What People Say About Living in Bari

For our series “What People Say About Living in…”, this time we’re focusing on Bari, the capital city of Puglia. While not as internationally recognized as Rome or Florence, Bari is a major port city and one of southern Italy’s key transport hubs. Situated along the Adriatic coast, just 30 minutes from Polignano a Mare and not far from Basilicata, it offers a strategic base for exploring southern Italy.

So what’s it actually like living in Bari? We’ve combined local perspectives and data to give you a realistic overview.

Life in Bari: What People Say

What locals appreciate most about Bari is its location, right on the Adriatic and close to some of southern Italy’s most iconic spots, like Monopoli and Matera.

In recent years, the city has seen a steady rise in tourism and property prices, but the overall cost of living remains significantly lower than in most northern Italian cities.

“The cost of living is lower than in any city north of Rome. Every neighborhood has plenty of places to eat and drink, good shopping areas, suburban malls, a breezy seafront, and a beautiful historic center. And within 50 km, you’ve got amazing spots like Trani, Castel del Monte, Polignano, and more.” – Michele R.

For those who enjoy city life and can afford to live near the center, Bari is also seen as a lively city, thanks in part to its status as a university town, which brings a steady flow of students, cultural events, and nightlife:

“If you enjoy city life and can afford to live centrally, Bari is a great place. Theatres, cinemas, restaurants, and bars are everywhere. The old part of the city is beautiful. But public transport isn’t great, though it’s getting better.” – Barbara T.

That said, as we’ll explore later, Bari does have its limitations, particularly when it comes to public transport and employment opportunities, especially for internationals who don’t speak Italian.

“Over the past 10 to 15 years, Bari has become a popular tourist destination, thanks to its strategic location and rediscovery of its own charm. Of course, living and working here is another story.” – Michele R.

Transport and Connectivity in Bari

When it comes to infrastructure, Bari is relatively well-connected. The airport, Bari Karol Wojtyła, is just 10 minutes from the city and offers a wide range of domestic and international flights.

“One of the strengths of this airport is the self-service express bag drop system. In just a few minutes, you can complete the entire check-in process on your own, without having to wait in long lines. It’s a fast and genuinely useful service.” – Silvia R.

Getting to the airport is easy enough. You can take the Tempesta shuttle, which takes about 30 minutes, or opt for a direct train from Bari Centrale, which reaches the airport in just 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can use city buses, which are the cheapest option, though they’re a bit slower.

The train station, Bari Centrale, is another solid hub with both regional and high-speed trains. You can get to Monopoli in half an hour, Lecce in just over an hour, and Rome in around four hours, making it a convenient base for travel within Italy.

Getting around the city itself, however, is more complicated. There are 33 bus lines that technically cover the city from 5 am to 11 pm, and you can buy tickets through the MUVT app. But anyone who actually lives here will tell you the same thing: a car isn’t optional, it’s essential. There’s not much of a biking culture either. It’s partly due to traffic, partly habit. So unless you live right in the center and never need to leave, plan on driving.

“The concept of ‘livability’ really depends on the neighborhood. Bari is a big southern city with a metropolitan area of over 500,000. That means typical congestion during peak hours and tough parking in the center. Service-wise, it’s comparable to similar cities, certainly more organized and manageable than Naples, Palermo, or Catania.” – Michele R.

Where to Live in Bari: Housing & Cost of Living

One of Bari’s main selling points is its affordability. Whether you’re renting or buying, prices are far more accessible than in other cities. Here’s a breakdown of average prices for renting and buying a 70 m² apartment:

Data elaborated from Immobiliare.it

If you want to live in the city center, the Umbertino and Murat districts are good options. Murat, in particular, is one of the city’s most vibrant areas, close to the university and full of shops, cafés, and nightlife, but parking is a major downside:

“Living in Murat? Only if you don’t have a car, or you’re willing to pay €200–€300 a month for garage space.”

If convenience and walkability are high on your list, staying central makes sense. But if you’re looking for a quieter setting, suburban neighborhoods could be a better option, just be aware that a car will be absolutely necessary:

“I wouldn’t recommend the suburbs unless you’re OK driving everywhere. Some, like Torre a Mare or Palese, are scenic but disconnected. Others, San Paolo, Stanic, Carbonara, vary in safety and infrastructure.”

Some locals even suggest skipping Bari proper and living in nearby towns like Mola di Bari, because it offers a quieter pace of life, more space, and even lower housing costs, while still being close enough to commute into the city when needed.

Challenges of Living in Bari

Beyond transport, one common complaint from visitors and newcomers is the summer heat, which can be really intense. During the hottest months, temperatures often reach levels that make it nearly impossible to be outdoors in the middle of the day:

“The midday hours are basically unusable, which limits outdoor activities. In the south, those hours are called ‘controra’, a kind of southern siesta. You’re either at the beach or napping. Most shops don’t reopen until 5 or 6 pm, because there’s nobody around earlier.”

Another downside of living in Bari involves employment. Unless you work remotely or are in specific sectors like tourism, logistics, or healthcare, job opportunities can be limited, especially for newcomers who don’t speak Italian.

In recent years, safety concerns have also been raised, prompting the city to take more active measures. Local authorities have designated specific “red zones” where police presence will be increased and problematic individuals may be removed at all times of day, not just at night. These areas include Piazza Umberto, Piazza del Ferrarese, Piazza Moro, and parts of the Murat district. So even though measures are in place, it’s important to stay cautious.

Bari by the Numbers: Key Data

• Quality of Life: Good (84/100)
• Air Quality: Really good
• Safety: Moderate to Low Earthquake Risk
• Healthcare: Policlinico Consorziale-P. Soc (5 min.)
• Internet Speed: Good (average of 331 Mbps)
• Rent: ~ 400-900 (70 m²)
• Transport: Pretty good
  • Airport: Airport Karol Wojtyla (11 min.), Papola Casale, Brindisi (53 min.), Capodichino, Naples (2h)
  • Train Stations: Stazione di Bari Policlinico (4 min), Stazione di Fesca-San Girolamo (8 min), Stazione di Bari Centrale (11 min.)

For more detailed information about Bari and its services and infrastructure, visit the Magic Towns city profile.

Is Bari Right for You?

✅ Pros

• Affordable cost of living compared to larger Italian cities
• Reliable internet connectivity for work
• Access to quality healthcare services and facilities nearby
• Strategic location for travel and day trips
• Well-connected airport and train links

⚠️ Cons

• Public transportation may not be as frequent or reliable (a car is nearly essential)
• Limited international job opportunities
• Seasonal tourism can lead to overcrowding in peak months
• Infrastructure improvements are needed in certain areas

Final Thoughts

Bari is an affordable city with a strategic location, offering good access to both the Adriatic coast and key transport links. While it’s an appealing option for many due to its charm and lower cost of living, it does come with challenges. Public transport can be unreliable, job opportunities are limited for non-locals, and the summer heat can make outdoor life difficult. Overall, it offers a more relaxed pace of life, but it may not suit everyone, especially those looking for vibrant job markets or easy access to urban conveniences.

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