If you’re thinking about studying in Italy, you’ve probably noticed that Rome, Milan, and Bologna are the most common choices for studying abroad. However, a less popular option in the heart of Piedmont combines top universities, affordability, and a vibrant international community. But what is the cost of living in Turin?
Here’s all you need to know about the cost of living in Turin as an international student.
What is the cost of living in Turin for students?
Your living costs in Turin will mostly be made up of these main expenses:
Rent and accommodation
Rent will be your largest expense while living in Turin. Prices vary a lot depending on your neighbourhood and type of accommodation, so weigh the pros and cons before deciding what’s best for you.
While browsing rental websites and Facebook groups, you will mostly encounter these types of housing offers:
- Monolocale: These are studio apartments, one large room with your bed, living area, and kitchen appliances sharing the same space. You can find monolocales throughout the city at prices starting from €700/month, utilities included.
- Bilocale: These are one-room apartments with a separate bedroom and a separate kitchen/living area. Prices for a bilocale vary a lot depending on the neighbourhood and the apartment’s amenities, but you can find affordable options starting from €800/month, utilities included.
- Stanza/camera singola: These are single rooms in a shared apartment. In neighbourhoods farther from the city centre, you can find private rooms for about €450/month, utilities included, but if you want to live closer to the university zone, single rooms typically start at €600/month.
- Stanza/camera doppia: These are double rooms you will share with someone else. A double room typically costs around €300-350/month per person, with utilities included and shared between all housemates.
Food and groceries
Unfortunately, eating out in Turin isn’t cheap. A quick aperitivo with friends, that is, going to a bar for food and a drink, can cost around €10-25 per person. These expenses add up by the end of the month, so it’s much more economical to cook at home.
For your groceries, chain supermarkets like Lidl, In’s, and Carrefour typically offer the best prices. Turin also has many street markets, including the one at Porta Palazzo, the biggest in Europe, and they are great places to buy fruit, vegetables, and all kinds of fresh food.
An international student living in Turin can expect to spend about €30 per week on groceries and about €200-300 per month, depending on their shopping habits.
Transport
Students get great discounts on Turin’s public transport system. With the Piemove programme, students under 26 enrolled at the Università di Torino (UniTo), Politecnico di Torino, or Università del Piemonte Orientale can ride all public lines for free, as long as they meet the income criteria.
Alternatively, any student under 26 can buy the GTT Under 26 card, which gives you unlimited rides on the public system for €25/month or €258/year. For comparison, a standard monthly GTT pass costs €38.
If you don’t plan to use the public system as much, a single ticket valid for 100 minutes costs €1,90, while a daily ticket valid for the entire day costs €3,70.
Entertainment and Leisure
There is no shortage of things to do in Turin. Whether you like nature, museums, clubbing, or going out to a bar, you will never be out of options.
These are some of Turin’s best student-friendly spots:
- Parco del Valentino: A beautiful park by the Po River located near the main universities. You’ll always find groups of friends picnicking, outdoor fitness classes, and lots of people walking their dogs. It’s a great place to clear your mind and connect with nature.
- Museo Egizio: Turin’s museum contains the world’s second-largest collection of authentic Egyptian artefacts, second only to the Cairo Museum, and university students can buy a ticket for only €3.
- Via Roma and Via Garibaldi: Some of Turin’s best-known shopping spots. These pedestrian zones are filled with all kinds of stores, from high fashion to local shops to vintage dealers. You will also find a wide variety of restaurants and bars.
Utilities and Bills
Your monthly bills will probably be around €70–110 if you share an apartment, or around €230 if you live alone.
Breaking everything down, your monthly expenses will look like this:
- Electricity: €25 – €40
- Gas (Heating / Hot Water): €30 – €50 (higher during winter)
- Water: €10 – €15
- Internet: €7 – €10
- Mobile Plan: €9 – €15
How much are tuition fees for international students in Turin?
Tuition fees at public universities in Turin depend on the student’s country of origin and family income. Typically, international students in Bachelor’s and Postgraduate programmes pay between €1,000 and €3,000/year.
Students from certain countries pay even lower fees, many under €1,000 per year.
You can use Politecnico di Torino’s fee calculator to estimate your annual tuition.
What do students say about living in Turin?
Beyond world-class education, students often cite the large international community and bustling nightlife as highlights of studying in Turin.
International students enrolled in university also get discounted rates for cultural events, access to sports centres, and various public services.
Here is what some students have to say about their time in Turin:
Student Review – University of Turin
I will always have a soft spot for my university, it is mine, after all! That said, I won’t sugarcoat it: organization is not its strong point, and some of the professors and facilities left me wanting more. But there is progress: new buildings have popped up this year, and some spin instructors have really made a difference.
The program itself met my expectations, although I wish the overall quality was more consistent. The real highlight? The city itself. It’s vibrant, full of hidden gems, and full of places for students to connect and unwind. At the end of the day, this university offers something valuable not just academically, but as a place to grow. For any young person looking to learn, explore, and figure things out along the way? It’s a solid choice.
Student Review – Polytechnic of Torino – Polito
POLITO is a university of great fame and great value. A student who graduates from this university is viewed with special attention by the world of work.
The University is very large, with new, large classrooms that have all the necessary technologies and are well maintained. The professors are very professional and competent, the subjects I studied are very interesting and provide job opportunities in various sectors. It is to all intents and purposes an international university, many contacts with foreign countries and almost all subjects taught in English. The university evening life, due to Covid, was not very flourishing, but the services offered to the student are truly enviable, student associations and discounts of all kinds, from scholarships to mobility and sports passes at discounted prices. I would recommend Polito to anyone!
Conclusion
Turin often flies under the radar, with cities like Rome, Milan, Bologna, and Florence typically attracting more attention from international applicants. Still, it’s a (relatively) hidden gem that deserves your consideration.
If you’re thinking about studying in Italy, take a moment to read more reviews on our page about universities in Turin and see if it’s the place for you!
cost of Studying in Turin: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Turin expensive for international students?
No, Turin is relatively affordable compared with cities like Milan and Rome. Students who share accommodation, cook at home, and use student discounts can keep monthly living expenses under €1,000.
How much does a student need per month to live in Turin?
You should budget around €700–€1,000 per month, including rent, groceries, transport, utilities, and entertainment.
How much is university tuition in Turin for international students?
Tuition fees at public universities typically range from €1,000 to €3,000 per year, depending on the university, programme, and applicable fee criteria.
Can international students get free public transport in Turin?
Yes, eligible university students under 26 may qualify for free public transport through the Piemove programme. Other students under 26 can acquire a monthly pass for €25.
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