Is Milan really expensive?

Milan is known as the most expensive city in Italy, and that's certainly true for its rental prices! According to the HousingAnywhere Rent Index, Milan is one of the most expensive cities in Europe when it comes to rental prices.



Milan is widely considered the most expensive city in Italy, but its cost is comparable to other major European hubs like Paris or London. In 2026, a mid-range traveler should budget roughly $200 to $300 per day. Housing is the primary expense, with hotels near the Duomo or in the Brera district command significant premiums. However, Milan offers several ways to save: the city's "Aperitivo" culture allows you to buy one drink (approx. €12-15) and enjoy a full buffet of food for free, effectively covering dinner. Public transit is affordable and efficient, and many of the city's most beautiful sights, like the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, are free to walk through. While high-end fashion and Michelin-starred dining can make a trip astronomical, a savvy traveler can still find "local" trattorias and affordable boutiques in neighborhoods like Navigli or Porta Venezia. Overall, Milan is expensive for "luxury" items, but the cost of basic services and food remains lower than in New York or San Francisco.

People Also Ask

The table below shows the estimated monthly cost of living in Milan and Rome for one person as of the end of 2021. Other ( local taxes, shopping, etc.) Living in Rome is 6% cheaper than living in Milan, and this is also related to the lower salaries available in the capital.

MORE DETAILS

It does not have to be expensive, but can be if you want it to be expensive. Typically I pay abot €11 for lunch in a bar and about €15 for dinner in a trattoria for dinner in the evening (both including wine). Restaurants will be more expensive.

MORE DETAILS

Con #1: Milan is an expensive city. Milan is one of the pricier cities to visit in Europe and is considered the most expensive city in Italy.

MORE DETAILS

Currently, the cost of a cup of coffee in Milan is roughly €1 for an espresso and around €1.30 for an Americano or Cappuccino. If you like getting free refills back home, you can forget about that, they don't do that here. Cigarettes in Milan work out to about €5.20 on average, which is comparable with the US.

MORE DETAILS

Along with some great free things to do in Milan, the stylish city has cost-saving options for accommodation, food, and drinks. So while Milan can be expensive if you want to go high-end, it can also be surprisingly cheap to explore.

MORE DETAILS

Milan's signature dish Surrounded by rice fields, it's no wonder that Milan's most iconic dish is risotto alla Milanese. This quintessential dish consists of creamy, golden, slow-cooked rice prepared with white rice, butter, onions, beef marrow, and a healthy dose of Parmigiano cheese.

MORE DETAILS

When it comes to deciding which city is better in the case of Florence and Milan, it really depends on what you are looking for. Florence is known for its art and history, while Milan is Italy's business hub. Both Florence and Milan are among the best cities in Italy and living in each comes with its pros and cons.

MORE DETAILS

Food in Italy can be affordable and you can eat exceptionally well on only a small budget, but like elsewhere, prices can vary by region. For instance, it's much cheaper to eat out in Sicily than it is dine at an equivalent restaurant in Venice.

MORE DETAILS