This US couple moved to Italy for a more affordable retirement



Tony Smarrelli, 74, and his wife Francine, 75, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Venice, Italy, in June 2023, and decided to leave the US and move to Italy for good. The retired elementary teachers, originally from Syracuse, New York, relocated to the picturesque coastal town of Scalea, in the southern Italian region of Calabria.

The couple, both of Italian descent, were drawn to Italy’s appealing quality of life, sea views, and slower-paced vibe. They purchased a 1,500-square-feet property for €150,000 (around $162,000) and spent an extra €80,000 (about $86,500) to renovate it. They say that a similar home in the US would have been near impossible for them to afford.

The Smarrellis have cut back nearly $3,000 per month on expenses, which amounts to $36,000 a year, since moving to Italy. They now spend around $1,200 a month between the two of them, which includes dining out two to three days a week with a bottle of wine. Their monthly internet costs are €40 (around $43), while their mobile phone bills are less than €20.

The couple has found that Italy’s cost of living is significantly lower compared to the US, particularly for retirees. They say that their monthly expenses in the US before leaving were between $4,800 to $5,000 a month, while in Italy, they are about $3,000 less monthly.

Tony hopes to apply for Italian citizenship, but the fact that his father was naturalized as an American citizen before Tony was born has complicated things. He is planning to appeal to a local court to rectify the situation.

The Smarrellis are enjoying their new life in Italy, exploring nearby villages, and frequently dining out together. They suggest doing thorough online research and spending time in different Italian regions before making the big move. Tony also recommends Southern Italy, saying it is “truly the Italy of old!”

Related posts

Trump Warns Global Business Leaders.

Trump delivers an ultimatum: Make products in America, or else!

Bitter US cold snap hinders gravediggers’ efforts to bury the dead.