Where in Italy is the best place to live? A recent analysis has once again provided an answer. The result is not surprising, but it does draw criticism.

It captivates fashion and design enthusiasts from around the world and is also said to be particularly livable: the northern Italian metropolis of Milan has once again been named the most livable city in Italy. The business newspaper “ItaliaOggi” annually examines Italy’s metropolitan areas to determine where life is especially good. Milan typically ranks high. However, critics question the top ranking of the Lombard capital.

Also interesting: Tips for your first trip to Milan

The Ranking

For the report “Qualità della vita 2025,” “ItaliaOggi” and the news service “Ital Communications,” in collaboration with Rome’s La Sapienza University, examined Italian cities based on 92 factors. These were divided into nine categories: economy and work, environment, education, population, crime and safety, income and wealth, health, social security, and tourism and culture. Each province could receive up to 1,000 points, and the 107 provinces were then divided into four groups from “Good” to “Insufficient.”

Italy overall less livable

According to the report’s website, “The 2025 quality of life ranking shows that Italy has slightly deteriorated compared to the previous year.” The overall average has dropped by 30 percent. Milan remains at the top, followed by Bolzano and Bologna, with the north and central Italy showing significantly stronger–and thus more livable–than the south. At the same time, the south “has reduced the most significant decline but has not yet fully closed the gap,” the ranking text states. The authors recognize “signs of resilience” and a “realignment,” explaining, “The overall ranking paints a picture of Italy with a quality of life concentrated in the middle.” Growth in large cities is slowing, while medium-sized cities are rising. This trend is also reflected in the ranking of the ten most livable provinces in Italy.

The 10 most livable provinces in Italy

Reggio Emilia (814 points)

Also interesting: This city is as beautiful as Milan–just less crowded!

Is Milan really that livable?

In this year’s ranking, Milan not only retains its top position as the most livable city in Italy, but it also scores a full 1,000 points, the highest possible score. According to an article in the Italian lifestyle portal “NSS Magazine,” the Milan described in the report “does not match the city described by its citizens.” While the importance of quality of life is confirmed by the numbers, it falters when more pressing issues are considered: “Rents are unbearably high, young people are leaving because the average salary no longer even covers a room,” it states. Consequently, trust in the job market is dwindling, reflecting a deep insecurity among Milanese.

“In recent years, the official image of Milan has increasingly diverged from the lived reality of those who truly experience the city,” the magazine laments. Rising prices, ruthlessness, and competitive pressure have changed the city. The upcoming Olympic Games next year have further exacerbated the situation, leading to “one of the most brutal gentrification actions in recent years.” The magazine warns of an ever-widening gap between rich and poor. It’s no longer about where it’s best to live or whether Milan is the “best” city. Rather, it’s now about whether it can still live up to its image without losing those who have brought it to life.

The post This City Is Considered Italy’s Most Livable–But the Title Raises Questions appeared first on TRAVELBOOK.