🇮🇹 Milan vs 🇨🇭 Zurich
Cost of living comparison · 2026
🇮🇹
Milan
Italy
$2,585–$4,092/mo
€2,394 – €3,789 / month (local)
🇨🇭
Zurich
Switzerland
$3,538–$5,603/mo
CHF3,159 – CHF5,003 / month (local)
Zurich is 37% more expensive
Milan wins on affordability
Cost breakdown
| Category | Milan (USD) | Zurich (USD) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city center) | $1,938–$3,015 | $2,654–$4,128 | 🟢 Milan |
| Rent (1-bed, outside center) | $1,023–$1,615 | $1,401–$2,212 | 🟢 Milan |
| Utilities | $81–$156 | $111–$214 | 🟢 Milan |
| Groceries | $409–$614 | $560–$840 | 🟢 Milan |
| Eating out (mid-range meal) | $54–$97 | $74–$133 | 🟢 Milan |
| Public transport (monthly) | $102–$124 | $140–$170 | 🟢 Milan |
| Internet & Mobile | $32–$54 | $44–$74 | 🟢 Milan |
| Gym membership | $38–$70 | $52–$96 | 🟢 Milan |
| Cinema ticket | $15–$19 | $21–$27 | 🟢 Milan |
| Monthly total (single) | $2,585–$4,092 | $3,538–$5,603 | 🟢 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
Housing4.2 / 10 · 1.8 / 10
Milan▲ better
Zurich
Safety8.6 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Milan▲ better
Zurich
Healthcare8.6 / 10 · 8.3 / 10
Milan▲ better
Zurich
Education8.2 / 10 · 7.9 / 10
Milan▲ better
Zurich
Environment9.0 / 10 · 8.7 / 10
Milan▲ better
Zurich
Economy7.3 / 10 · 7.0 / 10
Milan▲ better
Zurich
Culture7.9 / 10 · 7.6 / 10
Milan▲ better
Zurich
Internet8.3 / 10 · 8.0 / 10
Milan▲ better
Zurich
Who should choose which city?
Choose Milan if…
- ✓You want lower typical monthly costs than Zurich
- ✓Fashion
- ✓Finance
- ✓Trains to Alps
- ✓Luxury
Choose Zurich if…
- ✓You're happy to pay more for what Zurich offers vs Milan
- ✓Salaries
- ✓Nature
- ✓Safety
- ✓Finance
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Full Milan guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Milan →📊
Full Zurich guide
See all costs, neighborhoods and quality of life scores
Explore Zurich →