Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Italy's culinary capital, home to the world's oldest university, with iconic porticoes, rich red-hued architecture, and a vibrant food scene.
Above Average vs Italy avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Bologna vs Italy Average
Taxes
- Income Tax: 27.0%
- VAT: 22.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: €32,000
- Unemployment: 5.0%
- Population: 392,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 200/year
- Summer High: 86°F
- Winter Low: 32°F
Housing
- Median Home: €280,000
- 1BR Rent: €850/mo
Cost of Living
Bologna's cost of living index is 105 (Italy average = 100).
| Category | Bologna | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 105 | 100 | +5.0% |
| Housing | 120 | 100 | +20.0% |
Data source: ISTAT / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | €280,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | €850/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | €1,063/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | €186 |
Data source: Idealista / Immobiliare.it, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Bologna:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | €95 | Based on ~3,500 kWh/year typical Italian household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | €55 | Estimated based on local climate. electric or gas heating |
| Cooling (AC) | €1 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | €32 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | €30 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | €20 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | €233 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: ARERA, Enel, ENI 2025
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Bologna
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: €1,020/mo.
Bologna Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: €935/mo.
East Bologna
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: €765/mo.
West Bologna
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: €808/mo.
Remote Work Score
Bologna scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Bologna has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 52°F | 32°F | 2.5" |
| April | 71°F | 47°F | 2.8" |
| July | 86°F | 61°F | 1.5" |
| October | 66°F | 50°F | 2.2" |
Taxes
- Income Tax: 27%
- VAT: 22%
- Property Tax: ~0.76% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy?
The cost of living index in Bologna is 105, which is Higher the Italy national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Bologna?
The median home price in Bologna is €280,000. The housing index is 120.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Bologna is approximately €850/mo.
Does Bologna, EMR have income tax?
Bologna is in EMR, which has an income tax rate of 27%.
What is the climate like in Bologna?
Bologna enjoys approximately 200 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 86°F, while winter lows can drop to around 32°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: ISTAT / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Idealista / Immobiliare.it, 2026
- Income & Employment: ISTAT Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities ARERA, Enel, ENI 2025
Data last updated: July 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.