When you land in Florence, one of the biggest challenges is finding a nice, affordable place to live.
There are two reasons for this.
1. Tourism
2. Frugal grandmas and the “economic miracle.”
Number one needs no explanation.

Frugal Grandmas

In the 1960s, Italy shifted dramatically and quickly from being relatively poor with a small powerful elite to having a booming middle class. They called it the “economic miracle.” Sensible, frugal women at the time invested the sudden increased wealth in property, buying and eventually paying off the apartments that weren’t already in the hands of the ancient aristocracy. Today’s youth and middle-aged face a dumpy economy, with monthly salaries in the €1000 to €2000 range, which is much like the range of rents for a decent apartment. For many, this problematic math works out only because they pay no rent as they inherited apartments from their frugal grandmas. I’m sure the grandfathers were involved too but I always hear how everyone is either living in or renting out la casa della nonna [grandma’s house].

Rental Diaries

Mary Gray wrote a column turned book on the woes and triumphs of renting in Florence.

After an endless hunt for an affordable one-bedroom in Florence, Italy, ran her ragged, Mary Gray launched her “Rental Diaries” column on all things apartment-related. Triumphs. Disasters. Minor inconveniences. Meddling neighbors.

Long-term rents — averages and ranges

From Numbeo

Affittasi a Firenze

Casa Vendo Affitto Firenze (more rooms posted than apartments)