Italian household savings and debt trends

Italian household financial trends show a significant accumulation of liquidity alongside rising debt levels. By late May, bank deposits reached approximately 1.163 trillion euros, representing a 28.3% nominal increase over the previous decade. Wealth remains concentrated in specific regions, with Lombardy holding roughly 20% of the national total.

However, reports indicate growing financial pressure on households. Consumer credit reached approximately 178 billion euros in 2025, marking a 62% increase over the previous nine years. This figure specifically excludes long-term mortgages, focusing instead on loans used for daily expenses and durable goods such as automobiles and appliances. Total debt—including mortgages and other loans—stood at 612.6 billion euros, with the average debt per household at 6,657 euros. Of the total debt, 447.5 billion euros is comprised of mortgages.

Regional disparities in debt are notable. Umbria reports the highest average debt at 7,514 euros, followed by Tuscany and Sicily. At the provincial level, Siracusa recorded the highest exposure at 8,437 euros per family. Other highly indebted areas include Massa-Carrara, Lodi, and Pistoia, while regions such as Friuli Venezia Giulia and Basilicata report lower average debt levels.

This rise in indebtedness is attributed to the erosion of purchasing power caused by inflation, as wages and pensions have remained largely stagnant. Consequently, many families, particularly within the middle class, are increasingly relying on credit to maintain living standards or cover unforeseen expenses. Additionally, the average annual percentage rate for consumer credit rose to 10.38% by July 2026.