Lombardia · Como · Italy
Como
Southern Lake location, outdoor activities, local cuisine, expat community, low crime rate, rising living costs.
At a glance
About Como
Como, situated at the southern tip of Lake Como, is a notable destination for expats seeking a blend of scenic beauty and cultural depth. Its proximity to Milan and the Alps offers a unique mix of outdoor activities—water sports, hiking, and access to lush nature parks. The city’s landscape is punctuated by captivating hills and rich greenery, perfect for those who appreciate an active lifestyle. Renowned for its local cuisine influenced by Alpine traditions, Como also hosts a sizable expat community, particularly among retirees who value the town’s relatively low crime rate and tranquil atmosphere.
However, Como’s popularity as a tourist hotspot can lead to increased rental prices, especially during peak seasons. While the town enjoys excellent connectivity with other cities, challenges may arise from the high cost of living compared to surrounding regions. Overall, Como presents a compelling option, balancing a rich cultural life and community engagement against the backdrop of stunning natural beauty.
✓ Pros for expats
– Beautiful lakeside views and scenic mountain landscapes.
– Rich cultural and historical heritage throughout the town.
– Integrative community welcoming expats and retirees warmly.
– Accessible public transportation to Milan and surrounding areas.
– Good healthcare facilities catering to residents and visitors.
– Mild climate with pleasant summers and winters.
– Low unemployment rate promotes economic stability.
– Moderate tourism ensures lively atmosphere without overcrowding.
– Sufficient educational facilities for lifelong learning opportunities.
– Reliable internet connectivity for remote work and communication.
! Things to consider
– Healthcare score suggests room for significant improvement in quality.
– Air quality rating indicates potential health concerns for sensitive individuals.
– Infrastructure score reflects possible transportation and utility challenges.
– Limited average download speeds may hinder remote work efficiency.
– Tourist presence might disrupt local life during peak seasons.
– Weather extremes can lead to occasional discomfort in winter.
– Limited public amenities may not cater to all expat needs.
– The cost of living can be surprisingly high for some.
– Housing availability may be competitive in desirable areas.
– Cultural integration can still pose challenges for newcomers.
Where is Como
Getting there
Como benefits from good connectivity, with major airports Malpensa and Linate within convenient reach. The town is served by two nearby train stations, providing access to regional and national rail networks. Key roads, including the A9 motorway, enhance accessibility to Milan and other destinations.
Housing & cost of living
Estimated cost of an 80 m² home: €277,440
Housing availability: Relatively High
Cost of living
Como in Lombardy presents a moderately high cost of living, particularly for housing, with significant rental prices in the city center. For those looking to buy property, prices reflect a vibrant market, though the economic environment supports affordable living through lower than average unemployment and a steady income stream for residents. Overall, Como offers potential investors and expats a balanced yet cautious outlook on affordability, emphasizing the need for financial planning when considering a move or investment.
Climate & weather
Very Low (Bottom 10%)
Very Low (Bottom 10%)
Above Average (51st-60th percentile)
Exceptional (Top 10%)
Como, Italy, presents a favourable climate that supports a variety of lifestyles, from expatriates to retirees. Winters are notably mild, absent of snow, facilitating year-round outdoor activities and ease of travel. Summers, comfortable in warmth, encourage lake-side leisure and al fresco dining experiences. The city enjoys a generous amount of sunshine, illuminating its historical architecture and enhancing its scenic landscape almost daily. Rainfall is well-distributed across the year, maintaining the lushness of the surrounding countryside without overwhelming residents with excessive wet periods. Overall, Como’s climate adds a significant appeal to its already charming atmosphere.
Air quality & environment
Air quality rating: ★★★★★
In the charming town of Como, Italy, residents enjoy air quality that generally ranks from fair to good. Positioned near Lake Como, the breezes contribute to dispersing pollutants effectively, although particulate matter levels from both finer and coarser particles are deemed fair, necessitating cautiousness particularly for those with respiratory concerns. Notably low levels of nitrogen and sulfur dioxide underscore the town’s relatively lesser industrial activities, which supports a cleaner air profile conducive to outdoor activities. While atmospheric ozone is also ranked as fair, it remains well within tolerable limits for both short visits and long-term living.
Healthcare & safety
Road accidents: 8.0 per 10k inhabitants.
ATS Insubria covers Varese province plus most of Como — Varese, Como city, Lake Como’s western shore, the Olona valley. Composite of 50/100, just above the national median. Hospital care is the strongest pillar (57); community care (44) is the relative weakness. For residents around Lake Como and Lake Varese, the system is workable but less strong than the headline reputation of nearby Milan would suggest. Private cover for elective care is wise.
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 centre, known as Città Murata, is enclosed by medieval walls and serves as the cultural heart with landmarks such as the Como Cathedral and Piazza del Duomo.
– **Camerlata – Rebbio – Breccia – Prestino:** Located in the northern area, this residential district is notable for its transport links and diverse population dynamics.
– **Muggiò – Albate:** Located in the southeastern area, this district is primarily residential, offering a mix of housing and essential amenities within reach.
– **Monte Olimpino:** Found in the western area, this district is primarily residential with services and local commerce catering to its inhabitants.
– **Stadio:** Dominated by the sports facility that bears its name, this district is a hub for local sporting events and active recreational opportunities.
– **Tavernola:** Situated towards the lake in the northwest, this area benefits from proximity to the waterfront, making it appealing for leisure and scenic views.
– **Viale Varese:** Close to the city centre, this area offers easy access to urban facilities with residential options near parks and public spaces.
– **Garzola:** Positioned slightly towards the hills, this quieter area provides a respite from urban hustle, suitable for those seeking tranquility within reach of city services.
– **Camnago Volta:** Known for its connection to Alessandro Volta, this area blends historical significance with suburban living.
Local cuisine
Como’s culinary scene is rich with traditional dishes that anchor its local culture. Notable specialties include lake fish such as perch and trout, cheese varieties like Formaggio d’Alpe and Ricotta del Lario, and meat products including the renowned Bresaola IGP and casoeula, a hearty dish of pork and Savoy cabbage. This region also boasts unique pastries such as Miascia and Nocciolini di Canzo. In contrast to the traditional offerings, Como features a diverse range of dining establishments 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 highlight both local and innovative culinary techniques, providing a fine dining experience in an exquisite setting.
Where to shop
The area features diverse shopping options, catering especially to expats and retirees. High-street brands are prominent along main thoroughfares, complemented by artisan stores offering local delicacies and crafts. Specialist markets, including farmers’ markets for fresh produce and craft fairs, provide distinct local flavours. Designer boutiques coexist with casual outlets, while larger shopping venues may include retail outlets and shopping centres nearby. This blend of contemporary and traditional shopping reflects both the local culture and the needs of an international community.
Green areas & parks
Como, located in Lombardia, offers a variety of green spaces and hiking opportunities ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Parco Spina Verde provides a protected woodland area for leisurely strolls and historical exploration. For more challenging hikes, the Brunate-Voltiano Lighthouse trail extends 4.8 miles with steep terrain and panoramic views. Additionally, the Brunate-San Maurizio-Monti di Capovico hike is a 6.9-mile demanding trail, showcasing beautiful landscapes. Both are rated highly by AllTrails users. These trails highlight Como’s mix of natural beauty and recreational availability, especially suitable for those looking to engage in hiking and appreciating outdoor environments.
Education
People & tourism
Annual tourists (2023): 416,573