Hey traveler, if you’re here, chances are you’re dreaming of living - at least for a while - in a cozy home overlooking the canals, where gondolas glide by and violins serenade the streets at sunset.
But before you pack your bags and move into your dream, there’s one practical question we need to answer: How much does home for rent cost in Venice, Italy?
Let’s get into it in this complete guide by Venice Insider Guide, with real numbers, insider tips and secrets only locals know.
Why is renting a house in Venice so expensive?
Venice isn’t just any city. It’s a global icon, an open-air museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And this unique charm comes with a price-especially in real estate.
So why is it so expensive to live here?
- Limited space: Venice is built on islands. There’s no room to expand and many homes are second homes or tourist rentals.
- Mass tourism: Short-term rentals (like Airbnb) have shrunk the supply of long-term rental housing.
- High maintenance costs: Renovating and preserving historic homes in a lagoon environment is far more expensive than in mainland cities.
When did prices in Venice start to change?
Prices began to rise gradually but really spiked in the 2010s with the rise of online vacation rental platforms.
During the 2020 pandemic, prices dropped but by 2022-2023 tourism returned and so did high prices.
Today Venice is one of the most expensive Italian cities for long-term rentals, especially in the historic center.
How much does home for rent cost in Venice?
So, how much does home for rent cost in Venice Italy? Let’s get into the numbers:
- Studio apartments: €750-€1,200/month, depending on the location
- One-bedroom apartments: €1,000-€1,800/month
- Two-bedrooms or more: €1,500-€2,500, and more if it has a canal view or private terrace
Prices vary a lot by neighborhood, size, condition and historical features.
Criteria: what affects the rent in Venice?
There are five main factors that influence rent in Venice:
- Location (historic center vs outskirts)
- Size and layout
- Condition of the property (renovated or not)
- Floor and elevator availability (yes, it matters!)
- View and exposure (canal view? rooftop terrace?)
Also proximity to vaporetto stops and local amenities can affect the price by 20% or more.
Neighborhoods: where to rent in Venice?
Venice is made up of six main districts (sestieri) plus several smaller islands. Here’s a quick guide:
- San Marco: the tourist heart. Super expensive.
- Dorsoduro: elegant and residential, very desirable.
- Cannaregio: authentic and still (relatively) affordable.
- Castello: quieter, full of charm.
- Santa Croce & San Polo: central and well-connected.
Apartment size: how much does size matter?
Seems obvious, but in Venice it’s not just about square meters.
Many buildings are former noble palaces with tall ceilings and large rooms. A one-bedroom apartment might feel like a two-bedroom elsewhere… but heating and maintenance costs will match.
On average:
- 40 m²: perfect for solo travelers → €800-1,000
- 60-70 m²: for couples or small families → €1,200-1,600
- 90+ m²: for families → €1,800 and up
Examples of real rent in Venice
Let’s look at some real or realistic examples based on current listings (2024-2025):
- Cannaregio, 55 m², renovated: €1,250/month
- Dorsoduro, 70 m², canal view: €1,800/month
- San Marco, 45 m², upper floor: €1,400/month
- Castello, 60 m², 40 m², 40 m², 40 m²: €1,000/month
- Murano, 70 m², furnished: €900/month
Renting a home in Venice historic center
The historic center is beautiful - but expensive.Let’s break it down:
- Studios: €1,000+
- Two-room apartments: €1,500-€2,000
- Large apartments with Grand Canal view? €5,000+/month
The upside? You live surrounded by art, history and beauty. The downside? Crowds, noise and high costs – plus tricky logistics for daily life.
Cost rent Mestre
Mestre is on the mainland and much cheaper.
- Studios: €600-€800
- One-bedroom: €800-€1,200
- Larger apartments: €1,200-€1,500
Mestre is well connected (tram, train and bus every 10-15 minutes to Venice) and a good option if you work or study in the city on a tighter budget.
Cost house rent Murano, Burano, Torcello
The smaller islands offer unique living experiences – and different prices:
- Murano: very desirable, close to Venice. Same prices as Cannaregio → €900-1,300
- Burano: colorful and peaceful. House rent from €700-1,100
- Torcello: nearly uninhabited. Rentals are rare – perfect for solitude seekers and history lovers.
Why is living in Venice so expensive?
Beyond tourism and housing scarcity there are other hidden costs of living in Venice:
- Water-based public transport (vaporetto or water taxis)
- Special renovation needs (due to humidity and salt)
- Logistical challenges (moving furniture or even groceries often involves boats)
Living in Venice is a privilege – but also a daily challenge.
Pros and cons of living in Venice, according to locals
Pros:
- Magical, romantic atmosphere
- No cars: excellent air quality
- Art and culture everywhere
Cons:
- High cost of living
- Not always easy to reach essential services
- Occasional high tides (less frequent now but still possible)
Short-term vs long-term rentals: the ongoing battle
Many homes that once housed local families are now rented out short-term to tourists. This has driven prices up and made it harder for those looking to live in Venice long-term.
Authorities are now working on regulating short-term rentals but changes will take time.## How to find a rental in Venice
- Use Italian property sites, like Immobiliare or Casait (not just Airbnb)
- Contact local estate agents: they often know of secret gems
- Visit in person: photos don’t tell the whole story
- Beware of scams: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is
How much does it cost to rent in Venice: Final thoughts
Dear travelers, the price of a house in Venice may be steep, but living in La Serenissima is worth every euro. It’s not just a city: it’s a way of life, a floating fantasy, a world of its own.
So, how much does it cost to rent in Venice? The answer is: the answer is it depends: on the area, size, month, etc.
With a bit of time, flexibility and maybe a dash of luck you’ll find your perfect spot among the canals and bridges.
And who knows tomorrow morning when you open your shutters you’ll see a gondola glide by beneath your window.