Costs: one of the cheapest regional capitals
L'Aquila has rents and house prices among the lowest of Italy's regional capitals, cheap urban transport and moderately priced restaurants. Heating (long winter) and the car, almost indispensable for the hamlets, weigh more. The rebuilt historic centre is the most sought-after zone; the hamlets and the C.A.S.E. districts the cheapest.
Sections: Rent · Utilities · Groceries · Mobility · Services · Scenarios
What costs more
Heating is the item that sets L'Aquila apart: at 700 m the heating season runs from mid-October to mid-April and gas or pellet bills are much higher than in lowland cities, although homes rebuilt after 2009 generally have a good energy class. A car is almost indispensable for those living in the hamlets or working in the industrial zone, with the cost of winter tyres. Renovated flats in the historic centre, new inside and old outside, are the top of the local market, while remaining far below Rome's prices.
What costs less
Rents and purchase prices are among the lowest of Italy's provincial capitals, with a wide supply of rebuilt and new homes. The monthly AMA pass is moderate (see data) and students have discounts. Eating out costs less than in the art cities: trattorias and pizzerias in the centre have provincial prices. Mountains, trails and parks are free.
Missing: coworking_month, meal_out_mid
Cheaper zones
The C.A.S.E. project districts and the hamlets (Paganica, Bazzano, Sassa, Preturo, Coppito) have the lowest rents, but require a car or depend on AMA lines with reduced frequencies. Pettino and the viale Corrado IV area are the compromise between price, services and closeness to the centre; Coppito is the choice of medical students and hospital workers.
Tourist tax
The Comune dell'Aquila applies a tourist tax per person per night in accommodation; rates by category are published on the municipal website.
Data
Sources
Updated: 2026-10-14
Updated: 2026-10-14
Reviewed: 10/20/2026 · by piero.avolio · rev. 1 · Period: → 2027-04-30
No questions in the community · Ask the community