Cost of living in Lucca
The numbers that need to be considered when planning your dream.
Housing typically represents the largest portion of the budget in Lucca, and what weighs most heavily on the cost is not just the location, but the overall package: state of repair, energy efficiency, garage, and outdoor area.
Besides the obvious bills (electricity, water, gas, internet), those arriving from out of town are often surprised by two charges: the TARI, a municipal garbage tax calculated based on the property's square footage, and the RAI tax, a mandatory fee for those who have a TV at home, charged on the electricity bill.
It's worth asking for the APE (Attestato di Prestazione Energetica) of the property before deciding; an old house without adequate insulation can mean much higher heating bills in the Tuscan winter than you might imagine.
Beyond the numbers, understanding what makes up the cost of living in Lucca requires context. In the e-book Lucca, far beyond the walls I address this topic from the perspective of someone who is an architect and has already gone through this change.
