City Profile
Tursi, Basilicata
Italy · Comprehensive city data and intelligence
Tursi is a historically rich town and comune in the province of Matera, nestled within the Basilicata region of southern Italy. Renowned for its ancient Moorish-origin quarter known as the Rabatana, the town clings dramatically to a steep clay ridge overlooking the Agri river valley. People are drawn to Tursi for its authentic southern Italian charm, slow-paced Mediterranean lifestyle, and deep historical roots that date back centuries. Surrounded by rolling hills, citrus groves, and olive orchards, it offers a peaceful sanctuary away from industrialized urban centers.
Basilicata, a largely mountainous and sparsely populated region in Southern Italy, is known for its rugged natural beauty, ancient traditions, and a slower-paced lifestyle. The economy is primarily agricultural, focusing on wheat, olives, and wine, with a growing emphasis on tourism, particularly around Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site. While the climate varies from Mediterranean on the coasts to moderately continental in inland hilly and mountainous areas, residents experience all four seasons. The cost of living in Basilicata is generally lower than the Italian average, with affordable housing options, especially outside of major tourist hubs.
How this 65/100 was calculated five components, with every reading behind them
| Component | Readings used | Points | Weight | Contributes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Safety score: 88 / 100 | 88.0 | 30% | 26.4 |
| Affordability | Cost of living index (100 = national baseline): 62.0 | 91.3 | 25% | 22.8 |
| Economy & jobs | Median household income: $26,500 Income needed to live here: $20,000 Unemployment rate: 11.2% | 32.8 | 20% | 6.6 |
| Growth | Population growth rate: no usable reading Job growth rate: 0.4% | 28.0 | 15% | 4.2 |
| Business climate assessment | Business climate assessment: 52 / 100 | 52.0 | 10% | 5.2 |
| Overall score | 65.2 | |||
Provenance.
These figures were produced by the research pass recorded as
Tier 2 (reasoned) (q=54, 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 Tursi is significantly lower than both the national Italian average and major European hubs, making it an attractive destination for retirees and remote workers. Everyday expenses such as locally grown produce, wine, dining out, and basic services are remarkably affordable. While imported goods and utilities can match broader national pricing trends, the low cost of housing heavily reduces overall monthly living expenses.
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Tursi's local economy is largely driven by traditional agriculture, particularly the cultivation of citrus fruits like the famous local oranges, as well as olive oil production and viticulture. Tourism plays a growing role as travelers discover the architectural and cultural heritage of the Rabatana and nearby landscapes. However, high-paying corporate jobs are scarce locally, leading many younger residents to commute to nearby urban centers like Matera or Potenza, or engage in remote work.
The average salary in Tursi is $24,000 per year. You would need approximately $20,000 to live comfortably.
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Getting around Tursi heavily relies on personal automobiles due to the rugged topography and rural setting of the surrounding Basilicata region. While the town core is walkable with narrow historic stairways and pathways, public transit connections to regional hubs are limited. Driving provides the easiest access to neighboring towns, regional beaches along the Ionian Sea, and major highways.
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