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Moving to Milan, Italy | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Milan, Italy

Moving to Milan, Italy

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Jun 28, 2024

Summary: Expatriates are drawn to Milan, Italy for its vibrant culture, world-class cuisine, and bustling economy. Milan is a major fashion and design hub, and its art and architecture are renowned around the world. The city is also home to a number of international companies, making it an attractive destination for those seeking employment opportunities. Before moving to Milan, it is important to be aware of the cost of living, which is higher than in many other parts of Italy. Additionally, Milan is a large city and can be difficult to navigate without a good understanding of the public transportation system. Finally, it is important to be aware of the language barrier, as Italian is the primary language spoken in Milan.

Italian For A While
Italian For A While
Italian For A While
Italian For A While

What do I need to know before moving to Milan?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Milan, they said:

"Before moving to Milan, it's important to understand that the city, as Italy's financial and fashion capital, offers a chaotic urban lifestyle. You’d better know that the cost of living is relatively high, especially for housing. And while many locals speak English, knowing some Italian will still be helpful," wrote Brian Viola from Italian For A While.

I am a language immersion traveler—after a Gap Year in Australia, I began working to encourage this experience in my own country: Italy!

Click connect to have our partner, Brian, contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

I am a language immersion traveler—after a Gap Year in Australia, I began working to encourage this experience in my own country: Italy!

Click connect to have our partner, Brian, contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

"Milan is Italy's second-most populous city and is known for its stylish architecture, fashion, cuisine and historic sites. The city centre is home to stylish shops, upscale restaurants and some of the country's top universities. Milan is an ethnically diverse city, with a large foreign population due to its position as the country's financial and business hub. Public transportation is excellent, with metros, buses and trams. The cost of living in Milan is higher than other Italian cities, so it is important to get to know the city before deciding on a place to live. As Milan is mainly a Catholic city, it is important to recognise and respect the major religious holidays and cultural customs that the city has. Weather in Milan is variable - summers are generally hot and humid, with occasional storms, and winters are typically cold and damp, with some snowfall," commented one expat who made the move to Milan.

How do I find a place to live in Milan?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"Finding a place to live in Milan can be done through various methods, including real estate agencies, online platforms like Immobiliare.it and Idealista, and social media groups dedicated to housing. It's common to use a real estate agent to navigate the competitive market and handle legal aspects," wrote Brian Viola from Italian For A While.

I am a language immersion traveler—after a Gap Year in Australia, I began working to encourage this experience in my own country: Italy!

Click connect to have our partner, Brian, contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

I am a language immersion traveler—after a Gap Year in Australia, I began working to encourage this experience in my own country: Italy!

Click connect to have our partner, Brian, contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

"Finding a suitable place to live in Milan can be a daunting task, but the following tips should help you in your search: -Research online for rental listings in Milan: there are plenty of websites and online databases with a large selection of listings in various neighbourhoods. Short-term rentals might also be available. -Visit the neighbourhood you are interested in living in: this is a great way to get an idea of the local amenities, services and activities on offer, as well as to get a better sense of the atmosphere of the area. -Visit a few properties: it is important to make sure the home meets your requirements before you sign a contract. -Check the lease agreement carefully: check the term of the contract and make sure you understand all the conditions. -Be prepared to act quickly: the demand for rental properties in Milan is high and a good property won’t be available for long," remarked one expat who made the move to Milan.

Italian For A While

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Italian For A While

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Milan?

"Expat homes and apartments in Milan typically range from modern luxury studios to spacious three-bedroom apartments. They are usually located within the city center, with specific popular areas being Brera, Garibaldi and Navigli. Apartments will often feature modern décor with clean white walls, hardwood floors, and stainless steel appliances. In many cases, kitchens and bathrooms are relatively small, but this can depend on the type and size of the apartment. Many apartments benefit from a range of amenities such as an elevator, intercom, and balconies," said one expat in Milan.

"A typical expat home or apartment in Milan is often an apartment located in a central or well-connected neighborhood. Expats, indeed, often choose areas that are vibrant and offer a mix of residential and commercial spaces, such as Porta Venezia, Isola, or Navigli, providing easy access to work, dining, and entertainment options. As space can be limited, many apartments feature compact layouts with essential appliances such as a stove, oven, refrigerator, and washing machine," wrote Brian Viola from Italian For A While.

I am a language immersion traveler—after a Gap Year in Australia, I began working to encourage this experience in my own country: Italy!

Click connect to have our partner, Brian, contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

I am a language immersion traveler—after a Gap Year in Australia, I began working to encourage this experience in my own country: Italy!

Click connect to have our partner, Brian, contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What is the average cost of housing in Milan?

If you are thinking about moving to Milan, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The average cost of housing in Milan is generally high and depends on the specific area and size of the property," replied a member in Milan.

Should I buy or rent a home in Milan?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Milan, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"The decision to buy or rent a home in Milan depends on your individual needs and situation. Buying a home is generally more expensive than renting, but for some people it is a better investment and a more stable option than renting. Owning a home also provides more freedom to personalize and make changes to your home. Renting a home, on the other hand, allows for more flexibility and the ability to move easily in the event of a job or lifestyle change. Ultimately, it should be your decision to make after careful consideration of your financial situation and plans for the future," remarked one expat in Milan, Italy.

What should I pack when moving to Milan?

We asked people living in Milan to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded:

"Milan is a cosmopolitan city like all others — NYC, London, Paris — where you can find anything and everything you need. As far as clothing is concerned, dress like you would in NYC in all four seasons. Women and men are usually elegantly casual. Other than that I would only bring endearing personal possessions and prescribed medications along with the prescription so you can refill when needed," remarked one expat in Milan, Italy.

"Clothing appropriate for the climate, including warmer items like sweaters and coats, comfortable walking shoes, passport and other documents, any necessary medication, basic toiletry items, essentials like can opener and scissors, power adaptor or converter, flashlight or lamps, camera, laptop, mobile phone and chargers, washing powder, basic pots, pans and kitchen utensils, cleaning supplies, toilet paper and other necessities, extra blankets, plastic containers for storage," said one expat in Milan.

Italian For A WhileItalian For A While
Connect

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Italian For A WhileItalian For A While

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Milan?

We asked people in Milan if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!:

"In Milan, the most important thing to remember is to be respectful and polite. It is important to greet people warmly upon meeting them and show them respect; avoid offensive language, rude or brusque behaviour, and interrupting others. In spite of the modern, fast-paced atmosphere of Milan, it is important to be aware of and adhere to the city's strict dress code. Milanese tend to dress more formally than elsewhere in Italy so it is best to opt for conservative clothing when out in public. Also, when visiting churches, it is important to dress appropriately, regardless of gender and to observe any signage indicating different dress codes. Lastly, do not be offended if Italians stick to their own cliques, as it is usually seen as a form of politeness and respect to their own. While engaging in conversations with Milanese, avoid talking too loud as it is seen as an impolite gesture," remarked one expat who made the move to Milan.

Why do people move to Milan?

When we asked people why foreigners move to Milan, they responded:

"People move to Milan for various reasons including career opportunities in finance, fashion, design, and technology, as the city is a major economic hub. Milan's rich cultural scene, with its museums, theaters, and historical sites, attracts those interested in the arts. The city's educational institutions, including prestigious universities, draw students from around the world. The prospect of living in a cosmopolitan city with a high quality of life, despite the high cost of living, also appeals to many expats and professionals," wrote Brian Viola from Italian For A While.

I am a language immersion traveler—after a Gap Year in Australia, I began working to encourage this experience in my own country: Italy!

Click connect to have our partner, Brian, contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

I am a language immersion traveler—after a Gap Year in Australia, I began working to encourage this experience in my own country: Italy!

Click connect to have our partner, Brian, contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

"Milan is an attractive destination for expats due to its vibrant culture, excellent job opportunities, and high quality of life. The city is home to some of the world's most renowned fashion houses, art galleries, and museums, making it a great place to explore and experience the best of Italian culture. Additionally, Milan is a major business hub, offering a wide range of job opportunities in finance, technology, and other industries. Finally, the city boasts a high quality of life, with excellent public transportation, a variety of housing options, and a wide range of recreational activities. All of these factors make Milan an attractive destination for expats looking to experience the best of Italian culture and lifestyle," commented one expat who moved to Milan.

Italian For A WhileItalian For A While
Connect

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Italian For A WhileItalian For A While

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

How are healthcare services Milan?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Milan, they replied:

"Milan offers a wide range of healthcare services to its citizens. The city is home to a number of public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide a variety of medical services, including general and specialized care. The city also has a number of specialized centers for the treatment of specific conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. Additionally, Milan is home to a number of pharmacies, laboratories, and other medical facilities that provide a range of services, including diagnostic testing, vaccinations, and medical advice. Milan also has a number of specialized centers for the elderly, disabled, and those with chronic illnesses," said one expat.

What are medical services in Milan like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Milan, they replied:

"Milan offers a wide range of medical services for its citizens and visitors. The city is home to a number of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide a variety of treatments and services. These include general medical care, emergency services, specialized care, and preventive health services. Milan also has a number of specialized medical centers that offer treatments for specific conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. Additionally, Milan is home to a number of private medical practices that provide personalized care and treatments," stated one expat who made the move to Milan.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

Italian For A While
Italian For A While

Become 'Italian for a While' - for students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, and professionals! Live out your dreams in Italy while learning Italian and immersing in the language, life, and culture.
Learn More

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