Daily costs per person in euros. Milan has a reputation for expense, but aperitivo buffets, street food, and free museum days keep it surprisingly accessible.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: EUR (Euro) (1 USD ≈ 0.92 EUR)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €22–45 | €75–140 | €180+ | Hostels → boutique hotels → design hotels |
| Food | €15–25 | €30–55 | €70+ | Street food & markets → trattorias → Michelin dining |
| Transport | €4–8 | €10–18 | €25+ | Metro & bike → taxis → private transfers |
| Activities | €0–12 | €15–35 | €50+ | Free sites → museums & galleries → opera & tours |
| Drinks | €5–10 | €12–22 | €30+ | Aperitivo buffet → wine bars → rooftop cocktails |
| Daily Total | €46–100 | €142–270 | €355+ | $50–109 → $154–293 → $386+ |
Money-saving tips
Aperitivo is dinner
Most Navigli and Isola bars offer generous buffet spreads with any drink (€8–12) from 6–9pm. Some spreads include pasta, rice, salads, and bruschetta — effectively a free dinner with your cocktail.
Free museum days
Many museums are free on the first Sunday of each month (Brera, Castello Sforzesco). First and third Tuesdays after 2pm for Castello museums. The Duomo exterior, Galleria, and most churches are free.
ATM transit passes
ATM daily pass: €7.60 (metro, tram, bus). 3-day: €13. Single ticket: €2.20 (90 min). Milan is flat and bikeable — BikeMi bike share is €4.50/day for standard bikes.
Cheap eats
Panzerotti at Luini: €3. Pizza al taglio: €3–5. Piadina shops: €5–7. Chinese on Via Paolo Sarpi: €8–12 for a full meal. Supermarkets (Esselunga, Conad) have excellent prepared meals for €4–7.
Outlet shopping
Serravalle Designer Outlet (1 hour by bus from Milano Centrale, €20 return) has 240 stores with 30–70% off Italian brands year-round — Prada, Gucci, Armani at factory prices.
Free experiences
Walking the Navigli canals, Parco Sempione, Bosco Verticale, Colonne di San Lorenzo gathering, Cimitero Monumentale, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, and most churches are completely free.
