L'Aquila
L'Aquila scores highly for affordability and safety, making it a top-tier choice for budget-conscious residents. However, its lower scores in job market growth and public transit infrastructure reflect its status as a smaller, mountain-based provincial capital rather than a major economic hub.
Is L'Aquila right for you?
MoveWiser can compare your budget, lifestyle, climate preferences, and priorities with L'Aquila and other cities — and show you how well each one fits you personally.
See How Well L'Aquila Fits MeQuality of Life in L'Aquila
L'Aquila's score is bolstered by its exceptional housing affordability and high quality of life, which allows residents to live comfortably on a modest budget. The city's strong academic presence via the University of L'Aquila and its proximity to the Apennine mountains provide unique lifestyle benefits that are hard to find elsewhere. Conversely, the score is tempered by a relatively stagnant local job market and a reliance on regional bus and train connections, which are less robust than those in Italy's major metropolitan areas. The ongoing recovery from historical seismic events also impacts the city's infrastructure development, keeping the overall score in the high-70s range.
Housing
The housing market in L'Aquila shows a steady recovery with average residential prices reaching approximately €1,403 per square meter as of mid-2026 [Abruzzo Housing Market 2026](https://exclusiveproperty.com/abruzzo-housing-market). Renters typically find one-bedroom apartments in the city center for around €487, while student-oriented housing remains a significant sector with single rooms starting near €175 [Cost of Living in L'Aquila. Jun 2026. Prices in L'Aquila](https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/L'Aquila) [Student housing, rooms and apartments for rent in L’Aquila | Erasmus Play](https://erasmusplay.com/en/l'aquila.html).
Neighborhoods
The city is historically divided into four quarters—Santa Giusta, Santa Maria Paganica, San Pietro a Coppito, and San Marciano—each centered around its own square and church [L'Aquila, Province of L'Aquila, Abruzzo](https://www.italyheritage.com/regions/abruzzo/laquila/laquila.htm). While the historic center has undergone extensive reconstruction following the 2009 earthquake, many residents now live in newer residential developments in the surrounding areas that were built to accommodate displaced populations [L’Aquila, an Italian City Shaken to Its Cultural Core - The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/24/arts/24abroad.html).
Economy & Jobs
L'Aquila serves as a major administrative, commercial, and educational hub for the Abruzzo region, heavily influenced by the presence of the University of L'Aquila [L’Aquila, an Italian City Shaken to Its Cultural Core - The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/24/arts/24abroad.html). The local economy is also supported by the public sector and a growing tourism industry centered on the region's historic sites and proximity to the Apennine mountain range [Province of L'Aquila - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Province_of_L'Aquila).
Commuting & Transportation
Local urban transit is primarily managed by AMA, which provides bus services throughout the city and offers discounted passes for the large student population [Your Guide to Student Life in L'Aquila](https://orla-student.com/your-guide-to-student-life-in-laquila/). Regional travel is facilitated by the TUA (Trasporto Unico Abruzzese) network, though residents often rely on cars for flexibility when navigating the mountainous terrain and smaller surrounding villages [Public Transport in Abruzzo: Everything You Need to Know](https://abruzzissimo.com/public-transport-in-abruzzo/).
Lifestyle & Amenities
Residents enjoy a lifestyle rich in history and outdoor access, with landmarks like the Fountain of the 99 Spouts and the Basilica of Collemaggio defining the city's cultural identity [L'Aquila, Province of L'Aquila, Abruzzo](https://www.italyheritage.com/regions/abruzzo/laquila/laquila.htm). The nearby Gran Sasso d'Italia offers extensive opportunities for skiing and hiking, while the city's status as a university town fosters a vibrant student-driven social scene [Province of L'Aquila - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Province_of_L'Aquila) [Your Guide to Student Life in L'Aquila](https://orla-student.com/your-guide-to-student-life-in-laquila/).
Climate
L'Aquila features an oceanic climate with cold, snowy winters and mild, dry summers due to its high altitude of 714 meters. It is significantly cooler than the Mediterranean coastal regions of Italy.
Cost of Living in L'Aquila
Population
70,727
Median Home Price
$185,000
Median Rent
$650/mo
Average Salary
$23,500
Groceries / month
$350/mo
Moving to L'Aquila
L'Aquila is an incredibly affordable mountain-adjacent city that provides a high quality of life and excellent access to fitness and outdoor recreation. It is perfect for a budget-conscious individual seeking a safe and quiet environment.
Pros and Cons of Living in L'Aquila
Pros
- • Very low cost of living
- • Stunning mountain scenery
- • Rich historical architecture
- • Proximity to Gran Sasso ski resorts
- • Quiet, safe community atmosphere
Cons
- • Limited high-paying job market
- • Public transit is less frequent than in major hubs
- • Cold, harsh winter weather
- • Ongoing post-earthquake reconstruction
Who L'Aquila Is Best For
Where L'Aquila performs well
Frequently Asked Questions
Is L'Aquila a good place to live?
L'Aquila is an excellent choice for those seeking a peaceful, budget-friendly lifestyle surrounded by the Apennine mountains. It is particularly well-suited for students attending the University of L'Aquila and individuals who prioritize outdoor recreation over urban hustle.
Is L'Aquila affordable?
Yes, L'Aquila is highly affordable compared to major Italian cities like Rome or Milan. You can find one-bedroom apartments for as little as $550 to $700 per month, and daily expenses like groceries and dining out are significantly lower than the national average.
What is L'Aquila best known for as a place to live?
The city is best known for its dramatic mountain setting and its role as a cultural and academic hub in the Abruzzo region. It is famous for being the gateway to the Gran Sasso d'Italia, offering world-class hiking and skiing just a short drive from the city center.
What are the biggest advantages of living in L'Aquila?
The primary advantages include the low cost of housing, the high quality of fresh local food, and the access to pristine nature. Residents enjoy a slower pace of life with easy access to historical sites like the nearby Rocca Calascio castle.
What are the potential disadvantages of living in L'Aquila?
The main drawbacks are the limited local job market, which often requires commuting or remote work, and the reliance on regional bus lines or personal vehicles for travel. Additionally, the winters are quite cold, and the city is still undergoing long-term reconstruction efforts following the 2009 earthquake.
What type of person or household is L'Aquila a good fit for?
L'Aquila is a perfect fit for students, retirees, and remote workers who value tranquility and mountain living. It is less ideal for young professionals seeking a fast-paced corporate career or those who rely heavily on extensive, high-frequency public transit networks.
Related rankings
Cities Similar to L'Aquila
Data & sources
MoveWiser scores are AI-generated comparative estimates, not official statistics. The category scores above are produced by MoveWiser's data pipeline; cost figures and population are AI estimates informed by web data at the time of generation. Always verify specifics with primary sources before deciding.
Data sources (as reported during generation):
- Livingcost.org 2026
- World Population Review 2026
- Numbeo 2026 — cost of living, rent & groceries
- Wikipedia — population, climate & overview
- Expatica 2026
Find cities that fit you — not just one
Get personalized city recommendations with match percentages based on your exact budget, lifestyle, climate, and priorities — L'Aquila included.
Get My Personalized MatchesCookies & ads
We use cookies and similar technologies to personalize ads, measure ad performance, and improve your experience. Third-party vendors (including Google) may use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits. See our Privacy Policy for details.