Travel Budget for Milan Visit Milan on a Budget or Travel in Style

Milan, Lombardy, Italy

Milan is a chic city known for Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan Cathedral, and La Scala Opera House (Teatro alla Scala). In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Milan and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife.

How much does it cost to travel to Milan?

You should plan to spend around $213 (€195) per day on your vacation in Milan. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $73 (€67) on meals
  • $38 (€35) on local transportation
  • $209 (€192) on hotels

A one week trip to Milan for two people costs, on average, $2,975 (€2,730). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $213
    195
  • One Week Per person
    $1,488
    1,365
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $2,975
    2,730
  • One Month Per person
    $6,375
    5,850
  • One Week For a couple
    $2,975
    2,730
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $5,950
    5,460
  • One Month For a couple
    $12,750
    11,700
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Milan cost?

A one week trip to Milan usually costs around $1,488 (€1,365) for one person and $2,975 (€2,730) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Milan on average costs around $2,975 (€2,730) for one person and $5,950 (€5,460) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Milan will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Milan on average costs around $6,375 (€5,850) for one person and $12,750 (€11,700) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Milan expensive to visit?

Milan is an extensive city brimming with engaging activities. Here, you'll find a mix of travelers, from those looking to save a buck to those ready to indulge in luxury. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.

Milan can become quite costly if you let it, but there are ways to save money, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.

On average, budget travelers spend $90 (€82) per day, mid-range travelers spend $213 (€195) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $506 (€463) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Milan.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Milan is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Oxford or Heraklion.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Milan Expensive?

Milan, Italy Milan, Italy

How much money do I need for a trip to Milan?

The average Milan trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Milan travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Milan cost?

Milan on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$41
(38)
$104
(96)
$265
(243)
Local Transportation 1 $13
(12)
$38
(35)
$121
(111)
Food 2 $31
(29)
$73
(67)
$151
(139)
Entertainment 1 $13
(12)
$34
(31)
$82
(76)
Alcohol 2 $5-16
(5-15)
$13-40
(12-36)
$31-94
(29-86)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many assume they can get by cheaply in Milan, but most people don't enjoy traveling on a very tight budget. Think about how you like to travel, and whether you prefer resorts, hostels, or vacation rentals. Do activities like sightseeing and dining out matter to you? These factors will help shape your travel budget.

What is a budget traveler, anyway?

You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $90 per day that backpackers typically manage.

Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.

Milan is packed with plenty of hostels, including Ostello Bello Grande, Ostello Bello, and QUO Milano. At hostels like these, you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation and a lively social scene, but amenities might be quite minimal. In addition, the city provides solid public transit, making it easier for budget travelers to skip costly taxi or Uber fares. Food is a key highlight for everyone who visits Milan, but budget travelers often stick to street food or cook in their hostel, which means they might not fully appreciate the local culinary offerings.

Are You Considered an Average Traveler?

If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. When visiting Milan, you'll want to see Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan Cathedral, or La Scala Opera House (Teatro alla Scala). Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $213 per person, per day.

The range of hotels and vacation rentals in Milan is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. The Street Milano Duomo a Design Boutique Hotel is a solid choice for families, while Room Mate Giulia also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for Milan here.

Looking to Travel in Luxury?

If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $506. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the city means you'll need a more luxurious budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Milan Tour with a Local Guide: Private & 100% Personalized - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Milan

Prices for hotels in Milan vary widely, with luxury hotels charging more due to higher amenities. In the off-season, expect to pay around $104, but during peak summer season, average prices climb to $194. With options ranging from $67 to $328, there's something for every budget. Hostels are usually cheaper, especially dorm rooms. To save, book during the off-season or keep an eye out for special deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Milan for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $209 (€192). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $104 (€96) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $104
    96
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $209
    192

Hotels in Milan

Looking for a hotel in Milan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Milan

The average hotel room price in Milan based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $104 in the low season and $194 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Milan include:

  • The Street Milano Duomo a Design Boutique Hotel starting at $227
  • Room Mate Giulia starting at $231
  • Hotel Spadari Al Duomo starting at $220
  • Hotel Manzoni Milan starting at $256
  • iQ Hotel Milano starting at $94
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Milan

In the large city of Milan, you'll find a broad selection of places to stay. Options range from budget hostels like Ostello Bello Grande to charming vacation rentals and luxurious hotels. While city center accommodations can be pricier, they offer easy access to public transit and popular attractions.

Milan offers an excellent public transit system, so staying farther from the city might save you on accommodation, though the additional cost and time of commuting can add up.

Many people stay up to a week in Milan. If you're here for a longer time, you might want a vacation rental with a kitchen for preparing some of your own meals.

Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than during summer, will give you cheaper lodging options and fewer tourists to navigate around.

Many people love to walk around Milan, so you'll want to choose accommodation in a central area. However, this can mean a higher price point.

The city's captivating old town is a key attraction for visitors. Hotels in this area may be expensive, but they often have a lot of charm and provide easy access to everything.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Milan

In a large city like Milan, transportation plays a big role, and thankfully, the city has a great public transit system. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines. Public transit is the most budget-friendly choice, but taxis and rideshares are easily available if you're looking for convenience.

Walking enthusiasts will have a wonderful experience during their visit. In particular, the city center is walkable.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (excellent)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (excellent)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $38 (€35) per person, per day, on local transportation in Milan. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Milan is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $38
    35

Transportation Tips

If you plan to use public transit frequently, consider getting multi-day transit passes to save a significant amount of money.

Be cautious of pickpockets on buses and trains and in stations. Remember that Milan is a sizable city.

Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Luxury private transfer Linate airport to Malpensa airport for $179 details
  • Luxury Private Day Transfer from Milan to Linate Airport for $37 details
  • BERGAMO ORIO AL SERIO - MILANO airport transfer for $188 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Milan
How much does it cost to go to Milan? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Milan
The price of renting a car in Milan will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.


What did other people spend on Transportation in Milan?

The numbers below highlight common transportation expenses in Milan, gathered from actual travelers. These prices give a good estimate of what you're likely to spend while getting around the city. However, your personal costs will depend on your travel style, since taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than public transportation.


  • Train to Airport
    7.00
  • Malpensa Airport Train (for Two)
    22
  • Taxi From Airport
    90
  • Public Transit Day Pass
    4.50
  • Short Taxi Ride
    7.13


Food Budget in Milan

You definitely don't want to miss the incredible cuisine in Milan. Take some time to explore local dining options and enjoy their unique dishes. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Milan can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Milan is $73 (€67) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $73
    67

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Milan is around $73 (€67) per person, with previous travelers spending from $31 to $151. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Milan are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $7 to $22
  • Lunch: $11 to $29
  • Dinner: $22 to $51
  • Coffee: $6
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $11

You will not go hungry in Milan. This city is known for its tradition of Italian cooking. You'll easily find a trattoria, enoteche or restaurant anywhere offering traditional Milanese and Italian dishes. Don't miss out on specialty dishes like osso bucco or risotto alla Milanese.

Food in Milan

Food & Dining Tips

You can save some cash by dining at nicer restaurants during lunch instead of dinner. Many eateries in tourist hotspots or business districts feature lunch specials or a 'menu of the day.' These are frequently just smaller and less expensive versions of their dinner offerings. If you search in the right spots, you might even snag a full multi-course gourmet meal at a budget-friendly price. After that, just enjoy a light meal for dinner.

Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.

Making a picnic is a fantastic way to save money and enjoy the views. Head to a local grocery store or market, pick up fresh goodies, and find a charming park or scenic area to eat your meal.

Carry your own water bottle instead of spending on drinks. It's also a positive step for the environment.

Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.

If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Milan, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:

  • Cooking Class at Chef's Historic Loft in Milan for $82 details
  • Market Tour and Cooking Class for $161 details
  • Italian Cocktail + Art of Making Pasta Cooking Class In Unique Milan Location for $117 details

Recommended

What did other people spend on food and dining in Milan?

Typical prices for food in Milan are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the food prices in Milan. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, selected restaurants, and the items that you order.


  • Snack at Train Station
    8.60
  • Restaurant Pizza
    6.60
  • Casual Cafe Lunch (for Two)
    27
  • Three Course Dinner (for Two)
    64
  • Cappuccino
    1.63


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Milan

It's no surprise that Milan sees many visitors since it offers food, nightlife, music, and historical sights.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Milan typically cost an average of $34 (€31) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $34
    31

Here are a few of the most popular sights with their prices:

  • Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (Free)
  • Milan Cathedral for €16
  • La Scala Opera House (Teatro alla Scala) for €30
  • The Last Supper (Cenacolo Vinciano) for €17
  • Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology for €10
  • The Crypt of San Sepolcro for €9.50
  • The Museum of Natural History of Milan for €5
  • The Sforza Castle Museums for €5
  • The Basilica di San Lorenzo Maggiore for €9
  • San Siro Stadium for €30
  • Museum of Contemporary Art (MACRO) (Free)
  • The Columns of San Lorenzo (Free)
  • Museo del Novecento for €5

Milan is full of amazing sights for any traveler. There are historic churches, ancient palaces, impressive museums and world-class theatres. Some even ask, is Milan worth visiting? Absolutely, say those who come. And you should definitely go!

If you're a fan of Renaissance and Baroque style art, you'll be happy in a number of Milan's beautiful museums. The Pinacoteca di Brera is home to one of Italy's most important art collections and one of the largest collection of Italian paintings. The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana houses world famous paintings, while the Civico Museo Archeologico is home to Roman antiques, statues and glasses.

As the former northern capital of the Roman Empire, Milan can claim the oldest churches in Italy. The Duomo in Duomo Square is Milan's main cathedral. It is, without a doubt, a must-see attraction in Milan. This massive gothic church was started in 1386, and built from white marble. Make sure you take a trip to the top to see stunning city views between ancient gothic spires.

But if sitting back with an espresso is all the sightseeing you want to do, make sure you relax in the Piazza del Duomo. It's the grandest square in all the city. This gathering spot is home to the Duomo, the Royal Palace and an enormous statue of King Victor making it the cultural and social heart of the city.

The nearby Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is full of shops and restaurants set in a 19th century arcade-style building. Don't miss it!

For more travel information on Milan, check out our Ultimate Guide to Milan.



The first activity on your list should be to simply walk around and take in the sights and sounds of Milan. However, once you've done that, there's plenty more for an active traveler. But read this to learn what to do with only 1 day in Milan.

Catch a football (soccer) game at the famous Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, or attend one of the many exhibition fairs held throughout the year. Wander through any boutique for a taste of the famous Milan fashion world, or make your way to the top of the Branca Tower for stunning views of Milan.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
Attractions in MilanThe museums and landmarks in Milan have earned worldwide fame. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

Music:
Milan has a well-known music scene that draws a sizable crowd. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Historical Sights:
Old Town in MilanThe old town, steeped in history, draws in a wide array of visitors. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

Shopping:
Shopping in MilanVisiting this shopping destination is an experience you can't afford to miss. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.

A nice way to explore destinations in Milan is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Kickstarter Private Tour - Highlights & Hidden Gems of Milan for $85 details
  • Discover Milan's Navigli by SUP: a wellness experience for $53 details
  • Private Milan Segway Tour - city center - 1 hour & half for $59 details

Recommended Activities

What did other people spend on sightseeing in Milan?

Outlined below are some typical prices for entry fees and activities in Milan. They have been reported from the expenses of previous travelers. These costs provide an idea of what you might need to spend, though your individual expenses will depend on the activities you participate in, the places you visit, and how often you choose budget-friendly or free activities.


  • Stairs to Duomo Rooftop
    7.00


Nightlife Budget in Milan

The nightlife in Milan is top-notch, making it a must-visit destination for partygoers from around the world. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $26 (€24) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Milan per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $26
    24

Nightlife in Milan

Nightlife Tips

Enjoying the nightlife is always a highlight, but cutting back on drinks can really help you save money on your travels.

Stay sharp if you're out at night and enjoying a few drinks. You might attract pickpockets or worse, so stay close to friends you trust and avoid being alone.

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Milan. A few favorites from other travelers include:

  • Private Wine Tour with the Alps in the background for $279 details
  • Brescia and Franciacorta winery area. Cultural and wine tasting small group tour for $192 details
  • Barolo wine Tasting, Alba, UNESCO Castle: Small Group from Milan for $214 details

Recommended

What did other people spend on Alcohol in Milan?

Here are some typical drink and nightlife prices in Milan, drawn from the experiences of past travelers. These costs can give you a general sense of what to expect, though your own spending will differ based on how often you enjoy alcoholic beverages and how much you consume. Remember, one of the most effective ways to reduce your travel costs is to limit alcohol consumption.


  • Cocktail at a Bar
    8.40
  • Beer
    3.35


Travel cost data last updated: Nov 29, 2023

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Milan

  • To save money, take advantage of the free activities. Some of the top free activities include:
    • Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
    • Museum of Contemporary Art (MACRO)
    • The Columns of San Lorenzo
    • The Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio
    • The Porta Nuova District
  • During the peak season of summer, prices are typically elevated and the city can be quite crowded. You can enjoy savings and a more relaxed atmosphere by visiting in the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Milan is expansive, which means you can usually find different price points for hotels, food, and entertainment. To save some money, look for the best deals, book ahead, and explore free options.
  • Adopting a slower travel pace can lead to significant savings, giving you the chance to appreciate the area's beauty. If your schedule is packed with activities, your expenses can add up quickly. Conversely, slowing down often leads to a more enjoyable experience and less money spent overall.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Going on a trip with little ones? You'll likely want a private vehicle or taxi. It can be much simpler to dodge the challenges of public transport, but keep in mind that it might cost a bit more.
Traveling in Milan
Milan Piazza del Duomo, Milan

Milan, known to most of the world as the capital of fashion and style, is also the heart of Italian industry and economics. Between the stock exchange, cathedrals and boutiques, this metropolis is a city-lover's dream come true. It is an escape from the stresses of the real world, and provides a playground for all the world's most lavish luxuries.

While it's got centuries of history under its belt, Milan has still come to represent the new Italy. The city has preserved its history, but requires a bit of exploring. Most European cities shove their historical attractions in your face, but not Milan. There is something different about this city. It might be the grey architecture. It might be the high speed pace of the locals. Something about it makes you feel like you've left Italy for a bit, but don't worry, there are Italian gems sprinkled throughout Milan. While it doesn't often have the fame of other Italian cities such as Rome, Florence, or Venice, Milan still has plenty to offer.

Most people use public transportation to get around Milan. The system includes a tram, trolley-bus, and bus lines, as well as three different metro rail lines. The three subway lines include a red line that runs northeast and west. The green line runs northeast and southwest, and the yellow line runs north and south.

Milan has a major airport that some people may use as their entry point into Italy. Alternatively, it's possible to take the train or bus from most major cities throughout Italy. Trains are generally more comfortable and convenient, but buses are often cheaper and will save you some money.

Many people choose to skip Milan as a travel destination in Italy, but those that stop by are generally well rewarded. It's an easy stopover, particularly for travelers between Cinque Terra or the coastal areas in western Italy and Venice. If nothing else, it is recommended that you allow for a few hours layover in Milan. The restaurants are very cosmopolitan and delicious, the shopping is some of the best in the world, and the wine is delicious. The sights manage to mix history with modernism, and a visit to Milan allows you to see a whole new side of Italy.



Neighborhoods & Around

From the Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II spreads to the north. To the northwest of the Piazza runs the Via Dante up to the Castello and its surrounding park. In and around these sights and the nearby maze of streets are the main tourist areas with shopping and old, quaint architecture.

Related
Looking for a party in Rome or Florence?

Traveling alone Milan or Rome?

Find a Contiki tour to Europe.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.