Erika Malandra Inflation is relentless and the summer is set to be decidedly “salty” for many families. The Istat data for May speak clearly: prices continue to rise, albeit with some slight slowdown. Translated into hard cash? More than 500 euros more from spend every year for an average family, and even over 700 euros if there are two children.
A blow that is being felt, indeed. But what are the most expensive cities in Italy Where is this pressure felt the most? And which ones are a bit more reassuring? Let's see together.
Most Expensive Cities in Italy: Where Life Costs the Most
Bolzano leads this “unwelcome” ranking. Here inflation is at 2,3%, with an annual expenditure that increases by 763 euros for the typical family. But the one that is scary is Siracusa, with a +3% and 695 euros more to put on the table dish. And then there is Pistoia, Venice and Padua, all with increases exceeding 2% and blows exceeding 600 euros. In short, it is not a small matter. The numbers speak for themselves for the most expensive cities in Italy: Venice, a city of art and tourists, is in fourth place with 645 euros more each year. Bologna, Rimini, Bergamo and Arezzo close the top ten, all with significant increases that put a strain on the wallet.
If you wonder why the situation is so critical, you have to look above all at the high cost of spending: food, household products and services. Prices rose by 2,7% in May, a worrying sign, especially for the most vulnerable segments of the population. But not only that. Tourism also weighs, with flights and ferries increasing by 30,8% and 9,7% respectively. Swimming pools, gyms and amusement parks are no exception. A deadly combination for those who want or need to move.
Most expensive cities in Italy? Not all weigh the same
On the other side of the coin of the most expensive cities in Italy, there are cities where inflation remains more contained. Olbia-Tempio, for example, records the lowest increase in Italy, only 0,8%, equal to 159 euros more per year. In Parma and Lodi the situation is similar, with increases under 1%. Sassari, Benevento, Novara and Brindisi complete this list of "less expensive" cities, where however even a small increase weighs, especially on those with less spending margins.
Istat emphasizes that the general slowdown in prices is a kind of illusion: essential goods are growing, those that cannot be avoided. Thus, even if “core” inflation slows down a bit, the pressure on family budgets remains high. The high cost of bills and rents weighs like a millstone, with a +3,9% in the housing and services sector. And food products? They also rise by 3,2%.
In short, it's not easy, for anyone. Summer is coming, but with a high price to pay.