City Profile
Modena, Emilia-Romagna
Italy · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Modena is a prosperous city located in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, renowned worldwide as the capital of the Italian automotive industry. Home to legendary luxury car manufacturers like Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini nearby, the city effortlessly blends high-octane engineering heritage with a rich cultural and culinary tradition. The historic center features the UNESCO World Heritage site comprising the Cathedral, the Torre Civica, and Piazza Grande, representing Romanesque architecture at its finest. People are drawn to Modena for its exceptional quality of life, robust local economy, and slower, more balanced pace compared to Italy's bustling mega-cities like Milan or Rome.
Emilia-Romagna is a prosperous northern Italian region known for its high quality of life, rich cultural heritage, and significant contributions to Italian gastronomy and industry. The economy is robust and diverse, driven by strong manufacturing sectors like automotive (home to Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati), mechanical engineering, and ceramics, alongside a thriving agricultural and food industry famous for products such as Parmigiano Reggiano and balsamic vinegar. Living in Emilia-Romagna generally offers a comfortable, unhurried lifestyle with a strong emphasis on food and cultural pursuits. The cost of living is slightly higher than the Italian average, with Bologna being one of the more expensive cities, but overall living expenses are considered reasonable, especially when purchasing food directly from producers. The climate is semi-continental, featuring cold, humid winters and hot, sultry summers, particularly in the central-western areas, while coastal regions experience more temperate seasons.
How this 67/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 75 / 100 | 75.0 | 30% | 22.5 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 78.0 | 71.3 | 25% | 17.8 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $36,000 Income needed to live here: $28,000 Unemployment rate: 4.8% | 62.9 | 20% | 12.6 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: 0.5% Job growth rate: 1.5% | 43.8 | 15% | 6.6 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 76 / 100 | 76.0 | 10% | 7.6 |
| Overall score | 67.0 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 1 (fast) (q=52, partial — below threshold), last refreshed
16 October 2026.
They are researched estimates drawn from public sources, not a licensed data feed.
Each component is scored against fixed published endpoints, so this number is comparable with any other city and does not move as the dataset grows. Scoring framework 2026.10 — full methodology, weights and accepted ranges.
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Cost of Living
The cost of living in Modena is slightly higher than the southern Italian average but remains reasonable compared to major northern hubs like Milan or Bologna. Housing and utility costs are moderate, though central historic properties command a premium due to high demand and limited inventory. Everyday expenses such as dining out, fresh local produce, and public services reflect a stable northern Italian pricing structure supported by strong local purchasing power.
Income
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Modena's economy is exceptionally dynamic, anchored by the 'Motor Valley' manufacturing complex, advanced mechanical engineering, and world-class agrifood production such as Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena and Parmigiano Reggiano. The region boasts low unemployment rates relative to the national average, driven by a dense network of innovative small and medium enterprises. Skilled professionals in engineering, software development, logistics, and international trade find robust employment opportunities here.
The average salary in Modena is $34,000 per year. You would need approximately $28,000 to live comfortably.
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Modena features a well-integrated public transportation network consisting of urban bus lines operated by SETA, alongside a major railway station connecting directly to Bologna, Milan, and Florence. The city's flat topography and dedicated bike lanes encourage active transit, making cycling a primary mode of daily commuting for many residents. For motorists, the A1 and A22 autostrade provide swift access to the rest of Italy and central Europe, though rush-hour traffic on ring roads can experience congestion.
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