Business · Economy · 11 hrs ago
Italian households spend more but get less as real consumption falls 8.7%
Italian households spent an average of €2,782 a month in 2025, up from €2,560 in 2019.
But after accounting for rising prices, their spending power was 8.7% lower, equivalent to €224 less a month in real terms, according to calculations by the Crc research centre.
The gap reflects years of price increases linked to the pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and higher energy and raw-material costs.
Inflation has slowed, but prices have not returned to earlier levels.
Spending patterns have also shifted: households are spending more on prepared foods, restaurants and hotels, and less on clothing and entertainment.
The impact varies by region, with real spending down the most in Puglia and up the most in Umbria, according to the Crc.
These regional figures reflect more than price changes and are not a direct measure of income or well-being.
Italian households’ real consumption spending fell 8.7% from 2019 to 2025, according to an analysis by the Crc based on Istat data.
Average monthly spending rose in nominal terms from €2,560 in 2019 to €2,782 in 2025, but inflation reduced its purchasing power.
The Crc calculated the decline as equivalent to €224 less in monthly spending per household in real terms.
The fall varied by region: Puglia recorded the steepest drop, while Umbria was reported to have the largest increase.
Inflation and higher energy and raw-material costs contributed to the pressure on household budgets.
- Who
- Italian households.
- What
- Real consumption spending fell 8.7% from 2019 to 2025, despite higher nominal spending.
- When
- From 2019 to 2025. Istat published a separate 2025 spending figure on October 8.
- Where
- Italy, with regional differences.
- Why
- Inflation and higher energy and raw-material costs reduced what households could buy with their spending.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Italians spend more to buy less and less.
Average monthly household consumption spending was €2,560.
Average monthly spending reached €2,782 in nominal terms, while the Crc said real spending was 8.7% lower than in 2019.
Istat published data showing average monthly spending in 2025 was broadly stable compared with €2,755 in 2024.
- Real spending change, 2019–2025
- -8.7%
- Monthly spending, 2019
- €2,560 per household
- Monthly spending, 2025
- €2,782 per household
- Equivalent real monthly loss
- €224 per household
- Largest regional decline
- Puglia, -18.7%
- Largest regional increase
- Umbria, +9.9%
Sources
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