The prestigious English institute Institute for Quality of Life released this Wednesday (8) the results of Happy City Index 2026The report, which assesses indicators such as the economy, environment, governance, and mobility, revealed a worrying scenario for Italian metropolises: none of them achieved the "gold medal." (reserved for the top 50 in the world).
The Italian leaders: the triumph of Emilia-Romagna
For the second consecutive year, the Emilia-Romagna region dominates the top of the Italian list. Bologna It appears in 73rd place in the global ranking, being celebrated for its culture and administration. Right behind it, Parma It secured the 77th position, standing out for the resilience and quality of its urban services.
The decline of Rome and the surprise of Milan.
The report's main concern is... RomeThe Italian capital plummeted to 144th position, losing almost 30 places compared to the previous year. Chronic problems with mobility and waste management seem to have weighed on the perception of well-being.
Yes, Milan Despite being among the most polluted and congested cities in Europe, it managed to hold back... 80th position, driven by job opportunities and economic dynamism.
New entries and southern Italy
The 2026 edition brought Verona (146th) as a new and promising entry. In the South, Messina (158th) e Bari (164th) surpassed larger cities such Napleswhich fell to the 202th position, facing severe structural difficulties. The Italian ranking ends with Salerno (208th).
Happiness Scoreboard: Italian Cities in 2026
| City | Global position | Status |
| Bologna | 73 º | 1st in Italy |
| Parma | 77 º | High quality of life |
| Milan | 80 º | Economic leader |
| Rome | 144 º | Sharp fall |
| Verona | 146 º | Newcomer to the ranking |
| Naples | 202 º | In a positional crisis |
Where do Brazil and Portugal fit into the list?
To get a real sense of Italian performance, it's worth looking at the performance of other cities that are favorites among Brazilians. Happy City Index 2026 It brought some interesting surprises:
The example of Barcelona: In the Mediterranean, the one who teaches urban happiness is... BarcelonaThe Spanish city nailed it. 12th position worldwide, showing how to reconcile mass tourism with a very high quality of life for residents.
The São Paulo phenomenon: surprisingly, Sao Paulo (61rd) It appears better ranked than any Italian city, including the leader Bologna (73rd). The capital of São Paulo secured a prominent position, ahead of Curitiba (197th) and Belo Horizonte (219th).
The "Maia" of Portugal: If you think Lisbon or Porto are the most popular destinations for the Portuguese, you're mistaken. The city of Maia (69th), in the Porto region, is the highest-ranked in Portugal, also surpassing all representatives from Italy.
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