Cost of Living in Milan, Italy
Italy · Europe
$2,600
Monthly Cost
avg/person
72
Cost Index
NYC=100
70
Rent Index
NYC=100
76
Quality of Life
Good
58
Safety Index
Moderate
1.4M
Population
EUR
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $14 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $58 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $10 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $4.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $5 |
| Cappuccino | $2 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $2.5 |
| Water (0.33L) | $1.8 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.2 |
| Bread (500g) | $1.6 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Eggs (12) | $3.2 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $8 |
| Beef (1kg) | $13 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.2 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $2 |
| Potato (1kg) | $1.1 |
| Onion (1kg) | $1 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.7 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $2.2 |
| Monthly Pass | $39 |
| Taxi 1km | $2 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.9 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $28000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $23000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $200 |
| Mobile Plan | $12 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $28 |
| Fitness Club/month | $55 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $1,700/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $1,100/mo |
| 3BR Center | $3,500/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $2,100/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $8,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $4,500/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $2200 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 3.8% |
Cost of Living in Milan — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Milan, Italy is approximately $2,600 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Milan has a cost index of 72, making it around 28% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Milan costs around $1,100/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $1,700/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $3,500/month. The rent index is 70 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Milan scores 76/100 on the quality of life index and 58/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 84/100. The climate index is 65/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Milan is approximately $2,200/month. With a purchasing power index of 70/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is EUR, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Milan
The average monthly salary in Milan is approximately $2,200. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $2,600, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 70/100.
Healthcare Costs in Milan
Healthcare quality in Milan is rated 84/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Milan
Milan has a quality of life score of 76/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Milan
Students living in Milan should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Milan
Expats moving to Milan often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Milan, Italy is approximately $2,600 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 72 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Milan
Living in Milan offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 72 and a quality of life score of 76/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $2,200 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Milan provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Italy and around the world.
Key Facts About Milan
- Average Monthly Cost: $2,600
- Cost Index: 72
- Rent Index: 70
- Average Salary: $2,200
- Quality of Life: 76/100
- Safety Score: 58/100
- Country: Italy
- Currency: EUR
Is Milan Expensive?
Milan has a cost index of 72 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Milan compare to other cities?
Milan is located in Europe with a population of approximately 1.4M. At a cost index of 72 (NYC = 100), it is a moderately affordable city, offering good value compared to most Western cities. Use the free comparison tool to see how Milan stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Milan?
The average cost of living in Milan, Italy is approximately $2,600 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 72 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Milan?
Rent in Milan varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 70 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Milan alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Milan expensive to live in?
Milan has a cost index of 72 compared to New York City (100). At 72, Milan is moderately priced and more affordable than most Western cities. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $2,600.
What is the quality of life in Milan?
Milan has a quality of life index of 76/100 and a safety index of 58/100. The city is located in Europe and offers a good quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Milan compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Milan with any city worldwide. Milan's cost index is 72 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Milan?
Many residents live comfortably in Milan with a monthly budget of around $2,600 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Milan good for expats?
Milan is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Milan?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $2,600 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Milan.
Is Milan cheaper than New York?
Yes, Milan has a cost index of 72 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Milan?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Milan.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Milan
Cheapest Ways to Live in Milan
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Milan typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $1,100/month compared to $1,700/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Milan, Italy.
Is Milan Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 70/100 and a quality of life score of 76/100, Milan is considered a highly desirable relocation destination with strong infrastructure and services. Combined with a cost index of 72 relative to New York City, Milan remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Italy has to offer against other destinations in Europe.
Milan Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Milan", "Milan monthly expenses 2026", and "is Milan affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $2,600, a safety score of 58/100, and healthcare rated 84/100, Milan offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Italy.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026