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, similar to the range of rent for a decent apartment. For many, this problematic math only works out because they inherited apartments from their frugal grandmas and pay no rent. 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].

If you’re moving to Florence from abroad, we strongly suggest renting a temporary place so you can look in person. If grandma’s house is nice and comfortable, not mosquito-infested, light-starved, or plopped in the midst of choking throngs of tourists, her grandchild often lives there rent-free. Otherwise, it all too often goes to the tourists and students.

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 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)