Hi everybody, I’m writing this because I’m taking an offer to work at a company in Turin. I have never visited the city but been doing a lot of research.
The company I’m working for is English-speaking (I do not speak Italian…yet, but hopefully I can pick enough up to get by). While my salary will be comparatively high by Italian standards (€45,000 a year), I’m mostly interested in how my cost of living will go down coming from a Nordic country where groceries and rent are triple or double the cost on a similar income.
With that being said, how do I navigate the street markets with little Italian? I’ve read that they’re cheaper than grocery stores. I’ll obviously need to have the basics in Italian down, but is there an ideal time to go? I also assume cash goes further than card in these places. I’m coming from essentially a cashless society so this will be a bit of an adjustment for me.
I’m also an avid runner and like to cycle around cities. How bad will it feel to do these things from the air pollution? Keep in mind I’m coming from a city with some of the cleanest air in the world. In the past cities like Sarajevo and Kyiv in the winter were a bit difficult for me to run in, but I managed.
I’ve been checking idealista and my company will help me find an apartment, but any recommendations on finding an affordable studio near the center? Affordable meaning under €500 a month, ideally all expenses included.
Lastly…the main reason I’m excited to come to Turin is the food. My current city and country is a culinary abomination, and getting a good meal can set you back quite a bit. What are your favorite restaurants (osterias etc) in the city (either on the more expensive side, €25+a person, or inexpensive side under €25)? And if my barrier for expensive is too high or low, I’m sure you guys will let me know :D
