Cost of Living in Matera - Updated Prices & Insights

Monthly Cost of Living

A single person spends around $1,493 per month with rent, or $964 for everyday expenses alone.

A couple spends around $2,276 per month with rent, or $1,458 for everyday expenses alone.

A family of three spends around $3,060 per month with rent, or $1,951 without housing.

Overall, Matera is 8–11% above the global median across household types. Within Europe, costs are 16% below average – relatively affordable for the region.

Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$13.69 €11.78
$11.40 €9.81
$28.52 €24.53
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$69.2 €59.5
$57.7 €49.61
$161 €139
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$11.42 €9.83
$9.14 €7.86
$13.71 €11.80
Cappuccino
$2.10 €1.81
$1.41 €1.21
$3.51 €3.02
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.08 €1.79
$1.71 €1.47
$3.41 €2.93
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.07 €0.92
$0.79 €0.68
$1.70 €1.46
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$4.61 €3.96
$2.87 €2.47
$9.21 €7.92
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.54 €3.90
$3.40 €2.93
$6.80 €5.85
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.28 €1.10
$1.17 €1.01
$2.34 €2.01
White Bread (500g)
$1.73 €1.48
$1.15 €0.99
$2.29 €1.97
Rice (white) (1kg)
$2.92 €2.52
$1.52 €1.31
$5.29 €4.55
Eggs
$3.76 €3.24
$2.79 €2.40
$6.50 €5.59
Local Cheese (1kg)
$14.64 €12.59
$7.99 €6.87
$34.23 €29.44
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$10.15 €8.73
$5.73 €4.93
$16.60 €14.28
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$16.51 €14.20
$9.39 €8.08
$23.49 €20.20
Apples (1kg)
$2.92 €2.51
$1.53 €1.31
$5.06 €4.36
Banana (1kg)
$2.30 €1.98
$1.67 €1.43
$3.57 €3.07
Oranges (1kg)
$1.13 €0.97
$1.13 €0.97
$4.51 €3.88
Tomato (1kg)
$3.69 €3.18
$1.77 €1.52
$5.89 €5.07
Potato (1kg)
$1.93 €1.66
$1.14 €0.98
$3.41 €2.94
Onion (1kg)
$1.77 €1.52
$1.18 €1.02
$2.35 €2.02
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.49 €1.28
$0.94 €0.81
$3.05 €2.62
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$0.50 €0.43
$0.22 €0.19
$1.32 €1.14
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$6.63 €5.70
$5.84 €5.02
$7.86 €6.76
Wine (Bottle)
$8.35 €7.18
$5.37 €4.62
$11.93 €10.26
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$2.67 €2.30
$1.49 €1.28
$4.59 €3.95
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.44 €2.96
$1.63 €1.40
$7.00 €6.02
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.76 €1.51
$1.64 €1.41
$2.23 €1.91
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$44.12 €37.95
$35.29 €30.36
$47.05 €40.48
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$5.64 €4.85
$4.51 €3.88
$9.02 €7.76
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.16 €1.86
$1.58 €1.36
$3.17 €2.72
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$35.20 €30.28
$21.12 €18.16
$67.6 €58.1
Gasoline (1 liter)
$2.07 €1.78
$1.99 €1.72
$2.11 €1.81
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$36.4K €31.3K
$35.4K €30.4K
$39.5K €34.0K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$34.9K €30.0K
$29.6K €25.4K
$37.9K €32.6K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$171 €147
$154 €133
$286 €246
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$13.03 €11.20
$6.85 €5.90
$22.86 €19.67
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$33.23 €28.58
$26.36 €22.67
$57.3 €49.29
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$54.2 €46.64
$46.47 €39.97
$58.1 €49.97
Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)
$23.44 €20.17
$14.07 €12.10
$29.30 €25.20
Cinema Ticket
$11.45 €9.85
$9.16 €7.88
$13.75 €11.82
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$386 €332
$285 €246
$628 €540
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$6,172 €5,309
$4,703 €4,045
$8,613 €7,409
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$94.3 €81.1
$47.13 €40.54
$153 €132
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$43.38 €37.32
$34.14 €29.37
$56.9 €48.95
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$101 €87.2
$80.6 €69.4
$138 €119
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$145 €125
$81.1 €69.8
$232 €199
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$628 €540
$457 €393
$799 €687
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$436 €375
$291 €250
$582 €500
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$926 €796
$926 €796
$926 €796
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$662 €569
$575 €495
$748 €643
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,898 €2,493
$2,248 €1,933
$3,549 €3,053
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$3,382 €2,909
$1,424 €1,225
$5,340 €4,594
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$1,768 €1,521
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
4.04
2.4
4.9

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: May 30, 2026

Cost Breakdown

A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $628, dropping to $436 outside central areas. Housing accounts for roughly 36% of the average salary ($1,768) – well above the 30% international benchmark.

The average net salary is $1,768. With monthly costs around $1,493, saving is possible but often limited. A more comfortable lifestyle typically starts at $2,239.

Groceries cost around $311 per month for one person. A mid-range dinner for two is priced at $69.0 – broadly in line with the European average.

A monthly public transport pass costs about $44.12 – roughly in line with the European average of $48.00.

Cost Highlights

Matera is cheaper than 51% of cities worldwide and 66% within Europe.

Matera Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Latency
ms

Fixed Broadband

Download
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Latency
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The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.
Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Matera - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Matera's affordability compare broadly to other Italian cities, and who tends to get the best value?
Matera offers a compelling balance of value and character. For many, the city feels more affordable than larger Italian hubs, with a mix of charming rentals, local markets, and modest dining options that keep daily costs reasonable. Cost of Living in Matera, Italy tends to be favorable, especially when you’re not in the peak tourist zones. Seasonal tourism can push prices up in summer, but shoulder periods stay lively and manageable. Housing in historic districts is unique and often more affordable than newer, high-rise areas if you search with flexibility. Tip: start your search in the old town and expand outward to balance charm and cost.
What does a typical day look like regarding housing search, meals, transport, coworking, and errands in Matera?
Your day-to-day in Matera balances a relaxed pace with practical routines. Housing options range from stone apartments in the Sassi to modern flats nearby, with differences in stairs, views, and light that can steer rental decisions. For food, visit markets and trattorie for seasonal produce and good value. Transport leans on walkability and occasional buses; cycling is feasible in many areas. Co-working spaces offer affordable daily or monthly plans, ideal for digital tasks. Matera, Italy living cost awareness helps you budget weekly groceries and transit. Tip: map a weekly grocery route and a transit plan to balance comfort and savings.
What are the key quality-of-life factors, budgeting frameworks, and neighborhood fit to consider if you’re staying in Matera long-term?
Quality of life in Matera blends culture, climate, and accessibility. Use a simple budgeting framework: separate fixed essentials, discretionary spending, and occasional splurges, and adjust by season since summer activities and crowds can alter costs. To save, consider staying in mid-range neighborhoods outside the tourist cores, shop at weekly markets, and cook at home when possible. Neighborhood fit matters: the historic center offers ambience and compact streets, while newer districts provide more space and parking options. Seasonal events enrich your schedule but can draw crowds; build flexible plans so you can enjoy the city without overcommitting. Tip: test a few neighborhoods during a weekend visit to gauge vibe and noise.
What is the average cost of living in Matera in 2026?
For 2026, a single person in Matera should plan on about $1,493 per month with rent, or $964 without housing. That covers a moderate lifestyle – food, utilities, transport, and some leisure – at current local prices.
Is Matera worth the cost of living?
Matera is mid-range – monthly costs with rent reach about $1,493. For most residents, that's a fair trade: urban amenities, services, and job access without major-hub prices.
How much do you need to earn to live comfortably in Matera?
You'll want at least $2,239 per month after taxes to live comfortably in Matera. That covers a decent apartment, groceries, utilities, transport, and enough left over for dining out occasionally. Families or people wanting a central location should budget higher.
How much is rent in Matera?
In Matera's center, a one-bedroom apartment runs about $628 per month. Move further out and that drops to around $436. Location makes a big difference here – and furnished places or short-term rentals will cost more on top of these figures.
Is food expensive in Matera?
Grocery spending in Matera lands around $311 per month for one person – not cheap, not expensive. Local produce and staples are fairly priced, though imported goods and specialty items cost more. Overall, food is a manageable part of the budget.
How much is public transport in Matera?
Getting around Matera by public transport costs about $44.12 per month. A monthly pass generally covers buses, trams, and metro – much cheaper than owning a car for the daily commute.
Can a person live on $1,000 monthly in Matera?
$1,000 is below the $1,493 average in Matera, so it's tight but not impossible. You'll need to keep rent low – sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and sticking to public transport are the main levers.
Is Matera a good place to live?
Quality of life in Matera is genuinely good – highlights include fast internet, low crime rates, clean air, and monthly costs hover around $1,493. Day-to-day life is well-rounded: decent infrastructure, varied dining and entertainment, and a generally positive atmosphere.
How affordable is Matera?
Matera is neither cheap nor expensive – it sits comfortably in the middle. Monthly costs with rent run about $1,493, a figure most working professionals can handle without major financial stress.
Is Matera good for backpackers?
Matera is doable for backpackers, though it takes more planning than cheaper destinations. Monthly costs average $1,493, so daily spending is moderate. Hostels, local food, and public transport keep things in check, but attractions and nightlife can push costs up.

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