🇮🇹 Milan vs 🇮🇹 Rome
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇮🇹
Milan
Italy
$2,585–$4,092/mo
€2,394 – €3,789 / month (local)
🇮🇹
Rome
Italy
$2,277–$3,605/mo
€2,108 – €3,338 / month (local)
Milan is 14% more expensive
Rome wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Milan (USD) | Rome (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,938–$3,015 | $1,708–$2,656 | 🟢 Rome |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,023–$1,615 | $901–$1,423 | 🟢 Rome |
| Utilities | $81–$156 | $71–$138 | 🟢 Rome |
| Groceries | $409–$614 | $361–$541 | 🟢 Rome |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $54–$97 | $47–$85 | 🟢 Rome |
| Public transport (monthly) | $102–$124 | $90–$109 | 🟢 Rome |
| Internet & Mobile | $32–$54 | $28–$47 | 🟢 Rome |
| Gym membership | $38–$70 | $33–$62 | 🟢 Rome |
| Cinema ticket | $15–$19 | $13–$17 | 🟢 Rome |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,585–$4,092 | $2,277–$3,605 | 🟢 Rome |
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
Housing4.2 / 10 · 5.6 / 10
Milan
Rome▲ better
Safety8.6 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Milan
Rome▲ better
Healthcare8.6 / 10 · 9.3 / 10
Milan
Rome▲ better
Education8.2 / 10 · 8.9 / 10
Milan
Rome▲ better
Environment9.0 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Milan▲ better
Rome
Economy7.3 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Milan
Rome▲ better
Culture7.9 / 10 · 8.6 / 10
Milan
Rome▲ better
Internet8.3 / 10 · 9.0 / 10
Milan
Rome▲ better
Who should choose which city?
Choose Milan if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Milan offers vs Rome
- ✓Fashion
- ✓Finance
- ✓Trains to Alps
- ✓Luxury
Choose Rome if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Milan
- ✓History
- ✓Food
- ✓Climate
- ✓Tourism
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📊
Full Milan guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Milan →📊
Full Rome guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Rome →