The Best Italian Cities (2024 Rankings)
Il Sole 24 Ore is Italy's most popular financial newspaper. Every year, it conducts an investigation to determine the best cities in Italy for quality of life.
Of course, quality of life is subjective, so they measure a variety of indicators (90 in total!), ranging from job availability and local economy to crime rates, weather, culture, and entertainment options.
As a financial newspaper, it tends to emphasize economic factors, which often favor the prosperous North over the beautiful but economically disadvantaged South.
Keep in mind, this is not a list of the most beautiful cities in Italy—where the South would undoubtedly excel. Nor is it a ranking of the best places to visit or buy a second home. Instead, it’s a list of the best places to live, all things considered, for someone looking to move and make a living there.
For example, a stunning southern city with amazing weather, incredible food, and beautiful beaches might be a dream destination for a retiree with a North American pension, but it could be a nightmare for a young person seeking job opportunities and trying to start a family.
One final note: while I refer to them as “cities,” the rankings are technically for provinces. You can think of a province as the main city plus its surrounding areas.
Alright, without further ado, here is the ranking of the best Italian cities for quality of life in 2024.
10. Ascoli Piceno, Marche
9. Bologna, Emilia-Romagna
8. Vicenza, Veneto
7. Verona, Veneto
6. Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia
5. Cremona, Lombardia
4. Monza-Brianza, Lombardia
3. Bolzano, Trentino-Alto Adige
2. Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige
1. Bergamo, Lombardia
Have you visited any of these cities? And if you plan to move to Italy, where do you plan to go?