English Brescia is a city in northern Italy, located in Lombardy – one of the country’s most competitive regions in terms of economy, industry, and commerce. Its strategic location allows residents to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle compared to larger cities, without missing out on job opportunities or essential services. The city also offers a well-balanced mix of cultural heritage, modern amenities, and beautiful natural surroundings, all supported by an efficient transport system and a mild climate.
Life in Brescia: What People Say
Brescia is considered by its residents to be a city that, although not widely known among the expat community, is well-rounded and diverse, offering much more than expected:
“It has everything you need, without being in a big, touristy city like Milan.” – Camilla P.
“It’s always subjective, but I’d say that integrating in Brescia is fairly easy. There are plenty of events, initiatives, and services. Jobs are not hard to find. It’s a bit polluted but very beautiful.” – Paola D.
“Brescia offers everything from culture to nature, a lake, mountains, and even a metro system“ – Patrick L.P.
Transport and Connectivity
Public transport is another advantage of living in Brescia. The city has a metro system, buses, and even trains connecting it to major cities like Milan and Verona (just 35-40 minutes away), making it an ideal place for those who seek a quieter life without sacrificing connectivity.
“You can live in the city without a car, thanks to buses, bikes, the metro, and trains.” – Paola D.
This system is especially helpful for those living in neighborhoods like Brescia Due or near the city center, where commuting becomes much easier.
For nature lovers, the location is ideal. Brescia is just a 40-minute drive from Sirmione, one of the most beautiful spots on Lake Garda. It’s also only 30 minutes away from Lake Iseo and the renowned wine region of Franciacorta. On the mountain side, Monte Guglielmo is close by, offering year-round trails for hiking and nature walks.
Where to Find a Home in Brescia: Housing and Cost of Living
Housing in Brescia is relatively affordable compared to other major Italian cities. Rent prices are reasonable, with one-bedroom apartments in the city center typically ranging between €550-800 per month. For those willing to live a little outside the center, rents can be even lower:
“I pay €450 for a three-room apartment, and I’m just 20 minutes from the city center,” – Viola T.
However, some areas in the surrounding provinces may be harder to access, especially if you’re looking for rental prices under €400 per month. Additionally, while affordable, the housing market can be tight, and finding an apartment might require patience, particularly during certain seasons or in specific areas.
For those seeking a central location, Via Cremona (5-10 min. walk) and Via Volta (just one metro stop away) are top choices, offering a vibrant mix of shops and services. It’s a quiet neighborhood, but not purely residential – there are shops, businesses, and plenty of life. You’re also close to both the ring road and the highway. Rent prices are generally reasonable too.
Another convenient area is Brescia Due, which is easily accessible from any metro station in about 20 minutes.
For a quieter neighborhood vibe, Mompiano and Costalunga are great options with green spaces, though they are slightly further from the center and may have some traffic congestion.
Tommaso B. shares, “Mompiano feels like a small town within the city, with pizzerias, cafés, and a lively atmosphere.”
Chiesanuova is another good option, considered by Nicola M. one of the most well-rounded neighborhoods in terms of services and quality of life. As for San Polo, while some people may feel it’s a bit far from the city, it’s a solid choice due to its peaceful surroundings and reasonable rents.
On the flip side, some locals have suggested avoiding Via Milano due to its traffic congestion and occasional safety concerns. However, renovation work has recently begun in the area, aiming to make the neighborhood more livable by the end of 2026, with more green spaces and areas for pedestrians and cyclists.
Challenges of Living in Brescia
Despite its many positives, Brescia has its challenges. The city offers a good range of cultural and entertainment options, such as theaters, cinemas, and restaurants, but for those accustomed to the energy of larger cities, it might feel a bit quieter.
Additionally, although the city has a metro and efficient public transport, some traffic congestion during peak hours can be frustrating for daily commuters.
Furthermore, Brescia has a higher cost of living compared to other Italian towns, and according to Istat data from 2025, it has seen an increase. By the way, it depends a lot on where you’re coming from. For example, we recently spoke with an American lady who moved here, and she said that her lifestyle here is very cost-effective for her. Regardless, it still remains more affordable than larger cities like Milan or Rome.
Brescia by the Numbers: Key Data
Beyond personal experiences, here’s some factual data that might help in deciding if Brescia is the right fit:
- Quality of Life: High (88/100) with excellent amenities and infrastructure
- Air Quality Rating: Acceptable (82/100), but with some pollution levels
- Safety: Relatively low crime rates, but some areas are less developed and could feel unsafe at times. Moderate earthquake risk, low road accident rate, no landslide risk, and no significant flood risk.
- Healthcare: Excellent healthcare services, with hospitals such as Ospedale dei Bambini (5 min. drive away)
- Cost of Living: Slightly higher than the national average, but overall affordable
- Rent: €500–€800/month for city-center one-bedroom apartments; more affordable in the outskirts
- Internet Speed: Good, with an average download speed of 231 Mbps (up to 303 Mbps at best, and 162 Mbps at slowest)
- Transport: Good train and metro connections; well-connected to Milan, Verona, and other cities
- Airports: Montichiari, Brescia (20 min.), Orio Al Serio, Bergamo (30 min.), Valerio Catullo, Verona (40 min.), Milan Malpensa (1h30 min.)
- Trains: Stazione di Brescia (4 min.), Stazione di Brescia Borgo San Giovanni (8 min.), Stazione di San Zeno-Folzano (10 min.)
- Public Transport: Efficient, with a metro, buses, and easy connections to nearby cities
Is Brescia Right for You?
✅ Pros:
- A well-connected city with a metro and public transport options
- Low unemployment rate promotes economic stability and job opportunities
- Rich in culture and history, with plenty of outdoor activities (from lakes to mountains)
- Reliable internet connectivity supports remote work and communication
- High-quality healthcare and essential services
⚠️ Cons:
- Limited expat community compared to larger cities like Milan
- Higher cost of living compared to other Italian towns.
- Limited nightlife and cultural events might leave party-goers wanting more
- Occasional air pollution issues despite generally good air quality.
Final Thoughts
Brescia offers a great balance of history, culture, nature, and modern amenities. While it may not have the excitement of larger cities, it provides a peaceful yet dynamic lifestyle with plenty to explore. For expats looking for affordable living with easy access to Milan and Verona, and a good quality of life, Brescia is an excellent choice. However, those seeking an active nightlife or a bustling international community might need to adjust their expectations.
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