🇬🇧 London vs 🇮🇹 Milan

Cost of living comparison · 2026

🇬🇧

London

United Kingdom

$3,015–$4,774/mo

£2,374 – £3,759 / month (local)

🇮🇹

Milan

Italy

$2,585–$4,092/mo

€2,394 – €3,789 / month (local)

London is 17% more expensive

Milan wins on affordability

Cost breakdown

CategoryLondon (USD)Milan (USD)Winner
Rent (1-bed, city center)$2,262–$3,518$1,938–$3,015🟢 Milan
Rent (1-bed, outside center)$1,194–$1,885$1,023–$1,615🟢 Milan
Utilities$94–$182$81–$156🟢 Milan
Groceries$477–$716$409–$614🟢 Milan
Eating out (mid-range meal)$63–$113$54–$97🟢 Milan
Public transport (monthly)$119–$144$102–$124🟢 Milan
Internet & Mobile$38–$63$32–$54🟢 Milan
Gym membership$44–$82$38–$70🟢 Milan
Cinema ticket$18–$23$15–$19🟢 Milan
Monthly total (single)$3,015–$4,774$2,585–$4,092🟢 Milan

See how your salary compares in both cities

Enter monthly take-home in USD. We compare to our estimated budget range for your household (not financial advice).

Quality of life comparison

Housing2.8 / 10 · 4.2 / 10
London
Milan▲ better
Safety8.1 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
London
Milan▲ better
Healthcare8.1 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
London
Milan▲ better
Education7.7 / 10 · 8.2 / 10
London
Milan▲ better
Environment8.5 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
London
Milan▲ better
Economy6.8 / 10 · 7.3 / 10
London
Milan▲ better
Culture7.4 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
London
Milan▲ better
Internet7.8 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
London
Milan▲ better

Who should choose which city?

Choose London if…

  • You're happy to pay more for what London offers vs Milan
  • Global finance
  • Culture
  • Transit
  • Finance

Choose Milan if…

  • You want lower typical monthly costs than London
  • Fashion
  • Finance
  • Trains to Alps
  • Luxury

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Full London guide

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Explore London

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Full Milan guide

See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores

Explore Milan