For over three decades, the Italian newspaper Sole 24 Ore has published an annual ranking of the country’s provinces based on quality of life, considering factors such as cost of living, air quality, healthcare, safety, and cultural offerings. This year, Bergamo has claimed the top spot for the first time, followed closely by Trento and Bolzano. In contrast, major cities like Rome and Milan have seen significant declines, with Rome falling to 59th place from 35th last year and Milan dropping to 12th from 8th.
To compile this comprehensive ranking, Sole 24 Ore evaluates 90 indicators categorized into six themes: wealth and consumption, business and labor, environment and services, demographics, health and society, justice and security, and culture and leisure. Each province receives a score from 0 to 1000 for each indicator, with higher scores indicating better livability. Bergamo’s impressive rise—from 52nd place during the pandemic in 2020 to its current rank—highlights a noteworthy turnaround. The province excelled particularly in healthcare, environmental services, and sports participation, although it struggled in the wealth and consumption category.
The report reveals a concerning trend in Italy’s larger cities, where quality of life has deteriorated, largely due to rising living costs and income inequality. In stark contrast, southern provinces are seeing economic growth, with 28 of the 30 lowest-ranked provinces located in the south or islands. The worst quality of life is found in Reggio Calabria, with Naples and Crotone following closely behind. Despite the challenges, the overall situation in southern Italy is improving compared to previous years, indicating a shift in the regional economic landscape.
