What People Say About Living in Sassari

If there’s one truly magical and unspoiled island in Italy, it’s definitely Sardinia. From the beaches to the sea, the food, and even the air you breathe – everything about this island feels different.

For these reasons, more and more expats are considering Sardinia as their destination to relocate to, whether temporarily for a few months each year or full-time as permanent residents. The appeal is undeniable: year-round mild climate, outdoor lifestyle, tight-knit communities, and for retirees, some attractive tax incentives that make the move even more appealing.

Last week we talked about the different 7% tax towns in Sardinia available for retirees and explored what life is like in Cagliari, the island’s vibrant capital. Today, we’ll shift our focus north to Sassari, Sardinia’s second-largest city with around 120,000 residents. While it may not have the same name recognition as Cagliari or the Costa Smeralda, Sassari offers all the amenities of a proper city, yet with a warmth and sense of community that for many locals is hard to find elsewhere.

We’ll discover what it’s actually like living in Sassari year-round. We’ve gathered insights from people who live there and looked at our data to give you an idea.

Life in Sassari: What People Say

According to locals, one of the best things about living in Sassari is that you get everything you need – universities, hospitals, shopping centers, and public transport – without the chaos of a bigger city. You’re close to beaches (just 12-15 minutes away), surrounded by beautiful countryside, and in a city that still feels personal and welcoming:

“It’s a nice city with everything at your disposal – calm, close to everything. You can reach the airport in half an hour. Rents are higher than nearby villages, but you have everything from universities to hospitals, public transport, shopping centers… it’s excellent.“

The climate is another big draw. Fantastic weather year-round with clean air – in fact, recent data shows Sardinia has some of the best air quality in Italy. Even winters are mild, though the city does get a bit quieter during those months:

“The climate is fantastic, the city is calm, there’s not much nightlife except in certain areas, but you’re close to the sea and have all the services you need.”

When you talk to people who’ve chosen Sassari over other Sardinian cities, they’ll tell you it’s about the sense of community. The northern part of the island feels warmer and more personal compared to the south:

“I walk the streets of Sassari, and people will say hi, start conversations – it just feels far warmer and more personal. I can drive 15 minutes from the historic center to miles of beaches that aren’t overcrowded. I want to immerse myself in the culture. If you want a large expat community, stay south in Cagliari. Sassari has a very diverse culture within the region, and the events here are wonderful.”

Transport and Connectivity in Sassari

The closest airport is Alghero-Fertilia, about 15 minutes from Sassari. It’s well-connected to mainland Italy and has decent European routes, mainly serviced by Ryanair, Volotea, and ITA Airways. If you need more international options, Olbia airport is about 85 minutes away. However, here’s something to consider:

“If you’re choosing between Cagliari and Sassari, consider your travel options in winter. From Cagliari you can fly direct to London and many European cities. From Alghero, you usually have to change in Milan or Rome, and Olbia is no better.

Sassari has a train station with regional connections, though you won’t find high-speed rail here. Day-to-day public transport within the city works, but still, having a car is essential if you want flexibility and to explore the island properly.

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.

Where to Live in Sassari: Housing & Cost of Living

Compared to Cagliari, Sassari is smaller and generally more affordable. Property prices vary across different neighborhoods, with the average being around €1,343/m² for buying and €7.79/m² for rent. Here’s a breakdown by zone:

Data elaborated from Immobiliare.it

For expats, the cost of living is reasonable compared to major Italian cities, though you’ll find it’s a bit higher than smaller Sardinian towns. Still, locals emphasize that for what you get – the quality of life, the beaches nearby, the clean air – it’s worth it.

“There are nice shops of all kinds, first-run cinema, theater, opera season and concerts. Many commercial activities have closed, but many maintain their shop windows open. Consumer prices are average for the region or better.”

If you’re open to living a bit outside the city center and you’re a retiree, you should definitely consider the 7% tax towns. There are several options (find the full list here), but our favorites are: Arzachena (more expensive but located in the heart of Costa Smeralda, just 7 minutes from the coast), Sorso (more affordable, located in front of Asinara National Park and just 4 minutes from the beach), and Tempio Pausania (further from the sea but increasingly popular with expats).

Challenges of Living in Sassari

First up, healthcare is a mixed picture. While Sassari has a hospital and basic services are available, overall quality falls below the national median according to our data. Some departments are strong, but for more complex or specialized medical needs, you might need to head to mainland Italy:

“At least Sassari has a hospital and that’s not nothing. Sardinia has its flaws in this area. There are good doctors, many specialists, and depending on the department I’ve found humanity and professionalism.”

Second, while public transport within the city works 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, finding stable employment is challenging. The job market is tough, which is why many locals end up moving to northern Italy for work. This makes Sassari better suited for remote workers or retirees rather than those seeking local employment.

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, especially in winter, and ferries are slow and pricey. Fifth, if you don’t speak Italian, integration might take some effort:

“Sassari is a beautiful city with a lot to offer – restaurants, bars, shops, the closest beach Platamona is 20 minutes, pretty good public transport connection – but I’ve been finding it challenging to connect with locals or find an expat community.“

While the expat community is growing thanks to the university bringing in international students, English isn’t as widespread as it would be in more touristy areas.

Sassari by the Numbers: Key Data

• Quality of Life Score: Good (75/100) – considering infrastructure, economy, and amenities
• Air Quality: Excellent (84/100)
• Healthcare: Marino Regina Margherita Hospital (20 minutes)
• Safety: Moderate to low earthquake risk
• Internet Speed: Very good (average 167 Mbps download)
• Transport: Car is a must, though city buses available
  • Airports: Alghero Fertilia (15 min), Costa Smeralda/Olbia (85 min), Cagliari Elmas (140 min)
  • Railway Stations: Stazione di Porto Torres (13 min), Stazione di San Giovanni (15 min)

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

Is Sassari Right for You?

✅ Choose Sassari if:

• You’re a remote worker or retiree looking for authentic Sardinian living with good infrastructure – you get city amenities without the chaos of larger cities
• You have a car or plan to get one – while the city itself has decent buses, exploring Sardinia without your own transport is very difficult
• You appreciate a calmer pace with access to nature – beaches are 12-15 minutes away, and you’re surrounded by stunning countryside that Cagliari doesn’t have
• You want excellent air quality and a mild climate year-round – Sassari delivers on both fronts

❌ 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 travel to the mainland frequently – ferry and flight costs add up quickly, especially in winter when connections are more limited
• You want vibrant year-round nightlife – the city gets quieter in winter months, though it still has bars, restaurants, and cultural events

Final Thoughts

So is Sassari right for you? If you’re a retiree or remote worker looking to escape the chaos without giving up city amenities, absolutely. If you’re okay with planning mainland trips and don’t mind driving to explore hidden beaches and countryside, definitely.

But if you need specialized medical care regularly, want tons of direct flights year-round, or aren’t ready to learn Italian – maybe reconsider. Sassari rewards those who embrace what it is: a truly authentic city with clean air, year-round sunshine, incredible nature, and a lifestyle many dream about. The university keeps things lively even in winter with students around, and you’re perfectly positioned to explore one of Italy’s most stunning regions.