Have you ever caught yourself daydreaming about packing up your life, leaving behind sky-high bills, and starting fresh somewhere that actually lets you breathe? For one couple, that fantasy became reality when the costs of American living started feeling more like a trap than a choice. Instead of heading back to the States after welcoming their first child, they turned their eyes toward Italy—and never looked back.
What began as a search for affordability quickly turned into a full-blown lifestyle overhaul. Today, they live mortgage-free in a picturesque Italian town, raising their daughter surrounded by rolling hills, fresh pasta, and a pace of life that prioritizes people over productivity. Their monthly expenses? Just around $1,246. Yes, you read that right.
How One Couple Built a Simpler, More Affordable Life in Italy
The decision didn’t come out of nowhere. While living abroad already with family, the couple welcomed a baby girl. The plan had always been to return home eventually. But as they crunched the numbers—housing prices, childcare costs, the endless grind—it became painfully clear that going back would mean financial strain they weren’t willing to accept.
That’s when the idea of Italy started to take root. Stories of towns offering homes for practically nothing had been circulating for years. Sure, the headlines made it sound too good to be true, but digging deeper revealed an opportunity. With a modest budget and a willingness to roll up their sleeves, they saw a path forward that promised not just savings, but freedom.
The House Hunt That Changed Everything
They didn’t jump in blindly. First came research, spreadsheets (because who doesn’t love a good spreadsheet?), and realistic expectations. Those famous one-euro homes? They’re real, but they come with strings—major renovations, bureaucracy, and hidden costs. The couple set a firm limit: no more than about $23,000 on the purchase price itself.
After viewing around fifteen properties across different regions, they zeroed in on one area that offered the best bang for their buck. Abruzzo won out over flashier spots like Tuscany—not because it was glamorous, but because it felt honest. The house they chose was a two-bedroom, two-floor place just over 1,000 square feet, complete with a terrace that overlooked the countryside.
In early 2022, they closed the deal in cash for roughly $13,150. No bank loans, no monthly payments hanging over their heads. That single decision lifted an enormous weight off their shoulders.
Having no mortgage means that if money gets tight or income dips, we still have a secure home for our family. It’s financial peace in a way I never experienced before.
– The couple reflecting on their choice
Renovations followed. They poured around $18,000 into updates—some DIY, some hired out for the tricky bits like plumbing. The result? A cozy, functional home that feels truly theirs, without the soul-crushing debt so many face back home.
Daily Expenses That Feel Almost Too Good to Be True
Fast-forward to now, and their lifestyle looks nothing like the one they left behind. Monthly spending hovers around $1,246, covering everything from groceries to utilities to their daughter’s activities. Here’s a peek at the breakdown:
- Groceries hover around $567
- Electricity averages about $256 every two months
- Water comes in at roughly $108 bimonthly
- Internet for both properties? Just $14 per house monthly
- Childcare and classes for their daughter total under $110 combined
- Heating in winter adds up to $237 per home at most
Property taxes and garbage collection are minimal—around $72 and $338 annually per house. Compare that to U.S. averages, and the difference is staggering. No wonder they feel like they’ve unlocked a secret level of adulting.
But it’s not just about the numbers. Living in a smaller town means respecting the local economy. They consciously avoid inflating prices, choosing instead to blend in and support the community. In my opinion, that’s one of the most admirable parts of their story—mindful expat living rather than flashy excess.
From Career Burnout to Creative Freedom
Before Italy, life looked very different. City hustle, demanding jobs, constant networking. She worked in tech operations; he was a butcher. Both enjoyed aspects of their roles, but neither felt truly fulfilled. The move gave them permission to rethink priorities.
Now, she runs a travel blog and newsletter while handling operations for another creator. He manages their second property, which they rent out short-term. That extra income—between $9,500 and $12,000 annually—helps cushion any fluctuations. Best part? They handle cleaning and maintenance themselves, keeping overhead low.
The shift wasn’t easy. Leaving behind familiar routines takes courage. But the payoff? More time together as a family, walks to school, afternoon gym sessions, even archery classes on Fridays. Weekends are for “urban hiking”—wandering nearby towns, soaking in history and scenery.
Work isn’t the center of everything here. People actually live first, then work. It’s refreshing, even if it takes time to unlearn old habits.
I’ve always believed that the best life changes happen when you stop measuring success solely by income and start valuing time and peace. This couple seems to have cracked that code.
The Bigger Picture: Why More People Are Looking Abroad
They’re not alone. Polls show a growing number of Americans considering permanent moves overseas. Lower costs, better work-life balance, safer environments for kids—Italy checks many boxes. And with remote work more normalized, the barriers are lower than ever.
Of course, it’s not all gelato and sunsets. Bureaucracy can be frustrating, language barriers exist, and winters require adjustment. But for those willing to adapt, the rewards are substantial. Lower stress, stronger family bonds, a sense of community that big cities often lack.
- Research thoroughly—don’t buy into hype without seeing properties in person.
- Budget for renovations realistically; surprises are common.
- Embrace local customs and economy to integrate smoothly.
- Build multiple income streams for flexibility.
- Prioritize what truly matters—time, health, relationships.
These steps helped them succeed, and they can guide anyone considering a similar leap.
Lessons in Financial Freedom and Intentional Living
Perhaps the most powerful takeaway is how eliminating major debt reshapes everything. No mortgage means no constant pressure to earn more just to stay afloat. That security lets them take risks—like leaving unfulfilling jobs or starting passion projects.
It’s a reminder that financial freedom isn’t always about earning millions. Sometimes it’s about spending wisely, choosing location strategically, and valuing experiences over possessions. In a world that pushes endless consumption, their story feels almost rebellious.
And let’s be honest: who wouldn’t want to trade traffic jams for quiet mornings with coffee on a terrace overlooking vineyards? The couple’s journey shows that with planning, courage, and a bit of elbow grease, a simpler life isn’t out of reach—it’s just across the ocean.
So next time you’re staring at your budget wondering where all the money goes, maybe ask yourself: what would life look like if the biggest expense disappeared? For this family, the answer has been transformative. And honestly, it’s hard not to feel a little inspired.
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