- Complete guide to the cost of living in 2025
- How much does it cost to live in Milan? Rental accommodation
- How much does it cost to live in Milan? Buying a house
- How much does it cost to live in Milan? Utilities and expenses
- How much does it cost to live in Milan? Entertainment and free time
- Final considerations and useful tips
- FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Complete guide to the cost of living in 2025
Milan is one of the most dynamic and expensive cities in Italy, an international economic, cultural and university centre.
And how much does it cost to live in Milan? This is a fundamental question for those who are thinking of moving to the Lombardy capital.
In this guide we will analyze in detail all the main expenses to be faced, from rent to transport, from food to free time, to help you understand how much does it cost to live in Milan and whether your budget is sufficient to maintain a good standard of living.
How much does it cost to live in Milan? Rental accommodation
One of the most impactful factors on the cost of living in Milan is undoubtedly renting or buying a house.
Who wonders to live in Milan must consider that accommodation represents the main expense and that prices can vary enormously depending on the area.
Rental prices in Milan vary greatly depending on the area of the city.
Here is an overview of the average monthly costs:
| Area | Studio apartment | Two-room apartment | Three-room apartment |
| Historic Center (Duomo, Brera, Montenapoleone) | €1.500 – €2.500 | €2.000 – €3.500 | €3.500+ |
| Porta Romana, Porta Venezia, Isola | €1.200 – €1.800 | €1.600 – €2.500 | €2.500+ |
| Città Studi, Lambrate, Bovisa | €900 – €1.400 | €1.300 – €2.000 | €2.000+ |
| Suburbs (San Siro, Affori, Baggio) | €700 – €1.200 | €1.000 – €1.500 | €1.500+ |
If you want to save money, you could opt for a room to rent, which can cost from €400 to €900 per month, depending on the area and type of apartment.
How much does it cost to live in Milan? Buying a house
Buying a house in Milan is a demanding investment. The average price per square meter is around:
- Historic centre: €10,000 – €15,000/m²
- Semi-central areas: €5,000 – €8,000/m²
- Suburbs: €3,000 – €5,000/m²
Buying a 70m2 apartment in the center can cost over €700,000, while in the suburbs the price could drop to €200,000 – €350,000.
And if you are an owner and want to sell your property take a look at our real estate valuation service.
How much does it cost to live in Milan? Utilities and expenses
Home utilities are an important item in the monthly budget.
Who wonders to live in Milan must consider that bills for electricity, gas and water may vary based on the season and consumption habits.
On average, the fixed costs for an apartment of approximately 70 m² are:
- Electricity and gas: €100 – €180 per month;
- Water: €20 – €40 per month;
- Internet and telephone: €25 – €40 per month;
- Heating (winter): €80 – €200 per month, depending on the heating system.
Condominium expenses can vary from €50 to €300 per month, depending on the presence of services such as concierge, lift, central heating and parking space.
How much does it cost to shop in Milan?
The cost of shopping depends on habits and places of purchase. Here is an estimate of the average prices of some essential products:
| Product | Average price |
| Milk (1 litre) | €1,50 |
| Pane (500g) | €2,50 |
| Eggs (12 pieces) | €3,50 |
| Chicken (1kg) | €9,00 |
| Paste (1 kg) | €2,00 |
| Fruit and vegetables (1 kg) | €2,00 – €5,00 |
Shopping in discount supermarkets can help you save money compared to more expensive stores such as big brands.
Eating out, however, can be quite expensive:
- Breakfast at the bar: €1.50 – €3.00;
- Quick lunch (sandwich or pizza by the slice): €5 – €10;
- Dinner in a cheap restaurant: €20 – €30;
- Dinner in a high-end restaurant: €50 – €100.
Live in Milan: Shipping costs
Milan has an excellent public transport system, but getting around still has a cost.
The cost of season tickets for public transport in Milan is approximately:
- Single ATM ticket: €2.20;
- Monthly ATM subscription: €39 (students: €22);
- Annual ATM subscription: €330.
Transport includes metro, trams and buses and is widely used by those who live in the city.
Whereas, for a private vehicle, you have to know that owning a car in Milan is expensive.
Some average costs include:
- Petrol: €1.85 – €2.10/litre;
- Parking in the centre: €3 – €5 per hour;
- Car tax: €150 – €400 per year;
- Car liability insurance: €500 – €1,200 per year.
Many residents prefer to use bicycles, electric scooters or car sharing to save money.
How much does it cost to live in Milan? Entertainment and free time
Social life in Milan can be very varied and the cost depends on the lifestyle.
Here are some typical expenses:
- Cinema: €9 – €12 per ticket;
- Concert or sporting event: €20 – €100;
- Gym or fitness membership: €40 – €80 per month;
- Shopping (branded clothes): very variable prices, from €50 to €500+ per item.
To save, you can take advantage of free events, museums with free entry and student discounts.
Final considerations and useful tips
Living in Milan is undoubtedly more expensive than other Italian cities, but it is also one of the most stimulating metropolises full of opportunities.
The monthly budget depends a lot on your lifestyle and the area you choose to live in.
For a general estimate, a single person can spend from €1,500 to €3,000 per month, while a family can easily reach €3,500 – €5,000 per month.
Is it worth living in Milan?: If you are looking for job opportunities, a vibrant cultural life and efficient services, then yes.
If, however, you are looking for a cheaper and quieter life, you could consider alternatives in the province or in other Italian cities.
And if you are interested in the city of fashion and nightlife, don’t miss our guides to Milan.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
- How much it costs to live in Milan for a student?
A student can live on €800 – €1,500 per month, choosing shared accommodation and managing expenses carefully.
- What is the cheapest area to live in Milan?
Outlying areas such as Affori, Baggio and Quarto Oggiaro offer lower rents than the centre.
- How much does an average dinner cost in Milan?
Dinner in a budget restaurant costs around €20 – €30 per person, while in a high-end restaurant it can exceed €100.
- Is Milan more expensive than Rome?
Yes, on average Milan has higher rents and a higher cost of living than Rome.
- How much do you have to earn to live well in Milan?
For a single person, a net salary of at least €2,000 per month is recommended to live without too many sacrifices.