A New York City family has relocated to a small Italian village, purchasing a home for approximately $13,000 and significantly reducing their cost of living.
Cassandra Tresl, 33, and her husband decided to seek opportunities outside of New York City after the birth of their daughter in 2020, finding homeownership unattainable in their previous location. At the time, the family was paying $2,000 per month to rent an apartment in New York, a cost they described as a bargain by city standards but still a barrier to long-term financial goals. Tresl stated that saving for a down payment on a home in New York felt unrealistic.
In 2022, the family purchased a house in Italy's Abruzzo region for about 11,500 euros, or $13,000. They moved to the country permanently in 2023. The transaction, which was all cash, felt "unbelievable" to Tresl, who had lived in New York from 2015 to 2019.
Additional expenses for renovations and furnishings amounted to approximately $17,000. The most significant renovation cost was around $3,000 for new plumbing throughout the house. The family chose an unnamed town of about 1,300 residents in Abruzzo, a region known for its hilltop communities located about three hours east of Rome. They deliberately avoided more tourist-heavy areas, seeking an authentic experience.
This move led to a dramatic decrease in recurring monthly expenses. Preschool for their daughter now costs $70 per month, a small fraction of what friends with children in similar age groups pay in major U.S. cities. Monthly electricity bills average around $170, water costs approximately $80, and internet service is $15 per month. Cell phone plans for each family member are about $14 each.
The family also purchased a second property for $20,000, investing another $17,000 in renovations. This property is managed by Tresl's husband as a rental, generating an estimated $1,100 per month. Tresl, who previously worked remotely for a tech startup while in New York, now holds a marketing position with an Italian travel company. While her current salary is lower than her previous earnings in New York, she feels her time is better spent.
Tresl indicated that the experience has shifted her perspective on career advancement, leading her to prioritize other aspects of life over professional progression. Adapting to life in a small Italian town has involved learning the language and embracing a slower pace. The family shops at local markets for groceries, spending about $140 weekly for their household, which includes two cats and two dogs. Despite missing family and friends in the U.S., Tresl stated she cannot envision returning to live in the United States full-time. The financial relief from eliminating rent and mortgage payments has provided a sense of security and flexibility to pursue more fulfilling work, she said.