Living in Sicily: First Impressions & Price Shock

Moving to Sicily has been an experience that has both enriched and surprised us in ways we never anticipated. The island’s slow-paced, laid-back lifestyle, combined with its rich history and stunning natural beauty, has made it an exciting place to call home.

As we adjusted to our new life in Sicily, many moments stood out—moments of serenity, adventure, and at times, unexpected sticker shock. From the first stroll through the local markets to our encounters with daily essentials, the contrasts between life in the U.S. and life in Sicily have been striking.

In this blog, we’ll share our first impressions of living in Sicily, alongside the surprising price differences we encountered in our new home.

Embracing the Sicilian Way of Life

The lifestyle in Sicily is deeply rooted in tradition, offering a slower, more reflective pace compared to the hustle and bustle we were used to in the United States. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this is a place where life is meant to be savored—whether that means enjoying a long, leisurely lunch, soaking in the Mediterranean sun, or simply enjoying the company of family and friends. The relaxed pace invites you to focus on the present, appreciating life’s simpler moments.

There’s a profound sense of community here. On our first morning, stepping outside our cottage, we were greeted by the familiar sounds of traditional Napolitano music drifting from a nearby home. This signaled that the rhythm of life in Sicily revolves around family, food, and festivity. The island’s strong cultural ties are apparent in every aspect of daily life, from the food to the conversations and celebrations.

In many ways, this lifestyle represents a complete departure from the fast-paced world we left behind. It encourages us to slow down, live with intention, and truly enjoy our surroundings.

The Cost of Living in Sicily: A Welcome Surprise

While the lifestyle in Sicily is undeniably charming, one of the most unexpected aspects of our move here has been the significant difference in the cost of living. When we first arrived, we were struck by the affordability of everyday goods. As newcomers, we braced ourselves for the sticker shock of living in a foreign country, but to our surprise, many everyday expenses here are far cheaper than what we were accustomed to in the U.S.

Sticker Shock 1: The Price of Eggs

One of the most striking price differences we encountered was the cost of eggs. Back in Texas, we paid $10.51 per dozen for pasture-raised, large eggs from Walmart. Here in Sicily, the price for pasture-raised, antibiotic-free medium eggs is less than €2 per dozen. And although the box says “medium,” these eggs are anything but — they’re surprisingly large, with two bonus eggs thrown in to boot. The quality is exceptional, and the freshness is unmatched. The eggs come with a best-before date of “Entro 13.03,” meaning they’re best consumed by March 13th, which is perfect because they’ll be gone long before then.

This kind of value is standard in Sicily, where the cost of high-quality food often surprises newcomers. For us, it was a moment of realization: even the most basic foodstuffs can be far more affordable here than in the States.

Sticker Shock 2: Shopping at the Archipelago Shopping Center

Sicily isn’t just about great food; it’s also about finding high-quality items at a fraction of the price you’d expect. One of our first shopping trips took us to the Archipelago Shopping Center in Carini, where we were in for more surprises.

We went to buy a few essentials, including a new espresso machine. In the U.S., we had seen the Didiesse Frog espresso machine—one of the most popular machines among coffee lovers—listed at $349.99. When we found the same model in the Archipelago Shopping Center for just €109, we were stunned by the difference. 

We couldn’t resist and ended up purchasing the black model, which, after testing it with bottled water, produced an exceptional espresso. Croce even remarked that it was the perfect cup of espresso, complete with the right amount of foam.

As we explored the shops, we also discovered a local sushi restaurant, Yuki Sushi. Despite not being our favorite cuisine, it offered an all-you-can-eat lunch for just €20 and dinner for €27. While the price wasn’t ideal for our small appetites, it was remarkable to see how reasonably priced dining out can be in Sicily, especially compared to the inflated costs in many U.S. restaurants.

Sticker Shock 3: Delicious Italian Cakes and Local Treats

Another delightful surprise came when we perused the breakfast section of the SMART store. Here in Sicily, the locals enjoy a light breakfast—typically a cornetto (a Sicilian-type croissant pastry) and coffee—rather than the heavy American fare of eggs and bacon. The quality of these cakes was incredible, and we were amazed at how affordable they were. The price for a beautifully boxed Italian cake averaged around €6.39, which while affordable here, would cost at least $25 or more in the U.S. when imported.

Moments like these remind us of the unique experience of living in Sicily: you can enjoy high-quality food, local delicacies, and authentic Italian products without the exorbitant price tag that often accompanies imported goods.

Sticker Shock 4: Household Items and Essentials

As we settled into our new home, we also noticed some interesting price differences for household items. A simple trip to the store for basic necessities—like trash bags and food storage containers—turned into another round of price shocks.

While I missed the convenience of Ziploc bags, I did find a workable alternative in the Clendy plastic bags, which were surprisingly inexpensive at €1.29 for 15 bags. Because they weren’t as user-friendly as the Ziploc bags I was accustomed to, we ended up purchasing glass containers with airtight lids instead, inspired by my daughter-in-law Ashley’s use of them. They’ve proven to be an excellent, environmentally-friendly alternative for food storage.

Another pleasant surprise was the affordability of fresh spices. For just €1.49 each, we could buy fragrant rosemary, parsley, and other herbs, which were far fresher than what we were used to in the U.S. The higher turnover of fresh produce here in Sicily ensures that everything we buy is vibrant and full of flavor.

Sticker Shock 5: Dining Out and Enjoying Local Delights

Sicily’s culinary scene is a significant draw, and it’s not just the food itself that’s impressive—it’s the cost. One day, we decided to dine out at a local restaurant and enjoy some of our favorites. We started with an insalata di mare (seafood salad), and Croce ordered his beloved pizza, Romana, with anchovies added. For the two of us, the entire meal, including drinks, came to just €39—a bargain compared to what we’d pay in the U.S. for a similar meal.

Dining out in Sicily is not just about the price, though; it’s about the atmosphere, the quality of the ingredients, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. The fact that we can enjoy all of this without breaking the bank makes it even more special.

Living in Sicily has taught us to embrace both the slow pace of life and the surprises along the way. From the shockingly low cost of eggs to the affordable yet delicious dining experiences, we’ve come to appreciate the island’s hidden gems.

While it has taken some adjusting to navigating the local shopping habits and pricing differences, we’ve learned that the value of life in Sicily is about more than just the price tags. It’s about enjoying the simple things, savoring delicious food, and finding joy in the quiet moments.

Anyone considering a move to Sicily should be prepared for cultural adjustments and delightful surprises. The cost of living here may vary, but the rewards—from the stunning landscapes to the delicious food—make it all worthwhile.

In the end, Sicily isn’t just a place to live; it’s a lifestyle that encourages a slower, more intentional way of being. And that, for us, is priceless.

What about you? Have you experienced any sticker shocks in your travels or moves? Leave a comment below and share your stories! We’d love to hear from you.