Cost Comparison 2025

MiamivsMilan

United States
Italy

Overall

💰

-11.8%

Miami is 11.8%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-33.3%

Housing is 33.3% lower

Dining

🍽️

-2.4%

Restaurants 2.4% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-12.2%

Food shopping 12.2% less

Comparing the cost of living between Miami, United States and Milan, Italy reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Miami is more affordable than Milan by approximately 11.8%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Miami are higher than in Milan by 50%. A one-bedroom apartment in Miami's city center costs around $2,600, while the same in Milan is approximately €1,500.

Dining out in Miami costs about the same compared to Milan. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs $18 in Miami versus €18 in Milan.

Public transportation in Miami is more expensive, with monthly passes at $113 compared to €39 in Milan.

Purchasing power in Miami is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Milan.

Grocery shopping in Miami is more expensive by approximately 14%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Miami can expect to spend approximately $645 per month (excluding rent), while in Milan, the same lifestyle would cost around €549. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about $2,256 monthly in Miami versus €1,921 in Milan. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Miami, United States
Milan, Italy

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
$2,600
€1,500
1BR Outside Center
$2,000
€1,000
3BR City Center
$5,000
€3,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$18
€18
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
$90
€80
Cappuccino
$5
€2
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
$7
€6

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
$1
€2
Bread (500g)
$3
€2
Eggs (12)
$4
€4
Cheese (1kg)
$13
€16

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
$2
€2
Monthly Pass
$113
€39
Taxi Start
$5
€6
Gasoline (1L)
$1
€2

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
$140
€180
Internet (60 Mbps)
$65
€30
Mobile Minute
$0
€0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Milan to Miami, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Miami to Milan requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Miami

Cost of Living Index85
Rent Index75
Purchasing Power Index100

Milan

Cost of Living Index75
Rent Index50
Purchasing Power Index75

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Miami more expensive than Milan?

No, Miami is approximately 11.8% cheaper than Milan. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

How much salary do I need in Miami compared to Milan?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 89% of your Milan salary when living in Miami. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Milan, you'd need about $44,737 in Miami for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Miami and Milan?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 50%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Miami offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Miami provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Miami if you prioritize earning potential, or Milan for affordability.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Miami vs Milan?

In Miami, a single person needs approximately $2,645 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about $5,756. In Milan, these figures are €1,549 for singles and €3,721 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Miami and Milan in 2025 shows notable differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Milan to maintain your lifestyle from Miami

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers