Matera, Basilicata, Italy
A UNESCO World Heritage city famous for its ancient Sassi cave dwellings, a European Capital of Culture with an otherworldly landscape.
Below Average vs Italy avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Matera vs Italy Average
Taxes
- Income Tax: 27.0%
- VAT: 22.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: €20,000
- Unemployment: 17.0%
- Population: 60,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 230/year
- Summer High: 88°F
- Winter Low: 38°F
Housing
- Median Home: €120,000
- 1BR Rent: €450/mo
Cost of Living
Matera's cost of living index is 78 (Italy average = 100).
| Category | Matera | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 78 | 100 | -22.0% |
| Housing | 65 | 100 | -35.0% |
Data source: ISTAT / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | €120,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | €450/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | €563/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | €80 |
Data source: Idealista / Immobiliare.it, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Matera:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | €85 | Based on ~3,500 kWh/year typical Italian household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | €37 | Estimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating |
| Cooling (AC) | €5 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | €28 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | €28 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | €18 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | €201 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: ARERA, Enel, ENI 2025
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Matera
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: €540/mo.
Matera Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: €495/mo.
East Matera
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: €405/mo.
West Matera
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: €428/mo.
Remote Work Score
Matera scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Matera has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 58°F | 38°F | 2.5" |
| April | 73°F | 53°F | 2.8" |
| July | 88°F | 63°F | 1.5" |
| October | 68°F | 56°F | 2.2" |
Taxes
- Income Tax: 27%
- VAT: 22%
- Property Tax: ~0.76% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 17.0%.
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Matera, Basilicata, Italy?
The cost of living index in Matera is 78, which is Lower the Italy national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Matera?
The median home price in Matera is €120,000. The housing index is 65.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Matera is approximately €450/mo.
Does Matera, BAS have income tax?
Matera is in BAS, which has an income tax rate of 27%.
What is the climate like in Matera?
Matera enjoys approximately 230 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 88°F, while winter lows can drop to around 38°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: ISTAT / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Idealista / Immobiliare.it, 2026
- Income & Employment: ISTAT Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities ARERA, Enel, ENI 2025
Data last updated: July 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.