Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Italy

Italy
Based on our comparison, Palermo wins 6 out of 8 categories.Bologna wins 2 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Bologna and Palermo, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Palermo
$1,260/mo
Best Internet
Bologna
175 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Palermo
7.1/10
Our Recommendation: Palermo is the clear winner for digital nomads, offering both affordability and excellent nomad infrastructure.
When comparing Bologna and Palermo for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Palermo is the more budget-friendly option at $1,260/month versus Bologna's $1,642/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Bologna leads with 175 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Palermo offers 120 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 5.4/10, Palermo offers better security than Bologna (5.1/10).
Overall: Palermo's NomadIQ score of 7.1/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Palermo is 23% cheaper than Bologna.
Palermo has a higher safety score (5.4/10) compared to Bologna (5.1/10).
5.1/10
Bologna
5.4/10
Palermo
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Bologna offers faster internet at 175 Mbps vs 120 Mbps.
175 Mbps
Bologna
120 Mbps
Palermo
Based on our analysis, Palermo edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 6 of 8 comparison factors.
Bologna: Best for those prioritizing amenities
Palermo: Best for budget-conscious expats
We use cookies, analytics tools and advertising technologies, including Google Analytics, Meta Pixel and other advertising/analytics cookies, to improve our site, measure performance and personalise your experience. You can accept or decline at any time.