Italy's housing rentals hit a peak unseen since 2012: the average cost stood at €15.4 per square meter during the second quarter of 2026

The trend of rising housing rental rates in Italy persists. In the second quarter of 2026, the average rental price surged by 4.2% from the previous quarter, reaching €15.4 per m² - the highest level since 2012 when Idealista portal started tracking such data. Over the year, growth reached 5.5%, with a 2.4% increase from the first quarter.

As outlined by Vincenzo De Tommaso, the head of Idealista's analytical unit, the rental market in Italy is evolving along two distinct paths. In major cities like Milan, Rome, and Naples, prices have largely stabilized, having hit a ceiling that most households can manage. Conversely, in tourist destinations and less densely populated provinces, rental prices are surging due to seasonal demand and labor mobility.

The expert points to a fundamental imbalance as the primary driver behind the price hikes: demand for rental properties is concentrated precisely where purchasing a home is most challenging - in the major cities of Central and Northern Italy and sought-after tourist spots. Despite a gradual increase in rental properties on offer, the supply remains insufficient. Consequently, young individuals and families are facing heightened financial pressure, with a substantial portion of their earnings allocated to rent.

Metropolitan Areas

In the spring of 2026, rents escalated in 61% of Italy's principal cities.

The most notable upticks were observed in the following urban centers:

• Verona — +11.8%
• Massa — +9.5%
• Reggio di Calabria — +9.1%
• Ascoli Piceno — +8.8%
• Catanzaro — +6.7%
• Lodi — +6.6%

Fifteen other cities experienced growth surpassing the national average, ranging from 4.4% to 6.4%.

Regarding the major rental markets, the scenario unfolds as follows:

• Turin — +4.7%
• Bologna — +2.0%
• Florence and Catania — +0.7%
• Naples — +0.5%
• Cagliari — +0.3%
• Rome — +0.2%
• Palermo — +0.1%
• Milan — unchanged
• Genoa — -0.7%
• Venice — -2.6%

In 33 cities, property owners were compelled to lower prices. The most notable decreases were registered in:

• Savona - -9%
• Lucca - -8.4%
• Rovigo - -8.2%
• Salerno - -7.4%

Most Expensive Cities in Italy by Rent

1. Milan - 23.3 euros/m²
2. Florence - 22.3 euros/m²
3. Venice — 21.7 euros/m²
4. Rome — 19.8 euros/m²
5. Bologna — 17.5 euros/m²

Most Economical Cities

• Caltanissetta — 4.7 euros/m²
• Vibo Valentia — 5.9 euros/m²
• Ragusa — 6.2 euros/m²

Provincial Areas

During the second quarter of 2026, rental price hikes were noticeable in over 80% of Italy's provinces.

Prices surged notably in tourist regions and sparsely populated zones:

• Nuoro - +22.2%
• Sassari - +18.2%
• Grosseto - +18.1%

In a dozen other provinces, growth exceeded 10%, including:

• Trieste - +16.7%
• Valle d'Aosta — +10.5%

Rent in the Rome province increased by 1%, whereas the rise near Milan was much more modest at 0.4%.

The steepest price decline was recorded in:

• Belluno — -19%
• Anne — -15.8%
• Sondrio — -5.8%

Regional Trends

Rental rates surged across almost all Italian regions, except for Trentino - Alto Adige, which saw a 1.2% decrease.

The most significant increases were seen in:

• Valle d'Aosta - +10.5%
• Calabria - +8.4%
• Abruzzo - +8.3%
• Friuli - Venezia Giulia - +6.7%
• Liguria - +6.7%
• Sardinia - +5.7%
• Emilia-Romagna — +4.9%
• Basilicata — +4.8%
• Marche — +4.2%

In other regions, growth was below the national average, varying from 0.5% in Molise to 3.5% in Tuscany.

Most Expensive Regions in Italy by Rental Price

1. Valle d'Aosta — 26.6 euros/m²
2. Lombardy — 19.7 euros/m²
3. Tuscany — 19.3 euros/m²
4. Lazio — 17.2 euros/m²
5. Trentino Alto Adige — 16 euros/m²

Most Affordable Regions

• Molise — 7.5 euros/m²
• Basilicata — 7.8 euros/m²
• Umbria — 8.6 Euro/m²

Calculation Method of Idealista Price Index

The Idealista Price Index relies on real estate listings featured on its platform. The index considers asking prices per square meter of the total property area.

Advertisements with unusually high or low prices, as well as properties that lack user interest over an extended period, are excluded from the analysis. The statistics encompass both apartments and detached houses (villas), with final values established based on the median price of all eligible listings in each region or city.