Living in Perugia
Perugia is a charming city located in the Umbria region of central Italy, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning architecture.
The city is situated on a hilltop, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Perugia is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Italy's cultural heritage..
Perugia is located about 102 miles north of Rome and 92 miles southeast of Florence.
It covers a high hilltop and part of the valleys around the area.
The city has a history dating back to the Etruscan civilization, with evidence of this ancient heritage still visible in the well-preserved Etruscan walls that encircle parts of the city.
Perugia is home to the University of Perugia, founded in 1308, as well as several other institutions, making it a hub for education and intellectual pursuits..
Search for:
What is Perugia like?
Perugia boasts a rich tradition of art and architecture, with notable landmarks such as the Rocca Paolina, Ipogeo dei Volumni, and Etruscan town walls.
The city is also famous for its Renaissance frescoes, including works by Pietro Perugino and Raphael.
Perugia hosts various annual festivals and events, including the Eurochocolate Festival, the Umbria Jazz Festival, and the International Journalism Festival.
These events bring the city to life with music, art, and delicious treats.
Perugia is renowned for its chocolate, particularly Perugina, which is famous for its Baci chocolates.
The city even hosts chocolate-making classes and festivals dedicated to chocolate.
Perugian cuisine is known for its hearty dishes, such as pappardelle al cinghiale (wild boar pasta) and pici all'aglione (hand-rolled pasta with tomato sauce)..
Climate
Living in Perugia means experiencing a mild and variable climate, with some influences from the Mediterranean and continental climates.
In the summer, it’s warm and humid, and you can enjoy the sea and the sun.
In the winter, it’s cool and windy, and you can experience the bora, the strong and cold wind that blows from the northeast..
Economy
Perugia has a diversified and dynamic economy, based on sectors such as maritime transport, logistics, finance, insurance, manufacturing, services, and tourism.
The city is also a center for science and innovation, hosting several research institutes and organizations, such as the International Centre for Theoretical Physics, the Synchrotron Elettra, and the Area Science Park..
Education
Perugia is home to several public and private universities and colleges, offering a wide range of courses and degrees, from humanities and social sciences to natural and applied sciences.
The city also has many international schools, catering to the needs of expat families and children..
Cost of living in Perugia
Perugia is known for its relatively low cost of living compared to other cities in Italy.
The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around €600-€800, while the average monthly rent for a three-bedroom apartment is around €1,000-€1,200.
Food and other living expenses are also relatively affordable, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around €15-€25 per person.
Additionally, the city has a variety of shopping options, including local markets and supermarkets, which offer a range of products at affordable prices.
Overall, Perugia is a great destination for those looking for a more affordable lifestyle in Italy..
Is Perugia safe?
Perugia is a relatively safe city for tourists and expats, with a low crime rate compared to other major cities in Italy and Europe.
Some precautions are recommended, especially in certain areas and situations.
The most common crimes are petty theft, vandalism, fraud, and graffiti, which usually target crowded and touristy places..
Pros and cons of life in Perugia
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Charming city with rich history and culture | Cool and windy city |
| Well-known cultural and artistic centre | Expensive housing |
| Picturesque landscapes and medieval architecture | Language and culture barriers |
| Lively music and art scene | Isolated and less connected |
| Home to several universities and colleges | Lack of diversity |
| Unique blend of traditions | Low work and opportunities |
| Rich history and vibrant cultural scene | Complex and controversial history |
| Wide range of chocolate products | Less lively and cheerful atmosphere |
| Diversified and dynamic economy | High cost of living |
| Excellent education, healthcare, and social services | Difficulty in finding affordable housing |
| High quality of life | Language and cultural differences |
Advantages of Living in Perugia
Perugia is a charming city in central Italy known for its rich history vibrant culture and stunning architecture.
The city is situated on a hilltop offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Perugia is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Italy's cultural heritage.
The city has a significant international population with many students and expats drawn to its universities and cultural events.
Perugia is home to several public and private universities and colleges offering a wide range of courses and degrees.
The city also has many international schools catering to the needs of expat families and children..
Disadvantages of Living in Perugia
Perugia can be cool and windy 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 Italian is not the only language spoken and the locals can be reserved and distant.
The city can be isolated and less connected, with fewer flights and trains, which can affect your travel and mobility.
Perugia 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 complex and controversial history, which can create some political and territorial tensions, especially with its neighboring countries.
In addition to that, compared to other parts of Italy, Perugia can have a less lively and cheerful atmosphere, which can make it dull and boring for some people..
FAQs
What is Perugia like for foreigners?
Perugia is a charming city in central Italy known for its rich history vibrant culture and stunning architecture with a good quality of life for expats.
The city is situated on a hilltop offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Perugia is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Italy's cultural heritage.
The city has a significant international population with many students and expats drawn to its universities and cultural events.
Perugia is home to several public and private universities and colleges offering a wide range of courses and degrees.
The city also has many international schools catering to the needs of expat families and children..
What is Perugia like for students?
Perugia is a well-known university town with the University of Perugia founded in 1308.
The city is home to several public and private universities and colleges offering a wide range of courses and degrees.
The city also has many international schools catering to the needs of expat families and children.
Perugia hosts multiple annual festivals and events e.g.
the Umbria Jazz Festival in July and the International Journalism Festival in April.
These events bring the city to life with music art and delicious treats..
What is Perugia like for women?
Perugia is a city that offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
The city is known for its picturesque landscapes medieval architecture and lively music and art scene.
Perugia is a must-visit destination for women interested in exploring Italy's cultural heritage.
The city is home to several museums and galleries including the Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria which houses a number of masterpieces including the Madonna with Child and Six Angels by Duccio.
The city also has several historical landmarks such as the Palazzo dei Priori and the Cathedral of San Lorenzo..
What is Perugia like for LGBTQ people?
Perugia is a somewhat small city that can be rather welcoming and inclusive to the LGBTQ community.
The city hosts multiple annual festivals and events e.g.
the Umbria Jazz Festival in July and the International Journalism Festival in April.
These events bring the city to life with music art and delicious treats.
Perugia is home to several bars and clubs that cater to the LGBTQ community offering a welcoming and inclusive environment.
The city also has several organizations and support groups that provide resources and support for LGBTQ individuals..
