Every few months, a viral post makes the rounds: "I moved to Italy and my entire life costs €1,200 a month!" It is always someone living in a small town in Calabria or a village in Sicily. It is never someone in Milan, Florence, or Rome.
The honest breakdown
Rome: A one-bedroom apartment in a walkable neighborhood costs €1,200–1,800/month. Central is €1,800+. The cheap neighborhoods are far and the commute will consume your soul.
Milan: More expensive than Rome. Period. Expect €1,400–2,200 for a one-bedroom in anything resembling a convenient location.
Bologna: The sweet spot. Genuinely affordable, excellent food, university city energy, great train connections. €900–1,400 for a one-bedroom.
What is actually cheap
Food, if you shop and cook like an Italian. Coffee (€1–1.30 for an espresso at a bar, standing). Public transport. Wine.