Ready for a change but not convinced yet? What would make the difference? Of course the answer never lies in dreaming up the impossible, in acting in a reckless fashion without knowing the facts. When one compares the two cities, there seems to be reason enough to favour Bologna over London.
It is fact that the continent, the region around the Mediterranean, offers great weather all year round compared to what is experienced in the UK: more rainy days and less sunshine. Little wonder then that quite a number of ex-pats have mentioned that this specific factor was the decider for them!
Bologna, as Italy‘s most populous city with approximately 380,000 inhabitants in its inner city (1,000,000 in its metropolitan area) has been a centre of learning for many years and boasts the oldest university in Europe, probably the world. Many students from all over (also internationally) enrol for different courses and find it fairly easy to travel to and from classes, mainly because the city, by international standards, is not too big (compare, for example, London which is so much bigger and less accessible). With a proud history as one of Europe’s cultural hot spots Bologna was declared European capital of culture in the year 2000. The city features a number of very well known tourist attractions, easily reached by public transport or by foot once you’re in the inner city. The Hidden Ancient Roman Road and the Treasures of San Domenico Basilica serve as examples.
When one chooses one city over another, practical considerations play a big part. Let’s have a look at rent. Of course affordability will always depend on an apartment’s size, location (in other words: how near/how far from important spots) and the general quality of the accommodation. The average one room (loft style) apartment in Bologna costs approximately €500.00 and a room (sharing) in a bigger apartment €350.00 – 400.00. In the city centre a 1 bedroom fetches on average €600.00 (compare London at €2.180). Expect to pay around €1.200.00 and up for a proper 2 or 3 bedroom apartment. In London it would be extremely difficult to beat this value. It seems that, compared to London, Bologna offers greater value. The same is true for buying in lieu of renting. The sq. metre costs, when the 2 cities are compared, are as follows: Bologna €3.430 with London a staggering €13.380 in the city centre! Further out the numbers are as comparable with Bologna at €1.975 and London at €7.362. The city is smaller, it is easier (and quicker) to get from one point to another and travelling costs very reasonable. A one-way bus ticket in Bologna costs €1.40, which is not expensive by most people’s standards. A monthly pass sets you back €36.00.
Italy has long been known as a culinary destination with Bologna known as the Food Capital. Who has not heard of Bolognese sauce (in Italian “ragù alla Bolognese which is mainly used to dress pasta)? Many restaurants offer good value for the budget conscious. Cheaper places offer meals at approximately €15.00 for a meal which includes wine/beer. A very tasty pizza (incl. beer) can be bought for as little as €10.00. Now that is value! Also look at the price of espresso (€1.00) and cappuccino (€1.80). Food markets are held all over the country, with Bologna no exception. The city is well known for its Par Tòt Parata (“parade for everyone”) every second year. When one adds it all up, it would seem that, to survive, one could get away with €700.00 and with €900.00 to live fairly comfortably.
A quick comparison of the cost of living shows some interesting facts: on the assumption that you rent accommodation (in both London and Bologna) and work out a comparable budget to cater for the most important needs of your day-to-day living expenses, you would need around €5.835 (£4.251) in London to maintain the same standard of living as Bologna would offer, with the latter at €2.800.00 per month. (This represents cost of living on the middle to higher income bracket).
Other factors to take into account would include levels of crime, air pollution, quality of drinking water, noise levels and availability or lack of natural light as well as the feeling of a city being clean and tidy. Statistics show that Bologna is to be favoured over London in each case. Also when it comes to traffic, it seems that people find Bologna cheaper and quicker. Had enough of high crime levels? Bologna seems to be safer; purchasing power is considered “high” in Bologna with London “moderate”.
With the above in mind, say after me, with a big smile on your face: “Ciao Bologna! (Hello Bologna!)”
(For statistical comparisons www.numbeo.com was consulted extensively)
[Featured image by Revolweb]
