What people say about living in Trieste

Trieste is a mid-sized city located in northeastern Italy, in the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Situated near the borders of Slovenia and Croatia, it offers a strategic location for those interested in exploring Central and Eastern Europe. This mix of influences is still visible in the city today, shaped by its past as a major port of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

While relatively quiet compared to larger Italian cities, Trieste is home to a growing expat community, drawn by its high quality of life, slower pace and easy access to both nature and cultural activities.

But what’s it really like to live here? We’ve combined local insights with data to give you a clearer picture.

Life in Trieste: What People Say

Trieste is described as a rather peaceful city, offering a good balance between urban life, access to nature and efficient services, especially if you’re are retired and looking for a place with a high quality of life:

“We ran a restaurant in Vienna for 46 years, then we retired and moved to Trieste about two years ago. It was the best decision we ever made.” – Karl

“Trieste is a very livable city. Its architecture is stunning, with a mix of styles that reflect its rich history. The public transport is reliable and rarely affected by strikes. Plus, there’s plenty of green space, making it easy to enjoy outdoor activities like walking, running or climbing.“ – Elisa F.

“I’m from Campania, but I lived near Trieste, and after seven years, I miss it like crazy! I made friends with practically everyone and even learned a bit of the local dialect…such a beautiful language!” – Stella

Transport and Connectivity in Trieste

Trieste is generally a well-connected city, especially when it comes to air travel. In fact, the Trieste – Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport is just 25–30 minutes from the city:

“This airport is small but very convenient and practical. I’ve flown from here to various Italian cities and several places across Europe. It’s well connected by train (30 min) and bus lines (50 min), which drop you off just 5 minutes from the terminal.” – Robert B.

Alternatively, for a wider range of international destinations, Venice Marco Polo Airport is within reach, about 1 hour and 30 minutes away by car.

As for rail connections, Trieste Centrale, the city’s main train station, provides access to both high-speed and regional services, with direct routes to cities like Venice (2h), Udine (1h), and Padua (2h). However, compared to other major Italian cities, Trieste sees fewer high-speed trains, and even those tend to run slower (often capped at 150 km/h). For longer trips, like to Milan, expect to change trains and spend around 5 hours in transit.

On the other hand, FlixBus offers excellent and affordable long-distance connections at convenient times. For istance, you can reach Ljubljana (Slovenia) in just 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Trieste is easily walkable, especially if you live in the city center. Public transport is reliable, with around sixty bus lines covering both the city and its surrounding areas. Getting around is easy and cheap, with a 60-minute ticket costing only €1.50 regardless of the route. So, if you live centrally, you likely won’t need a car for daily life. That said, it can be helpful for weekend getaways or exploring nature, since buses don’t run late, but keep in mind that finding parking or EV charging stations can sometimes be a hassle.

“Trieste is a beautiful place to live in. While there isn’t a lot of green space in the city itself, within 15 minutes you can reach the Carso, which is full of hiking trails. And in the summer, of course, there’s the sea, surprisingly clean even at the city beach in Barcola. It is also just a short drive from the Friulian mountains, the Croatian coast, and the Slovenian forests. So with a car, your weekend options are endless. You can really see this in the city: locals love being active on weekends, between skiing, hiking, and swimming, there’s always something to do.” – Francesco D. G.

Where to Find a Home in Trieste: Housing and Cost of Living

Trieste is relatively affordable compared to other Italian cities, although demand tends to rise from July to November due to the arrival of university students. Here’s an overview of average prices to give you an idea of what to expect:

Data elaborated from Immobiliare.it

“I would definitely recommend the Borgo Teresiano and the Città Vecchia areas. They’re the most typical and charming parts of Trieste, but also the most expensive. Other beautiful neighborhoods include San Vito and Roiano, which are quieter and more residential.

If you’re open to areas that are slightly less central (we’re still talking just a 15–20 minute walk from Piazza Unità), I suggest looking into Chiadino, Guardiella, or Barriera Vecchia and San Giacomo. The latter has a more popular, lived-in feel, but it’s still quite characteristic.

Overall, Trieste is a safe city, but I would avoid some of the more peripheral or less central neighborhoods, such as Altura, Borgo San Sergio, Valmaura, Melara, or more distant ones like Longera.” – Giuseppe T.

Challenges of Living in Trieste

While Trieste offers a high quality of life, there are a few challenges to keep in mind.

First of all, one downside of Trieste is the Bora wind:

“It’s persistent and definitely annoying, especially in the winter months, when temperatures often feel colder due to the wind chill, sometimes reaching -5 or -10°C. Fortunately, that usually only lasts for a week or two each year. That said, it does help keep the air clean and often brings clear skies.” – Samuele C.

Summers, on the other hand, are very hot. The sea adds humidity to the air and nighttime temperatures can stay above 25°C for several weeks, especially in August when the sea can reach over 28°C.

On the employment front, the job market can be challenging, particularly for younger professionals in more competitive sectors. Most opportunities are found in public administration, education, logistics, and insurance. As a result, many young locals often choose to relocate in search of broader career prospects.

“If you’re retired, it’s a wonderful place! Otherwise, I think finding a job can be quite tough.” – Barbara T.

Another downside is the social life. Some say the nightlife is limited, with only a few bars and venues that close early. However, if you’re planning to move here alone and see this as a downside, keep in mind that Trieste is also a university city with a strong expat community. In fact, every Tuesday, “Expats in Trieste” organizes an aperitivo, making it easier to meet people and socialize.

Trieste by the Numbers: Key Data

• Quality of Life: High (90/100)
• Air Quality: Excellent (86/100)
• Safety: Moderate to Low Earthquake Risk
• Healthcare: Excellent, both public and private
• Internet Speed: Pretty fast (average of 188 Mbps)
• Rent: Affordable – about €500–700 for 1-bedroom apartments outside the center
• Transport: Well-connected by bus, train, and flights. A car isn’t essential for daily life if you live in the city center.
  • Airport: Trieste Airport (25 min), Marco Polo, Venice (1h40), Antonio Canova, Treviso (1h40)
  • Train Stations: Stazione di Trieste Centrale (8min), Stazione di Villa Opicina (8min), Stazione di Miramare (17 min)

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

Is Trieste Right for You?

✅ Pros:

• Strategic location near borders and the sea, perfect for short trips and weekend getaways
• Well-connected transportation system for easy travel around the region
• High-quality healthcare with excellent facilities and services
• Good educational facilities for lifelong learning and cultural exchange

⚠️ Cons:

• Limited job market in some sectors
• The Bora wind may not suit everyone
• Some areas may experience higher humidity, especially in summer
• Limited nightlife options for those seeking vibrant entertainment scenes
• Occasional tourist crowds during peak seasons can be overwhelming

Final Thoughts

Trieste, more than just a city, can be considered a large town. In fact, despite having nearly 200,000 inhabitants, it remains relatively calm and has a strong sense of community and belonging among its residents. Though it has a few challenges, like the Bora wind, a limited job market and a quieter nightlife, it is definitely a good choice – especially for those who are already retired and looking for well-connected place with a reasonable cost of living and nature just a few kilometers away.

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