And what do you find when poor employment opportunities, the rising cost of living, transport and property, and a reduced quality of life combine? Depopulation. Venice has become too expensive, too impractical and just too much of a tourist theme park for most residents to be able to stay.

Living in Venice is notoriously difficult due to a combination of extreme logistics, high costs, and environmental challenges. Simple daily tasks like grocery shopping or moving furniture become complex and expensive because everything must be transported by hand or by boat; there are no cars, bikes, or delivery trucks. The constant humidity and frequent Acqua Alta (flooding) cause significant structural damage to homes, requiring continuous and costly masonry repair. Economically, the "tourist monoculture" has driven up the price of basic services and rent, while essential shops like bakeries and hardware stores are being replaced by souvenir shops and high-end boutiques. Additionally, the lack of modern infrastructure, such as high-speed elevators or large-scale waste management, makes the city less accessible for an aging population. In 2026, Venice’s population has dropped below 50,000 as residents flee to the mainland for better schools, more job opportunities outside of tourism, and a lower cost of living. Living in a "museum city" means navigating thousands of tourists daily on narrow bridges, which many former residents find ultimately unsustainable for a normal, modern life.