Italy: Rising inflation and commuting costs erode worker wages

Rising inflation and commuting expenses are significantly eroding the disposable income of Italian workers. According to Istat, Italian inflation rose to 3.3% in August 2026, driven largely by energy costs. Eurispes reports that 82% of Italians have perceived a price increase over the last year.

Commuting costs represent a major financial burden, particularly for those living far from their workplaces. An analysis by Cna indicates that expenses including fuel, maintenance, tires, and parking can cost a worker approximately 2,000 euros annually. However, when accounting for insurance, taxes, and vehicle depreciation, the total cost of car ownership can be much higher. For a daily commute of 40 to 60 kilometers, total annual costs can range between 4,000 and 6,000 euros.

Fuel prices remain a critical factor; as of mid-September 2026, average self-service prices were approximately 2.12 euros per liter for gasoline and 2.23 euros for diesel. For many, these costs are unavoidable due to insufficient public transportation, forcing a choice between paying for essential travel or reducing other necessary spending.