Escape the High Costs: Why Italy Became the Affordable Dream Destination

After facing the loss of her mother, the termination of her decade-long job, and the completion of her divorce, Barbara Barto found herself at a crucial turning point in her life. The 62-year-old resident of Fort Worth, Texas had worked as an office manager but encountered difficulty in securing a new position, leading her to believe that she had surpassed her prime.

Barto concluded that retiring now would be an opportune moment, but she worried about the prospect of maintaining a comfortable lifestyle in light of the escalating cost of living in the United States. A devoted fan of the Home & Garden Television (HGTV) channel for many years, she frequently fantasized about relocating to a different country yet never summoned the courage to do so. Nevertheless, she recognized that the present moment presented her best chance.

New chapter

Barto bought a home just outside the village of Palombaro in the region of Abruzzo in southern Italy.

Kirk Fisher/Alamy Stock Photo

"I've never been the kind of person who spontaneously picks up and embarks on adventurous endeavors," Barto confesses to CNN Travel. However, she reveals that Italy, a country she had briefly visited in the 1980s, was at the top of her list of desired places to live in.

"Therefore, I contemplated that I am reaching an age where I should give it a shot and evaluate how it will unfold for me."

During 2020, Barto started participating in webinars organized by A Home In Italy, a company that helps foreigners in purchasing property in Europe. She wanted to determine the feasibility of such a decision. "After analyzing the costs, I realized that I could afford it, and living in Italy would be more economical compared to the United States," Barto explains.

"Because everything is pricier over there. Upon analyzing the figures, I realized that I could lead a more comfortable life with my retirement funds and inheritance. And it made me ponder, why not?"

This American family embarked on the venture of starting their own restaurant in Italy.

Barto traveled to Italy in April 2021 to embark on a search for a new home. After viewing approximately six houses, she ultimately decided on a property situated just outside the village of Palombaro in the beautiful region of Abruzzo, located in southern Italy.

"I stumbled upon the house right away," she declares. "Hence, I only had to make a single visit. I consider myself fortunate."

Barto agreed to purchase a three-bedroom house along with approximately 2.5 acres of land, which was adorned with around 200 olive trees. The total cost of this acquisition was 123,000 euros, equivalent to $123,000 as per the exchange rate of $1 to the euro at the time of the sale in late 2021.

According to Barto, the value for money was unparalleled, stating, "In the United States, I couldn't have obtained such a property for the price I paid."

Barto stated that the company she had been collaborating with handled all the necessary paperwork, and she found the entire process to be quite straightforward.

In order to be eligible for the Elective Residency Visa, which is a long-term permit for individuals from non-EU countries wishing to become residents of Italy, Barto had to possess medical insurance and submit different bank statements and financial details to demonstrate that she had sufficient "passive" income to sustain herself during her stay in the country.

After finalizing all the details, Barto began strategizing for her imminent relocation to Italy.

"It felt quite surreal," she recalls. "It's a peculiar sensation, packing up one's life and relocating to an unfamiliar place. I experienced a mixture of melancholy and enthusiasm simultaneously."

In October 2022, Barto returned to Italy to begin her new life.

She paid $123,000 for the three-bedroom home in 2021 and moved in last October.

Barbara Barto

"My younger sister and ex-husband accompanied me, assisting in my settlement," she states, emphasizing their amicable relationship. Barto swiftly acclimated to life in Abruzzo, thanks to the welcoming locals who immediately put her at ease.

"They came over and greeted me with coffee and cake," she says.

However, Barto was initially very nervous about driving in the country.

"Italians are incredibly daunting when it comes to driving," she remarks. "Moreover, residing in a mountainous region means encountering countless winding curves, steep mountain roads, and narrow pathways."

Fortunately, she has gradually grown accustomed to these conditions and now considers them to be part of her everyday routine.

This American couple purchased a French property for $36,000, and it had a profound impact on their lives.

"I'm a confident driver," she asserts. "I never let anyone intimidate me. I believe that eventually, they will pass me."

She has discovered that life in Italy is much more affordable than in the US, and she mentions that most of her essential expenses are lower.

Although Italian citizens are exempt from paying property taxes on their primary homes, non-resident property owners are obligated to pay a local property tax.

Barto is uncertain about whether she needs to pay taxes on her home but is confident that the amount will be lower compared to what she paid in Texas.

"Living here allows me to stretch my money further," she remarks. "The cost of groceries is much cheaper, resulting in significant savings, which I appreciate."

Barto has discovered that she is much more adventurous in Italy. She spends a significant amount of her time exploring the country, using buses and trains as her primary means of transportation.

"In Italy, you have the opportunity to travel to various locations by train and bus, which is something that is lacking in Texas," she explains.

Cheaper living costs

Barto loves her new life in Italy and says she finds it to be more affordable than the US.

Barbara Barto

You don't necessarily need to drive. By parking your car at the train station, you can conveniently hop on a train and reach Rome within three hours, or Venice within four to five hours. Barto mentions that during her time in the US, she didn't venture far and mostly spent her time idle.

"I didn't have much to do since I was retired," she expresses. "Besides, there isn't much to keep you occupied in Texas during the scorching summer heat. In contrast, being here compels me to stay active. There's always something to occupy my time, and I manage to find activities to engage in."

Barto stays updated on events in her home country by reading online newspapers and acknowledges feeling disheartened at times due to the content. This family purchased an affordable house in Italy as the United States was too costly.

"There has been a surge in crime," she remarks. "Texas has an open gun law, resulting in an alarming number of individuals with a volatile temperament wielding firearms. I am relieved to be far away from that environment." Despite being unable to visit her native country since relocating to Italy, Barto intends to return to the US for the upcoming holiday season.

She is eagerly anticipating the chance to reunite with her family and explore her childhood neighborhood while indulging in all her cherished dishes. "Mexican, BBQ, Indian, a beloved hamburger joint, chicken fried steak, Chinese cuisine, and a succulent, juicy steak – all the culinary delights that are unavailable in this area," she enthusiastically remarks.

Language barrier

While shes picked up some Italian, Barto still finds the language difficult, and mainly relies on Google Translate when it comes to communicating with Italians.

"When I go to the bank and need to make a withdrawal, I simply state, 'I would like to make a withdrawal,'" she clarifies.

"I also take the time to rehearse in the car multiple times so that when I arrive at the bank, I can communicate my needs clearly. Fortunately, they are quite easy to comprehend."

Barto explains that she keeps the Italian words written down in front of her when contacting her hairdresser to schedule an appointment. Before dialing, she repeats the words multiple times.

"I quickly say it when they answer," she adds. "It's amusing because now whenever I make a hair appointment, they laugh and say, 'Oh, it's Barbara from Texas'."

Barto also admits that she has faced challenges in adapting to the fact that the local shops and restaurants remain closed during the daytime. "To accomplish anything, one must either do it in the morning or wait until after four," she shares, further admitting that she occasionally finds herself inconvenienced by this.

"If you dont feel like cooking in the United States or any other place, you can just get in the car and go get some fast food.

"That doesnt happen around here. So youve got to adjust to that."

Having resided in Italy for close to a year, Barto expresses a strong sense of belonging and a desire to establish a permanent presence in the country. "Unless there are any major health concerns that cannot be addressed here, I intend to remain here," she asserts.

Non-Italian residents are eligible to enroll in the Italian National Healthcare System and avail Italian public healthcare services, subject to certain conditions which may include the payment of an annual fee.

Barto, who relocated to Italy nearly a year ago, has encountered numerous expatriates in various parts of the country and is always astonished by the significant number of individuals who have chosen to leave their previous lives behind for Italy.

"There are many other single women who have accomplished this, in addition to me," she affirms. "When you converse with them, they often share that they have been here for 10 years and have successfully adapted to their new surroundings.

"Moving to a different country allows you to break away from your usual routine. It encourages you to embrace new challenges and venture into the unknown."

Barto cherishes the breathtaking view of the Maiella mountains from her balcony, making it one of her most cherished aspects of her Italian home.

"I take great pleasure in residing here. Gazing at the views from my balcony is a pure delight," she expresses, emphasizing her profound gratitude for this experience.

"I know a lot of people say that, but I really do. Its very different when you wake up in the morning.

"Youre like, Wow, every day. Its a different scene every morning."