Moving to Tuscany Italy: not romance, but strategy
Moving to Tuscany is a myth—shrouded theme: vineyards, villas by the hills, lazy breakfasts under cypress trees. But actually moving to Tuscany is not about making a movie, but about a thoughtful process: from choosing a commune to understanding the local rhythm. In 2026, the region remains one of the most in demand for relocation, but competition for the best facilities is growing.
Below is a practical guide without “water”, only proven data and working solutions.
Why is Tuscany not a “universal” choice for moving
– There is no access to the sea in most provinces — the nearest coast is in Liguria or the Tyrrhenian Sea (1-1.5 hours drive).
– In winter, in hilly areas, temperatures can drop to -5°C, and snow is not uncommon in December and February.
– Property taxes are higher than in the south: the IMU in historical centers is up to 1.1%.
— Many houses older than 1980 require modernization to meet modern energy efficiency standards.
Tuscany is suitable for those who value a balanced life: culture, nature, access to Europe — but not the sea or the tropics.
The best cities in Tuscany to move to in 2026
– Perugia is not in Tuscany, but it is often confused: for reference, it is in Umbria. In Tuscany, the closest equivalent is Arezzo.
– Arezzo is a compact city with developed infrastructure, prices are 20% lower than in Florence.
– Siena is a medieval ensemble, but there are strict restrictions on redevelopment in the center.
– Lucca is a fortress city with a ring park on the walls, popular with families with children.
– Grosseto — closer to the sea (30 km), lower prices, fewer tourists.
Important: not all communes are equally loyal to foreigners. For example, in San Gimignano and Volterra, it is more difficult to obtain a permit for renovation in the historical center.
→ Help in choosing a city and choosing a place to live — Italiatut
How much does living in Tuscany cost in 2026
– Rent one-bedroom apartment in the center of Arezzo or Siena — from 700 €/month.
– Utilities (light, water, gas) — 120-180 €/month in a house with heating.
– Supermarket groceries — 220-280 €/month per person.
– Transportation — bus pass for the Toscana region — 35 €/month.
If you are considering a purchase, the average price per m2 in provincial cities is 2 800-3 500 €.
Villas outside the city with a plot of 1,000 m2 — from 350,000 €, but many require renovation.
→ Italiatut specialists will select the property according to your request.
How to get a residence permit when moving to Tuscany
– An annual contract is required to rent a house in Tuscany — short-term contracts are not suitable for residence permits.
– The minimum income for residenza elettiva is 31,000 €/year per person, +7,000 € for each family member.
– Registration at the address (anagrafe) is possible only after signing the contract and paying imposta di registro.
– In Tuscany, the queue at Questura is longer than in the south: it takes 4-6 months to apply for a residence permit.
The peculiarity of the region: many communes require proof of knowledge of Italian at A2 level even for the residenza elettiva.
This is not a federal rule, but a local practice — especially in Siena and Florence.
→ Support when applying for a residence permit — Italiatut
How to avoid typical mistakes when moving to Tuscany
1. Do not choose a house in zona a traffico limitato (ZTL) without a parking space — fines up to 100 €/day.
2. Do not buy an object without checking the vincolo paesaggistico — expansion and reconstruction are prohibited in hilly areas.
3. Do not ignore the certificato di agibilità — you cannot register at the address without it.
4. Do not rely on a permanent gas connection in remote areas — many homes use propane.
For those who want to “try on” life in Tuscany before moving, the GIDtut team offers authoring programs.
If you are thinking about moving to Tuscany Italy, but don’t know where to start, write to us on Telegram. We will prepare a personal plan for you: from choosing a commune to calculating the budget and applying for a residence permit.
Moving to Tuscany is not a dream. This is the solution. And decisions require precision.
