Italian household spending remained broadly stable in 2024, but a significant share of families tightened their belts on food and beverages, the national statistics agency Istat reported.
According to the data, the average Italian household spent €2,755 per month last year, only slightly above the €2,738 recorded in 2023 — a near standstill that suggests persistent caution among consumers despite easing inflationary pressures.
However, more than 30% of households reported reducing their food expenditure, either by buying smaller quantities or opting for lower-quality products. A similar trend emerged in beverage consumption, with over 35% of families saying they had cut back.
The report also underscored Italy’s enduring regional disparities. Households in the country’s north-east spent an average of €834 more per month than those in the south, reflecting the long-standing economic divide between the wealthier northern regions and the less affluent Mezzogiorno.
Istat’s findings point to a population still wary about spending power and living costs, even as overall consumption levels hold steady.
