Bologna, the vibrant capital of Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, is one of Italy's most underrated gems. Famous for its world-class cuisine, stunning medieval architecture, and the oldest university in the Western world, Bologna combines intellectual energy with authentic Italian charm. It's a city that offers a high quality of life, an excellent location for exploring the rest of Italy, and affordability that makes it increasingly popular among expats, digital nomads, and retirees.

Whether you're considering moving to Bologna for work, study, or to enjoy a slower, more authentic Italian lifestyle, this guide will help you explore the best neighborhoods to live in Bologna, Italy, and find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.

Bologna's population is just under 400,000, but it feels like a much larger city thanks to its thriving cultural scene, academic reputation, and central location. Nestled between Florence and Milan, it offers easy train connections to Italy's biggest cities while maintaining a more relaxed, local atmosphere.

Expats are increasingly drawn to Bologna because it offers:

• A lower cost of living than in Rome, Florence, or Milan.

• A vibrant social and food scene (Bologna is Italy's culinary capital!).

• Excellent healthcare and infrastructure.

• A friendly, welcoming atmosphere that makes integration easier.

People searching online often ask:

• Where to live in Bologna, Italy?

• Best neighborhoods for expats in Bologna?

• Is Bologna a good place to live?

• Cost of living in Bologna for expats?

This guide answers all of these — and more — with a detailed look at Bologna's most popular neighborhoods for people moving from abroad.

If you've ever seen photos of Bologna's beautiful porticoes, lively piazzas, or terracotta rooftops, you're looking at Centro Storico, the city's historic heart.

This area is home to Bologna's prominent landmarks — Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers (Le Due Torri), and the University of Bologna. It's packed with cafés, bookstores, museums, and local markets, creating a lively and distinctly Italian atmosphere.

For expats seeking a vibrant atmosphere surrounded by culture, history, and nightlife, Centro Storico is one of the best places to live in Bologna. You'll find everything within walking distance — from small grocery stores to restaurants serving traditional Bolognese dishes like tagliatelle al ragù and tortellini in brodo.

However, the city center is also one of the more expensive areas in Bologna. Rents for one-bedroom apartments typically start around €1,200–€1,800 per month, depending on the building's age and amenities.

Centro Storico is ideal for students, professionals, and digital nomads who love being in the middle of the action. It's lively, beautiful, and endlessly inspiring.

Just east of the city center, Santo Stefano is one of Bologna's most elegant and peaceful neighborhoods. Wide streets, historic villas, and beautiful porticoed walkways characterize it.

This district is ideal for families, professionals, and retirees seeking tranquility within easy reach of the city center. The area is home to excellent schools, quiet cafés, and small boutiques. It's also very safe, with a strong sense of community.

Santo Stefano is a short walk from Piazza Maggiore, yet it feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Bologna. The neighborhood's namesake, the Basilica di Santo Stefano, is one of Bologna's most beautiful religious complexes.

Rents here range from €1,000 to €1,600 for a one-bedroom apartment. For those seeking a refined lifestyle in Bologna, Santo Stefano is an excellent choice.

Saragozza stretches from the western edge of the city center to the countryside, following the long portico that leads to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca — one of Bologna's most iconic landmarks.

This neighborhood offers a perfect balance between city life and nature. It's green, peaceful, and filled with local shops, making it a favorite among families and long-term residents. Saragozza has a strong local identity, with plenty of traditional bakeries, gelaterias, and open-air markets.

For expats looking for a more authentic, less touristy Bologna experience, Saragozza is ideal. Apartments are spacious, rents are moderate (around €900–€1,400 for a one-bedroom), and public transport connects you easily to the city center.

Living here also means easy access to Parco di Villa Spada and Parco Talon, two of Bologna's largest parks, which are perfect for outdoor lovers.

If you're moving to Bologna as a student, researcher, or digital nomad, San Donato is one of the best neighborhoods in which to live. It's located northeast of the city center and is home to part of the University of Bologna campus.

The neighborhood is lively, diverse, and affordable. You'll find shared apartments, student housing, and budget-friendly cafés and restaurants catering to the international crowd.

While it's not as polished as Santo Stefano or Saragozza, San Donato is full of energy and offers a significant cost of living — one-bedroom apartments start around €700–€1,000 per month.

For those who want to live close to the university, meet locals and other expats, and enjoy Bologna's youthful side, San Donato is a wise choice.

Just north of the train station, Bolognina is one of Bologna's most rapidly evolving neighborhoods. Once a working-class district, it's now becoming a hotspot for young professionals, creatives, and international residents.

Bolognina is known for its ethnic restaurants, street markets, and community vibe. It's less expensive than the city center, with rents starting around €800–€1,200, and offers easy access to transportation, including the central train station (Stazione Centrale).

This area is also home to several coworking spaces, contemporary art galleries, and music venues. It's ideal for expats seeking a balance of affordability, convenience, and diversity.

Many people searching for the best affordable neighborhoods in Bologna or where expats live in Bologna often find that Bolognina fits their lifestyle perfectly.

San Vitale is situated between the city center and San Donato, offering a perfect blend of accessibility and local charm. It's home to both students and long-term residents, creating a nice balance of activity and comfort.

The area features traditional apartments, charming side streets, and small restaurants that serve authentic Italian cuisine, including

Bolognese specialties. You'll also find grocery stores, parks, and public transportation hubs within walking distance.

San Vitale is a good option for those who want to live near the center without paying premium prices. Expect to pay rents of around €900–€1,300 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Due to its convenience, safety, and walkability, San Vitale remains one of the best neighborhoods in Bologna for expats seeking a practical and local experience.

Murri is located southeast of the city center and is one of Bologna's most popular residential districts for families and professionals. It's quieter and more suburban, offering larger apartments, parks, and excellent schools.

This neighborhood has a reputation for being safe, clean, and well-organized, making it especially appealing for those relocating with children. It's also close to Giardini Margherita, Bologna's largest and most beautiful park — perfect for walking, jogging, or picnicking.

Rents are moderate (around €1,000–€1,500), and public transport connections make commuting easy. Murri offers a perfect mix of tranquil living and city access, ideal for those who prefer a slower pace without feeling isolated.

For those looking for a touch of luxury and breathtaking views, the Colli Bolognesi (Bologna Hills) are unbeatable. Located just outside the city, these rolling green hills are dotted with historic villas, elegant homes, and vineyards.

Living here means waking up to panoramic views of Bologna and enjoying easy access to hiking trails, countryside restaurants, and vineyards. It's ideal for retirees, professionals, and anyone seeking peace and privacy.

Because it's slightly outside the city center, you'll need a car or scooter to get around, but the quality of life is exceptional. Rents vary widely depending on property type but start around €1,500 for smaller villas and can exceed €3,000 for larger estates.

If you've ever dreamed of living in the Italian countryside while staying close to the city, Colli Bolognesi offers the best of both worlds.

Compared to major Italian cities like Rome, Milan, or Florence, Bologna offers a more affordable and balanced lifestyle. You can enjoy excellent food, reliable public transport, and a vibrant cultural scene without the sky-high costs.

Here's an overview of average monthly expenses for expats in Bologna:

• Rent (1-bedroom apartment): €900–€1,400

• Utilities: €150–€220

• Groceries: €250–€400

• Transportation pass: €40–€55

• Dining out: €15–€25 per meal

Overall, a single expat can live comfortably in Bologna on around €2,000–€2,500 per month, depending on lifestyle.

Bologna's compact size and excellent public transportation system make it easy to get around. You can walk or cycle almost anywhere in the city center, while buses and trains connect the suburbs and neighboring towns.

The central train station (Bologna Centrale) offers high-speed rail connections to major Italian cities — you can reach Florence in 35 minutes, Milan in an hour, and Rome in just over two hours.

For those who plan to explore the countryside or the Emilia-Romagna region, having a car can be convenient, especially if you live in Colli Bolognesi or other outer neighborhoods.

Relocating to Italy can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life — but it can also be complex. From visa applications and residency permits to finding rentals, healthcare, and tax considerations, there are many aspects to navigate.

That's why we created the Move to Italy Masterclass — a comprehensive online program that guides you step-by-step through every stage of moving abroad.

You'll get expert insights from lawyers, real estate professionals, and expats who have already made the move. Additionally, the course includes exclusive bonuses, such as the House Hunters Masterclass and the Finding Rentals in Italy Guide, which are ideal for anyone considering a move to Bologna or elsewhere in Italy.

👉 Join the Move to Italy Masterclass today to make your relocation seamless, stress-free, and successful.

Bologna is a city that captures the essence of authentic Italian life — rich in culture, history, and world-renowned cuisine, yet modern and accessible. Whether you're drawn to the medieval charm of Centro Storico, the family-friendly calm of Murri, or the artistic energy of San Donato, Bologna offers a neighborhood for every lifestyle.

For expats, digital nomads, and retirees alike, living in Bologna means enjoying an incredible mix of tradition, community, and opportunity.

Ready to start your Italian adventure? Learn everything you need to know about moving abroad, finding housing, and thriving in Italy with the Move to Italy Masterclass — your essential guide to building your new life under the Italian sun.