What People Say About Living in Cagliari

Sardinia often tops the list for expats dreaming of island life in Italy – and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. Stunning beaches, Mediterranean climate, amazing food, and that authentic Italian vibe that hasn’t been totally swallowed up by tourism. While many people immediately think of the Costa Smeralda or Alghero, another interesting option is Cagliari, the island’s capital, with around 150,000 residents.

There’s also a financial perk worth mentioning: certain areas near Cagliari may qualify for Regime fiscale forfettario 7% in Italia for foreign retirees. If you’re retired and thinking about making the move, this could mean significant savings (we’ve got a complete guide on how it works if you want to check it out).

Sounds pretty appealing, right? But before you start packing, let’s get real about what it’s actually like living in Cagliari year-round. We’ve gathered insights from people who live there and looked at our data to give you an idea.

Life in Cagliari: What People Say

According to locals, the best thing about living in a city like Cagliari is that it’s got the infrastructure and amenities of a proper city while still feeling connected to nature and the slower Sardinian pace of life. You’ve got kilometers of beaches just minutes from the city center, and there’s a vibrant nightlife and plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from. Plus, connettività internet is great, which means it could definitely be a good base if you lavorare da remoto:

“I really love it here: people are friendly, there are great bars and restaurants, you’ve got the sea right there, green spaces around, and it strikes that perfect balance between city life and small-town feel.”

Il clima is another big draw. Summers are warm without being overwhelming – despite climate change, Sardinia remains a naturally ventilated island. And even winters are really mild; unsurprisingly, it’s a season lots of locals appreciate:

“I’ve lived in Cagliari for many years and I’d never leave. Don’t think it empties out in winter (and honestly, it’s barely winter anyway!) – if anything, that’s my favorite season. The city’s full of bars and people every evening.”

When you talk to people who visit often or have the fortune of living there year-round, they’ll always tell you one thing: the air is different from any other place in Italy. This island really lets you connect with nature at its most powerful, and this is reflected in lifestyle and longevity. In fact, Sardinia actually ranks in the top 5 “Blue Zones” globally – areas where people live significantly longer than the world average:

“The lifestyle here is excellent – you eat well, there’s the sea, forests, countryside, and a much calmer pace compared to other places. It’s actually one of the top Blue Zones, meaning life expectancy here is higher than the global average.”

Transport and Connectivity in Cagliari

The closest airport is right in Cagliari - Cagliari Elmas – just 14 minuti from the city center. It’s well-connected to mainland Italy and has decent European routes too. If you need more international options, Alghero and Olbia airports are further away (about 2.5-3 hours by car), but they offer additional connections during peak season.

Cagliari has a stazione ferroviaria with reasonable regional connections, though you won’t find high-speed rail here. Day-to-day public transport within the city is quite good, but still, avere un'auto is a must. Sardinia doesn’t have the train infrastructure you’d find on the mainland, and bus schedules can be infrequent:

“Transport options are basically non-existent. If you don’t have a car here, you’re stuck. There are buses to the city and trains, but forget about being independent without your own wheels.”

Being on an island also means every trip to mainland Italy requires either a flight or a ferry – and both can get pricey and time-consuming:

“Unfortunately, it’s quite isolated. Sometimes traveling becomes difficult. You leave Sardinia by taking a ferry (expensive, slow) or a plane (sometimes with limited connections, few time slots, expensive tickets), which can be pretty limiting.”

Where to Live in Cagliari: Housing & Cost of Living

Prezzi degli immobili in Cagliari are definitely on the higher end for southern Italy, though still reasonable compared to major mainland cities. You’re looking at roughly €2,000 – €2,900/m² for buying in the center, dropping to even half that if you’re choosing some smaller, nearby towns.

Dati elaborati da Immobiliare.it

As you can see, prices vary significantly. The waterfront areas near Poetto beach command premium prices (€3,735/m²), while neighborhoods like Is Mirrionis and Pirri offer more affordable options. Rents across the city are generally quite high, ranging from around €1,200 to €1,470 per month for a 100 m² apartment.

“The cost of living in the city is much higher than anywhere else in central and southern Italy. In the more central areas of Cagliari, rents and property prices are quite high.”

Talking about smaller towns, some locals suggest looking at Capoterra, Assemini, or Elmas. These are about 15 minutes from Cagliari and you can find più conveniente housing and a quieter lifestyle while still having easy access to the city:

“If you’re interested in nearby areas, check out Capoterra, Assemini, and Elmas – they’re towns with around 15-25k residents where you can live peacefully and still be just 15 minutes from the city. Rent prices in these areas are more in line with Cagliari salaries, and there’s lots of new development happening.

Challenges of Living in Cagliari

First up, assistenza sanitaria is a mixed picture. According to our data, while basic services are available and the local hospital has some strong departments (particularly cardiology), overall quality falls below the national median. For more complex or specialized medical needs, you might need to head to mainland Italy.

Second, while trasporto pubblico within the city works fine for daily errands, it’s not reliable or frequent enough if you want real flexibility. And as mentioned, exploring the island without a car is basically impossible.

Third, the mercato del lavoro is really tough. Finding stable employment is challenging, which is why many locals end up moving to northern Italy for work:

“Cagliari is a fantastic place to live if you’re not looking for work. Very low crime, mild climate year-round, kilometers of beaches minutes from the center, excellent daytime public transport, lively nightlife, friendly people…”

Fourth, isolation can be a factor. It might sound obvious, but living on an island means every trip off it requires planning and expense. Flights can be expensive or have limited schedules, and ferries are slow and pricey. If you travel frequently or have family on the mainland, this adds up.

Finally, if you don’t speak Italian, integrazione might take some effort. While the expat community is growing (thanks in part to the university bringing in international students), English isn’t as widespread as it would be in more touristy areas.

Cagliari by the Numbers: Key Data

• Punteggio della qualità della vita: Buono (77/100) – considering infrastructure, economy, and amenities
• Qualità dell'aria: Eccellente (86/100)
• Assistenza sanitaria: Santissima Trinità Hospital (12 minutes)
• Sicurezza: Moderate to low earthquake risk
• Velocità Internet: Very good (average 250 Mbps download)
• Trasporto: Car is a must, though city buses available
  • Aeroporti: Cagliari Elmas (14 min), Alghero Fertilia (159 min), Costa Smeralda/Olbia (173 min)
  • Stazioni ferroviarie: Stazione di Cagliari (11 min), Stazione di Elmas Aeroporto (12 min)

For more detailed information about Cagliari and its services and infrastructure, visitare il profilo della città Magic Towns.

Is Cagliari Right for You?

✅ Choose Cagliari se:

• You’re a remote worker or retiree looking for beautiful coastal living with good infrastructure – you get the beach lifestyle without sacrificing city amenities
• You love island life and don’t mind the extra logistics – you’re okay with flights/ferries being part of your routine for mainland travel
• You have a car or plan to get one – this unlocks the whole island for exploration and makes daily life much easier
• You appreciate authentic Sardinian culture with a vibrant local community, university students, and a lively social scene year-round
• You want access to incredible nature – beaches, forests, mountains, and some of the most beautiful coastline in the Mediterranean are right at your doorstep

❌ Think twice if:

• You need specialized healthcare regularly – while basic services are decent, serious medical issues may require going to the mainland
• You’re looking for local employment – the job market is competitive and opportunities are limited
• You don’t speak Italian and aren’t prepared to learn – integration will require effort in a city that’s not heavily touristic
• You travel to the mainland frequently – ferry and flight costs add up quickly when you’re island-based
• You don’t want to own a car – while the city itself has decent buses, exploring Sardinia without your own transport is very difficult

Pensieri finali

If you’re drawn to Sardinian life and considering Cagliari as your base, it could be a really solid choice. The city offers genuine Mediterranean living with beautiful surroundings, friendly locals, and enough infrastructure to make daily life comfortable.

The cost of living is higher than other southern Italian cities, but it’s manageable if you’re open to nearby towns. Island life means travel requires planning and money – ferries and flights add up. The job market is tight, making this better suited for remote workers or retirees. And if you have specific healthcare needs, research beforehand.

But if those challenges don’t deter you, Cagliari delivers. Clean air, year-round sunshine, incredible nature, and a lifestyle many dream about. The university keeps things lively even in winter, and you’re perfectly positioned to explore one of Italy’s most stunning islands.

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