Looking for Italian Expats in London?

Thinking about moving to London as an Italian? These pros and cons come from the InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey, in which thousands of expats around the world share what they like and don't like about life abroad each year. The points below reflect what Italian expats in London wrote in their own words, backed up by survey percentages from all expats living there.

• Careers and opportunity are the big draw. 72% of expats in London say the move improved their career prospects (vs. 55% globally), and Italians praise progression based on merit.

• It's endlessly multicultural. London scores 79% for culture and nightlife and 83% for culinary variety, with a diversity of people and experiences Italians love.

• It's easy to settle and get around. English is no barrier (75% find the language easy), 55% find bureaucracy easy, and 83% rate the availability of public transportation positively.

• Green space and travel are close. 78% rate the natural environment positively, with big parks in the city and easy escapes to the rest of the UK and Europe (86% rate the opportunity to travel positively).

• The weather is a constant complaint. Just 26% of expats in London rate the climate and weather positively, and the grey skies wear on Italians used to the sun.

• Housing and costs are brutal. Only 11% rate housing affordability positively and 14% the general cost of living, among the lowest scores in the survey.

• Locals can feel unfriendly. Just 32% say making local friends is easy and 53% rate friendliness positively, and the food and healthcare draw complaints too.

• Politics and pollution bite. Air quality, traffic, and the political mood come up often as everyday frustrations.

For Italians, London offers careers, culture, and an international life with no language barrier. The trade-offs are the weather, the eye-watering cost of living, and a cooler social welcome. Overall happiness (64%) sits below the global average of 70%, but for career and culture, few cities match it.

InterNations is a place where Italian expats in London exchange experiences and tips to support each other. The "Big Smoke", as the city is caringly called, can be a great place for expats - our community helps you make the most of your experience!

• Browse our Members Network to get to know London’s Italian expats.
• Take part in our Expat Forums to obtain first hand tips from fellow Italian expats in London.
• Use the Expat Guide for London to find information on your host city.

Our community in London is also very active offline. Our InterNations Ambassadors organize regular events and various expat activities, e.g. a dinner in London’s hippest restaurant or an outing with other Italian expats to explore the outstanding beauty of the Cotswolds, "the Heart of England". These activities are a casual way to get to know expats from Italy in your local community as well as Italians in the UK nationwide. Interested? Simply become a member and we’ll be happy to welcome you among our Italians living in London!