English Udine is a mid-sized city of approximately 100.000 people, is located in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, a region in northeastern Italy. Known for its strategic location near the borders of Austria and Slovenia, the city offers a balanced lifestyle, combining a peaceful, green environment with efficient services and solid job opportunities.
But what is living in Udine really like? We’ve combined local insights with data to give you a clearer picture.
Life in Udine: What People Say
Many residents describe Udine as a calm yet efficient city, particularly when it comes to healthcare, transportation, and job opportunities.
“If you find a good company, you’re set. Salaries are fair, the cost of living is reasonable, and you can live a very comfortable life.” – Carlo R.
One of its most appreciated qualities is its strategic location. Whether you’re into hiking, skiing, cycling, or relaxing by the sea, you don’t have to go far. Its proximity to Slovenia, Austria, and Croatia also makes it a convenient base for travel, and for some, even savings. In fact, a few locals mentioned that Slovenian gas stations are just a 30-minute drive away; during COVID, prices dropped as low as €1.00 per liter and still remain more affordable than in Italy.
Gabrielle L., an expat who moved after 20 years in Parma, shared:
“What I adore about Friuli is the spectacular landscape and easy access to both the mountains and the seaside. There are plenty of outdoor activities – hiking, skiing, kayaking, cycling. I work in the Collio wine area and it’s simply stunning. Peaceful and relaxing. Great for cycling. The communities are active and there’s a full calendar of food, wine, and cultural festivals throughout the year.”
She also highlighted that it’s an ideal place to raise a family, both for the schools and the local people. If you’re looking for international schools in the area for your children, check out our latest article: International Schools in Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
“We have three kids and they’ve all settled well. The schools are decent, and people here are a bit reserved at first, but once you make friends, they’re genuinely kind and loyal. I’m very happy we moved here.”
As a mid-sized city, living in Udine also comes with the advantage of a surprisingly solid job market. Work opportunities are available and generally not too difficult to find. The region is known for its strong work ethic, but without the stress that often comes with larger metropolitan cities.
“I found a job in marketing just a week after graduating, no connections or recommendations involved.” – Alessandro M.
Transport and Connectivity in Udine
Udine doesn’t have its own airport, but nearby options provide solid coverage. Trieste Airport is just 30 minutes away, while Treviso Canova is around an hour’s drive, offering plenty of flights across Europe.
If you’re looking for international flights, Venice Marco Polo Airport is about an hour and fifteen minutes by car. There are also direct FlixBus services from Udine, but the schedule is limited, typically operating between 6:00-9:30 in the morning and 16:30-22:00 for return trips. So, if you’re relying on this, you definitely have to be flexible.
The city has three train stations, with the main one, Stazione di Udine, just five minutes from the center. It offers regional and high-speed connections; for example, Venice is reachable in under two hours and Trieste in about one.
That said, public transportation can be a bit patchy, so living in Udine often means having a car to make life easier.
“There are urban and suburban buses, but the city isn’t well connected internally. Urban planning is very car-oriented, so if you have a car, you’re all set.” – Umberto C.
Where to Find a Home in Udine: Housing and Cost of Living
Housing in Udine is relatively affordable and not in overly high demand, making it easier to find a suitable place. Compared to cities like Trieste, real estate prices are significantly lower and it’s much easier to find a larger apartment just outside the city center with a garden.
| Area | Rent €/m² | Monthly Rent (70 m²) | Purchase €/m² | Purchase Price (70 m²) |
| City Center | €6.50 | ~€455 | €1,700 – €1,800 | ~€119,000 – €126,000 |
| Udine North | €4.00 – €5.00 | ~€280 – €350 | €1,600 – €1,700 | ~€112,000 – €119,000 |
| Udine South | €2.50 – €3.00 | ~€175 – €210 | €1,400 – €1,500 | ~€98,000 – €105,000 |
| Udine East | No data available | – | €1,300 | ~€91,000 |
| Udine West | €5.50 – €6.50 | ~€385 – €455 | €1,800 – €1,900 | ~€126,000 – €133,000 |
Data elaborated from Immobiliare.it
“House prices are relatively low compared to other cities, and the cost of living is reasonable. We live in a small village just 15 minutes from the city, but you do need a car.”– Gabrielle L.
Naturally, the historic city center comes at a higher price, which is why many residents look to other areas that offer a better balance of space, quiet, and affordability. San Gottardo, in the east, is among the top choices thanks to its proximity to the center, green surroundings, and lower prices. Cormor is another popular choice, particularly among families, thanks to its parks, supermarkets, and convenient access to large shopping malls.
For those who prefer to live just outside the city center, there are several nearby towns worth considering, all just 10-15 minutes by car from the heart of Udine. To the north, Pagnacco and Tavagnacco are the most popular choices. Alternatively, to the west and east, towns like Martignacco, Pasian di Prato, Campoformido, Povoletto, and Remanzacco also rank highly.
Challenges of Living in Udine
Over the past few years, safety has become a topic of debate. Specifically, some areas of the city center have been designated as “red zones” meaning they are now more heavily policed, with authorities having the power to immediately remove individuals deemed a threat. However, some locals advise caution when it comes to news from the internet, suggesting that while there are occasional issues, the city is still much safer than larger cities like Rome.
“Lately, there’s been talk about safety concerns, but I haven’t personally noticed an alarming situation. It seems more like media-fueled fear than reality.” – Carlo R.
Another common point of discussion for those living in Udine is the weather. The city is known for being windier and wetter than much of Italy, which can be off-putting for those used to drier climates.
“It’s super humid, scorching hot in summer, freezing cold in winter.” – Carlo R.
Social life can also feel limited, especially to younger people:
“The nightlife is almost nonexistent. After 9 p.m., it’s mostly quiet, and there’s only one nightclub.” – Umberto C.
Trieste or Udine?
If you’re considering this region, you’ve probably asked yourself whether Trieste or Udine is the better choice. The answer really depends on your lifestyle.
As mentioned earlier, Udine is definitely the quieter option: it has more green spaces, lower property prices, and it’s generally easier to find a home. Trieste, however, is more densely populated and noticeably livelier. It also has a more efficient public transport system, which means you can get around fairly well without a car, though having one is still helpful if you want to explore the region. That said, driving in Trieste can be frustrating due to limited parking and high costs for garages. In contrast, while Udine is more car-friendly, public transport is less reliable, so having a car is absolutely essential.
In short, if you’re after peace, space, and a more private lifestyle, Udine may be the better fit. But if you’re looking for a vibrant, well-connected city with more going on, Trieste would be better.
Udine by the Numbers: Key Data
Here’s a breakdown of some useful data for those considering life in Udine:
- Quality of Life: Medium (72/100)
- Air Quality: Really good (92/100)
- Safety: It has a moderate earthquake risk
- Cost of Living: Affordable compared to other Italian cities in the north of Italy
- Rent: €200-500/month for a 70 m² apartment
- Internet Speed: Good, with an average download speed of 231 Mbps.
- Transport: Good train and airport connections
- Airports: Friuli Venezia Giulia, Trieste (28 min.), Marco Polo, Venice (66 min.), Antonio Canova, Treviso (69 min.)
- Train Stations: Stazione di Udine (5 min.), Stazione di San Gottardo (5 min.), Stazione di Remanzacco (10 min.)
- Public Transport: It’s not bad, there are buses running throughout the city, but they’re not very frequent and don’t cover all neighborhoods. So living in Udine is much more practical if you have a car.
For more detailed information about Udine and its services and infrastructure, visit the Magic Towns city profile.
Is Udine Right for You?
✅ Pros:
- Plentiful job opportunities
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger Italian cities
- Strategic geographic location
- High air and environmental quality
- Reliable healthcare system
⚠️ Cons:
- Limited nightlife
- Public transport is limited – a car is almost essential
- Local dialect may be challenging for newcomers to understand
- Smaller expat community
Final Thoughts
Choosing to live in Udine is definitely a smart decision if you’re looking for a peaceful city with job opportunities and a relatively low cost of living. While it doesn’t compete with larger cities in terms of nightlife or public transport, it makes up for it with a high quality of life, especially if you’re comfortable relying on a car. And if that seems like a drawback, think again: having a car is actually the best way to take full advantage of Udine’s location. In just over an hour, you can be across the border in another European country, an advantage not many cities can offer.
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