Rome in Italy’s Final Quality of Life Ranking.
In the 2024 edition of the Sole 24 Ore’s Quality of Life survey, Rome ranks 59th, a placement that highlights some critical issues compared to other major Italian cities and the Northeast in general. Despite its importance as Italy’s capital and cultural and political center, Rome seems to suffer from some structural problems that penalize its ranking.
Economic and Social Problems
One of the main factors adversely affecting Rome’s ranking is the cost of living, particularly with regard to housing. The rent for an apartment (one-bedroom type) in a semi-central area of Rome is extremely high, accounting for 81 percent of the average declared income. This figure highlights significant economic pressure on residents, making it difficult to access the housing market.
Moreover, the gap between the highest and lowest incomes is worrying. In Rome, the richest taxpayers earn 15.4 times more than the poorest, an indicator that underscores economic inequality within the city.
Impact of Tourism and Crime
Rome, being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, also faces the negative impact of high visitor flow. The Crime Index, which ratios complaints per resident population, penalizes areas with high tourist passage. This aspect contributes to worsening perceptions of safety among residents and can affect perceived quality of life.
Demographic Trends
With the exception of Milan and Bologna, large cities have seen a decrease in residents over the past year, a sign that may indicate a migration to areas with a lower cost of living or a perceived better quality of life. This trend of population decline in large cities is exacerbated by difficulties in accessing the housing market and economic tensions.