Finding accommodation in Florence as a student: what to know before you start
The student rental market in Florence is one of the most competitive in Italy. The city is home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, attracts thousands of international exchange students every year, and sees demand for accommodation that consistently outstrips the available supply. The result is constantly rising prices, longer search times and a market where those who arrive late find fewer options at higher costs. This guide provides prices updated to 2026, the most affordable neighbourhoods near the UNIFI campuses and practical advice on how to book safely from abroad.
This guide is designed to help new students find their feet in Tuscany’s exciting capital: you’ll find up-to-date average prices, the best neighbourhoods near the UNIFI campuses, and a range of practical tips for booking your accommodation safely, even before you set off for Italy.
How much does a room in Florence cost in 2026?
The average cost of a single room in Florence is around €625 per month, making the city one of the most expensive places in Italy for student accommodation. Over the last six years, prices have risen by more than 46%, with a marked acceleration since 2022.
Prices vary depending on the area and the type of accommodation:
| Type | Indicative monthly range |
|---|---|
| Single room in a shared flat | €450 – €700 |
| Bed in a shared double room | €350 – €500 |
| Studio or small apartment | €700 – €1,100 |
| Private student residence | €600 – €900 |
What affects the price:
- Proximity to campuses (San Marco, Novoli, Sesto Fiorentino)
- Whether utilities are included in the rent
- Floor level and natural light
- Furnished or not, and whether a washing machine is available
On ESH (Erasmus Student Housing), the price range for Florence is €450–€600 per month for rooms in shared flats, with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.
Florence is the city where Dante used to memorise the streets. If you’re looking for a place to live today, it’s worth doing the same: getting to know the neighbourhood before choosing a flat is more valuable than any search filter.
The best neighbourhoods near UNIFI campuses
The University of Florence (UNIFI) does not have a single centralised campus: it is spread across several sites in different parts of the city. Choosing the right neighbourhood depends on your department.
San Marco and the historic centre
UNIFI’s main campus is located in the San Marco district, in the heart of the historic centre, where the humanities faculties are based: Literature, Languages, Philosophy and part of Medicine. The areas of San Marco, Sant'Ambrogio and Campo di Marte are within easy reach of the departments, accessible on foot or by bike, but have the highest rents in the city, with single rooms rarely costing less than €600 a month.
Pros: short travel times, a vibrant university life, amenities everywhere. Cons: high prices, high tourist numbers, noise.
Novoli and Statuto
The Novoli Campus, located north-west of the city centre, is home to the faculties of Economics, Law and Political Science. It can be reached in just a few minutes from Santa Maria Novella station via the T2 tram line. The neighbourhoods of Novoli, Statuto and Rifredi offer lower average prices than the city centre and a good quality of life.
Pros: excellent tram links, more spacious flats, affordable prices. Cons: less nightlife compared to the historic centre.
Oltrarno and San Frediano
The Oltrarno is Florence’s most authentic neighbourhood and is very popular with international students. Although it doesn’t have any main campuses, it’s convenient for those studying in the city centre thanks to the bridges over the Arno. It has a lively atmosphere, average prices, and plenty of shared flats with students from all over Europe.
Pros: cosmopolitan atmosphere, mid-range prices, close to the university areas in the city centre. Cons: some areas can get very touristy in the summer.
Sesto Fiorentino
The Science and Technology Campus of UNIFI is located in Sesto Fiorentino, about 15 minutes by train from the city centre. It is home to the faculties of Science, Engineering and Agriculture. Living in Sesto or the surrounding areas is the most economical option, with rents significantly lower than the city average.
Pros: low prices, quiet neighbourhoods, modern campus. Cons: a long way from the social life of the city centre, fewer evening transport links.
How to book a room in Florence safely from abroad
Booking accommodation in Florence from abroad, without being able to view the flat in person, exposes you to real and well-documented risks: non-existent listings, landlords who cut off all communication once the bank transfer has been made, and flats that do not match the photos published. This is the context in which most student rental scams operate.
ESH — Erasmus Student Housing — was founded by former Erasmus students who had looked for accommodation abroad under similar circumstances. Each host’s identity is verified before the listing goes online; payment is charged to the student upon confirmation of the booking and remains secure until check-in. ESH transfers the payment to the host 24 hours after the student has confirmed check-in.
- 1Search and filter: browse available rooms in Florence using filters for price, availability, check-in date and preferences regarding flatmates (nationality and gender).
- 2Choose your accommodation: view detailed photos, full information and a preview of your flatmates. Every host’s identity is verified before their listing goes live.
- 3Submit your request: you can submit multiple requests at the same time, at no cost, until a host approves one.
- 4Get approval: the host will reply within 72 hours. Once a request has been approved, the others are automatically cancelled.
- 5Pay securely: payment is processed via Stripe. Your funds are held in escrow until you check in: if the accommodation does not match the listing, you will receive a full refund guaranteed by the ESH Protection Policy.
- 6Check-in: support available 24/7 for any issues on arrival.
What to check before booking: a quick checklist
Before confirming any accommodation in Florence, always verify the following:
- Are utility bills included in the rent? In Florence, many rental agreements do not include electricity and gas: always ask for an estimate of the additional monthly costs.
- What type of contract is required? For Erasmus stays (5–10 months), a short-term tenancy agreement is the most suitable option. For properties in Italy, ESH will guide you towards the correct contract and, if necessary, put you in touch with trusted partners.
- When is the room available? Make sure your check-in date coincides with the start of your course. Many students arrive in September: start looking in June/July to have more choice.
- Who are the flatmates? On ESH, you can view their nationality and gender before booking, and use filters to find the best match.
- What is the cancellation policy? Always read it before confirming: it is shown on every listing.
Who is ESH — Erasmus Student Housing
Erasmus Student Housing (ESH) is an Italian platform founded in 2025 by former Erasmus students, based in Rome with an operational presence in Madrid. It specialises exclusively in accommodation for international exchange students — Erasmus+, master’s programmes, and internships. As of May 2026: 1,364+ registered students, 126+ active hosts, listings in 8 European cities with each host’s identity verified. Payments are processed via Stripe, charged upon booking confirmation and protected until the student confirms check-in. Zero commission for hosts.
FAQ: student rooms in Florence 2026
How far in advance should I start looking for accommodation for my Erasmus stay in Florence? At least 2–3 months before arrival. For the autumn term (September/October), the peak period for searching is June/July. Waiting until August means fewer options and higher prices.
Can I book a room in Florence without seeing it in person? Yes. On ESH, the process is 100% online. Every listing includes detailed photos and the host is verified before publication: you can book from abroad with complete peace of mind.
Which neighbourhood is the cheapest near UNIFI? Novoli and Sesto Fiorentino generally offer the lowest prices. For those studying at the city centre campuses, Oltrarno and Campo di Marte offer a good balance between price and distance.
Does ESH charge students fees? The ESH model involves an ESH Protection Fee payable by the student at the time of booking. There are no hidden costs: all charges are clearly shown before you confirm.
Are the hosts on ESH trustworthy? Every host who lists on ESH undergoes biometric verification: this is a mandatory requirement. Every listing is checked by the team before it goes live.
Start your search now
Finding a room in Florence in 2026 requires planning well in advance – at least two or three months before arrival – and a platform that guarantees host verification and payment protection. The market is competitive and the window of opportunity is narrow: those who start their search in June or July for a September move-in date still have a reasonable chance of success. Those who wait until August will find a significantly reduced selection at higher prices.
Browse available accommodation in Florence on ESH and start your search today: filter by neighbourhood, check-in date and preferences regarding flatmates, and send your enquiries with no obligation until the host approves them.
