Elevation
[?]
Elevation of a city refers to the height above sea level at which the city is located, measured in meters.
60
Population
[?]
This is a town's official population, measured each year by the national statistics authority.
390100
Real Population (5km)
[?]
Our "Real Population" metric reflects more accurately a town's real size by including inhabitants in the immediate vicinity of the town's official borders.
550100
Air Quality Rating
[?]
Based on PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, and ozone levels. Higher scores indicate cleaner air.
92
Region
Emilia-Romagna
Walkability
Walker’s Paradise
Housing availability
[?]
Based on total number of properties (sale and rent) classifies housing availability into five categories: low, relativel ylow, medium, relatively high and high.
High
Avg Download Speed (Mbps) / Avg Upload Speed (Mbps)
253
/ 144
Climate Description
Temperate climate with mild winters, warm summers, balanced rainfall, and significant sunshine.
Bologna
Emilia-Romagna
Historic city known for medieval architecture, culinary heritage, walkability, and quality healthcare.
Summary
Bologna, the vibrant capital of Emilia-Romagna, is an ideal choice for expats and retirees seeking a blend of rich history and modern conveniences. Renowned for its medieval architecture, the city boasts numerous attractions such as the iconic Piazza Maggiore and the Two Towers. Bologna’s culinary heritage is a highlight; it’s the birthplace of famed dishes like tagliatelle al ragù and offers an abundance of local markets and trattorias, enhancing the gastronomic experience.
Situated just a short drive from Bologna Airport, the city is well-connected yet provides a walkable urban environment, earning a perfect walk score. The quality of healthcare is notably high, promising peace of mind for residents. However, while the city’s cultural vibrancy is undeniable, expats may find the local dialect and bureaucracy challenging at times. Overall, Bologna offers a refined lifestyle with its rich culture and high living standards, balanced by the realities of urban life.
✅ Pros
– High-quality healthcare services readily available to residents.
– Excellent air quality for a healthier living environment.
– Low unemployment rate offers job opportunities for residents.
– Rich cultural and historical heritage to explore.
– Convenient transportation options for easy commuting and travel.
– Vibrant community with numerous integration opportunities for expats.
– Mild climate with enjoyable seasons throughout the year.
– Well-ranked educational facilities catering to all ages.
– Moderate tourism provides a relaxed atmosphere year-round.
– Strong internet connectivity for remote work and communication.
❌ Cons
– High living costs can strain expat budgets significantly.
– Traffic congestion may hinder smooth commuting at peak times.
– Limited nightlife options might disappoint those seeking vibrant evenings.
– Language barrier can complicate daily interactions and services.
– Occasional bureaucratic challenges can frustrate residency processes.
– The occasional heatwave can make summer uncomfortable indoors.
– Winter can be damp, with less sunshine than desired.
– Fewer international flights from Bologna airport than larger cities.
– Seasonal flooding may affect certain areas during heavy rains.
– Some may find the city less picturesque than other locations.
Bologna Demographics
Population
[?]
This is a town's official population, measured each year by the national statistics authority.
390100
Real Population (5km band)
[?]
Our "Real Population" metric reflects more accurately a town's real size by including inhabitants in the immediate vicinity of the town's official borders.
550100
Births Per 100 Deaths
60.0
Population Data Source
ISTAT,2023
Estimated Unemployment Rate
Touristy Index
[?]
Calculation of tourist density index for the city, comparing its total tourist number to the overall average tourist number of the region
relative to its own population.The index indicates how a location’s tourist density compares to the average, with values above
100 representing higher-than-average density and values below 100 representing lower-than-average density.
Some Tourism
Income per capita (2023)
[?]
This is an estimation of average income per resident for this town, based on 2023 data from the Italian Ministry of Finance.
26600
Income rank in Italy (2023)
[?]
This is a ranking of the town's average income per resident, against the full list of townships in Italy.
102 out of 7901
Infrastructure and Connectivity
Closest Airport
Name
Guglielmo Marconi (Bologna)
Connectivity Score
[?]
Measures travel time and service quality of nearby airport stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.
7
Driving Time
13min(s)
Guglielmo Marconi Airport, located in Bologna, Italy, approximately 6 km from the city centre, serves as a vital transport hub in the Emilia-Romagna region. With nearly 10 million passengers in 2023, it ranks among Italy’s busier airports, connecting travellers to over 100 destinations, including major cities like Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Dubai. Key routes facilitated by airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air include domestic flights to Catania and international connections to Tirana and Madrid, with the longest direct route being to Dubai. The airport’s connectivity is enhanced by a monorail to Bologna Central Station, making it easily accessible for both domestic and international travellers.
2nd Closest Airport
Name
Reggio Emilia Airport (Reggio nell'Emilia)
Connectivity Score
[?]
Measures travel time and service quality of nearby airport stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.
1
Driving Time
41min(s)
Reggio Emilia Airport (Aeroporto di Reggio Emilia) primarily serves general aviation and doesn’t handle regular commercial passenger flights. Travellers to the region typically use nearby larger airports such as Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, Milan Linate, and Parma Airport for international travel. The airport does not have significant passenger volume or notable airline hubs and destinations.
3rd Closest Airport
Name
Amerigo Vespucci (Florence)
Connectivity Score
[?]
Measures travel time and service quality of nearby airport stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.
6
Driving Time
52min(s)
Amerigo Vespucci Airport, also known as Florence Airport, is situated near Florence, Italy, serving as an essential international gateway in the Tuscany region. It handles over 3 million passengers annually, offering connectivity to a variety of European destinations such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, and more, with seasonal routes to cities like Lyon and Olbia. As a focus city for airlines such as Vueling and Volotea, the airport is well connected through a light-rail link and buses to central Florence, making it accessible for travellers exploring the vibrant city and its surroundings.
Closest Rail
Name
Stazione di Bologna San Vitale
Connectivity Score
[?]
Measures travel time and service quality of nearby rail stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.
7
Driving Time
14min(s)
Train service at Stazione di Bologna San Vitale operates on two main rail lines: Bologna–Ancona and Bologna–Florence (Direttissima). Key destinations connected by direct trains include Bologna Centrale, Ancona, and Florence. The primary train operator is Trenitalia, with services also managed by TPER. The frequency of departures is relatively high, with approximately 58 trains per day, translating to departures roughly every 30 minutes during peak times. The station offers both high-speed and regional train services, providing a mix that caters to various travel needs.
2nd Closest Rail
Name
Connectivity Score
[?]
Measures travel time and service quality of nearby rail stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.
Driving Time
3rd Closest Rail
Name
Connectivity Score
[?]
Measures travel time and service quality of nearby rail stations. Higher scores mean better transport access.
Driving Time
Infrastructure & Amenities
Within 10km
Auto Repair Shops
310
Bars
123
Cafes
125
Cinemas
113
Dentists
92
Golf Courses
3
Gyms
87
Health Clinics
81
Hiking Trails
85
Historical Sites
123
Libraries
56
Museums
101
Parks
77
Pharmacies
26
Restaurants
271
Shopping Centres
253
Supermarkets
208
Spas
142
Beach
Name
Bilancino - Sieve
Driving Distance
56mins
Water Quality Rating
1 - Excellent
Mountain Resort
Name
Piane di Mocogno
Driving Distance
89mins
Healthcare
Healthcare Score
[?]
Evaluates hospital/clinic access, drive time to care, and regional quality rankings. Higher scores mean better healthcare.
89
Nearest Hospital Name
Maggiore C.A. Pizzardi
Drive Time to Nearest Hospital
6 minutes
Hospitals and Clinics Within 10km
118
Local Public Healthcare Provider
AZIENDA USL BOLOGNA
Healthcare Quality Description
In this area of Emilia Romagna, the local healthcare system ranks highly across Italy for overall performance. Local hospital care demonstrates notable efficiency, and heart attack treatments show expeditious responses. While care for bone fractures and cardiac readmissions is commendable, minimally invasive surgery for breast cancer suggests room for potential improvement. The efficiency in postoperative recovery times appears satisfactory. Individuals considering a move to this region can anticipate a healthcare system with a generally high standard of care, particularly in acute cardiac events.
Safety
Seismic Zone (risk of earthquakes)
[?]
Official seismic zones classify areas based on earthquake risk.
Moderate to Low Earthquake Risk
Road Accidents Rate per 10k Inhabitants
[?]
Calculation of road accidents per 10,000 people based on the number of deaths and injuries registered in roads for year 2022 for the city.
27
Percentage of Population at Landslide Risk
[?] Percentage of the population in high or moderate landslide risk zones. Higher values indicate greater environmental risk.
0
Percentage of Population at Flood Risk
[?] Percentage of the population in high or moderate flood risk zones. Higher values indicate greater environmental risk.
44
Car Insurance Price Index
[?]
The car insurance price index is a measure of how a city's average car insurance premium compares to the national average,
expressed as a percentage. A value of 100 indicates that the city's premium is equal to the national average.
Values above 100 show higher premiums, while values below 100 show lower premiums.
113.724
Housing & Property Market
Housing availability
[?]
Based on total number of properties (sale and rent) classifies housing availability into five categories: low, relativel ylow, medium, relatively high and high.
High
Property Prices per m²
[?]
Calculation of property sale prices per square meter for apartments, houses in the city.
Median (50th Percentile): The midpoint price, where half the values are above and half below.
First Quartile (25th Percentile): The price below which 25% of properties fall.
Third Quartile (75th Percentile): The price below which 75% of properties fall.
First Quartile
3014
Median
3667
Third Quartile
4322
Connectivity & Digital Access
Walkability Description
Walker's Paradise
Education
Avg Schools Ranking (All Criteria)
[?]
This ranking shows in which decile the town's public schools fall while looking at all the indicators provided by the Italian Ministry of Education for the most recent available year. Note that figures are only provided by the ministry at the school catchment area level, and therefore several schools may be grouped together.
Bottom 50%
Avg Schools Ranking (Standardised Tests)
[?]
This ranking shows in which decile the town's public schools fall while looking the students' results in national standardised tests. The data is provided by the Italian Ministry of Education for the most recent available year.
Top 50%
Counts of School
Climate & Weather
Precipitation
[?]
Based on daily climate data for precipitation from OPEN-METEO this parameter indicates how a city's annual precipitation compares to others
in terms of percentage, with values ranging from 0 (lowest) to 1 (highest). For example, a percentile rank of 0.75 means the city's
total precipitation is higher than 75% of other cities.
Somewhat Low (21st-30th percentile)
Sunshine
Somewhat High (61st-70th percentile)
Snowfall
Somewhat High (61st-70th percentile)
Climate Description
Bologna boasts a temperate climate that oscillates between mild winters and warm summers. The city experiences significant sunshine, ensuring pleasant days throughout much of the year. Winters see light snowfall, subtly blanketing the historical architecture and cobblestone streets. Rainfall is fairly distributed across the seasons, maintaining a lush and vibrant landscape without overwhelming wet periods. Summer peaks are warm but not excessively hot, making outdoor activities and alfresco dining highly enjoyable. Overall, Bologna’s climate offers a balanced environment, suitable for expats and retirees seeking a comfortable and inviting Italian locale.
Annual Temperature Chart (Min)
Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.
Annual Temperature Chart (Max)
Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.
Sunny Days By Month
Climate data provided by Open Meteo, based on 2010–2022 averages.
Environmental & Air Quality
Classifications
PM10
[?]
PM10 levels indicate Good air quality at 0–20 µg/m³, Fair at 20–40 µg/m³, Moderate at 40–50 µg/m³, Poor at 50–100 µg/m³, Very Poor at 100–150 µg/m³, and Extremely Poor at 150–1200 µg/m³.
Good
PM2.5
[?]
PM2.5 is Good if PM2.5 levels are between 0–10 µg/m³, Fair between 10–20 µg/m³, Moderate between 20–25 µg/m³, Poor between 25–50 µg/m³, Very Poor between 50–75 µg/m³, and Extremely Poor between 75–800 µg/m³.
Fair
NO2
[?]
NO₂ levels are considered Good at 0–40 µg/m³, Fair at 40–90 µg/m³, Moderate at 90–120 µg/m³, Poor at 120–230 µg/m³, Very Poor at 230–340 µg/m³, and Extremely Poor at 340–1000 µg/m³.
Good
SO2
[?]
SO₂ levels indicate Good air quality at 0–100 µg/m³, Fair at 100–200 µg/m³, Moderate at 200–350 µg/m³, Poor at 350–500 µg/m³, Very Poor at 500–750 µg/m³, and Extremely Poor at 750–1250 µg/m³.
Good
O₃
[?]
For O₃, the air is Good at 0–50 µg/m³, Fair at 50–100 µg/m³, Moderate at 100–130 µg/m³, Poor at 130–240 µg/m³, Very Poor at 240–380 µg/m³, and Extremely Poor at 380–800 µg/m³.
Fair
Air Quality Rating
[?]
Based on PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, and ozone levels. Higher scores indicate cleaner air.
92
Air Quality Description
Bologna, Italy, presents a generally satisfying air quality environment that aligns well with the living needs of expatriates and retirees. The concentrations of particulate matter and gases including nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide remain mostly within acceptable levels, reflecting proactive environmental governance. While particulate matter indicates a mixed rating, implying variability, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide levels consistently demonstrate a positive profile. Ozone levels, though within moderate ranges, suggest occasional spikes typical in urban landscapes. This air quality mix supports an agreeable daily lifestyle but warrants sensible precautions during high ozone episodes for sensitive individuals.
Bologna, Italy, presents a generally satisfying air quality environment that aligns well with the living needs of expatriates and retirees. The concentrations of particulate matter and gases including nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide remain mostly within acceptable levels, reflecting proactive environmental governance. While particulate matter indicates a mixed rating, implying variability, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide levels consistently demonstrate a positive profile. Ozone levels, though within moderate ranges, suggest occasional spikes typical in urban landscapes. This air quality mix supports an agreeable daily lifestyle but warrants sensible precautions during high ozone episodes for sensitive individuals.
Town Descriptions
Getting There
Bologna boasts strong connectivity with Guglielmo Marconi Airport just 13 minutes away and Reggio Emilia Airport 41 minutes distant. The town benefits from significant rail connections, bolstered by major roadways including the A14 and E45, enhancing access to regional and national destinations.
Getting Around
Local Cuisine
Bologna, often referred to as “La Grassa” (the fat one), boasts a rich culinary heritage characterized by hearty, flavorful dishes. Traditional meals include tortellini served in broth, tagliatelle al ragù, and lasagna, with an emphasis on high-quality local ingredients. The city also features unique dishes such as crescentine (fried pasta filled with mortadella), balanzoni (green pasta with ricotta), and pasti dessert options like torta di riso. The dining scene exhibits a blend of traditional and international influences, with several restaurants offering modern interpretations of classic recipes. Notably, Bologna is home to six Michelin-starred establishments, including Osteria Francescana and Trattoria dal Faraone. International cuisine is emerging, highlighted by establishments like Botanica Lab focusing on plant-based dishes. Overall, Bologna offers a diverse range of culinary experiences, appealing to both traditionalists and contemporary diners.
Shopping Overview
Shopping options in the city encompass a diverse range of categories. Supermarkets and local grocers provide essential food items, while characteristic markets offer fresh produce and artisanal goods. The area features high-end malls with designer brands, alongside boutique shops selling unique, handcrafted items. Popular shopping streets are lined with a combination of vintage stores and contemporary brands, creating a vibrant shopping atmosphere. These varied shopping venues cater to the needs of both expats and retirees alike.
Neighborhoods
Green Areas and Parks
Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, offers diverse outdoor spaces and activities for residents and visitors. The Giardini Margherita, spanning 26 hectares, is the city’s largest and most frequented park. Other notable parks include Montagnola, Cavaticcio, and Villa Angeletti. For hiking enthusiasts, the Via degli Dei trail provides a scenic route from Bologna to Florence. Gessi Park and San Michele in Bosco Park offer additional recreational options. These areas highlight Bologna’s commitment to maintaining green, accessible public spaces, fostering a connection with nature for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
✅ Pros
– High-quality healthcare services readily available to residents.
– Excellent air quality for a healthier living environment.
– Low unemployment rate offers job opportunities for residents.
– Rich cultural and historical heritage to explore.
– Convenient transportation options for easy commuting and travel.
– Vibrant community with numerous integration opportunities for expats.
– Mild climate with enjoyable seasons throughout the year.
– Well-ranked educational facilities catering to all ages.
– Moderate tourism provides a relaxed atmosphere year-round.
– Strong internet connectivity for remote work and communication.
❌ Cons
– High living costs can strain expat budgets significantly.
– Traffic congestion may hinder smooth commuting at peak times.
– Limited nightlife options might disappoint those seeking vibrant evenings.
– Language barrier can complicate daily interactions and services.
– Occasional bureaucratic challenges can frustrate residency processes.
– The occasional heatwave can make summer uncomfortable indoors.
– Winter can be damp, with less sunshine than desired.
– Fewer international flights from Bologna airport than larger cities.
– Seasonal flooding may affect certain areas during heavy rains.
– Some may find the city less picturesque than other locations.
FAQs
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