Housing, bills and essentials weigh on families: the Unicusano infographic reveals a country under pressure
Cost of living is rising again: a burden families can’t ignore
Despite a slowdown in inflation (+1.6% in February), the cumulative price increase since 2015 exceeds +19%. The latest Unicusano infographic reveals that in 2025, Italian households are still struggling: a typical family now spends 3,280 euros per month, while singles face average monthly expenses of 2,250 euros. The gap is clear: living alone means bearing all fixed costs without sharing.
Housing and bills dominate household budgets
Nearly 35% of income is spent on rent or mortgage, plus another 12% for utilities. Gas, though slightly down from 2023, still costs 47% more than in 2021. Electricity has risen by 38% compared to 2015. In concrete terms: a family now pays 1,135 euros per year for gas alone.
Grocery prices soar: +31% in ten years
The grocery bill has become much heavier: bread, pasta, flour and rice have risen by 20% to 38%, and seed oil by a staggering 68%. Families are cutting down on meat and fish (-14%) and turning to discounts and private labels.
Healthcare: higher costs, fewer treatments
Out-of-pocket healthcare spending—not reimbursed by the National Health Service—has risen 28% in ten years. Dental and specialist care alone can cost 1,200 euros a year. Four out of ten Italians skipped at least one medical visit in 2024 due to financial reasons, rising to 58% among unemployed and precarious workers.
Wages: not enough to keep up
Between 2013 and 2023, wages rose just 12%, compared to 19% inflation. The result? A 7% drop in purchasing power. Retail and tourism sectors are the most affected. Only agriculture kept pace with inflation.
North vs. South: a country divided
In Milan, a single person needs up to 1,980 euros/month to live, while in Campobasso it’s just 1,210 euros. But cheaper cities often lack social and work opportunities. Bolzano, Florence and Bologna are also among the most expensive urban areas.
Europe: high prices, low wages
Italy has Northern European consumer prices but Southern European salaries. The average net annual income is 20,200 euros, versus 27,400 in Germany. Unicusano confirms a worrying income gap.
Future outlook: small steps, big challenges
According to OECD and Bank of Italy forecasts, housing, transport and services will continue to rise, while real wages are expected to grow just 0.9% annually. Potential solutions include a minimum wage of 9 euros/hour and cutting payroll taxes.
FAQ
- How much has the cost of living increased in Italy since 2015?
By 19%, according to Unicusano. - What is the average monthly expense of an Italian family?
Around 3,280 euros. - Why do singles spend more?
Because they bear all fixed costs alone. - Which items have increased the most in price?
Seed oil (+68%), bread, pasta and flour (+20–38%). - How much of the budget is spent on housing?
About 35% on rent or mortgage. - What does ‘out-of-pocket healthcare’ mean?
It refers to medical expenses not covered by the public health system. - How many Italians gave up medical care due to costs?
40%, rising to 58% among the unemployed and precarious. - How has purchasing power changed in 10 years?
It has decreased by 7%. - Which cities are the most expensive to live in?
Milan, Bolzano, Florence and Bologna. - What solutions are being considered for the future?
A minimum wage of 9 euros and lower payroll taxes.
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