Lombardia · Como · Italy
Como
Southern Lake location, outdoor pursuits, traditional cuisine, expat community, low crime rate, increasing living costs.
At a glance
About Como
Como, located at the southern tip of Lake Como, is a prominent choice for expats looking for a combination of picturesque landscapes and rich cultural experiences. Its closeness to Milan and the Alps provides an exceptional array of outdoor pursuits, including water sports, hiking, and access to verdant nature parks. The city’s terrain is characterized by stunning hills and abundant greenery, ideal for those who enjoy an active lifestyle. Famous for its local dishes shaped by Alpine influences, Como also boasts a large expat population, particularly among retirees who appreciate the town’s relatively low crime rate and peaceful environment.
However, Como’s appeal as a tourist destination can result in higher rental costs, particularly during peak seasons. While the town benefits from excellent connections to other cities, residents may face challenges due to the elevated cost of living compared to nearby areas. In summary, Como offers a striking option, merging a vibrant cultural scene with community involvement amidst breathtaking natural surroundings.
✓ Pros for expats
– Stunning lakeside views and beautiful mountain scenery.
– Rich cultural and historical heritage throughout the town.
– Welcoming community that embraces expats and retirees.
– Convenient public transport to Milan and surrounding areas.
– Quality healthcare facilities serving residents and visitors.
– Mild climate with enjoyable summers and winters.
– Low unemployment rate fosters economic stability.
– Moderate tourism ensures a lively atmosphere without overcrowding.
– Adequate educational institutions for lifelong learning opportunities.
– Reliable internet access for remote work and communication.
! Things to consider
– Healthcare ratings indicate significant room for improvement in quality.
– Air quality scores suggest potential health issues for sensitive individuals.
– Infrastructure ratings reflect possible transportation and utility difficulties.
– Average download speeds may limit remote work effectiveness.
– Tourist influx can disrupt local life during busy seasons.
– Weather fluctuations can lead to occasional discomfort in winter.
– Limited public amenities may not fully accommodate all expat needs.
– The cost of living can be unexpectedly high for some.
– Housing competition may be fierce in sought-after locations.
– Cultural integration can still be challenging for newcomers.
Where is Como
Getting there
Como has good connectivity, with major airports Malpensa and Linate easily accessible. The town is served by two nearby train stations that connect to regional and national rail services. Key routes, including the A9 motorway, improve access to Milan and other locations.
Housing & cost of living
Estimated cost of an 80 m² home: €277,440
Housing availability: Relatively High
Cost of living
Como in Lombardy exhibits a moderately high cost of living, especially for housing, with notable rental prices in the city center. For prospective property buyers, prices indicate a lively market, although the economic landscape supports affordable living due to lower-than-average unemployment and a steady income for residents. In general, Como presents potential investors and expats a balanced yet cautious perspective on affordability, highlighting the importance of financial planning when considering relocation or investment.
Climate & weather
Very Low (Bottom 10%)
Very Low (Bottom 10%)
Above Average (51st-60th percentile)
Exceptional (Top 10%)
Como, Italy, enjoys a favorable climate that accommodates a range of lifestyles, including expatriates and retirees. Winters are pleasantly mild, without snow, fostering year-round outdoor activities and easy travel. Summers are warm and inviting, perfect for lakeside relaxation and outdoor dining. The town benefits from ample sunshine, which brightens its historic buildings and enhances its beautiful scenery nearly every day. Rainfall is evenly spread throughout the year, preserving the lushness of the nearby countryside without inundating residents with prolonged wet spells. Overall, Como’s climate significantly enhances its already delightful atmosphere.
Air quality & environment
Air quality rating: ★★★★★
In the lovely town of Como, Italy, residents typically experience air quality that ranges from fair to good. Its location near Lake Como allows breezes to effectively disperse pollutants, although particulate matter levels from both finer and coarser particles are considered fair, necessitating caution, particularly for individuals with respiratory issues. The notably low levels of nitrogen and sulfur dioxide demonstrate the town’s lower industrial activities, contributing to a cleaner air profile that is supportive of outdoor activities. While atmospheric ozone is also rated as fair, it remains well within acceptable limits for both brief visits and long-term residency.
Healthcare & safety
Road accidents: 8.0 per 10k inhabitants.
ATS Insubria serves Varese province along with most of Como , including Varese, Como city, the western shore of Lake Como, and the Olona valley. It has a composite score of 50/100, just above the national average. Hospital care stands out as the strongest aspect (57), while community care (44) is comparatively weaker. For those living around Lake Como and Lake Varese, the healthcare system is functional but not as robust as the headline reputation of nearby Milan might imply. Private insurance for elective procedures is advisable.
Internet & connectivity
Transport & proximity
✈️ Airports
| Airport | Drive | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Malpensa (Milan) | 29 min | 10 |
| Linate (Milan) | 38 min | 7 |
| Orio al Serio (Bergamo) | 48 min | 7 |
🚂 Rail stations
| Station | Drive | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Como San Giovanni | 2 min | 9 |
| Como Nord Lago | 5 min | 7 |
| Como Nord Borghi | 2 min | 8 |
What's nearby
Life in Como
Neighbourhoods
– **Centro Storico:** The historic center, known as Città Murata, is encircled by medieval walls and serves as the cultural heart with landmarks including the Como Cathedral and Piazza del Duomo.
– **Camerlata – Rebbio – Breccia – Prestino:** Situated in the northern part, this residential area is notable for its transportation connections and diverse demographic.
– **Muggiò – Albate:** Found in the southeastern section, this neighborhood is primarily residential, providing a mix of housing and essential services.
– **Monte Olimpino:** Located in the western part, this district is mainly residential with amenities and local shops to serve its residents.
– **Stadio:** Dominated by the sports facility that shares its name, this area is a center for local sports events and active recreational activities.
– **Tavernola:** Positioned near the lake in the northwest, this neighborhood enjoys close proximity to the waterfront, making it attractive for relaxation and scenic views.
– **Viale Varese:** Close to the city center, this region provides easy access to urban amenities along with residential options near parks and public spaces.
– **Garzola:** Slightly elevated towards the hills, this quieter area offers a break from the busy urban environment, ideal for those seeking peace while still having city services nearby.
– **Camnago Volta:** Recognized for its historical connection to Alessandro Volta, this region merges historical significance with suburban living.
Local cuisine
Como’s gastronomic landscape is filled with traditional dishes that form the bedrock of its local culture. Standout specialties include lake fish such as perch and trout, cheese varieties like Formaggio d’Alpe and Ricotta del Lario, and meat products including the famous Bresaola IGP and casoeula, a robust dish made with pork and Savoy cabbage. This region also features distinctive pastries like Miascia and Nocciolini di Canzo. Alongside traditional fare, Como showcases a variety of dining options that include international cuisines, reflecting the town’s cosmopolitan nature. Notably, Como is home to Michelin-starred restaurants like Kitchen, Materia, and Il Sereno Al Lago, which emphasize both local and modern culinary techniques, offering an exceptional dining experience in a beautiful setting.
Where to shop
The area offers a variety of shopping choices, particularly catering to expats and retirees. Well-known brands line the main streets, complemented by artisan shops featuring local treats and crafts. Specialty markets, including farmers’ markets for fresh goods and craft fairs, present unique local flavors. Designer boutiques coexist with casual stores, while larger shopping centers may include retail outlets and nearby malls. This combination of modern and traditional shopping reflects the local culture and the needs of an international community.
Green areas & parks
Como, located in Lombardia, features numerous green spaces and hiking trails that are ideally suited for outdoor lovers. Parco Spina Verde offers a protected woodland area for leisurely walks and historical exploration. For those seeking more rigorous hikes, the Brunate-Voltiano Lighthouse trail spans 4.8 miles with steep sections and breathtaking views. Additionally, the Brunate-San Maurizio-Monti di Capovico hike is a challenging 6.9-mile trail, showcasing stunning scenery. Both hikes receive high ratings from AllTrails users. These trails illustrate Como’s combination of natural beauty and recreational opportunities, particularly appealing for those keen on hiking and outdoor experiences.
Education
People & tourism
Annual tourists (2023): 416,573