Everyone likes, every now and then, to treat themselves to a good pizza accompanied by a cold drink in some trusted place. But how much does this habit weigh on the budget of Italian families? Meals in a pizzeria seem to be increasingly becoming a luxury, at least in some cities in our country.
According to a recent survey by Altroconsumowhich was based on data provided by the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy, emerges that the cost of a pizza and a drink can vary significantly from one city to anotherwith differences that leave room for some surprises.
As specified Altroconsumo:
The data refers to a consumption made in a pizzeria which includes the price of the best-selling pizza in the business analyzed, together with the price of the most consumed drink in that pizzeria; to this is added the cover charge and the service if applicable.
How much does it cost to go to a pizzeria in Italy?
The numbers speak clearly: in September 2024, the average cost of a meal in a pizzeria, including pizza, drink, cover charge and service, has risen compared to previous years.
The cost for a dinner in a pizzeria varies greatly depending on the city, with high peaks in northern locations, such as Milan, or in tourist destinations such as Venice, where a meal can cost up to 24 euros.
In these same cities, however, there is no shortage of cheaper options. In fact, Venice and Milan present the greatest price fluctuations: in Venice you spend from 10.50 to 24 euros, while in Milan the range goes from 8 to 19.50 euros. Significant differences are also found in Trento, with costs ranging between 8.70 and 18.80 euros. However, the variation in cities such as Perugia and Pescara is more limited, where the difference between the minimum and maximum is limited to around 2 euros.
What is the most expensive city? Surprisingly, it’s Sassariwith an average of 14.11 euros, followed by Bolzano (13.90 euros), Milan (13.50 euros) and Venice (13.47 euros).
On the contrary, the cheapest cities are mainly in the South: in Naples, home of pizza, you spend an average of 9.63 euros, but it is not the cheapest place ever, which instead is Livornowhere 8.67 euros can be enough.
In addition to these, other cities where people spend less than 10 euros on average include Reggio Calabria, Pescara, Bari and Catanzaro.
Prices increasing compared to the past
Eating in a pizzeria today costs around 4% more than in 2023. But the most significant increase is observed in the comparison with 2021, with an average increase of 16%. The cities with the greatest price increases in the last three years are Naples (+32%), Sassari (+31%) and Ascoli Piceno (+30%).
The price increase is not only due to an increase in pizza prices but, according to experts, also to a change in consumption habits. The choice of pizzas with more expensive ingredients or the combination with particular drinks may have contributed to increasing the average expense.
