Genoa's Price Tag: A Photographer's Chaotic Budget Breakdown
so genoa... let's talk about living here as a freelance photographer. it's like shooting in a constant state of beautiful chaos. first off, rent? i snagged a 40sqm studio in caruggi for €750/month. it's tiny but gets killer morning light - though the stairs are brutal when lugging a dslr bag. groceries? the mercato orientale is my sanctuary. €300/month buys focaccia, pesto, and enough seafood to make a mermaid jealous. internet costs €40 for a decent fiber plan - non-negotiable when uploading 20gb of raw files.
safety? genoa's mostly cool, but that local told me to avoid the port area after dark. something about sketchy characters near the cruise terminals. weather's playing mind games - one minute it's dumping buckets, next it's so bright you need sunglasses at 8am. perfect for moody shots though. nearby? cinque terre's a 1-hour train ride if you need a coastal fix, or hop a cheap flight to milan for a big-city reset.
"mate, if you're shooting the aquarium, go at sunrise. tour groups ruin the light... and your shot." - drunk advice from a bartender near piazza de ferrari
"heard on the r/Genoa subreddit that some landlords demand 'key money' upfront. sketchy as hell. use onlydaftar immobiliari." - overheard rumor at a cafe in piazza Matteotti
"that pesto place near via garibaldi? serves tourists. locals go to the place with handwritten chalk menus... bring cash." - warning from a market vendor
job market? tourism gigs pay €150-€300 for wedding shoots. corporate work exists but competitive. pro tip: shoot during genova events like the boat show for better pay. transport is €40/month for buses - useless when you're on foot chasing alleys anyway. camera gear eats €100/month for repairs and filters. coffee addiction? €60/month. that espresso ritual at bar una tazza is sacred.
total monthly? €1,370. worth it for the textures and colors that make your portfolio pop. but if you're a student? run. unless you dig instant noodles and stair cardio.
for more unfiltered takes, check:
- Genoa subreddit
- TripAdvisor Genoa forums
- Liguria job board
- Genoa photographers meetup