Italy, often associated with the good life, faces a bitter truth with two of its prominent cities, Rome and Milan, ranked among the least desirable places to live, according to a recent survey by [organization name]. InterNations, a global community for expatriates.
La dolce vita bitter: Challenges for expatriates
In a comprehensive study involving 11.970 expatriates, InterNations sought insights about various aspects of expat life such as careers, social life and security, producing a list of the 50 best and worst cities globally to live abroad.
Best Italian performances and exclusions
Valencia, Spain took the top spot globally, receiving praise for its accessible public transport and low cost of living. Madrid, also in Spain, made a notable appearance in the top ten, being celebrated for its warm climate and vibrant nightlife. Unfortunately, no Italian city secured a place in the top tenAccording Forbes article.
Fall in Rome and Milan
In a surprising turn of events, Rome and Milan found themselves among the 10 worst destinations for expatriates. Criticisms were primarily directed at career opportunities and professional life in the two cities.
Expats in Milan expressed dissatisfaction, especially with working hours and work-life balance.
Almost a third of those interviewed said they did not receive fair remuneration for their work. Additionally, more than half mentioned poor air quality, although three in four appreciate the city's climate and weather.
Overall, a third of expats in Milan feel that their disposable income is not enough to lead a comfortable life in the city.
Rome, in turn, disappoints expatriates with a challenging job market.
A quarter of those interviewed said that moving to the capital did not improve their career prospects.
Half of expats are also dissatisfied with the availability of administrative and government services online. The city stood out only in terms of ease of adaptation.
The best Italian cities to live in
The Italian newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore published an annual ranking of Italian cities in terms of quality of life, dividing the list into age groups: children, young people and the elderly.
Small cities dominate the top positions this year. Aosta, in the northwest, topped the rankings for child-friendly cities, thanks to high-quality school buildings and services.
Piacenza was voted the best for young people, standing out for its low unemployment rate among young people and its nightlife.
Cagliari came first for seniors, with residents of the city in Sardinia enjoying an expected excellent life. (Photo: Depositphotos)
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