City comparison · Rent & affordability
Rome vs Milan: rent and cost of living
Median rent in Rome (€1,100) is 27% lower than in Milan (€1,500). But raw rent isn't the whole picture — what you earn locally determines how much pressure that rent actually puts on your budget.
Rome
Confidence: low
Milan
Confidence: low
What renters actually spend (% of income)
Rome
Milan
These are what renters actually pay — not recommended targets.
Salary needed for median rent (30% rule)
Milan requires €16,000 more per year to comfortably cover median rent.
Affordability verdict
Milan is slightly easier on the wallet. The median renter spends 33% of income on rent there, versus 36% in Rome — a 3-point gap that compounds over time. Median rent is €1,500 in Milan versus €1,100 in Rome. Despite similar rent levels in absolute terms, income differences explain the gap — local wages stretch further in Milan.
Frequently asked questions
Is Milan cheaper than Rome to rent in?
Yes — Milan is more affordable relative to local incomes. The median renter in Milan spends 33% of gross income on rent, versus 36% in Rome.
What salary do you need to rent in Rome vs Milan?
To comfortably afford median rent at the 30% rule, you need €44,000/year in Rome and €60,000/year in Milan.
What is the average rent in Rome compared to Milan?
Median 1-bedroom rent is €1,100/month in Rome and €1,500/month in Milan. Budget options (bottom 10%) start at €650 and €900 respectively.
Explore Rome in detail
Explore Milan in detail
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