Tools & Checklists

Budget Calculator: What It Really Costs to Move

When you're standing in a beautiful stone farmhouse with sunlight streaming through the windows, it's hard to remember to check the damp in the bathroom. This checklist covers what to inspect, what to ask, and what to photograph during viewings,so you're evaluating the property, not just falling for it.

How to Use This Calculator

This isn't a digital calculator,it's a structured worksheet for building a realistic budget. Work through each section, entering your estimated costs. The ranges provided are based on typical Abruzzo experiences; your actual costs may vary.

Important Principles

* Use the higher end of ranges unless you have specific quotes
* Include everything,forgotten costs are still costs
* Build in contingency,surprises only go one direction
* Be honest,budget for how you'll actually live, not the minimum possible

Section 1: One-Time Costs

These are costs you pay once during the move process.

Property Purchase Costs

Property price

Your actual purchase price

Your estimate

Registration tax (Imposta di Registro)

2% of cadastral value (primary residence) or 9% (second home)

EUR1,000-EUR10,000+

Notary fees

1-2.5% of property price, typically EUR2,000-EUR4,000

EUR2,000-EUR4,000

Agency fees

2-4% of property price (paid by buyer in Italy)

2-4% of price

Independent survey/geometra

Technical survey and cadastral verification

EUR500-EUR1,500

Legal fees (avvocato)

Contract review and legal representation

EUR1,000-EUR3,000

Renovation Costs (if applicable)

Construction work

EUR800-EUR1,500/sqm for major renovation

EUR800-EUR1,500/sqm

Professional fees (architect, geometra)

10-15% of construction cost

10-15% of work

Permit regularization (if needed)

Legalizing unauthorized modifications

EUR5,000-EUR20,000+

Relocation Costs

Shipping belongings

Full container EUR3,000-EUR6,000, groupage EUR1,500-EUR3,000

EUR1,500-EUR6,000

Flights and travel

Including house-hunting trips, final move

EUR500-EUR2,000

Temporary accommodation

During purchase process or renovation

EUR50-EUR100/night

New car (if needed)

Used car in good condition

EUR5,000-EUR15,000

Section 2: Monthly Living Costs

Budget for how you'll actually live, not the theoretical minimum.

Housing (if renting or have mortgage)

Rent/mortgage payment

EUR400-EUR800/month for typical rental

EUR400-EUR800

Electricity

Higher in winter with heating

EUR80-EUR200

Gas/heating

Varies hugely by property and heating type

EUR50-EUR300

Water

Usually low

EUR20-EUR50

Internet

Fiber if available, otherwise mobile broadband

EUR25-EUR50

Section 3: Annual Costs

Property taxes (IMU)

Second home rate; primary residence often exempt

EUR200-EUR1,000

Waste tax (TARI)

Based on property size and occupants

EUR200-EUR500

Home insurance

Building and contents

EUR200-EUR500

Trips back home

Flights + accommodation for visits

EUR500-EUR3,000

Section 4: Contingency

The Contingency Rule

Add 20-30% to your one-time costs estimate and 15-20% to your monthly estimate. Surprises happen: renovation overruns, hidden property problems, currency fluctuations, medical expenses, emergency flights home.

One-time contingency

20-30% of one-time costs total

Monthly contingency

15-20% of monthly costs total

Emergency Fund

Beyond contingency, maintain an accessible emergency fund of 6-12 months of expenses. This is separate from your move budget,it's your safety net.

Target emergency fund

6-12 x monthly expenses

Section 5: Your Totals

Summary

Total one-time costs (with contingency)

Monthly living costs (with contingency)

Annual costs (divided by 12 for monthly)

Emergency fund target

Total capital needed to move

The Bottom Line

A realistic budget prevents most financial disasters. The numbers here are guides, your actual costs depend on your specific situation, property choice, and lifestyle. If the total is uncomfortable, either increase your budget or adjust your plans. Financial stress in a foreign country is worse than financial stress at home.

Ready to put these frameworks into practice?

The retreat helps you apply what you've learned with hands-on workshops, property document reviews, and decision-making sessions guided by people who've been through this process.

Learn about the retreat

Or book a free call to discuss your situation.