Teaching English in Italy - The Salary and Budget Guide
This guide will help you answer the question: How much can I earn (and save) teaching English in Italy? You’ll also find information on the local cost of living in order to figure out how much to budget for when making the move to Italy.
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The Typical Salary for English Teachers in Italy
The typical salary for English language teachers in Italy varies considerably depending on the employer and the location. Therefore, you can expect to earn in the region of 1,000 to 1,500 EUR per month. It’s also important to note that salaries in the northern cities, such as Rome and Milan, pay the most, while you may earn less in the south of the country. Teachers with a TEFL qualification and experience have a good chance of earning the higher end of the scale, while those without a TEFL certification are likely to earn less.
Here is more information on the average salaries in Italy per school type:
How to Earn Extra Cash While Teaching English in Italy
Many teachers living and working in Italy take advantage of the high demand for private language tutors. By taking on private students in their free time, teachers can earn extra money outside of normal working hours. Rates for private tutoring range from 15 to 30 EUR per hour.
Getting a Work Visa in Italy
While it is often quite difficult for teachers from outside the EU to obtain a long-term work visa to teach legally in the country, there is a relatively easy way to teach legally in Italy. For more information on how to get a work visa for Italy, read our guide.
The Cost of Living in Italy
While there is a strong demand for TEFL certified teachers in Italy, the cost of living often keeps people from moving there. Expenses for groceries and transportation are higher in Italy than destinations in Eastern Europe, such as the Czech Republic. However, you can still make a comfortable living teaching English in Italy.
Also read: The 7 Most Beautiful Cities in Italy For Teaching English Abroad
Cost of Living in Italy: Food
The local cost of living in Italy is higher compared to locations in Eastern Europe but if you purchase your groceries at local markets and avoid eating out at touristy areas, you can save on your monthly expenses.
- Milk (1L) : 1.16 €
- Eggs (12) : 2.92 €
- Apples (1kg) : 1.77 €
- Chicken breast (1kg) : 8.63 €
- Rice (1kg) : 1.90 €
- Bottle of water (1.5L) : 0.40 €
- Bottle of domestic beer (.5L) : 1 €
Cost of Living in Italy: Leisure Activities
Italians love to spend time outside. Eating out with friends, sitting in cafes or bar hopping are amongst the most popular leisure activities in Italy.
- Three-course mid-range restaurant dinner: 55 €
- Quick restaurant meal: 15 €
- 1-month fitness club membership: 50 €
- Movie ticket, international release: 8 €
Cost of Living in Italy: Transportation
Large cities have a fast subway network and the whole country is very well connected via trains and buses. Taxi rates are quite high in large cities.
- Metro ride: 1.50 €
- Monthly pass (regular price): 35 €
- Taxi rate per km: 1.30 € (start fare ~ 4 €)
- City bus: 1.50 €
Cost of Living in Italy: Travel in Italy and Beyond
Italy is home to some of Europe's most famous places of interest, including Rome, the Vatican, Pisa, Milan, Venice, and Florence, just to name a few. You can easily travel around the country via train. You can also easily travel to other European cities by train or plane from Italy.
- 1 night in a mid-range hotel: 50 €
- Train from Rome to Venice (3.5 hours): 35 €
- Flight from Rome to Paris, roundtrip (2 hours): 80 €
Sample Monthly Teacher Budget
To give you an example of how an English teacher in Italy spends their salary, here is a sample monthly budget:
- Gross income (salary) : 1,600 € (average)
- Rent (shared or one-bedroom): 670 €
- Utilities (electricity, gas, water): 120 €
- Phone & Internet: 27 €
- Food: 150 €
- Insurance: 30 €
- Remaining disposable income: 603 € (currently $684 USD)
How Much You Can Save When Teaching English in Italy
As you can see from the sample budget above, you will be left with approximately $684 USD after the average expenses. This amount varies, of course, depending on your salary and location. However, it is true that you won’t be able to save as much while teaching English in Italy, compared to places in Asia, for example, where the salaries are generally higher and the cost of living considerably lower. However, you will still have the time of your life when teaching English in Italy because of its vibrant culture and exciting things to see and do.
Take Your TEFL/TESOL In-Class Course in Italy
ITTT has in-class TEFL courses in Italy, where you can spend four weeks learning everything you need to know about teaching your own English classes abroad while exploring Rome or Florence.
Are you Ready to Live and Teach English In Italy?
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