Teaching English in Italy isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. Your daily life, job opportunities, and even your social circle can shift dramatically depending on where you choose to live. From the bustling streets of Rome to the sun-drenched coasts of the south, each city and region offers its own blend of culture, cost of living, and teaching landscape.
The north tends to offer more structured work environments, better pay, and a faster pace of life. Cities like Milan and Turin are magnets for professionals and companies seeking business English training. Meanwhile, the south is more relaxed, with lower living costs and a growing need for English education, especially in places that haven't been saturated by other foreign teachers.
Urban centers give you access to larger TEFL networks, international amenities, and a range of teaching roles — from language schools to corporate clients. Smaller towns and rural areas might offer fewer formal opportunities but more immersive experiences, particularly for those looking to dive into the Italian language and way of life.
Choosing the right city isn’t just about where the most jobs are — it’s about finding a place that matches your energy, goals, and lifestyle. Whether you're chasing career growth, cultural immersion, or a bit of both, there’s a corner of Italy waiting to welcome you in.
🏙️ 1. Rome – History, Culture, and TEFL Opportunities in the Capital
Rome is more than a postcard-perfect backdrop — it’s one of the most dynamic places to teach English in Italy. As the country’s capital and largest city, Rome offers a wide variety of teaching opportunities, from private language schools and Catholic institutions to one-on-one tutoring and corporate clients seeking business English. There's also steady demand for exam prep (especially Cambridge and IELTS), making it a great place for qualified teachers or those willing to learn the ropes fast.
Living in Rome does come at a cost. Rent is high — especially near the historic center — and navigating the city can be chaotic. But for many teachers, the trade-off is worth it. Rome’s international vibe means there’s a strong TEFL and expat community ready to support newcomers, whether it’s with housing leads, job openings, or social meetups. It’s a city where you can build a career and a social life in tandem.
What makes Rome truly special is the daily cultural immersion. From ancient ruins and Renaissance art to lively piazzas and espresso-fueled mornings, you’re constantly surrounded by reminders of Italy’s rich past and vibrant present. Teaching here isn’t just about language — it’s about being part of a city that lives and breathes history, art, and energy.
Best for: ambitious teachers, history lovers, and first-time Italy expats looking for balance between professional opportunity and immersive living.
🌊 2. Milan – Italy’s Business Hub and Gateway to the North
Milan is where Italy suits up. As the country’s financial and fashion capital, it attracts professionals, entrepreneurs, and international companies — and with that comes a strong demand for English, especially in the business world. If you specialize in Business English or want to teach adult professionals, Milan is one of the most promising places to work.
Private academies are plentiful, and there’s no shortage of clients looking for one-on-one lessons or tailored courses. The city also tends to offer some of the highest TEFL salaries in Italy, although it’s worth noting that the cost of living matches. Rent can be steep, particularly in central or trendy neighborhoods, and the pace of life is much faster than in southern cities or smaller towns.
For teachers who thrive in a professional environment and want access to international networking, Milan delivers. It also has fantastic transport links — you’re just a quick train ride away from Switzerland, the Alps, or Venice for a weekend getaway. While it may lack the laid-back charm of Rome or Florence, Milan’s efficiency, ambition, and modern lifestyle appeal to a different type of expat.
Best for: career-focused teachers, Business English specialists, and urban expats who want a fast-paced life with strong earning potential.
🎠3. Florence – Art, Students, and Language Learners
Florence is a dream city for many — and not just tourists. Its cobbled streets, Renaissance art, and riverfront cafés create a daily backdrop that feels like living inside a painting. But beneath the beauty lies a solid TEFL market, driven by a large student population, international schools, and an ever-present demand for private English tutoring.
The city’s popularity among study abroad programs, art students, and cultural tourists means that English is in high demand — especially for short-term, flexible teaching arrangements. Many teachers here piece together income through a mix of private tutoring, working at language schools, and even leading conversational meetups for tourists or locals eager to practice.
Compared to Rome or Milan, Florence feels more compact and navigable. It’s easy to get around on foot or bike, and the sense of community — especially among expats — is strong. Living costs are lower than in the biggest cities, but not by much, especially in the historical center. That said, the cultural perks often outweigh the price tag for those who prioritize inspiration over income.
Best for: creative teachers, young professionals, and culture lovers who want a meaningful, walkable, and artistic place to live and teach.
🏞️ 4. Bologna – Academic Vibe and Local Charm
Bologna strikes a rare balance: it’s both deeply intellectual and warmly down-to-earth. Home to the oldest university in the Western world, it buzzes with academic energy, making it a natural hotspot for English learners. Students, researchers, and young professionals often seek out English lessons — especially for academic writing, IELTS or Cambridge exam prep, and conversational fluency.
For TEFL teachers, this creates a steady demand for tutoring and part-time roles in private academies, especially during the academic year. There’s also growing interest from locals working in tech, design, and startups — industries where English is increasingly essential.
Beyond the job market, Bologna is known for its affordable living (by northern Italian standards), excellent food culture, and youthful population. The city center is walkable and welcoming, with portico-covered streets that give it a distinctive architectural charm. It's lively without being overwhelming — ideal if you're looking for a place where you can work, connect, and truly settle in.
Best for: teachers interested in education-focused communities, university life, and the benefits of a mid-sized, culturally rich Italian city.
🏖️ 5. Naples – Southern Grit and Growing Opportunity
Naples might not be the first city that comes to mind for teaching English in Italy, but for many, that’s exactly what makes it such a compelling choice. It’s raw, real, and unapologetically alive — a place where the energy of the streets, the scent of fresh pizza, and the hum of daily life create a deeply immersive experience.
While the north can feel oversaturated with TEFL applicants, Naples and the surrounding Campania region are less competitive, offering more room to carve out your niche. Language academies hire year-round, and there’s strong demand for private tutors — especially among high school and university students preparing for exams or looking to boost their job prospects.
Living costs are noticeably lower than in Rome, Milan, or Florence, making it easier to get by on modest teaching wages. And the lifestyle perks? They’re substantial. Proximity to the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Capri, and countless hill towns makes every weekend an adventure. The people are warm, curious, and expressive — ideal for those eager to connect and become part of a local community.
Best for: adventurous teachers, budget-conscious expats, and anyone looking for deep cultural immersion without the tourist gloss.
🏔️ 6. Turin – Underrated Gem in Northern Italy
Tucked into the foothills of the Alps, Turin (Torino) offers a distinctly northern Italian experience that flies under the radar of most TEFL job-seekers. It’s a city of understated elegance — home to Italy’s first capital, world-class chocolate, grand boulevards, and a thriving café culture that blends French-influenced refinement with Italian charm.
Turin is an industrial and educational powerhouse, which translates into a consistent demand for English instruction in both academic and business settings. While it doesn’t have the tourist volume of Florence or Rome, it boasts a strong local economy and a population that values language skills for international careers. You’ll find jobs in private academies, exam prep centers, and corporate training — especially if you have experience or a specialization.
The cost of living is lower than in Milan, but salaries are competitive, especially in more professional teaching environments. And when you're off the clock, you’re never far from adventure — weekend escapes to the Alps, wine-tasting in Piedmont, or cycling along the Po River are all part of the lifestyle.
Best for: experienced teachers, language professionals, and those who prefer quiet sophistication over tourist crowds.
🏛️ 7. Siena, Perugia, and Other Mid-Sized Cultural Cities
If the big cities feel overwhelming but rural life seems too quiet, Italy’s mid-sized cultural hubs like Siena, Perugia, Lucca, or Ferrara might strike the perfect balance. These towns offer rich history, vibrant local traditions, and enough population density — often boosted by universities or tourism — to create steady demand for English teachers.
In cities like Siena or Perugia, you'll find a blend of language academies, private tutoring opportunities, and sometimes roles connected to international programs or universities. These areas are less saturated than Florence or Rome, meaning less competition for jobs, especially for teachers willing to commit for a year or more.
The lifestyle here is deeply immersive. Without the constant buzz of tourists or large expat networks, you’ll find yourself more integrated into Italian daily life — chatting with neighbors, learning the dialect, becoming a “local” at your favorite café. It’s also more affordable, especially when it comes to rent and food, and offers an ideal setting for Italian language learners or anyone craving cultural depth over urban convenience.
Best for: teachers seeking authentic Italian life, local connection, and more relaxed teaching environments.
🌄 8. Rural Italy and Small Towns – Slow Living and Local Connection
For those drawn to the road less traveled, Italy’s rural villages and small towns offer a deep, immersive experience that’s hard to find in the cities. While formal TEFL jobs are rarer, there are still opportunities — especially through private tutoring, local community initiatives, or cultural exchange programs that place teachers in under-resourced areas.
Living in a smaller town means embracing slower rhythms and deeper connections. You’ll likely be one of the few foreigners around, which can be both a challenge and a gift. Locals are often curious and warm, especially if you make an effort with the language and engage in community life. This kind of setting is ideal for learning Italian quickly and building real, lasting relationships.
Costs are significantly lower than in the cities — rent, food, and transportation are all more affordable. The trade-off is fewer amenities and a need for more self-reliance, but many teachers find that rural Italy offers the kind of meaningful simplicity that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. For the right kind of person, it’s not just a place to work — it’s a place to grow.
Best for: seasoned travelers, Italian language learners, and those seeking simplicity and cultural depth.
đź’ˇ How to Choose the Right City for You
Italy offers an incredible variety of experiences for English teachers, but choosing the right city comes down to your personal goals and preferences. Do you want to build a serious teaching career, or are you looking for a culturally rich experience with a lighter workload? Your answer will help determine whether a major city like Milan or Rome makes more sense — or whether you’d thrive in a quieter, more immersive place like Perugia or a small Tuscan town.
Salary expectations and cost of living play a big role too. While the north typically offers higher pay, it also comes with higher expenses. Southern cities and smaller towns may pay less, but the lifestyle is often more affordable — and the demand for English is growing fast. If you're freelancing or teaching online, you may have more flexibility in where you live, allowing you to prioritize lifestyle over pay.
Timing matters as well. Many jobs follow the school year (September–June), while summer camps and tourism-related teaching open up in the warmer months. Some teachers start in a city, build experience and connections, and then branch out into tutoring or remote work in quieter locations. There’s no need to commit forever — Italy rewards curiosity and movement.
If you stay open, you might discover that the "right" place for you isn’t the one you initially expected. Flexibility, self-awareness, and a bit of adventure can go a long way when choosing your TEFL path in Italy.
🎯 Final Thoughts: Where You Teach Shapes Your Experience
Teaching English in Italy isn’t just about the job — it’s about the life you build around it. Each city, town, and region offers a different rhythm, different students, and a different way of connecting with Italian culture. Whether you're drawn to the fast-paced professionalism of Milan, the timeless beauty of Florence, the grit and heart of Naples, or the quiet charm of a hilltop town, your location will shape everything from your work routine to your social circle.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here — and that’s the beauty of it. Italy’s variety means you can find a place that matches you: your goals, your energy, your teaching style. Some teachers fall in love with their first placement. Others move around, discovering new layers of the country with each stop. Both paths are valid. Both lead to growth.
So don’t stress too much about finding the “perfect” city on day one. Stay curious, stay open, and you’ll likely find that Italy has a way of giving you exactly what you didn’t know you were looking for.
Helping teachers find jobs they will love.