Living in Cagliari
Cagliari is the capital city of the island of Sardinia, an autonomous region of Italy.It is the largest and most populous city on the island, with about 154,000 inhabitants.
Cagliari has a long and rich history, dating back to the Phoenician and Carthaginian times.
It was later ruled by the Romans, the Byzantines, the Pisans, the Aragonese, the Spanish, and the Savoy.
Cagliari is a modern and lively city, with a beautiful historic centre, a stunning seafront, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Living in Cagliari as an expat can be an opportunity to enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle, the sunny climate, and the friendly people, but also to face some challenges, such as the high cost of living, the traffic, and the lack of public services.
Cagliari is the 26th largest city in Italy and the main urban, economic, and cultural centre of Sardinia.
It is also the core of the wider Cagliari metropolitan area, which has about 431,000 people.
Cagliari is one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean, both for commercial and touristic purposes.
It is also a major industrial centre, with activities such as oil refining, chemical production, food processing, and metalworking.
It has a GDP of about €9 billion ($10 billion), making it one of the most productive cities in Italy and Europe.
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What is Cagliari like?
Cagliari is a city with a diverse and multicultural heritage, influenced by its history as a crossroads of civilizations and cultures.It is home to some notable artists, writers, and musicians, such as Grazia Deledda, Emilio Lussu, Salvatore Cambosu, Gavino Ledda, Antonello Venditti, and Andrea Parodi.
Cagliari is also known for its distinctive dialect, cuisine, and traditions, such as the Sagra di Sant’Efisio (a religious procession), the Su Cuncordu (a polyphonic singing), the Malloreddus (a type of pasta), the Porceddu (a roasted suckling pig), and the Mirto (a liqueur made from myrtle berries).
Some of the most famous cultural attractions in Cagliari are the Bastione di Saint Remy, the Cathedral, the Roman Amphitheatre, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Botanical Garden.
Climate
Living in Cagliari means experiencing a hot and dry climate, with two distinct seasons.In the summer, it’s very hot and sunny, and you can enjoy the beach and the sea.
In the winter, it’s mild and rainy, and you can admire the bastions and the monuments.
The spring and the autumn are warm and variable, with some rain and some sun.
You can see the flowers and the fruits, and enjoy the festivals and the shows.
Cagliari is very sunny and dry by Italian standards, but it still has some windy and stormy days, especially in winter.
The weather can be stable and predictable, but sometimes it can change suddenly.
Economy
Cagliari is a port city on the Gulf of Cagliari, and one of the most important maritime hubs in the Mediterranean.It has a diversified and dynamic economy, based on sectors such as port activities, oil refining, chemical production, food processing, metalworking, and trade and services.
It is also a centre for tourism, culture, and education, hosting several attractions, festivals, and institutes, such as the Poetto Beach, the Cagliari Opera House, the International Jazz Festival, and the University of Cagliari.
Cagliari offers many opportunities for work and career development, especially for skilled and qualified professionals.
However, it is also a city that faces some challenges, such as the high cost of living, the traffic, and the lack of public services.
Cagliari is one of the most productive cities in Italy and Europe, but it also suffers from some social and environmental problems, such as pollution, congestion, unemployment and poverty.
According to the latest data, about 18% of the population in Cagliari lives below the poverty line.
Education
Cagliari is a city with a diverse and multicultural heritage, influenced by its history as a crossroads of civilizations and cultures.It has many public and private schools, offering a variety of courses and degrees, from primary to secondary education.
Some of the most renowned and prestigious schools in Cagliari are the Liceo Classico G.M.
Dettori, the Istituto Tecnico Industriale Statale Pacinotti, and the International School of Sardinia.
The city also has some higher education institutions, such as the University of Cagliari, the Polytechnic University of Turin branch, and the Conservatory of Music.
Some of the most popular and reputable higher education institutions in Cagliari are the University of Cagliari1, the Polytechnic University of Turin branch2, and the Conservatory of Music3.
Cost of living in Cagliari
The cost of living in Cagliari is high compared to other Italian cities.It is more expensive than Livorno, Pisa, Bologna, and Naples, but cheaper than Florence, Milan, Venice, and Rome.
A family of four estimated monthly costs are €3,011 without rent, and a single person estimated monthly costs are €1,473 without rent.
Rent in Cagliari is also high, especially in the city centre.
For example, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs about €600 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment costs about €1,000 per month.
The prices of food, transportation, utilities, and entertainment are also higher than the national average.
Is Cagliari safe?
Cagliari is a relatively safe city for tourists and expats, with a very low crime rate compared to other major cities in Italy and Europe.However, some precautions are recommended, especially in certain areas and situations.
The most common crimes in Cagliari are petty theft, fraud, and graffiti, which usually target busy and touristy places, such as the port, the market, and the city center.
To avoid these risks, it is advisable to be alert and cautious, to keep your valuables close and secure, to avoid suspicious or aggressive people, and to report any incident to the police.
Cagliari is also generally safe at night, but it is better to avoid walking alone in dark and isolated streets, and to stick to the well-lit and lively areas.
Pros and cons of life in Cagliari
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautiful and lively city | Very hot and dry city |
| Proximity to the sea | Expensive housing |
| Excellent food and wine | Language and culture barriers |
| Good public transportation | Noisy and polluted |
| Friendly and welcoming city | Lack of diversity |
| High quality of life | Low work and opportunities |
| Diversified and dynamic economy | Bureaucratic and corrupt system |
| High quality of healthcare | Less tolerant and open-minded atmosphere |
Advantages of Living in Cagliari
Overall, Cagliari is a beautiful and lively city, with a history of ancient civilizations and cultures.You can explore its many attractions, such as bastions, monuments, museums, and amphitheaters, and immerse yourself in its culture.
It is also a gastronomic city, with many local specialties and wines, such as malloreddus, porceddu, mirto, and cannonau.
The city has a good public transportation system, which makes it easy to get around and to other parts of Sardinia and Italy by bus and train.
Not only that, but you can also enjoy its proximity to the sea, where you can have stunning views and easy access to swimming and sailing opportunities.
Cagliari is a friendly and welcoming city, where you can meet people from different countries, cultures and backgrounds, who contribute to the city’s social and economic life.
Italian is widely spoken here, but you can also find people who speak English, Spanish, and other languages, which makes it easier for you to communicate and find work.
The city has a diversified and dynamic economy, which offers you many opportunities for work and career development, especially in sectors such as port activities, oil refining, chemical production, food processing, metalworking, and trade and services.
Cagliari has a high quality of life, with excellent education, healthcare, and social services, which ensure your well-being and happiness.
Disadvantages of Living in Cagliari
Cagliari can be very hot and dry to live in.You can face difficulties in finding affordable housing, especially in the city center, where the prices are high and the availability is low.
You can also encounter problems with the language and culture, as Sardinian is not easy to learn and the locals can be proud and stubborn.
The city can be noisy and polluted, with traffic and industry, which can affect your health and environment.
Cagliari is not very diverse, and the expat community is small and scattered.
You can also have trouble finding work and opportunities, as the economy is not very stable and the competition is high, especially for foreigners.
Moreover, the city can have a bureaucratic and corrupt system, which can be frustrating and annoying, especially for expats, who have to deal with a lot of paperwork and regulations.
In addition to that, compared to other parts of Italy, Cagliari can have a less tolerant and open-minded atmosphere, which can make it challenging for some people.
FAQs
What is Cagliari like for foreigners?
Cagliari is the capital city of Sardinia, an island in the Mediterranean Sea.It is the largest and most populous city on the island, with about 154,000 inhabitants.
It is located on the south coast of the island, on the Gulf of Cagliari.
It is a great choice for expats who love the sea and the multiculturalism.
Cagliari offers many attractions, such as bastions, monuments, museums, and amphitheaters, as well as a gastronomic food and wine culture.
Living in Cagliari as an expat can be both enjoyable and challenging.
You can enjoy the benefits of a beautiful and lively city that offers a high quality of life, but you also have to deal with the drawbacks of a very hot and dry city that suffers from some social and economic problems.
What is Cagliari like for students?
Cagliari is an attractive destination for students who want to pursue their studies in Italy or abroad.The city has a long and rich history and culture, as it was the site of many ancient civilizations, such as the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Pisans, the Aragonese, the Spanish, and the Savoy.
Some of the most famous and renowned academic institutions in Cagliari are the University of Cagliari, the oldest in Sardinia and one of the oldest in Italy, the Polytechnic University of Turin branch, a leading school for engineering and architecture, the Conservatory of Music, a prestigious school for music and performing arts, and the Academy of Fine Arts, a historic school for art and design.
Studying in Cagliari means being part of a dynamic and international educational environment, a diverse and multicultural student community, a lively and varied trade and gastronomic scene, and a lot of opportunities for socializing and networking.
Cagliari is also a beautiful and historic city, with many attractions, such as bastions, monuments, museums, and amphitheaters, as well as a seaside food and wine culture.
Cagliari is a city that blends history and innovation, tradition and diversity, culture and trade, making it one of the best cities to move to as a student in Italy.
What is Cagliari like for women?
Cagliari is a diverse and multicultural city, with a history of ancient civilizations and cultures.It is a city that has produced and hosted many influential women who have contributed to various fields, such as literature, art, science, and politics.
Women in Cagliari can benefit from a dynamic and inclusive environment, a high level of culture and trade, and a strong sense of solidarity and participation.
However, women in Cagliari also have to deal with some issues, such as unemployment, poverty, and violence, that affect their rights and opportunities in society.
What is Cagliari like for LGBTQ people?
Cagliari is one of the most progressive and welcoming cities in Italy to live as a LGBTQ+ person, as it has a active and diverse queer community, with many associations, events, and initiatives for all tastes and preferences.The city respects diversity and equality, and has a vibrant LGBTQ+ culture, with influential personalities, artists, and activists who advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
Cagliari is also a cosmopolitan and modern city, that stands out from other Italian cities for its openness and creativity.
It has a legacy of hosting important LGBTQ+ events, such as the Sardinia Pride, the first Italian Transgender Day in 2016, and the first Italian Non-Binary Day in 2019.
Living in Cagliari as a LGBTQ+ person means enjoying a high quality of life, a supportive and friendly community, and a lot of opportunities for culture and trade.
However, Cagliari is not a perfect city, and it still faces some issues and challenges related to gender and sexuality, such as discrimination, violence, and homophobia, that need constant work and awareness.
Is Cagliari walkable?
Cagliari is a fairly walkable city, as it has a diverse and lively historic center that offers a variety of experiences.The public transport system is adequate and relatively cheap, with buses, metro, and trains, that connect the different areas of the city and the airport.
There are also some bike rental services and bike paths for cyclists.
The city has many natural and cultural sights to explore on foot, such as the Poetto Beach, the Castello District, the Roman Amphitheater, and the Cagliari Cathedral.
There are also some parks and gardens, such as the Parco di Monte Urpinu, the Parco di Molentargius, and the Orto Botanico.
Some challenges for walkers are the hilly terrain, which can be steep and demanding, and the weather, which can be hot and humid.
