The nightlife crisis is not Gen Z's fault

During Christmas time, social media was flooded with videos of Italian students living away from home. Convinced that a bag of salad and a piece of parmesan would be enough to sustain them in the days leading up to the holidays—before returning home to their parents' stocked pantries—students documented the budget meals they endured just to avoid grocery shopping. While it’s true that university students have always struggled with everyday expenses, in recent times, the high cost of living has significantly impacted their habits, even convincing them to give up nightlife. The nightlife crisis affecting nightclubs and club culture is ultimately due to high prices: perhaps if Gen Z is the most teetotal generation ever, the reason lies in the costs of drinks and club admissions, the price of cab rides but also in the fear of going out at night in the city center. It’s much better to stay home and enjoy a relaxing herbal tea.

According to a study by Cisl Milanese and BiblioLavoro, people in Milan cut down on leisure expenses to afford essential living costs, such as bills and rent. As reported by MilanoToday, last summer, 59% of Milanese residents gave up vacations, and 58% stopped dining out to save money—an alarming statistic that not only highlights how unsustainable life has become in major Italian cities but also explains why young people no longer go out at night. Alongside the extremely high prices of clubs, drinks, and dining, new security regulations (dubbed "anti-nightlife ordinances") in cities like Milan and various coastal tourist destinations have imposed stricter control over the sale and consumption of alcohol at night. Additionally, the fear of going out at night plays a role: as seen in our report Milan, what are you afraid of?, crime rates remain one of the biggest concerns for residents of the Lombardy capital.

The nightlife crisis is also affecting other countries: according to a new study by Obsurvant, 68% of under-30s in the UK say they go out less to save money, while 53% report spending less on nights out compared to the previous year. Even in the UK report, the dominant factors behind this trend are linked to the high cost of living and street safety, with more than a third of young respondents stating they feel scared and uncomfortable when going out at night. So, while it was once believed that Gen Z avoided nightlife simply because they were obsessed with wellness and skincare, it’s becoming clear that their choices are not just about preventing wrinkles and getting beauty sleep but also about saving money and prioritizing personal safety.