Milan, Italy’s glamorous fashion and financial capital, often raises one important question for travelers planning a visit: Is Milan expensive? The short answer is yes, Milan is generally expensive compared to other Italian cities. As the country’s business hub and home to luxury fashion houses like Gucci, Prada, and Armani, Milan’s reputation for high prices is well-founded. However, with smart planning and insider knowledge, you can absolutely enjoy this sophisticated city without emptying your wallet.
In 2025, a typical visitor to Milan can expect to spend between €70-300 per day depending on their travel style, with accommodation taking the largest share of the budget. A mid-range hotel room costs €80-200 per night, while meals range from €5 for street food to €50+ at upscale restaurants. Public transportation is relatively affordable at €2.20 per ride or €7.60 for a day pass, making it easy to explore the city economically.
This guide breaks down Milan’s costs and offers practical money-saving strategies that most travel guides overlook. Whether you’re planning a luxury getaway or a budget-friendly city break, we’ll help you understand Milan’s costs and make the most of your visit to this dynamic Italian metropolis.
Why is Milan So Expensive?
Milan stands out as Italy’s most expensive city for several compelling reasons. Many travelers wonder why is Milan so expensive compared to other Italian destinations. As Italy’s financial and business hub, Milan attracts wealthy business travelers and expatriates who can afford higher prices. This corporate presence drives up costs across all sectors, from accommodation to dining.
The city’s reputation as a global fashion capital further elevates prices. Milan hosts the prestigious Milan Fashion Week twice yearly and is home to luxury brands like Prada, Versace, and Armani. The concentration of high-end boutiques around the famous Quadrilatero della Moda creates an atmosphere of luxury that permeates the entire city.
Milan is approximately 20% more expensive than Rome for accommodation and dining, and about 15% pricier than Florence for comparable experiences. Even compared to Venice, which is notoriously expensive during high season, Milan maintains higher year-round prices, particularly for accommodation and shopping. This premium pricing reflects Milan’s status as a business destination rather than solely a tourist city.
Is Milan Expensive for Tourists? Accommodation Costs in Milan
Finding the right place to stay in Milan can significantly impact both your experience and your budget. When considering if Milan is expensive for tourists, accommodation is typically the largest expense, with prices varying dramatically based on location, amenities, and season.
| Accommodation Type | Price Range (per night) | Location | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Hotels | €200-500+ | Brera, Fashion District, Duomo | Luxury travelers, business travelers |
| Boutique Hotels | €150-300 | Brera, Navigli | Style-conscious travelers, couples |
| Mid-Range Hotels (4-star) | €120-200 | City center, Porta Nuova | Comfort-seeking travelers, families |
| Mid-Range Hotels (3-star) | €80-150 | Various neighborhoods | Value-conscious travelers |
| Budget Hotels | €50-80 | Città Studi, Lambrate | Budget travelers, longer stays |
| Hostels (private room) | €70-90 | Various neighborhoods | Solo travelers, social travelers |
| Hostels (dorm bed) | €30-45 | Various neighborhoods | Backpackers, students |
| Airbnb (entire apartment) | €100-180 | Various neighborhoods | Families, longer stays, self-caterers |
| Airbnb (private room) | €40-70 | Various neighborhoods | Budget travelers, longer stays |
Prices reflect 2025 averages and may vary by season, with 30-50% increases during Fashion Weeks and major trade fairs.
Money-Saving Tips for Accommodation
Book well in advance: Milan’s accommodation fills quickly, especially during events. Booking 3-6 months ahead can save 15-25% on room rates.
Consider location carefully: Staying just outside the city center near a metro station can reduce accommodation costs by 30-40% while still providing convenient access to attractions.
Visit during the off-season: Hotel rates in January (except during fashion events) and August (when locals leave the city) can be 20-30% lower than peak season.
Consider luggage storage solutions: If you have an awkward schedule with early arrivals or late departures, services like Radical Storage offer affordable luggage storage throughout Milan, allowing you to maximize your sightseeing time without paying for extra hotel nights.
Is Milan Expensive to Eat? Food and Dining Costs in Milan
Food is an essential part of any Italian experience, and Milan offers culinary delights for every palate and budget. Many visitors ask: is Milan expensive to eat? While Milan can be expensive for dining, understanding the city’s food scene and price structure can help you enjoy memorable meals without overspending.
| Dining Category | Price Range | Example Establishments | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Dining | €80-150+ per person | Cracco, Seta, Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia | Multi-course meals, premium ingredients, exceptional service |
| Upscale Restaurants | €50-80 per person | Langosteria, Trippa, Contraste | High-quality dishes, refined atmosphere, good wine selection |
| Mid-Range Restaurants | €30-50 per person | Trattoria Milanese, Osteria del Binari | Traditional Milanese cuisine, casual atmosphere |
| Casual Dining | €20-30 per person | Pizzerias, contemporary casual eateries | Good quality food, informal setting |
| Budget Restaurants | €10-20 per person | Ethnic eateries, fast-casual spots | Filling meals, simple settings |
| Street Food | €5-10 per item | Food trucks, bakeries, markets | Pizza al taglio, panini, arancini |
| Aperitivo | €8-15 (drink + buffet) | Bars in Navigli, Porta Romana | One drink with access to food buffet |
| Coffee at Bar (standing) | €1-1.50 | Any local café | Espresso, cappuccino (morning only) |
Prices reflect 2025 averages. Most restaurants also charge a “coperto” (cover charge) of €2-5 per person.
Money-Saving Tips for Food in Milan
Embrace the aperitivo: For €10-12, you can enjoy a drink and access to buffets that range from basic snacks to elaborate spreads including pasta, risotto, and meat dishes.
Lunch specials: Many restaurants offer “business lunch” menus on weekdays, with two or three courses at significantly reduced prices (€10-20).
Stay away from tourist areas: Restaurants near major attractions like the Duomo charge premium prices. Walking just 10-15 minutes away can reduce dining costs by 20-30%.
Coffee culture: Standing at the bar for your coffee rather than sitting at a table can save 50-100% on the price—espresso at the bar costs €1-1.50 versus €3-5 seated.
Is it Expensive in Milan to Move Around? Transportation Costs in Milan
Milan boasts one of Italy’s most efficient public transportation systems, making it relatively easy and affordable to navigate the city. Understanding your transportation options and their costs will help you budget effectively and maximize your time exploring this dynamic metropolis.
| Transportation Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Public Transportation | ||
| Single urban ticket (90 min) | €2.20 | Valid for metro, bus, and tram transfers |
| 24-hour ticket | €7.60 | Unlimited travel for 24 hours |
| 3-day tourist ticket | €13.80 | Unlimited travel for 72 hours |
| Weekly pass (settimanale) | €19.50 | Best value for stays of 4+ days |
| Airport Transfers | ||
| Malpensa Express train | €13 one-way | Milano Centrale to Malpensa Airport (50 min) |
| Airport shuttle bus | €8-10 one-way | To/from Malpensa or Bergamo airports (60 min) |
| Metro to Linate Airport | €2.20 | Standard metro ticket on M4 line |
| Taxi from Malpensa | €95 fixed rate | To city center |
| Taxi from Linate | €55 fixed rate | To city center |
| Taxis and Ride Services | ||
| Taxi starting fare (weekday) | €3.90 | €6.50 at night and on Sundays |
| Typical city center taxi ride | €10-15 | For 3-5 km journeys |
Prices reflect 2025 rates. Advance booking for high-speed trains can reduce costs by 50-70%.
Money-Saving Tips for Transportation in Milan
Purchase multi-day passes: If you’ll be using public transportation frequently, the 24-hour or 3-day passes offer substantial savings over individual tickets.
Consider the Milano Card: This city pass includes unlimited public transportation and discounted or free entry to many attractions. The 24-hour card costs €13, while the 72-hour card is €23, potentially offering significant savings for active sightseers.
Walk the center: Milan’s historic center is compact enough that many major sights can be visited on foot, eliminating the need for public transportation during parts of your stay.
Attractions and Shopping Costs
Milan offers a wealth of cultural, historical, and shopping experiences, from world-famous art to vibrant retail districts. When evaluating how expensive is Milan for sightseeing and shopping, you’ll find that while some attractions command premium prices, the city also provides numerous free or low-cost options.
| Attraction | Standard Adult Price | What to See |
|---|---|---|
| Milan Cathedral (Duomo) | ||
| Cathedral only | €5 | Interior of the Gothic cathedral |
| Cathedral + Rooftop (stairs) | €14 | Cathedral interior and rooftop views |
| Complete ticket (all areas) | €20 | Cathedral, rooftop, museum, archaeological area |
| The Last Supper | €15 + €2 reservation | Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece (15-minute timed entry) |
| Sforza Castle Museums | €10 (combined) | Multiple museums including Michelangelo’s Rondanini Pietà |
| Pinacoteca di Brera | €15 | Italian masterpieces including works by Caravaggio, Raphael |
| Teatro alla Scala Museum | €10 | Opera house museum and theater view (when available) |
| Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II | Free | Historic shopping arcade (exterior and interior) |
| San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore | Free | “Sistine Chapel of Milan” with stunning frescoes |
| Parco Sempione | Free | Large urban park behind Sforza Castle |
Prices reflect 2025 rates. Many museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month.
Shopping Costs
The Quadrilatero della Moda (Fashion Quadrilateral) represents the epicenter of luxury shopping in Milan. Prices in these boutiques are among the highest in the world, with designer handbags starting around €1,000-2,000, shoes from €500, and ready-to-wear clothing from €800 for basic items.
For more accessible shopping, Milan offers excellent department stores and mid-range retail options. La Rinascente, located next to the Duomo, is Milan’s premier department store, offering a wide range of fashion, beauty, and home goods. While still upscale, prices here are more moderate than in the luxury boutiques, with quality clothing items starting from €50-100.
Budget-conscious shoppers can find excellent value at Milan’s markets and outlet centers. The Navigli Antique Market (held on the last Sunday of each month) and the Fiera di Sinigaglia (Saturdays) offer vintage finds, second-hand items, and unique pieces at negotiable prices.
Money-Saving Tips for Attractions and Shopping
Purchase combination tickets: Many attractions offer discounted combined tickets, such as the Duomo Pass which includes all cathedral attractions.
Research free days: Besides the state museums’ free Sundays, many sites have specific evenings with reduced or free entry.
Time your shopping: Milan has two major sale periods (saldi) regulated by the government—winter (early January to early March) and summer (early July to early September). Discounts during these periods can reach 70% even at high-end stores.
Claim your tax refund: Non-EU residents can reclaim the 22% VAT on purchases over €154.94 made in a single store in a single day.
Sample Daily Budget for Milan
Understanding how costs add up on a daily basis can help you plan your Milan trip more effectively. Is Milan expensive to visit? Depending on your travel style, preferences, and priorities, your daily expenses in Milan can vary dramatically.
| Expense Category | Luxury Budget | Mid-Range Budget | Budget Traveler | Backpacker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €250-500+ | €80-200 | €30-80 | €20-40 |
| Breakfast | Included in hotel | €5-10 | €3-5 | €0-3 (self-catered) |
| Lunch | €30-50 | €15-25 | €5-10 | €3-6 |
| Dinner | €80-150 | €30-50 | €10-20 (or aperitivo) | €6-12 |
| Transportation | €30-50 (taxis) | €10-15 (public transport) | €5-7 (public transport) | €0-5 (walking + limited transport) |
| Attractions | €30-100 | €15-30 | €10-20 | €0-10 |
| Daily Total | €420-850+ | €155-330 | €63-142 | €32-76 |
Prices reflect 2025 rates. Costs may vary significantly based on season, events, and personal preferences.
Top Money-Saving Tips for Milan
Beyond the category-specific tips mentioned above, here are some general strategies to make your Milan visit more affordable:
Travel during off-peak periods: Visiting during January-February or July-August can reduce overall costs by 20-40%. Avoid Fashion Weeks (typically February/March and September/October) and the Salone del Mobile (April) when prices skyrocket.
Book transportation strategically: For flights, Tuesday and Wednesday departures often offer the best value. If arriving at Malpensa Airport, book the Malpensa Express train online in advance for a small discount.
Use the official Milano Tourism Website: This resource lists current exhibitions, special events, and occasionally offers promotional codes for attractions.
Consider luggage storage solutions: If your accommodation check-in/out times don’t align with your travel schedule, services like Radical Storage offer affordable luggage storage throughout Milan (approximately €5 per bag per day).
Take advantage of free walking tours: Several companies offer “free” walking tours of Milan (tip-based), providing excellent orientation and local insights.
Is Milan Expensive? Our Verdict
Is Milan expensive? Yes, Milan is undeniably one of Italy’s most expensive cities, with higher costs for accommodation, dining, and shopping compared to most other Italian destinations. As the country’s financial and fashion capital, Milan’s premium prices reflect its status as a global business hub and luxury destination. Is Milan an expensive city compared to other European capitals? While it’s pricier than many Italian cities, it remains comparable to other major European destinations like Paris or London.
However, Milan’s expense shouldn’t deter budget-conscious travelers. With strategic planning, flexible timing, and the money-saving tips outlined in this guide, you can experience Milan’s architectural wonders, artistic masterpieces, and vibrant atmosphere without depleting your savings.
Ultimately, Milan offers unique value that often justifies its higher prices. Whether you’re admiring the Gothic spires of the Duomo, viewing Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, or simply people-watching in Piazza del Duomo, Milan delivers memorable experiences that transcend monetary considerations.
For travelers planning a visit to Milan, consider using Radical Storage for convenient and affordable luggage storage throughout the city. This service allows you to maximize your sightseeing time on arrival and departure days without the burden of carrying your bags.