Lombardy wages rise but inflation erodes purchasing power

Data from the Osservatorio JobPricing Geography Index reveals that while Lombardy remains the Italian region with the highest average salaries, inflation has significantly eroded purchasing power across the area. Between 2015 and 2025, wages in Lombardy rose by 12.2%, but inflation reached 21.1%, resulting in an average loss of 8.9% in purchasing power.

Milano reports the highest average annual global remuneration at €40,055, but it also faces a high cost of living, with purchasing power eroding by nearly 10%. In contrast, provinces such as Lodi, Brescia, Varese, and Cremona have shown greater resilience. Lodi recorded the lowest erosion in the region at just 2.2%, while Cremona saw a 5.2% loss, performing better than the regional average.

Despite these inflationary pressures, 2025 has seen a recovery in wages. In Lombardy, salaries grew by 4.5%, outpacing the national growth rate of 4.3%. This upward trend is supported by a vibrant supply-and-demand dynamic and record-low unemployment rates.