From Rent to Groceries: Milan Cost of Living
Milan, Italy’s fashion capital and a global hub for business and culture, offers a vibrant lifestyle with a blend of modernity and tradition. As one of the most popular cities in Europe, it attracts people from all over the world, seeking both career opportunities and a cultural experience. However, while Milan provides numerous advantages—from its dynamic economy to its cultural offerings – anyone considering a move to the city should carefully evaluate the cost of living. This article takes a closer look at the costs associated with living in Milan, from housing and utilities to transportation and entertainment, while also comparing these costs to other cities both in Italy and around the world.
Housing
Housing is typically the most significant expense in any city, and Milan is no exception. In Milan, as in other cities in the world, rental prices vary significantly depending on the neighborhood and the size of the apartment. For instance, studio flats in the city center can range from €1,400 in high-demand areas like Brera and San Babila to more affordable options such as €900 in Cadorna and €500 in Quartiere Torretta. More budget-friendly neighborhoods like Ponte Lambro offer prices starting from around €400.
In the case of larger apartments, such as a two-room unit, rents average around €900 per month, while three-room apartments typically cost around €1,200. However, the price can vary even more in different areas. For example, an 80-square-meter apartment might cost €800 in Quarto Oggiaro, but in the upscale Porta Nuova or San Babila areas, you could be looking at rents of €4,000 and €4,500, respectively.
For those looking to save on housing costs, living outside the city and commuting is a viable option. Suburban areas and neighboring towns offer much lower rents. For example, a two-bedroom apartment in Vigevano, an hour away by train, costs around €300 per month, compared to €900-€1,200 for a similar apartment in Milan.
For those considering purchasing property, Milan’s housing market is competitive with high prices, especially in the city center, where the average cost is around €10,000 per square meter. When considering all neighborhoods, the average price drops to aruond €6,000 per square meter. If you're open to living in nearby towns, like Monza, the cost becomes much more affordable at around €2,500 per square meter.
Compared to other major Italian cities, Milan's housing prices are notably higher. In Rome, the average price per square meter is around €5,200 in the city center, significantly lower than Milan. Naples and Turin are even more affordable, with average prices around €2,500 and €3,000 per square meter, respectively.
On a European level, Milan's prices are still relatively high, but not the highest in the continent. In cities like London and Zurich, housing costs can be even steeper, with London averaging around €13,000 per square meter and Zurich around €13 ,500. Paris and Berlin offer a more varied market, with Paris city center prices averaging €10,000 per square meter, while Berlin offers more affordable options at approximately €4,500 per square meter.
Finally, when compared to New York, Milan's prices are considerably lower. New York City, particularly Manhattan, sees average prices of around €13,000 per square meter, making Milan a more affordable option for those seeking to live in a major global city.
Utilities
Utilities are generally on par with other major European cities. Expect to pay around €150-€200 per month for electricity, gas, water, and internet for a typical apartment. However, it's essential to research specific providers and plans to find the most cost-effective options for your needs.
Groceries
According to a href="https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Numbeo data, the prices of groceries in Milan tend to be higher than in other Italian cities.
For example, grocery prices in Milan are on average 25.6% higher than in Naples, 20.1% higher than in Rome, 11.9% higher than in Turin, and 19.8% higher than in Palermo.
Looking at specific items, in Milan, for instance, the price for a loaf of fresh white bread (500g) is €2.55, whereas it costs €2.43 in Rome and €1.43 in Naples. Items like local cheese and meat also show a price premium in Milan compared to these Italian cities. Chicken fillets, for example, are priced at €11.29 per kg in Milan, while in Rome, they costs €10.23 and in Naples €8.31. Surprisingly enough milk is more expensive in Naples (€1.72) than in Milan (€1.58).
Milan’s grocery prices are also on the higher side compared with some European cities, but they strike a balance, offering more affordable options than cities like Paris and some other major European hubs. For example, grocery prices in Milan are higher than in cities like Madrid (35.7%) and Berlin (13.0%), but slightly more affordable than in Paris (13.1%). Compared to London, Milan's grocery costs are almost the same, being just 0.1% higher.
Transportation
Milan offers a comprehensive public transportation system, including the metro, buses, and trams. The standard monthly pass is priced at €39, providing unlimited travel within the urban area. For residents under 27 years old, a discounted monthly pass is available for €22. Seniors aged 65 and above can opt for a monthly pass at €32.50, or an off-peak senior monthly pass at €16. An annual pass for the general public costs €330, while the discounted annual pass for those under 27 is €200.
In comparison, Rome's public transportation system offers a monthly personal pass for €35, while Naples provides a monthly pass for €42, Turin for €39 and Genoa for €46. This makes Milan's public transport system a relatively cost-effective choice, falling between the more affordable €35 pass in Rome and the more expensive options in Naples and Genoa.
Looking beyond Italy, Milan's monthly pass is more affordable than those in major European cities. In London, a monthly Travelcard for zones 1-2 costs approximately £164 (€190), and in Paris, the Navigo monthly pass is €88.80. New York City offers a monthly MetroCard for $127 (€115). These figures highlight Milan's public transportation as more budget-friendly compared to these global cities.
Limited Traffic Zone - Area C
For those who prefer to drive, parking and driving in Milan can be quite costly, especially in the city center. Area C, the city's congestion charge zone, requires drivers to pay a fee of €7.5 to enter during weekdays, from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM. In addition to the congestion charge, parking in the city center can be expensive, with rates ranging from €2 to €4 per hour in public parking areas. Private parking garages tend to charge higher rates, especially in busy or tourist-heavy areas. As a result, many residents and visitors opt for public transportation or alternative modes of transport, such as bicycles or electric scooters, to navigate Milan efficiently and cost-effectively.
Healthcare
The cost of healthcare in Milan is similar to other Italian cities, as Italy has a universal healthcare system, meaning residents across the country are entitled to the same benefits. The system is funded through taxes, ensuring that all residents have access to affordable medical care, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. The public healthcare system provides comprehensive coverage, and many Italians rely on it for most of their medical needs.
However, some individuals choose to supplement this with private healthcare for faster access to specialists or more personalized care. The cost of private healthcare in Milan can vary depending on the provider and the specific services required. Private insurance can also help cover additional expenses that the public system may not fully cover, such as certain elective procedures or quicker treatment times.
Overall, Italy's healthcare system offers residents the security of access to necessary medical services at a relatively low cost, making it one of the more accessible and comprehensive healthcare systems in Europe.
Entertainment and Leisure
Milan offers a wide array of entertainment and leisure activities, from world-class museums and theaters to trendy bars and restaurants. You can expect to spend around €500 per month on entertainment and leisure, depending on your lifestyle.
Additional Costs
In addition to the expenses mentioned above, there are a few other costs to consider when living in Milan:
Local taxes: Milan, like other Italian cities, has local taxes that residents are required to pay. These taxes contribute to funding local services such as garbage collection and public transportation. Expect to pay approximately €500 per month for local taxes, shopping, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Shopping: Milan is a fashion hub, renowned for its high-end boutiques and designer stores. While it can be tempting to indulge in some retail therapy, shopping in the city can be expensive. It's essential to budget accordingly and prioritize your spending to avoid overspending.
Cost of Living Comparison - According to Mercer Cost of Living Index 2024
According to the Mercer Cost of Living Index 2024 , Milan ranks 44th globally, reflecting its status as one of the more expensive cities to live in. This ranking places Milan in the higher cost-of-living tier, yet it is not among the absolute priciest cities in the world.
When comparing Milan to other major Italian cities, it stands out as the most expensive. Rome, Italy’s capital, ranks 56th, followed by Naples and Turin at 97th and 106th, respectively. These rankings highlight Milan’s position as a higher-cost city in Italy, with Rome falling 12 positions lower and Naples and Turin significantly further down the list.
In comparison to other European cities, Milan holds a moderate position. While cities like Zurich (3rd globally), Geneva (4th globally), and London (8th) top the list as the most expensive, Milan is also more affordable than cities like Paris (29th), Amsterdam (30th) and Berlin (31th). This places Milan in the middle of the pack in Europe, offering a balance between high living standards and costs.