Expat Costs

Cost of Living Abroad: Complete Expat Guide (2026)

Introduction

One of the biggest questions Americans ask before moving overseas is: “How much does it actually cost to live there?” The answer depends on your destination, lifestyle, and housing preferences. This guide breaks down the major expenses expats should expect when relocating abroad and compares costs across some of the most popular destinations in Europe.

Quick Comparison Table

LocationMonthly Budget (Single Person)Monthly Budget (Couple)
Palermo, Sicily€1,400–€1,800€2,200–€2,800
Catania, Sicily€1,300–€1,700€2,100–€2,700
Valletta, Malta€1,800–€2,500€2,800–€3,800
Lisbon, Portugal€1,900–€2,700€3,000–€4,000
Valencia, Spain€1,700–€2,400€2,800–€3,600

Major Cost Categories

Housing

Housing is typically the largest expense for expats.

Typical monthly rent:

  • Sicily: €350–€1,200
  • Malta: €900–€2,000
  • Portugal: €800–€2,200
  • Spain: €700–€2,000

Internal link:

(coming soon) Cost of Living in Palermo

Groceries

A typical single person can spend:

  • €200–€400/month

Popular grocery chains:

  • Italy: Coop, Conad, Lidl
  • Portugal: Continente
  • Spain: Mercadona
  • Malta: Greens

Healthcare

Many European countries offer public healthcare systems.

Estimated costs:

  • Italy: Free to low-cost after residency
  • Private insurance: €50–€250/month

Internal link:

(coming soon) Italy Healthcare for Americans

Transportation

Monthly public transit:

  • Palermo: €35–€50
  • Malta: €26–€39
  • Lisbon: €40–€50
  • Valencia: €40–€55

Many expats choose not to own a vehicle.

Dining Out

Average restaurant meal:

  • Sicily: €12–€20
  • Malta: €18–€30
  • Lisbon: €15–€25
  • Valencia: €14–€25

Utilities

Typical monthly utilities:

  • Electricity
  • Gas
  • Water
  • Internet

Average:

€100–€250/month

Cost of Living by Country

Italy

Why people move there:

  • Affordable healthcare
  • Excellent food
  • Slower pace of life

Average budget:

€1,400–€2,500/month

Moving to Italy From the United States

(coming soon) Italy Digital Nomad Visa Guide

Malta

Average budget:

€1,800–€3,500/month

Link:

(coming soon) Malta vs Italy for Americans

Portugal

Average budget:

€1,900–€3,000/month

Future article placeholder.

Spain

Average budget:

€1,700–€3,000/month

Future article placeholder.

Hidden Costs Expats Forget

This section ranks well in search.

Include:

  • Visa fees
  • Flights
  • Translation services
  • Apostilles
  • Temporary housing
  • Security deposits
  • International shipping
  • Tax advisors
  • Health insurance

How Much Money Should You Save Before Moving?

Minimum

$5,000–$10,000

Comfortable

$15,000–$25,000

Ideal

$30,000+

Link:

(coming soon) How Much Money Do You Need to Move Abroad?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Italy cheaper than the United States?

How much money do you need to retire in Italy?

Is Sicily cheaper than Malta?

What is the cheapest country in Europe for Americans?

Can I live abroad on Social Security?

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Why Cost of Living Matters

Understanding real-world costs is the foundation of a successful move abroad. Our clear comparisons show how your U.S. budget translates overseas, so you can avoid surprises and plan confidently using our interactive calculators and customizable budget templates.

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Plan Your Expat Budget

Explore side‑by‑side cost tables, realistic sample budgets, and simple calculators tailored to families, retirees, and remote workers, so you can test different cities, lifestyles, and income levels before committing to a move.

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