The quest for economic efficiency has become a daily pastime for many Italians. The obligation of finding ways to save on pensions has pushed many people to face changes in city or region. This decision may seem like an easy step towards better quality of life, but reality is much more complex.

Among the moves, various reasons can be noticed. 25% of Italians seek a better quality of life, while 23% want cheaper locations. The photo comes from the new survey by the Sara Assicurazioni Observatory (the CAWI Nextplora survey distributed on October 22, 2026).

Only 17 percent of those surveyed by Sara Assicurazioni say they are currently keeping up with changes regarding pensions, while 33 percent attribute it to institutions. In summary, 25 percent of Italians would move to another city or region for better quality of life, while 23 percent would do so because living costs were more affordable. The survey only measures internal moves within the country. Those leaving their hometowns to make ends meet count most on lower living costs, as IRPEF deductions change only due to additional regional and local taxes.

Among the tools available for integrating retirement, only funds from pensions and PIP allow deductions of contributions from income until €5,300 per year starting from 2026 (Article 8, point 4, of Law No. 252/2005). A flat tax of 7% on foreign pensions is reserved for those who move their residence to small towns in the South or hit by earthquakes, provided they have not lived permanently in Italy during the preceding five years. For those receiving a pension from INPS, a lighter deduction requires transferring residency abroad, to one of the countries where taxes are lower, with different rules for public and private pensions set by conventions against double taxation.

In conclusion, while optimizing economic efficiency may seem like a logical choice, reality is much more complex.

The change of city or region for saving on pensions can be motivated by a desire to improve quality of life or by reducing costs. This photo comes from the new survey of the Sara Assicurazioni Observatory, but the final decision depends on many different factors.