Cost Comparison 2025

MilanvsTokyo

Italy
Japan

Overall

💰

+20.0%

Milan is 20.0%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+50.0%

Housing is 50.0% higher

Dining

🍽️

-25.0%

Restaurants 25.0% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

+52.8%

Food shopping 52.8% more

Comparing the cost of living between Milan, Italy and Tokyo, Japan reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Milan is more expensive than Tokyo by approximately 20.0%. 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 Milan are lower than in Tokyo by 33%. A one-bedroom apartment in Milan's city center costs around €1,500, while the same in Tokyo is approximately ¥180,000.

Dining out in Milan is notably more expensive compared to Tokyo. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €18 in Milan versus ¥1,000 in Tokyo.

Public transportation in Milan is more affordable, with monthly passes at €39 compared to ¥10,000 in Tokyo.

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

Grocery shopping in Milan is more affordable by approximately 35%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Milan can expect to spend approximately €549 per month (excluding rent), while in Tokyo, the same lifestyle would cost around ¥63,000. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €1,921 monthly in Milan versus ¥220,500 in Tokyo. 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
Milan, Italy
Tokyo, Japan

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€1,500
¥180,000
1BR Outside Center
€1,000
¥100,000
3BR City Center
€3,000
¥400,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€18
¥1,000
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€80
¥6,000
Cappuccino
€2
¥450
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€6
¥500

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€2
¥200
Bread (500g)
€2
¥250
Eggs (12)
€4
¥300
Cheese (1kg)
€16
¥2,000

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€2
¥200
Monthly Pass
€39
¥10,000
Taxi Start
€6
¥730
Gasoline (1L)
€2
¥170

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€180
¥20,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
€30
¥4,000
Mobile Minute
€0
¥40

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Milan to Tokyo, 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 Tokyo 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

Milan

Cost of Living Index75
Rent Index50
Purchasing Power Index75

Tokyo

Cost of Living Index90
Rent Index75
Purchasing Power Index95

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Milan more expensive than Tokyo?

Yes, Milan is approximately 20.0% more expensive than Tokyo overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.2x of your Tokyo salary when living in Milan. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Tokyo, you'd need about $60,000 in Milan for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Milan and Tokyo?

The most significant cost difference is in groceries. Grocery costs differ by roughly 35%, affecting your daily shopping expenses. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

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

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

In Milan, a single person needs approximately €1,549 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €3,721. In Tokyo, these figures are ¥163,000 for singles and ¥470,500 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Milan and Tokyo 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 Tokyo to maintain your lifestyle from Milan

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-28 • Data sourced from multiple providers