2023 Quality of Life Survey Reveals Italy’s Top Provinces, Udine leads

Il Sole 24 Ore, a leading Italian national daily business newspaper, conducts an annual survey known as the “Quality of Life” rankings.

This survey assesses the quality of life in different provinces across Italy, providing a comprehensive overview of the well-being of the Italian population.

The rankings are based on 90 statistical indicators divided into six categories, each highlighting different aspects of life, from economic prosperity to social welfare.

Udine ranks 1st, followed by Bologna and Trento

In the 2023 edition of the rankings, the province of Udine, located in the northeastern region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, made history by securing the first place for the first time. Despite being a small province with a population of just under 530,000, Udine has shown significant progress in various aspects of life, contributing to its high ranking.

Udine’s victory is particularly noteworthy considering it had only made it to the top ten three times since the inception of the rankings in 1990.

The province’s rise to the top is attributed to its excellent performance in several areas, including women’s quality of life, children’s quality of life, justice and security, and economic stability.

Following Udine, the provinces of Bologna and Trento secured the second and third places respectively. Bologna, the vibrant capital of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy, is known for its rich history, culture, and high levels of education. It is home to a thriving student population and is well-known for its cuisine all over the country. The province has consistently performed well in the rankings, even winning the 2022 edition.

Trento, the capital of the Trentino-Alto Adige region in the northernmost part of Italy, is recognized for its high living standards and environmental sustainability. It has been a consistent top performer in the rankings, reflecting the province’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

Other provinces that made significant strides in the 2023 rankings include Bergamo and Modena.

Bergamo, this year’s cultural capital along with Brescia, climbed to the 5th position, its highest since 1990. The province also topped the “Environment and Services” category.

Modena, a province in the Emilia-Romagna region like Bologna, returned to the top ten, a feat it had achieved only twice before.

Meanwhile, Milan, Italy’s financial hub, maintained its position in the top ten and led in the “Business and Work” category.

Quality of Life Sheets for Expats