×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Digital Nomad Exchange - Pros & Cons of Living in Sanremo 2025
Digital Nomad Exchange
Free MembershipSign In


Pros & Cons of Living in Sanremo

By Betsy Burlingame

Italian For A While
Italian For A While

Summary: Planning a potential move to Sanremo? Delve into this comprehensive article, which delves into the various pros and cons of calling Sanremo home.

Thinking about to Sanremo? Below we highlight some of the pros and cons of living in Sanremo.

Welcome to the sun-kissed shores of Sanremo, a hidden gem nestled on the Mediterranean coast that's capturing the hearts of digital nomads worldwide. With its blend of historical charm, modern amenities, and a laid-back lifestyle, Sanremo is quickly becoming a sought-after destination for those looking to marry work and wanderlust. But what's it really like to swap your office cubicle for a seaside café or a quaint co-working space in this Italian paradise? Let's dive into the pros and cons of living in Sanremo, Italy as a digital nomad, and see if this coastal haven is the right fit for your laptop lifestyle.

Pros of Living in Sanremo, Italy as a Digital Nomad

Imagine starting your day with an espresso at a beachfront café, your laptop open to the gentle murmur of the sea. Sanremo's mild climate means you can enjoy this almost year-round, a definite perk for those who crave the outdoors. The city's reliable internet infrastructure ensures you stay connected, whether you're video conferencing with clients or uploading your latest vlog. Co-working spaces are sprouting up, offering not just Wi-Fi but a community of like-minded individuals, fostering both professional and personal connections.

Sanremo's cost of living strikes a balance between affordability and quality of life. While it may not be the cheapest Italian city, it offers more bang for your buck compared to major urban centers like Milan or Rome. The local cuisine, featuring fresh seafood and Italian classics, is not only delicious but can be surprisingly affordable if you shop at local markets and dine where the locals do.

The city's cultural scene is a tapestry of music, art, and history. As the host of the famous Sanremo Music Festival, the city buzzes with creative energy. Digital nomads often find inspiration in the narrow streets, Baroque architecture, and the stories of old-world sailors and artists. Plus, with the French Riviera just a stone's throw away, international networking and travel opportunities abound.

Cons of Living in Sanremo, Italy as a Digital Nomad

However, living in Sanremo is not without its challenges. The idyllic Italian pace of life that charms many can be a double-edged sword. Bureaucracy can be slow and frustrating, especially for those used to more streamlined processes. Opening a bank account or securing a long-term visa may test your patience and Italian language skills.

While the city's public transportation is functional, it may not meet the standards of those accustomed to the efficiency of larger European cities. A car can be handy for exploring the Ligurian coast, but parking in Sanremo can be as elusive as a quiet spot during the music festival. And speaking of noise, the city's charm during peak tourist season can turn into a cacophony, potentially disrupting your tranquil workspace.

Lastly, while the cost of living is reasonable, it's worth noting that the digital nomad lifestyle here still requires a stable income. The Italian economy has its ups and downs, and local job opportunities, should you seek them, may not be as lucrative or plentiful as in other parts of the world. Additionally, the cost of some services and goods, particularly imported ones, can be higher due to Italy's VAT and import taxes.

Sanremo, with its blend of Italian charm and Mediterranean allure, offers a unique setting for digital nomads. The pros, such as the climate, culture, and community, often outweigh the cons, like bureaucracy and seasonal crowds. Each digital nomad's experience will be as unique as a Sanremo sunset, but one thing is certain: those who choose to call this city home, even temporarily, find themselves part of a vibrant, ever-evolving story where work and la dolce vita coexist beautifully.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


Italian For A While
Italian For A While

Become 'Italian for a While' - for students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, and professionals! Live out your dreams in Italy while learning Italian and immersing in the language, life, and culture.
Learn More

Italian For A WhileItalian For A While

Become 'Italian for a While' - for students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, and professionals! Live out your dreams in Italy while learning Italian and immersing in the language, life, and culture.
Learn More

Digital Nomads SanremoDigital Nomads in Sanremo

Digital nomads and expats talk about what it's like living in Sanremo.

Digital-Nomad-Visa-for-ItalyDigital Nomad Visa for Italy

Learn about the Digital Nomad Visa for Italy and what is involved in obtaining one. This is one of the most important aspects of moving to Italy as a digital nomad.

Italy Forum Italy Forum
Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Italy on our Italy forum - meet people, get advice and help others.

Contribute to Italy Network Contribute
Help others in Italy by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Italy.

Expat Healthcare Advice in ItalyHealthcare & Health Insurance in Italy

Digital Nomads in Italy offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Italy.

Real Estate in ItalyRentals in Italy

Rentals in popular cities and towns in Italy.

Italian For A While
Italian For A While

Become 'Italian for a While' - for students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, and professionals! Live out your dreams in Italy while learning Italian and immersing in the language, life, and culture.
Learn More

Italian For A WhileItalian For A While

Become 'Italian for a While' - for students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, and professionals! Live out your dreams in Italy while learning Italian and immersing in the language, life, and culture.
Learn More

Digital-Nomad-Visa-for-ItalyDigital Nomad Visa for Italy

Learn about the Digital Nomad Visa for Italy and what is involved in obtaining one. This is one of the most important aspects of moving to Italy as a digital nomad.

Italian For A While
Italian For A While

Copyright 1997-2025 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides