In Italy heading into 2026, everyday expenses vary widely from city to city, while the cost of housing continues to climb in major urban centers. The price of a simple meal, a cup of coffee or a slice of pizza tells one story about local affordability, and the housing market tells another about long-term living costs.
When looking at basic food prices, there are surprising differences between regions. In some southern Italian cities you can still find low prices for staples that northern and central residents would consider expensive.
