Living in Bari
Bari is a charming coastal city situated in the heel of Italy’s boot. It is the capital of the Puglia region and a hub for trips around the Mediterranean Sea.It is a hidden gem that offers a plethora of cultural and historical treasures.
With its breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, rich architectural heritage, and delectable cuisine, Bari has become an increasingly popular destination for travelers seeking an authentic Italian experience.
Living in Bari as an expat can be both enjoyable and stimulating.
You can appreciate the beauty and diversity of the city, its friendly and hospitable people, and its lively and fun atmosphere, but you also have to adapt to its pace and customs, such as its siesta and its dialect.
Bari is the largest urban and metro area on the Adriatic. It is located in Southern Italy, at a more northerly latitude than Naples, further south than Rome.
It has a population of about 316,000 inhabitants, over 117 square kilometers (45 sq mi), while the urban area has 750,000 inhabitants.
The metropolitan area has 1.3 million inhabitants.
Bari is the regional capital of Puglia and a major port city.
It is known for its historic and cultural attractions, especially in the fields of archaeology, architecture, music and literature.
It has a GDP of about €80 billion ($99 billion), making it the fourth richest city in Italy and one of the most important in the Mediterranean.
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What is Bari like?
Bari is a lively and diverse city, with a strong and distinctive identity.It is home to people from different origins, religions and backgrounds, who coexist and enrich the city’s social and cultural life.
Bari is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a wealth of monuments, churches, palaces, museums, and archaeological sites.
It is the birthplace of many famous artists, writers, musicians and actors, such as Nicolaus of Bari, Giovan Battista Pergolesi, Domenico Modugno and Antonio Cassano.
Some of the most famous cultural attractions in Bari are the Basilica of San Nicola, the Castello Normanno-Svevo, the Petruzzelli Theatre, the Pinacoteca Provinciale and the Trulli of Alberobello.
Climate
Living in Bari means enjoying a Mediterranean climate, with warm winters and hot summers.In the winter, it’s mild and dry, and you can see the olive trees and the almond blossoms.
In the summer, it’s hot and humid, and you can relax on the beach and visit the nearby villages.
The spring and the autumn are warm and pleasant, with some rain and some wind.
You can taste the fresh and seasonal products, and discover the heritage and the traditions.
Bari is quite sunny and dry by Italian standards, but it also has some cloudy and stormy days.
The weather can be changeable and unpredictable, so you need to be prepared for anything.
Economy
Bari is the capital city of the Apulia region, and one of the main economic centers of southern Italy.It has a diversified and dynamic economy, based on sectors such as industry, services, trade, tourism, and agriculture.
It is also a major port and transport hub, connecting Italy with the Balkans, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean.
Bari is a cultural and educational center, hosting several universities, research institutes, museums, and festivals.
Bari has a high quality of life, with a low cost of living, a rich gastronomy, and a mild climate.
However, it also faces some challenges, such as unemployment, social inequality, environmental issues, and urban sprawl.
According to the latest data, about 15% of the population in Bari lives below the poverty line, and about 12% is unemployed.
The city authorities have implemented various policies and projects to improve the situation, such as innovation, sustainability, social inclusion, and territorial development.
Education
Bari is a university city, with a strong and diverse academic offer and a large student population.It has several public and private universities and colleges, covering a wide range of disciplines and levels, from humanities and social sciences to engineering and health sciences.
Some of the most renowned and respected academic institutions in Bari are the University of Bari Aldo Moro, the Polytechnic University of Bari, the University of Bari LUM Jean Monnet, and the University of Bari LUMSA.
The city also has some international schools, catering to the needs of foreign families and children.
Some of the most reputable and well-known international schools in Bari are the International School of Bari, the British School of Bari, and the French School of Bari.
Cost of living in Bari
The cost of living in Bari is lower than in other Italian cities, especially in the north.It is one of the cheapest cities in Italy and in Europe.
A family of four estimated monthly costs are €2,200 without rent, and a single person estimated monthly costs are €1,200 without rent.
Rent in Bari is also low, especially outside the city centre.
For example, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs about €450 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment costs about €800 per month.
The prices of food, transportation, utilities, and entertainment are also lower than the national average.
Is Bari safe?
Bari is a fairly safe city for tourists and expats, with a moderate crime rate compared to other large cities in Italy and Europe.However, some caution is advised, especially in some areas and situations.
The most common crimes in Bari are theft, robbery, and vandalism, which usually target crowded and touristy places, such as the old town, the seafront, the airport, and the train station.
To avoid these risks, it is recommended to be vigilant and careful, to keep your valuables hidden and secure, to avoid suspicious or aggressive people, and to report any incident to the police.
Bari is also generally safe at night, but it is better to avoid walking alone in dark and isolated streets, and to stick to the main and busy areas.
Bari is not a very rough city, but it has some social problems, such as poverty, unemployment, and immigration, which can create some tension and conflict.
Pros and cons of life in Bari
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Modern and dynamic city | Challenging city |
| Diversified and growing economy | Difficult to find quality housing |
| Cultural and educational center | Problems with traffic, parking, and public transport |
| Friendly and relaxed atmosphere | Unsafe and violent |
| Strategic location on the Adriatic Sea | Noisy and polluted |
| Diverse and multicultural | Not very open to foreigners |
| Some people speak English, French, or German | Hard to adapt to the local customs and habits |
| Moderate cost of living | Low quality of life |
| Mild and sunny climate | Less rich and varied cuisine, culture, and history |
Advantages of Living in Bari
Bari is a modern and dynamic city, with a diversified and growing economy.You can benefit from its many opportunities, such as industry, trade, tourism, and innovation, and find a variety of jobs and careers.
It is also a cultural and educational center, hosting several universities, research institutes, museums, and festivals.
The city has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, with a lot of music, art, and traditions, and a strong sense of identity.
Moreover, Bari has a strategic location on the Adriatic Sea, near some of the most beautiful and charming places in Italy, such as Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, and Matera.
Bari is a diverse and multicultural city, where you can meet people from different backgrounds and origins, such as Balkan, Middle Eastern, and African.
Italian is the main language spoken here, but you can also find some people who speak English, French, or German, especially in the business and academic sectors.
The city has a moderate cost of living, which makes it affordable and attractive for many people, especially compared to other Italian cities.
Bari has a mild and sunny climate, with warm winters and hot summers, which can make you feel comfortable and cheerful.
Disadvantages of Living in Bari
Bari can be challenging and frustrating to live in.You can face difficulties in finding quality housing, especially in the old town, where the conditions are often poor and overcrowded.
You can also encounter problems with traffic, parking, and public transport, which are often congested and unreliable.
The city can be unsafe and violent, especially in some areas, where theft, robbery, and vandalism are common.
It can also be noisy and polluted, especially near the port and the industrial zones, where the air quality and the noise levels are high.
Bari is not very open to foreigners, and the cultural differences can be a challenge, especially if you don’t speak Italian.
You can also struggle to adapt to the local customs and habits, such as the siesta, the bureaucracy, and the informal economy.
Bari has a low quality of life, with poor education, healthcare, and social services, which can affect your well-being and satisfaction.
In addition to that, compared to other parts of Italy, Bari can have a less rich and varied cuisine, culture, and history.
FAQs
What is Bari like for foreigners?
Bari is a charming coastal city situated in the heel of Italy’s boot. It is the capital of the Puglia region and a hub for trips around the Mediterranean Sea.It is a hidden gem that offers a plethora of cultural and historical treasures.
With its breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, rich architectural heritage, and delectable cuisine, Bari has become an increasingly popular destination for travelers seeking an authentic Italian experience.
Living in Bari as an expat can be both enjoyable and stimulating.
You can appreciate the beauty and diversity of the city, its friendly and hospitable people, and its lively and fun atmosphere, but you also have to adapt to its pace and customs, such as its siesta and its dialect.
Some of the best areas for expats to live in Bari are the city center, the seaside districts of Torre a Mare and Santo Spirito, and the modern neighborhoods of Poggiofranco and Carrassi.
What is Bari like for students?
Bari is an appealing destination for students who want to study in Italy or abroad.It is a city that offers a wide range of academic programs, from humanities and social sciences to natural and applied sciences, from public and private universities to ancient and prestigious institutions.
Students in Bari can benefit from a rich and stimulating learning environment, a dynamic and diverse student community, a splendid and varied cultural offer, and a lot of opportunities for volunteering and networking.
However, students in Bari also have to cope with the low quality of infrastructure, the overcrowded and underfunded facilities, the limited availability of scholarships, and the bureaucratic and corrupt system.
What is Bari like for women?
Bari is a city that offers some opportunities and advantages for women, but also some difficulties and disadvantages.It is a city that has some sectors and fields where women can excel and advance, such as education, health, tourism and social work, but also some areas where women are underrepresented and discriminated, such as politics, business and science.
Women in Bari can enjoy some aspects of a high quality of life, such as a vibrant cultural scene, a supportive and diverse society, and a relaxed and fun environment, but also suffer from some problems, such as the gender gap, the domestic violence, the lack of childcare facilities, and the stereotypes and prejudices.
What is Bari like for LGBTQ people?
Bari is a city that has some progress and achievements for LGBTQ people, but also some setbacks and obstacles.It is a city that has a large and active LGBTQ community, some events and festivals, and some resources and services, but also a lack of specific laws and policies to protect and support LGBTQ people, such as same-sex marriage, adoption, and anti-discrimination.
LGBTQ people in Bari can experience some acceptance and tolerance, especially in some urban and cosmopolitan areas, but also face some hostility and violence, especially in some rural and traditional areas.
They also have to deal with some social stigma, legal discrimination, hate crimes, and religious intolerance.
Is Bari a poor city?
Bari is a city that has a mixed economic situation, compared to other Italian regions and cities.Bari is the second most important economic centre of mainland Southern Italy after Naples, with a diversified economy that includes tourism, services, commerce, shipbuilding, trade and agriculture.
Bari also faces some economic challenges, such as the high unemployment rate, the low per capita GDP, the underground economy, and the influence of the Mafia.
Bari has a high poverty rate, especially among young people and women, and a low quality of life, compared to the national average.
Is Bari dirty?
Bari is a city that has some issues with cleanliness, especially in some of its bars, hotels, and historical buildings.Some visitors have complained about the lack of hygiene, the bad customer service, and the poor maintenance of some facilities.
However, Bari also has some efforts to improve its cleanliness, such as the Green Bari project, which aims to promote recycling, waste reduction, and environmental education.
Bari also has some beautiful beaches, parks, and gardens, where locals and tourists can enjoy the fresh air and the sea breeze.
Is Bari walkable?
Bari is a city that has a fair level of walkability, as it is relatively small, flat, and sunny.It also has a simple public transport system, with buses and metro, that serves the main areas of the city and the airport.
However, Bari also has some problems for pedestrians, such as poor pavement conditions, lack of pedestrian crossings, and aggressive drivers.
