Italy consumer credit reaches 178 billion euros amid rising household debt

According to 2025 data from the CGIA study office, consumer credit in Italy has reached approximately 178 billion euros, marking a 62% increase over the last nine years. This growth reflects a rising reliance on short-term loans to manage daily living expenses and purchase durable goods, such as automobiles and appliances, as inflation erodes purchasing power while wages remain largely stagnant.

Regional and provincial disparities are significant. Umbria leads the nation in average household consumer debt at 7,514 euros, followed by Tuscany and Sicily. At the provincial level, Siracusa is identified as the most indebted province in Italy, with an average exposure of 8,437 euros per household. Other highly indebted areas include Massa-Carrara, Lodi, and Pistoia.

In contrast, regions like Friuli Venezia Giulia and Basilicata report lower average debt levels. While the total debt includes 447.5 billion euros in mortgages, the consumer credit segment specifically highlights the financial pressure on the middle class to maintain their standard of living through borrowing.