The “obligatory” expenses of Italian families in 2023
Article Key Points
Italian families faced a significant economic commitment in 2023, incurring “obligatory” expenses for a monthly total of 1.191 euros, equal to 56% of their total income. This figure represents a slight decrease compared to the previous year, but remains higher than pre-pandemic levels. According to the CGIA Research Office, this phenomenon is the result of the crises caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the energy price increases of the three-year period 2020-2022, which contributed to increasing inflation and eroding the purchasing power of wages.
Details on mandatory expenses
The breakdown of expenses reveals that 526 euros are allocated to the purchase of food and non-alcoholic beverages, while 374 euros are used for home maintenance, bills and condominium fees. Finally, 291 euros are dedicated to transportation. These figures represent the significant impact of fixed expenses on the family budget, concentrating purchases on essential goods and services for living and working.
Geographical differences and future prospects
Analyzing the situation by geographic area, clear differences emerge between the regions of Northern and Southern Italy. In the Northwest, the average monthly expenditure reached 2.337 euros, while in the South it was 1.758 euros. This disparity highlights how compulsory expenses continue to represent a preponderant part of total family expenses.
As the holiday season approaches, spending on gifts is expected to be impacted. In 2022, Italians spent around 11 billion euros on Christmas gifts, but this year forecasts indicate a possible contraction, with spending estimated at around 10 billion, marking a 9% decline. These data suggest greater caution in consumption, in an economic context still characterized by uncertainty.
Article published on November 29, 2024 - 10:30
The article about the mandatory expenses of Italian families in 2023 is interesting, but I think the numbers are a bit alarming. It is important to consider how families can adapt to these changes and if there is help from the government.