The Richest Cities in Italy in 2026

Italy's wealth landscape in 2026 tells a fascinating story of economic contrasts, historic wealth, and emerging opportunities. As someone considering Italy for citizenship, residency, or investment, understanding which cities are thriving economically can be invaluable for making informed decisions about where to put down roots or allocate capital.

Some globally mobile investors also pair an EU plan with second-passport options like Citizenship by Investment in Argentina to add flexibility, mobility, and diversification.

What makes an Italian city "rich" isn't just a single factor but rather a complex interplay of economic output, personal incomes, property values, and overall prosperity. Some of Italy's wealthiest locations may surprise you – they're not always the famous metropolises you might expect.

In this comprehensive analysis, we'll explore Italy's economic geography in 2026, from tiny affluent enclaves where millionaires cluster to the powerhouse cities driving the nation's economy.

Whether you're drawn to the glamour of small luxury havens or the opportunities of bustling economic centers, this guide will help you navigate Italy's wealth landscape with confidence.

How We Define "Richest Cities"

Before diving into the rankings, it's important to understand what we mean by "richest." For this analysis, we've looked at multiple indicators to create a holistic view:

GDP per Capita: This measures the economic output per resident, essentially how productive and prosperous the local economy is. A high GDP per capita generally indicates a strong business environment and economic efficiency. For example, Milan's metropolitan area boasts a GDP per capita of around €60,000 – roughly double the Italian average.

Average Income Levels: Perhaps most relevant for potential residents, this looks at how much people actually earn. We've used the latest data from the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) on average annual incomes per taxpayer, which shows where Italians and residents take home the most money.

Real Estate Values: Property prices reflect both the desirability of an area and the purchasing power of its residents. High property values often correlate with wealthy populations, though they also impact affordability for newcomers. Cities like Milan show average residential prices exceeding €5,000 per square meter, indicating significant wealth concentration.

Overall Economic Output: The total size of a city's economy matters too. While some small towns may have high per-capita figures, major cities like Rome and Milan have massive economies that offer diverse opportunities and services.

All data comes from verified sources like ISTAT (Italian National Institute of Statistics), Eurostat, the Bank of Italy, and MEF, with each data point cross-verified across multiple independent sources for accuracy. This multi-faceted approach gives us a more nuanced picture than any single metric could provide.

Top 10 Richest Italian Cities in 2025

Based on our combined metrics, here are the top 10 richest cities in Italy as of 2025:

1. Lajatico (Tuscany) – A tiny Tuscan village with Italy's highest average income (€54,708)
2. Basiglio (Lombardy) – A wealthy Milan suburb with the second-highest average income (€49,325)
3. Portofino (Liguria) – An exclusive coastal haven with Italy's most expensive real estate (€8,261/m²)
4. Bogogno (Piedmont) – A small northern town with luxury golf resorts and high incomes (€42,366)
5. Varenna (Lombardy) – A picturesque Lake Como gem with wealthy residents (€42,254)
6. Milan (Lombardy) – Italy's economic powerhouse with the highest GDP per capita among major cities (€59,901)
7. Rome (Lazio) – The capital with enormous economic output and significant wealth concentration
8. Bolzano (Trentino-Alto Adige) – A prosperous northern city with exceptional quality of life
9. Bologna (Emilia-Romagna) – A dynamic university city with strong economic fundamentals
10. Monza (Lombardy) – A wealthy satellite of Milan with high incomes and property values

This diverse list includes tiny municipalities that top per-capita wealth rankings, as well as major economic centers with broader prosperity. What's immediately striking is the geographic distribution – all ten are in Northern or Central Italy, with none in the South, reflecting Italy's persistent regional economic divide.

Now, let's explore these cities in more depth, starting with the surprisingly wealthy small municipalities.

Small Elite Municipalities: Italy's Wealthiest Towns

It might come as a surprise that Italy's richest places on a per-capita basis aren't its famous big cities, but rather small towns – mostly in the prosperous North. These exclusive enclaves offer fascinating case studies in concentrated wealth.

Lajatico: The Tenor's Town

With just 1,300 residents, this small Tuscan village tops Italy's income charts with an astonishing average annual income of €54,708 per taxpayer. If you've never heard of Lajatico, you might know its most famous son: Andrea Bocelli. The legendary tenor's substantial earnings heavily influence the town's averages, demonstrating how one wealthy resident can elevate a small community's statistics.

Beyond Bocelli, Lajatico enjoys income from agritourism and local agriculture, with picturesque landscapes that attract visitors and second-home buyers. However, its GDP per capita (about €33,000) is roughly on par with the regional average – suggesting many residents earn money from ventures outside the local economy.

For potential residents, Lajatico offers Tuscan charm without the premium price tag of better-known locations. Property values around €1,400/m² are reasonable for Tuscany, making it potentially attractive for those seeking countryside living with proximity to cultural centers like Pisa and Florence.

Some remote professionals and internationally minded residents also use solutions such as Paraguay Citizenship to maintain broader freedom of movement while living in smaller Italian municipalities.

Basiglio: Milan's Wealthy Suburb

With approximately 8,000 residents, Basiglio has been among Italy's richest municipalities for decades. Located just outside Milan, it boasts an average income of €49,325 per taxpayer – the second-highest nationally. The town's wealth stems largely from the upscale "Milano 3" residential complex built in the 1980s by developer (and future Prime Minister) Silvio Berlusconi.

Today, Basiglio attracts high-income professionals who commute to Milan, executives, and affluent retirees seeking spacious homes in a green setting. Its economy is essentially an extension of Milan's, benefiting from proximity to Italy's financial capital while offering a more suburban lifestyle.

Property in Basiglio costs around €3,000 per square meter – expensive by Italian standards but actually moderate compared to central Milan. This value proposition explains why wealthy families continue to choose it as a residence, combining access to Milan's opportunities with more space and greenery than the city center can offer.

Portofino: The Ultimate Luxury Haven

This postcard-perfect fishing village on the Ligurian Riviera (population ~400) represents the pinnacle of Italian luxury living. Portofino's residents have an average income of €45,617, ranking third nationally. More impressively, it boasts Italy's highest real estate values, with home prices averaging €8,261 per square meter – with prime properties often exceeding €15,000-€20,000/m².

These astronomical property prices reflect Portofino's exclusive appeal to international jet-setters and the ultra-wealthy. Many homes are second residences of millionaires and billionaires, which means the true wealth concentration is even higher than tax data suggests. The local economy revolves around luxury tourism: upscale hotels, yacht services, and designer boutiques.

For potential residents with the means, Portofino offers unmatched prestige and beauty, but with very limited housing stock and stratospheric prices. For investors, it represents one of Italy's most bulletproof luxury real estate markets, though yield-seeking investors might find better returns elsewhere.

Bogogno and Varenna: Northern Gems

Rounding out our top five are two more small northern municipalities. Bogogno (Piedmont, population ~1,300) boasts average incomes of €42,366, largely thanks to its exclusive golf resort and luxury villas that attract wealthy residents. Varenna, a charming town on Lake Como (population ~800), has average incomes of €42,254 and property values around €4,200/m², reflecting the lake's international desirability.

Both these locations exemplify how natural beauty combined with exclusivity translates into concentrated wealth. They've attracted affluent retirees, second-home owners, and those seeking a high quality of life outside major urban centers, while maintaining property values well above Italian averages.

For citizenship or residency seekers, these small wealthy enclaves offer distinctive lifestyle advantages – beautiful surroundings, security, and like-minded affluent neighbors – but with limited career opportunities unless you're working remotely or have existing wealth or business interests.

Major Economic Hubs: Italy's Powerhouse Cities

While tiny municipalities may top per-capita income rankings, Italy's major cities dominate in economic influence and opportunity. These urban centers offer the scale, diversity, and infrastructure that make them magnets for talent and investment.

Milan: Italy's Financial and Fashion Capital

Milan stands as Italy's undisputed economic powerhouse in 2025. Though it ranks 6th in our combined list (its average income of €37,189 places it 12th nationally), Milan's economic might is unmatched. The Metropolitan City of Milan generates about €193 billion in GDP annually – roughly 10% of Italy's entire economy – with a GDP per capita around €60,000, double the national average.

Milan's strength comes from its diversified economy: finance, fashion, design, advanced manufacturing, and a growing tech sector. It hosts Italy's stock exchange, the headquarters of most major Italian companies, and serves as the Italian base for many multinationals. The city attracts talented professionals from across Italy and beyond, creating a virtuous cycle of economic dynamism.

Real estate in Milan is Italy's most expensive, averaging €5,067 per square meter citywide, with prime central neighborhoods exceeding €10,000/m². While this reflects Milan's desirability, it also presents affordability challenges for newcomers without substantial income or assets.

For those considering Milan for residency or investment, the city offers the most robust job market in Italy, excellent international connections, world-class culture, and reliable property appreciation. The trade-off is high cost of living and urban density, though excellent public transportation mitigates some downsides of city living.

Rome: The Eternal Economic Engine

Italy's capital and largest city comes in at 7th place in our ranking. Rome's economic clout is second only to Milan: the Rome metropolitan area's GDP is about €163 billion per year, making it the country's second-largest urban economy. The city benefits from being the administrative center, hosting government institutions, international organizations, media companies, and a massive tourism industry.

However, Rome's wealth is spread across 4.3 million metro area residents, yielding a GDP per capita (€38,700) and average income (€28,646) that are above Italian averages but far below northern leaders. Rome's average income actually ranks 120th nationally, reflecting higher unemployment and a large public-sector workforce with moderate wages, as well as pockets of poverty in the urban periphery.

Real estate in Rome averages about €3,000/m², the highest in central/southern Italy but more affordable than Milan or the northern cities. The most desirable historic center neighborhoods command much higher prices, of course, especially properties with architectural significance or views.

For potential residents, Rome offers unmatched cultural richness, international connections, and a diverse job market that goes well beyond tourism and government. However, challenges include bureaucratic complexity, traffic congestion, and less efficient services than northern cities. Investors often find Rome's real estate market stable but with lower yield potential than emerging areas.

Bolzano: Alpine Prosperity

Ranked 8th, Bolzano (Bozen) is the capital of South Tyrol in the far north. This medium-sized city (~107,000 residents) consistently ranks as one of Italy's most prosperous areas by standard of living and per-capita GDP. South Tyrol is actually Italy's richest province in terms of GDP per capita at about €42,600, and it tops the national rankings for many well-being indicators.

Bolzano's average income is not extraordinary at ~€28,500 (133rd nationally), indicating relatively equitable distribution and fewer ultra-rich individuals. What places it high on our list is the combination of a diverse, high-value economy (tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and cross-border trade with Austria/Germany) and asset wealth. Nearly everyone enjoys a high standard of living, with very low unemployment and excellent public services.

Real estate in Bolzano is the second-priciest among Italian cities at €4,681/m², just behind Milan, reflecting limited supply in Alpine valleys and high quality of life. The city combines Italian charm with Germanic efficiency, resulting in exceptionally well-run infrastructure and services.

For citizenship or residency seekers, Bolzano offers a unique bicultural environment (German is co-official with Italian), stunning natural surroundings, and exceptional quality of life. The downsides include high living costs and potentially limited career options in certain specialized fields compared to larger cities.

Bologna and Monza: Northern Prosperity

Rounding out our top 10 are Bologna (9th) and Monza (10th), both exemplifying northern Italy's prosperity. Bologna, with its renowned university and diverse economy spanning food production, automotive, and mechanics, has a metro GDP per capita of €42,566 and average incomes around €29,500. Its real estate market is Italy's 5th most expensive at €3,585/m².

Monza, effectively a wealthy satellite of Milan, has an average income of €32,237 (the second-highest among provincial capitals after Milan itself) and property values around €3,000/m². Many residents are professionals commuting to Milan or owners of SMEs in the Brianza area, known for furniture design and high-end manufacturing.

Both cities offer excellent quality of life, efficient services, and strong economic fundamentals. For potential residents, they provide access to northern Italy's opportunities with somewhat lower living costs than Milan, while investors find solid fundamentals in both residential and commercial real estate.

Real Estate Values: The Material Manifestation of Wealth

Property values offer one of the clearest indicators of a city's wealth, reflecting both local purchasing power and external investment demand. In 2025, Italy's property market data closely aligns with our wealth rankings.

Milan's Premium

Milan continues to command Italy's highest property prices, averaging about €5,067 per square meter for residential properties. This reflects both the city's economic dynamism and its international appeal to investors. Prime neighborhoods like Brera and Quadrilatero see prices well above €10,000/m², putting them in league with luxury districts in other European capitals.

What's notable is that despite these high prices, Milan's property market remains active, with values rising 4-5% annually in late 2024 and early 2025. This sustained demand suggests confidence in Milan's economic trajectory, even with interest rates higher than historical lows.

The Exclusivity Premium

Some locations command extraordinary prices despite their small size. Portofino's €8,000+ per square meter average (with peaks near €20,000) makes it an outlier even in Italy. Other small ultra-rich areas not in our top 10 but worth noting include parts of Sardinia's Costa Smeralda (Porto Cervo, ~€14,500/m² for prime villas) and Cortina d'Ampezzo in the Dolomites.

These niche markets are driven largely by wealthy outsiders rather than local economic fundamentals. A property in Portofino or Porto Cervo isn't just a home – it's a status symbol and a claim to membership in an exclusive community. For this reason, these markets sometimes operate by different rules than mainstream Italian real estate.

Northern Dominance

The pattern is clear: Northern Italian cities command the highest property values. After Milan comes Bolzano (€4,681/m²), Venice (€4,572/m²), and Florence (€4,216/m²). Bologna (€3,585/m²) and Rome (€3,019/m²) follow, with Rome being the only Central/Southern city in the top tier.

This property value hierarchy reflects the economic productivity gap between regions. For investors, this suggests stronger fundamentals in northern markets, though it also means lower entry points and potentially higher yields in some southern locations.

Recent Trends

Property prices have been rising in most wealthy Italian cities in 2024-2025, despite higher interest rates. Reports show 4-5% annual increases in cities like Milan and Monza in late 2024, with even second-tier cities (Vicenza, Como) seeing double-digit percentage jumps.

This resilience suggests that Italy's wealthy areas are becoming even more valuable, potentially widening the wealth gap further as property owners in rich cities gain asset wealth faster than those elsewhere. For citizenship or residency seekers, this trend means that waiting to purchase in premium locations will likely mean paying more in the future.

The North-South Divide: Italy's Persistent Challenge

Perhaps the most striking aspect of our analysis is the complete dominance of Northern and Central Italian cities in the wealth rankings. All of the top 10 richest cities are in the North or Center, and in fact, none of the top 50 municipalities by income are in the South, according to MEF data.

Stark Statistics

The regional GDP per capita statistics tell the story clearly: northern regions like Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Aosta Valley, and Emilia-Romagna have per-capita outputs in the €34,000–€43,000 range, well above the national average of ~€28,000. By contrast, southern regions like Sicily, Calabria, and Campania languish at €16,000–€18,000 per capita – barely 60% of the national average.

This translates directly to personal income and wealth. While an average taxpayer in Basiglio earns nearly €50,000, the highest-earning municipality in the entire Mezzogiorno (South and Islands) only ranks 152nd nationally with about €28,000 (Sant'Agata li Battiati in Sicily). Calabria's per capita GDP (≈€16,800) is scarcely one-third that of Bolzano/South Tyrol (≈€42,600).

What This Means for You

For citizenship or residency seekers, this regional divide has practical implications. Some mitigate these differences by maintaining additional mobility options such as the Paraguay Citizenship, which complements Italy’s varied regional dynamics. Moving to Northern Italy often means access to stronger job markets, higher wages, better infrastructure, and more reliable services. The trade-off is higher living costs, particularly for housing.

The South offers significantly lower property prices and living costs, along with rich culture and often better weather. For remote workers, retirees, or entrepreneurs not dependent on the local job market, southern locations can offer excellent value and quality of life.

Investors should note that while northern property markets typically offer more reliable appreciation, some southern cities present opportunities for higher rental yields or growth potential, especially in tourist areas or university towns showing signs of revitalization.

A More Nuanced Picture

It's important to recognize that "wealth" isn't solely about GDP figures or property prices. Many southern Italian communities offer rich cultural experiences, strong social bonds, excellent food, and beautiful surroundings that contribute to quality of life in ways not captured by economic statistics.

Cities like Naples, Palermo, and Bari may not rank in the top wealth tiers, but they're vibrant cultural centers with deep histories and their own economic strengths. For those interested in heritage, lifestyle, or specific industries (tourism, agriculture, crafts), these cities offer compelling alternatives to the wealthy north.

Citizenship and Investment Considerations in Italy's Wealthy Cities

Understanding Italy's wealth landscape is particularly relevant for those considering citizenship, residency, or investment in the country. Let's explore the practical implications of our findings.

Residency Pathways and Wealthy Cities

Italy offers several residency pathways that intersect with its wealthy areas. The investor visa program requires significant capital (€250,000-€2 million depending on the investment type), which naturally directs many participants toward economically robust regions where investment opportunities are plentiful.

If you're considering employment-based residency, northern cities like Milan, Bologna, and Turin offer the strongest job markets, particularly for skilled professionals. English-speaking opportunities are most abundant in Milan, which hosts the most international companies.

For retirement or elective residency, wealthy small communities like those on Lake Como or in Tuscany offer high quality of life, though meeting the passive income requirements (approximately €31,000 annually for an individual) becomes essential in areas with higher living costs.

Investment Considerations

Real estate investment in Italy's wealthy cities generally offers good value preservation but moderate yields. Milan's property market has shown the most consistent appreciation, particularly in central districts and emerging neighborhoods like Porta Nuova. Luxury properties in exclusive locations like Portofino or Porto Cervo act more as wealth preservation vehicles than income generators.

Business investment presents a more complex picture. Northern regions offer stronger ecosystems for startups and established businesses, with better access to talent, finance, and markets. However, competition is also fiercer, and operating costs higher. Some investors find interesting opportunities in Central Italy (Tuscany, Marche) where costs are lower but infrastructure and workforce quality remain high.

For those interested in the tourism sector, investing in properties or businesses in distinctive locations that combine wealth and visitor appeal (like Lake Como, Tuscany, or the Amalfi Coast) often provides the most reliable returns, though seasonal fluctuations must be considered.

Quality of Life Beyond Wealth Metrics

While our analysis focuses on economic wealth, your satisfaction as a resident will depend on many factors beyond GDP and property values. Italy's wealthiest cities typically offer excellent healthcare, education, and infrastructure, but also higher stress levels and faster pace of life.

Milan provides the most international environment, with widespread English usage and diverse cultural offerings. Smaller wealthy cities like Bolzano and Bologna offer exceptional quality of life with better work-life balance. Exclusive enclaves like Portofino provide prestige and beauty but can feel isolated or seasonal.

Consider your priorities: career opportunities, lifestyle preferences, climate, proximity to international airports, language considerations, and cultural interests. Italy offers remarkable diversity even among its wealthy cities, from Alpine Bolzano to coastal Portofino to cosmopolitan Milan.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Wealth in Italy

As we assess Italy's wealthy cities in 2025, several trends emerge that may shape the coming years:

1. Milan's continued ascendance: Milan is likely to further consolidate its position as Italy's economic leader, with growing influence as a European business hub. Its property market should remain robust despite high valuations.
2. Technology and innovation hubs: Cities with strong research and university presence like Bologna, Turin, and parts of Lombardy are developing technology ecosystems that could drive future growth and wealth creation.
3. Quality-of-life premium: Smaller cities offering high quality of life and good connectivity (like Bolzano, Parma, and Trento) may see increasing appeal as remote work remains significant, potentially driving property value growth in these markets.
4. Sustainability focus: Wealthy cities are investing heavily in sustainability initiatives, with Milan and Bologna leading in green infrastructure. Areas that successfully transition to more sustainable models may see enhanced appeal and value.
5. Tourism evolution: Exclusive destinations like Portofino continue to thrive, but the luxury tourism sector is evolving to include more experience-based offerings. This could create opportunities in secondary locations with unique cultural or natural assets.

Conclusion: Finding Your Place in Italy's Wealth Landscape

Italy's richest cities present a fascinating spectrum of wealth models – from the concentrated affluence of tiny Lajatico and exclusive Portofino to the broad-based prosperity of Milan and Bologna. This diversity means there's likely a wealthy Italian locale that aligns with your specific needs and aspirations.

For career-focused professionals, Milan stands out as Italy's opportunity hub, offering the highest salaries and most dynamic job market despite its high living costs. Those seeking balance might prefer Bologna or Monza, with strong economies but more manageable pace and costs.

Investors have multiple paths – from blue-chip real estate in Milan to luxury properties in exclusive enclaves or emerging opportunities in evolving neighborhoods of wealthy cities. Understanding the fundamentals driving each wealthy area helps target investments to your goals, whether capital appreciation, yield, or lifestyle benefits.

For those primarily seeking quality of life, smaller wealthy cities like Bolzano offer exceptional services, safety, and surroundings, while exclusive communities around Lake Como or in Tuscany provide prestige and beauty for those with sufficient resources.

The persistent North-South divide remains a defining feature of Italy's economic landscape, but this also creates a spectrum of options with different cost structures, cultural experiences, and lifestyle possibilities.

Ultimately, Italy's wealthy cities in 2025 offer compelling opportunities for residents and investors alike. Whether you're drawn to the international buzz of Milan, the refined elegance of Portofino, or the balanced prosperity of Bolzano, understanding the economic fundamentals behind these wealthy locations will help you make more informed decisions about your Italian future.

The true richness of Italy, of course, extends far beyond economic metrics – to its cultural heritage, artistic treasures, culinary traditions, and zest for life. These qualities, present throughout the country regardless of GDP figures, are perhaps the real wealth that continues to draw people to Italy from around the world.