How Much Does Milan Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Milan serves as Italy's financial and fashion powerhouse, creating a price landscape that leans toward the expensive end of the European spectrum. Visitors can expect daily costs to range from $112 / €95 for budget-conscious travelers to over $765 / €650 for those seeking a luxury experience. While it sits at a higher price point than southern Italian destinations, it remains competitive with other major northern hubs. Expenses are driven largely by high-end accommodation in districts like Brera and the mandatory service fees found in most restaurants. However, the city’s extensive public transit network and the abundance of architectural landmarks that can be viewed from the street help balance the costs for savvy visitors.
Is Milan expensive to visit?
Milan is a moderately expensive city — expect a daily budget of $112–$765 / €95–€650 depending on whether the preference is for social hostels or high-end luxury hotels.
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Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Milan
$112
per person /day
$271
per person /day
$765
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $335 | $812 | $2,295 |
| 5-Day Trip | $559 | $1,354 | $3,825 |
| 7-Day Trip | $783 | $1,895 | $5,355 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is recommended to maintain a 15% budget buffer to account for mandatory hidden costs such as the city tourist tax (up to ~$5.89 / €5 per person) and the 'coperto' service fees. This extra cushion is also useful for online booking fees, which apply to almost all major cultural attractions to secure specific time slots.
How Does It Compare?
See how Milan stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Milan
Food & Drink (2)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant Expect to pay ~$2.35–$3.53 / €2–€3 extra for 'coperto' (cover charge). | $24 €20 |
| Cappuccino (Regular Size) Standing at the bar typically costs ~$1.77 / €1.5, while sitting can double the price. | $2.33 €1.98 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| ATM Single Ticket (90 minutes) Valid for 90 minutes on metro, trams, and buses within Milan (Zones Mi1-Mi3). | $2.59 €2.2 |
| ATM 3-Day Ticket (72 hours) Unlimited travel for 72 consecutive hours from first validation. Best value for 3-day stays. | $18 €16 |
| Malpensa Express (One-Way) Direct train from Malpensa Airport to Milano Centrale or Cadorna. Round trip is ~$24 / €20. | $15 €13 |
| Taxi Malpensa Airport to City Center (Fixed Fare) Fixed rate regardless of traffic. No extra charge for luggage. | $129 €110 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Ostello Bello (Budget/Hostel Dorm Bed) Price for a central hostel bed in the Duomo area. Expect ~$5.89 / €5 per night city tax extra. | $65 €55 |
| Hotel Marconi (Mid-range Hotel) Standard double room near Centrale Station. City tax of ~$5.89 / €5 per person per night not included. | $247 €210 |
| Palazzo Parigi Hotel (Luxury Hotel) High-end luxury stay in the Brera district. City tax is $5.89 / €5 per person per night. | $1,118 €950 |
Activities (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Duomo Pass Lift (Terraces, Cathedral, Museum) The most comprehensive ticket. Use stairs for ~$18 / €15 if preferred. Includes Museum and Archaeology area. | $29 €25 |
| The Last Supper (Cenacolo Vinciano) Entry Mandatory +$2.35 / €2 booking fee applies. Tickets must be booked months in advance. | $18 €15 |
| Pinacoteca di Brera Full Price Ticket Includes access to the permanent collection. Reduced ~$2.35 / €2 for EU citizens aged 18–25. | $18 €15 |
| Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) Museum Ticket Courtyards are free; ticket is for all internal museums. Free entry on first Sunday of the month. | $5.89 €5 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Airalo Italy eSIM (10GB/30 days) Reliable data-only option. 1GB entry-level plans start around ~$4.12 / €3.5. | $21 €18 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining in Milan typically involves a 'coperto' (cover charge) of ~$2.35–$4.71 / €2–€4 per person, but a standard meal at an inexpensive restaurant can still be found for ~$24 / €20. Standing at a bar for a cappuccino costs about $1.77 / €1.5, whereas sitting down at a table can double the price to nearly $3.53 / €3 or more. Iconic local snacks like panzerotti and pizza slices provide affordable alternatives to the city’s high-end trattorias.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Luini
$3.53–$7.06 / €3–€6Duomo · Bakery
Grab a panzerotto for ~$4.12 / €3.5 and eat it on the steps of the Duomo nearby.
Spontini
$7.06–$12 / €6–€10Multiple · Local chain
Famous for their thick-crust Margherita. The 'Menù Margherita' is great value.
Miscusi
$12–$18 / €10–€15Isola/Centrale · Local chain
High-quality fresh pasta where you can customize your noodles and sauce.
Panini Durini
$8.24–$14 / €7–€12Brera/Centro · Bakery
Perfect for a quick, high-quality Italian lunch. Their coffee is also excellent.
Pescetto
$18–$29 / €15–€25Moscova · Local chain
Casual, high-quality seafood. You select raw fish from the counter and pay by weight.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
The city is highly walkable, but the ATM public transport network is the most cost-effective way to cover long distances with a single 90-minute ticket costing $2.59 / €2.2. For a three-day visit, the 72-hour unlimited ticket for $18 / €16 offers the best value compared to a fixed-rate airport taxi, which costs $129 / €110 from Malpensa.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging rates vary significantly by neighborhood, with a central hostel bed at Ostello Bello costing ~$65 / €55 per night plus a city tax of ~$5.89 / €5. Mid-range travelers can find quality rooms near Centrale Station for ~$247 / €210, while luxury stays in the Brera district at Palazzo Parigi Hotel reach upwards of $1,118 / €950 per night.
Accommodation Budget in Milan
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Take the stairs to the Duomo terraces instead of the lift to save $12 / €10, bringing the total ticket price down to ~$18 / €15.
- 2 Visit the internal museums of Castello Sforzesco on the first Sunday of the month when the usual $5.89 / €5 entry fee is waived.
- 3 Purchase the $18 / €16 3-day ATM pass for unlimited travel on metros and trams within Zones Mi1-Mi3.
- 4 Stand at the bar when ordering a $2.33 / €1.98 cappuccino to avoid the 20–50% price increase associated with table service.
- 5 Book 'The Last Supper' (Cenacolo Vinciano) tickets months in advance to secure the $18 / €15 base price and avoid expensive last-minute tour packages.
- 6 Eat at Luini near the Duomo for famous panzerotti that serve as a filling meal for a fraction of restaurant prices.
- 7 Refill water bottles at the 'Vedovelle' public fountains throughout the city instead of buying bottled water.
- 8 Opt for the Malpensa Express train for $15 / €13 rather than the $129 / €110 fixed-rate taxi when arriving from the airport.
- 9 Visit the Brera district for 'Aperitivo' where a drink price often includes access to a buffet or a generous plate of food.
- 10 Utilize an Airalo eSIM for $21 / €18 to avoid high roaming charges while navigating the city.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct
+30-50%
Jan, Feb, Nov
-20-40%
Mar, Jul
Avoid the big fashion and design weeks when hotel prices triple. Winter (Jan–Feb) is coldest 2–8°C (36–46°F) but offers the best hotel deals.
Events to Watch
- ● Milan Fashion Week (late Feb/Sept): +100% hotels
- ● Salone del Mobile (April): +150% hotels
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Walking through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
- 2 Exploring the open-air sculpture museum at Cimitero Monumentale.
- 3 Entering the San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, known as the 'Sistine Chapel of Milan'.
- 4 Visiting the Pirelli HangarBicocca for contemporary art installations.
- 5 Strolling through the public gardens of Parco Sempione.
- 6 Viewing the perspective illusion inside Santa Maria presso San Satiro.
- 7 Walking the historic Vicolo dei Lavandai in the Navigli district.
- 8 Window shopping in the Quadrilatero della Moda (Golden Quad).
- 9 Exploring the courtyards of Castello Sforzesco.
- 10 Seeing the 'L.O.V.E.' (The Finger) statue at Piazza Affari.
- 11 Visiting the Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli.
- 12 Walking along the Navigli canals at sunset.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Private Aperitivo Cruise on Navigli Canals
A romantic, private way to see the historic canal district with drinks and snacks included (~$177 / €150 per boat).
Opera Night at Teatro alla Scala (Box Seat)
The world's most famous opera house. Standing tickets are ~$18 / €15, but a box seat is an unforgettable experience.
Rooftop Dinner at Terrazza Aperol
Dining right next to the Duomo spires at sunset is worth the ~$29–$35 / €25–€30 premium on food and drinks.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Milan
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Milan and what they cost
Lake Como (Varenna)
$17 / €14 by train
$18 / €15
$71 / €60
Bergamo (Città Alta)
$13 / €11 by train
$5.89 / €5
$59 / €50
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Euro (EUR)
1 € ≈ 1.18 $
No
Excellent, even for small coffee purchases and on buses/metro.
Not mandatory due to 'coperto'. For great service, round up or leave ~5-10%. Leave ~$1.18–$2.35 / €1–€2 per bag for porters.
Avoid 'Euronet' ATMs due to high conversion fees. Use bank-owned ATMs like UniCredit or Intesa Sanpaolo.
Connectivity
eSIM: $4.12–$21 for 1GB-10GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $24–$29 / €20–€25 for 50GB-100GB at Vodafone/TIM
WiFi: Widely available in cafes, hotels, and main shopping malls like Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
Use an Airalo eSIM for instant data, as local SIM registration requires a 'Codice Fiscale' (tax code) which can be slow.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Milan.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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