Palermo

ItalyGMT+1

Information

A composite score evaluating the city's appeal to digital nomads, on a scale of 0-100. Calculated using a weighted formula considering factors like cost, internet quality, nomad community strength, climate suitability, and visa flexibility, derived from all relevant data points.

69.0/ 100

Information

Estimated number of digital nomads in the city. Based on nomad platforms and community estimates, reflecting its popularity among remote workers.

500+

Information

The total monthly cost of living, combining housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

$1,887/mo

Information

Median download speed in Mbps in public, work-friendly spaces like libraries and cafes. Measured using recent crowdsourced data from platforms like Speedtest, excluding private residences.

50Mbps

About Palermo

Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is a vibrant city in northwest Italy with a history spanning over 2,700 years. It blends Phoenician, Roman, Arab, and Norman influences, offering a rich cultural tapestry. With about 676,000 residents in the city and over 1.2 million in its metropolitan area, it’s known for its stunning architecture, lively markets, and delicious cuisine, making it a draw for digital nomads and expats.

Nestled on the Gulf of Palermo in the Tyrrhenian Sea, the city enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Surrounded by mountains and boasting a natural port, Palermo has long been a key trading hub. Its average annual temperature hovers around 18°C, with plenty of sunshine to brighten your days.

Palermo’s cultural scene is a magnet for visitors, featuring UNESCO-listed sites like Arab-Norman architecture and bustling markets such as Vucciria and Ballarò. Its nightlife pulses with energy, and the food—think street eats and fresh seafood—is a highlight. For digital nomads, the city offers a mix of history and modern amenities, though English isn’t as widely spoken as in some Italian cities.

As Sicily’s economic hub, Palermo thrives on tourism, services, and agriculture. It has a complex past, including influences from the Sicilian Mafia, but today it’s a welcoming spot with solid infrastructure—think railways, buses, trams, and an international airport. The University of Palermo, founded in 1806, adds an academic vibe, perfect for those seeking a dynamic yet affordable base.

Demographics

Population1,194,439
LanguagesItalian, Piedmontese

Location

CountryItaly
TimezoneGMT+1
Airport to City50 minutes
TransportUber, Taxi, Bus, Train

Visa & Travel Info

Tourist Stay90 days
Visa CostFree
Digital Nomad VisaAvailable

Cost of Living

$1,887
/mo
6.3% higher than average

The total monthly cost of living in Palermo, Italy is $1,887, which is 6.3% higher than the global average of $1,776. This combines housing, utilities, food, transport, workspace, and leisure expenses. Data is sourced from cost-of-living databases and adjusted for exchange rates, rounded to the nearest dollar.

housing
$675
35.8% of total
Monthly rent for a furnished 1-bedroom apartment in a central, expat-friendly area.
utilities
$263
13.9% of total
Monthly cost for electricity, water, high-speed internet, and a mobile plan.
food
$330
17.5% of total
Monthly food budget covering groceries, 8-12 restaurant meals, and occasional takeout.
transport
$62
3.3% of total
Monthly transportation cost, including public transit passes and occasional taxis or ride-sharing.
workspace
$385
20.4% of total
Monthly budget for coworking space membership or cafe working sessions.
leisure
$172
9.1% of total
Monthly spending on fitness, entertainment, events, and activities.

Internet & Community

Palermo’s internet setup supports digital nomads with fixed broadband averaging 99 Mbps from providers like TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, and Iliad. Mobile networks are mostly 4G, with 5G rolling out. Public spots like libraries and cafes typically offer around 50 Mbps. While generally reliable, speeds can dip in some areas, so checking with local providers is wise.

Palermo’s digital nomad scene is blossoming, drawn by low costs, warm weather, and cultural depth. Coworking spaces like neu [nòi] and Changes Coworking offer great work environments. English isn’t universal, but locals are friendly, and networking events are popping up. With markets, historic sites, and beaches nearby, it’s a sweet spot for work-life balance.

50Mbps
5G
4providers
500
Nomads
25+
Coworking Spaces

Weather & Climate

Temperate
Palermo’s Mediterranean climate brings hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Expect average temperatures of 18°C, peaking at 26-27°C in July and August and dipping to 12°C in January. Winter months like December see about 120 mm of rain, while July is nearly dry at 10 mm. This sunny weather makes Palermo a year-round gem, though summers can feel toasty.
Temperature Range
12°C - 27°C
Avg: 18°C
Annual Rainfall
880mm
Monthly Avg: 73mm
Jan
01
12°C
100 mm
💧
Feb
02
12°C
110 mm
💧
Mar
03
13°C
80 mm
Apr
04
15°C
☀️
70 mm
May
05
19°C
☀️
40 mm
Jun
06
23°C
☀️
20 mm
Jul
07
26°C
☀️
10 mm
Aug
08
27°C
☀️
30 mm
Sep
09
24°C
☀️
70 mm
Oct
10
20°C
☀️
110 mm
💧
Nov
11
16°C
☀️
120 mm
💧
Dec
12
13°C
120 mm
💧
🥵 Hot☀️ Warm🥶 Cold💧 Rain❄️ Snow

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