within four months. They noted that a similar home in the U.S. would have been prohibitively expensive, potentially costing $1 to $2 million along the California coast or the Eastern Seaboard.
Tony reflects on his family’s migration story; his father and grandfather moved to the U.S. in 1938 seeking a better life. Now, 86 years later, he feels he is doing just that in Italy. He acknowledges the courage it took for his ancestors to emigrate and emphasizes that their move was primarily a lifestyle change.
The Smarrellis were pleasantly surprised by the significantly lower cost of living in Italy, particularly as retirees. They now spend about $1,200 a month combined, saving nearly $3,000 monthly compared to their expenses in the U.S. Their new budget covers dining out two to three times a week, with monthly dining costs around $400 to $500. Other expenses include €40 (around $43) for internet and less than €20 for mobile phone bills, while veterinary care for their beagle, Cooper, costs about €20 per visit. Utilities run around €200 for electricity and water, with gas expenses around €75.
In contrast, their U.S. mortgage alone was $1,500 a month, alongside additional costs for golf memberships, TV, internet, and mobile phones, totaling $4,800 to $5,000 in monthly expenses. The couple finds living in Italy much more manageable financially.
Tony hopes to apply for Italian citizenship but faces complications due to his father’s naturalization as an American before his birth. He intends to appeal this decision in local court.
Scalea marks the second destination for the couple since retiring in 2006. After moving from Syracuse to Pinehurst, North Carolina, for its golfing community, they found it increasingly crowded after 18 years and decided to seek a quieter lifestyle. Although Tony has put golf aside, he has taken up painting and creating mosaic art to stay engaged.
The couple relishes their time in Italy, exploring local villages and dining out. Their daily routine includes enjoying coffee on their balcony in the morning and sipping wine in the evening.
For retirees considering a similar move, the Smarrellis recommend thorough online research and spending time in various Italian regions to evaluate their options. They highlight that southern Italy retains a charm reminiscent of the country’s past, offering a less commercialized experience.
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