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Modena digital nomad guide

Overview Economics Demographics Politics Environment Cities Map Jobs Visas Taxes Groups
Nomad score 6.3/10

44.6459, 10.9256 Europe/Rome #579

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Researched Updated Oct 29, 2026 Last changed Oct 31, 2026 About guide entries

Transportation

Best Beach Nearby
Rimini or Riccione (approx. 1 hour 15 mins by train).
Best Taxi/Ride App
App Taxi or itTaxi (Uber is limited to Uber Black).
Bike/Scooter Rental
C'entro in bici is the municipal yellow-bike share: take a bike from a rack and return it to the same rack. The city says it runs from 07:00 to 02:00. Dott is the only shared e-scooter operator, in the Dott app, for people 18 and over, with up to 600 scooters since April 2026. 11 12
Top Regional Airline
Air Dolomiti flies from Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), about 40 km from Modena. 14 5
Top International Airline
ITA Airways and Ryanair fly from Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), about 40 km from Modena. A direct SACA bus takes about 50 minutes and costs 15 euros one way or 25 euros return. 14 5
Highway Access
The A1, the Autostrada del Sole, has exits at Modena Nord, about 5 km from the centre, and Modena Sud, about 10 km. Modena is the southern end of the A22 toward the Brenner. 5
Main Train/Transit Hub
Modena railway station, on Piazza Dante Alighieri, is about 500 metres north of the centre. There is no left-luggage office. 5 27
Public Transport Passes
SETA runs the urban buses and trolleybuses. The personal monthly pass for Modena and its frazioni is 32 euros. The annual pass is 260 euros from age 27 and 240 euros from ages 14 to 26. The personal card costs 5 euros. From 1 August 2026 a single ticket is 2 euros, or 2.70 euros in cash on board. The city cost file uses the 32 euro monthly pass. 2 13
Regional Travel
Trenitalia (Regional and Frecciarossa) and Italo for high-speed travel.

Essentials

City
Modena, Emilia-Romagna, Italy 5
Population
183,832 residents in the comune on 1 January 2026. 6
Internet Speed
95 Mbps average, Fiber optics widely available in the city center via Open Fiber.
Currency & Banking
Euro (EUR, €). Cards are widely accepted; cash is still used in smaller shops and markets. The Italy country reference for 19 October 2026 is 1 euro = 1.1225 US dollars (1 US dollar = 0.8909 euro). 3 4
Tap Water
Generally safe to drink nationwide; do not drink from fountains marked non potabile. Restaurants often serve bottled water. 4
Power
230 V, 50 Hz, Type C, F and L sockets. 4
SIM Card
TIM, Vodafone, Wind Tre and iliad sell prepaid SIMs. Bring valid ID, such as a passport; shops may require or generate a codice fiscale. The Italy country prices checked on 19 October 2026 are iliad GIGA 150 at €7.99/month for 150 GB or TOP 230 at €9.99/month for 230 GB plus 18 GB EU roaming; activation €9.99. 1 4
Banking for Expats
Revolut and Wise are widely used; BPER Banca for local accounts.
Accommodation
Viale Storchi apartments and residential zones like Buon Pastore.
Cashless Friendly
Yes, contactless payments accepted in most shops and restaurants (POS terminal mandatory by law).
Short Term Rentals
Airbnb and Booking.com; average studio €900-€1,200/month.
Budget Accommodation
Ostello San Filippo Neri (Via Sant'Orsola, 52) - €30-€40/night.
Best Area to Stay for Tourists
Centro Storico around the Duomo and Piazza Grande. 5
Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
Sant'Agnese or Buon Pastore for a quieter vibe and local parks.

Working and Networking

Best Coworking Space
Fabbriche Binarie (Via Nicolò dell'Abate 66, beside the station) has hot desks and fixed desks. The operator does not publish a day rate. NOTONLYDESK quotes a Modena day pass from 15 euros and a dedicated desk from 149 euros a month, both before VAT, and lists no named centre. The city cost file uses that 149 euro figure. 9 10 28
Best Cafe for Work
Caffè dell'Orologio (Piazza d'Armi) or 212 (Via Galileo Galilei).
Networking Events
Modena Smart Life (Annual digital culture festival).
Social Events for Expats
Modena International Women’s Group and 'Expats in Modena' Facebook group meetups.

Health and Wellness

Best Hospital
Policlinico di Modena, the university hospital. The registered office is Via del Pozzo 71. The 24-hour emergency department is entered from Via Campi (information 059 4224032). 15 16 29
Yoga & Wellness Centers
Yoga Dinamico Modena (Via dei Fonditori, 12).
Gyms & Fitness Centers
Vip Center Modena (Via de' Polli) or Virgin Active (Corso Cavour).
Laundry Services
Lavanderia Self-Service Bloomest (Via Giardini, 372).

Food and Drink

Best Food Delivery App
Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Glovo.
Best Local Dish to Try
Tortellini in Brodo and Gnocco Fritto with local salumi.
Vegan/Vegetarian Options
Botaniq (Via delle Maestre, 34) - Plant-based specialty.
Best Dessert Spots
Pasticceria d'Avia (Via Emilia Centro) for Torta Barozzi.
Affordable Shopping Spots
Mercato Albinelli (Via Luigi Albinelli 13), the covered market, daily 06:30-14:30 and Saturday also 16:30-19:30. 5 33
E-commerce/Online Store
Amazon.it and Esselunga a Casa.
Grocery Delivery
Esselunga or Everli (delivers from Conad and Coop).
Bar/Nightlife Area
Via Gallucci - the heart of late-night student and local bars. 5
Local Brewery
Birrificio Vecchia Orsa (Shop/Taproom nearby in San Giovanni in Persiceto).
Wine Bars
Archer (Via Cesare Battisti, 54) - Excellent selection of Lambrusco.
Street Food Stalls
Antica Cornetteria (Via Gallucci) for late night snacks.
Popular International Cuisine
Kobe (Japanese/Sushi) and Jiaozi (Chinese Dumplings) on Via Emilia.

Culture and Attractions

Must-See Landmarks
The 12th-century cathedral, the Ghirlandina tower and Piazza Grande, inscribed together by UNESCO in 1997. 17 5
Museums & Art Venues
Museo Enzo Ferrari (Via Paolo Ferrari, 85). 5
Historical Sites
Palazzo Ducale (Piazza Roma) - Military Academy seat. 5
Religious Sites
Duomo di Modena (Piazza Grande). 5
Annual Events
Festival della Filosofia (September) and Motor Valley Fest (May).
Cultural Districts
Ago Modena Fabbriche Culturali (Ex-hospital creative hub).
Theater Venues
Teatro Comunale Pavarotti-Freni (Via del Teatro, 8). 31
Local Markets
Antiques Market (4th weekend of the month in Piazza Grande).
Music Scene
Off Modena (Via Monti) for live indie/electronic music.
Street Art
Mural by Ericailcane (Via dei Mulini).
Cooking Classes
Modena Food Lab (Via G.B. Amici, 63).
Art Galleries
Gallerie Estensi (Largo Porta Sant'Agostino, 337).
Historic Buildings
Manifattura Tabacchi (Refurbished industrial building).
Local Heritage
Traditional balsamic vinegar. The tourist office at Piazza Grande 14 books a visit to an acetaia and lists that visit as free. 5

Nature and Outdoor Activities

Nearby Nature Escapes
Parco Regionale dei Sassi di Rocca Malatina (30 mins drive).
National Parks Nearby
Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park. 32
Cycling/Walking Paths
Percorso Natura Secchia - long river-side trail for cycling.
Scenic Viewpoints
Top of the Ghirlandina Tower (€3 entry). 5
Birdwatching Locations
Oasi La Piastraia (near the Panaro river).
Bonfire-Friendly Spots
Not permitted in city parks; allowed in designated Appennine campsites.

Other Services and Amenities

Parcel Delivery Service
Poste Italiane (Via delle Orsole) and DHL Express Point.
Tech Repair Services
Juice Modena (Apple Authorized Reseller, Via Emilia Centro).
Table Tennis Spots
Polisportiva Villa d'Oro.
Language Classes
Romanica (Via delle Torri, 5) - Italian for foreigners.
Libraries & Study Spots
Biblioteca Delfini (Corso Canalgrande, 103). 30
Community Centers
La Tenda (Viale Molza) - Music and social projects.
Gaming Lounges
Nexus E-sports (Via Bazzini).
Casino & Gaming Halls
Admiral Interactive (Viale Italia).

Business

Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
Approx. €3,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €152,000)
Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €88,000)
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
Approx. €3,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €210,000)
1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €120,000)
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €256,000)
2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
Approx. €1,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €152,000)
Corporate Tax
IRES (24%) + IRAP (approx. 3.9%) 21
Dividend Withholding Tax
26% standard flat rate 23
Tax System
Residents pay tax on worldwide income. You are resident if, for more than 183 days in the year, you are physically in Italy, you have your habitual home here, or Italy is the centre of your personal and family life. 18 19
Highest Income Tax Bracket
43% national IRPEF on income over €50,000. Regional and municipal surcharges apply; the Italy tax profile records an effective top rate of 47.23%. 18
VAT
22% Standard rate (IVA) 22
Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
Italy has CFC rules. The Italy tax profile records an effective foreign tax rate below half the Italian rate. PwC also describes a 15% test for certified accounts and requires more than one third of revenue to be passive; the half-IRES comparison applies if foreign tax is below 15% or accounts lack certification. 24
Property Tax
IMU is not charged on a primary home, except homes in cadastral categories A/1, A/8 and A/9. 26
Property Transaction Tax
Registration tax: 2% (primary) or 9% (second home) of cadastral value 25
Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
Qualifying workers who move their tax residence to Italy from 2024 can exclude 50 percent of Italian employment or self-employment income, capped at 600,000 euros a year, for the arrival year and the four years after. Moving with a minor child cuts the taxable share to 40 percent. Transfers completed by 31 December 2023 stay on the earlier inbound regime. 20

About these guide entries

Method
Researched
Last updated
Oct 29, 2026
Last changed
Oct 31, 2026

Checked against the sources below and compared with similar cities. Numbers in the list point to these sources.

  1. iliad GIGA 150 at 7.99 euros for 150 GB and TOP 230 at 9.99 euros for 230 GB plus 18 GB in the EU, activation 9.99 eurosOfficial
  2. SETA personal monthly pass for Modena and its frazioni 32 eurosOfficial
  3. ECB reference on 19 October 2026, 1 euro equals 1.1225 US dollarsOfficial
  4. 230 V, Europlug, Schuko and Type L; tap water safe except fountains marked non potabile; passport and codice fiscale to buy a SIM; TIM, Vodafone, Wind Tre and iliadSecondary
  5. A1 exits, A22, station 500 metres north, SACA bus, cathedral and Ghirlandina, market, Via Gallucci, balsamic toursSecondary
  6. Comune of Modena 183,832 residents on 1 January 2026Official
  7. HERAcquaModena has run the Modena water service since 1 July 2025Official
  8. Hera 2024 drinking-water averages for the province of ModenaOfficial
  9. Fabbriche Binarie coworking beside Modena station, Via Nicolo dell Abate 66Official
  10. NOTONLYDESK Modena day pass from 15 euros and dedicated desk from 149 euros a month before VAT, no named centreListings
  11. Municipal yellow bikes run from 07:00 to 02:00 and must be returned to the same rackOfficial
  12. Dott is the only shared e-scooter operator, app only, riders 18 and overOfficial
  13. From 1 August 2026 a single urban ticket is 2 euros and the monthly pass stays 32 eurosOfficial
  14. Air Dolomiti, ITA Airways and Ryanair fly from Bologna airportOfficial
  15. Emergency department entered from Via Campi, information line 059 4224032, open all dayOfficial
  16. Main hospital access on Via del Pozzo; emergency access from Via CampiOfficial
  17. Cathedral, Ghirlandina and Piazza Grande inscribed in 1997Official
  18. National income tax 23 percent to 28,000 euros, 33 percent to 50,000, 43 percent above, reviewed 23 July 2026Secondary
  19. Tax residence is presence, habitual home, or the centre of personal and family life for more than 183 daysSecondary
  20. Inbound workers from 2024 exclude 50 percent of Italian employment or self-employment income, cap 600,000 eurosSecondary
  21. Corporate income tax 24 percent and regional production tax 3.9 percent, reviewed 13 July 2026Secondary
  22. Standard VAT 22 percent, with 4 percent and 10 percent on listed suppliesSecondary
  23. 26 percent withholding on dividends paid to resident individuals, reviewed 13 July 2026Secondary
  24. Controlled foreign company test when the effective tax rate is under 15 percent and more than a third of revenue is passiveSecondary
  25. First-home registration tax 2 percent, otherwise 9 percent, updated 29 May 2026Official
  26. Municipal property tax is not due on a primary home except categories A/1, A/8 and A/9Official
  27. Modena railway stationReference
  28. Fabbriche Binarie at 66 Via Nicolo dell AbateReference
  29. Policlinico di Modena at 71 Via del PozzoReference
  30. Biblioteca Delfini at Corso Canalgrande 103Official
  31. Teatro Comunale Pavarotti-Freni at Via del Teatro 8Official
  32. Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National ParkOfficial
  33. Mercato Albinelli at 13 Via Luigi AlbinelliReference

Change history

    • Method Generated Researched
    • Affordable Shopping Spots Mercato Albinelli (Via Albinelli, 13) - Historical indoor market. Mercato Albinelli (Via Luigi Albinelli 13), the covered market, daily 06:30-14:30 and…
    • Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads New 'Digital Nomad Visa' and 'Lavoratori Impatriati' (70-90% tax exemption for remote… Qualifying workers who move their tax residence to Italy from 2024 can exclude 50 percent…
    • Best Coworking Space Impact Hub Modena (Via Araldi, 196) - Day pass €25, Monthly €200. Fabbriche Binarie (Via Nicolò dell'Abate 66, beside the station) has hot desks and fixed…
    • Best Hospital Policlinico di Modena (Via del Pozzo, 71). Policlinico di Modena, the university hospital. The registered office is Via del Pozzo 71…
    • Bike/Scooter Rental C'è Bici (Municipal bike sharing) and Tier/Dott for scooters. C'entro in bici is the municipal yellow-bike share: take a bike from a rack and return it…
    20 more changes
    • Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules Yes, Italian Tax Code (TUIR) applies rules for low-tax jurisdictions. Italy has CFC rules. The Italy tax profile records an effective foreign tax rate below…
    • Corporate Tax 24% (IRES) + approx. 3.9% (IRAP) regional tax. IRES (24%) + IRAP (approx. 3.9%)
    • Currency & Banking 1 EUR ≈ 1.09 USD. Major banks include UniCredit and BPER Banca (headquartered in Modena). Euro (EUR, €). Cards are widely accepted; cash is still used in smaller shops and markets…
    • Dividend Withholding Tax 26% standard rate. 26% standard flat rate
    • Highest Income Tax Bracket 43% for income over €50,000. 43% national IRPEF on income over €50,000. Regional and municipal surcharges apply; the…
    • Highway Access A1 (Autostrada del Sole) connects Milan and Rome; A22 for Brennero. The A1, the Autostrada del Sole, has exits at Modena Nord, about 5 km from the centre, and…
    • Local Heritage Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena production (Acetaie). Traditional balsamic vinegar. The tourist office at Piazza Grande 14 books a visit to an…
    • Main Train/Transit Hub Stazione di Modena (Piazza Dante Alighieri). Modena railway station, on Piazza Dante Alighieri, is about 500 metres north of the…
    • Must-See Landmarks Ghirlandina Tower and Modena Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage). The 12th-century cathedral, the Ghirlandina tower and Piazza Grande, inscribed together by…
    • Population 185,000 183,832 residents in the comune on 1 January 2026.
    • Power 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C, F, and L sockets. 230 V, 50 Hz, Type C, F and L sockets.
    • Property Tax IMU (Imposta Municipale Unica), exempt for primary residence except luxury. IMU is not charged on a primary home, except homes in cadastral categories A/1, A/8 and…
    • Property Transaction Tax 2% for primary residence registration; 9% for second homes. Registration tax: 2% (primary) or 9% (second home) of cadastral value
    • Public Transport Passes SETA Modena; monthly pass €35 (under 26/student discounts available). SETA runs the urban buses and trolleybuses. The personal monthly pass for Modena and its…
    • SIM Card Iliad (Via Emilia Centro), TIM, and Vodafone (Piazza Grande). Approx. €10-€15 for 100GB+. TIM, Vodafone, Wind Tre and iliad sell prepaid SIMs. Bring valid ID, such as a passport…
    • Tap Water Drinkable and high quality (Acqua del rubinetto). Generally safe to drink nationwide; do not drink from fountains marked non potabile…
    • Tax System Worldwide income basis for residents (residency > 183 days). Residents pay tax on worldwide income. You are resident if, for more than 183 days in the…
    • Top International Airline ITA Airways and Ryanair (Bologna BLQ Hub). ITA Airways and Ryanair fly from Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), about 40 km from…
    • Top Regional Airline Air Dolomiti (operating from nearby Bologna Airport). Air Dolomiti flies from Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), about 40 km from Modena.
    • VAT 22% standard; 10% or 4% for food and essential services. 22% Standard rate (IVA)

    fix pass aligned Currency & Banking, Tap Water, SIM Card, Corporate Tax, Dividend Withholding Tax, Tax System, Highest Income Tax Bracket, VAT, Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules, Property Tax and Property Transaction Tax with the shared Italy wording and unchanged country prep; clarified the CFC comparison and recorded unverified prices or address details for Best Coworking Space, Best Hospital and Main Train/Transit Hub; refreshed research attribution and verification date Source

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