Verbania sits on the shores of Lake Maggiore in northern Italy, about 19 kilometers from Milan's Malpensa Airport. The climate is mild and Mediterranean-influenced, with warm, dry summers and cool, damp winters. Expats tend to settle in the neighborhoods of Pallanza, Intra, and Fondotoce, drawn by the lakefront setting and small-town pace. The expat community here is small, and English proficiency is limited, so some Italian language ability helps.
Living costs are moderate compared to major Italian cities. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center rents for $729 per month, while outside the center it drops to $589. For a three-bedroom, expect $1,290 in the center or $981 outside. A single adult's monthly budget excluding rent runs about $1,000, with utilities at $196, internet at $27, and a mobile phone plan at $12. A monthly public transport pass costs $67, and a gym membership is $79. An inexpensive restaurant meal is $17, a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is $79, and a cappuccino costs $2. The average monthly net salary locally is $2,343, which aligns with the cost of living index of 64 out of 100 (New York City = 100).
Safety is a strong point: the safety index stands at 87 out of 100, and the crime index is a low 13 out of 100. Healthcare quality is rated as excellent, and the air quality index is 45, indicating good air. These factors make Verbania a comfortable and secure place to live.
For longer stays, Italy offers the Elective Residence Visa, which requires a minimum monthly income of $2,895, and the Digital Nomad Visa, with a minimum monthly income of $2,615. The nearest airport is MXP, just 19 kilometers away. Verbania suits retirees (retiree score 67/100), those pursuing financial independence (FIRE score 74/100), and digital nomads (digital nomad score 64/100), with an overall expat score of 72 out of 100.