Living in Milan: an expat guide
What to expect when moving to Milan
Nestled in Italy’s northern Lombardy region, Milan is a city of contrasts blending historic charm with a cosmopolitan vibe. As the country’s financial and fashion hub, it’s a magnet for professionals, creatives and families alike. Its central location provides easy access to the Alps, Lake Como and major European cities, making it a hub for both work and leisure.
Moving to Milan requires some preparation. Milan’s urban pace is faster than the laid-back lifestyle often associated with southern Italy and the challenges of navigating bureaucratic systems are very real.
Cost of living
While not as expensive as London or Paris, the cost of living in Milan - Italy’s most expensive city - is on a par with other major European cities. Housing can be pricey, especially in sought-after neighbourhoods like Brera and Porta Romana, but the city’s efficient public transport makes commuting manageable. International schooling is relatively expensive too.
Dining out and groceries can range from budget friendly to premium, depending on where you shop or eat, with Milan offering everything from local trattorias to Michelin-starred restaurants. Public transport is relatively affordable while private vehicles can be costly, due to fuel prices and parking fees. Overall, Milan strikes a balance: while not cheap, it does offer a high standard of living and excellent amenities.
Learning Italian
It is possible to live in Milan without speaking Italian, but it’s not advisable. English is widely spoken in international workplaces, universities and tourist areas. In neighbourhoods with a strong expat presence, you may find more English-speaking services, but outside these areas communication can be challenging without Italian. For day-to-day life, such as grocery shopping, navigating public transport, extracurricular activities or dealing with administrative tasks, a reasonable level of Italian is highly beneficial. And let’s face it, it’s such a beautiful language - who wouldn’t want to learn it?
The weather
The weather in Milan isn’t as consistently good as some people expect and varies significantly across the seasons. Hot and humid in summer, many locals leave the city for cooler escapes in August. Winters can be surprisingly cold (and snowy) and January sees temperatures occasionally drop below freezing.
Style and fashion
Be prepared to see some of the best dressed people in the world and don’t be surprised if you find yourself coveting the je ne sais quoi the locals appear to be born with. The Milanese are renowned for their impeccable sense of style, embodying the city's reputation as a global fashion capital. Elegance and sophistication are the norms, with locals effortlessly blending classic Italian tailoring with contemporary trends.
Fashion isn’t limited to high-end designers; even casual attire often features thoughtful details and timeless pieces. Accessories, from leather bags to stylish eyewear, play a pivotal role in completing the look - la perfezione nel dettaglio (the perfection is in the detail). The Milanese value individuality, and their style reflects a balance between self-expression and respect for tradition.
For foreigners, embracing Milan’s stylish culture can be a fun way to integrate into the city’s rhythm. Whether dressing for work, a night out, or a leisurely passeggiata, a touch of sophistication will help you fit right in.
Where to live in Milan
Housing often takes up the largest portion of expenses, especially in central areas like Brera or Porta Venezia, where rental prices are high. Suburban neighbourhoods or areas farther from the city centre can offer more affordable options. The right choice depends on your preferences for convenience, lifestyle and budget. Be aware that finding rental accommodation is not always easy.
Central areas
Brera is one of the city's most picturesque neighbourhoods. It's central, with easy access to quaint cafes and boutiques and just a short walk from the historic centre and major landmarks like the Duomo and Sforza Castle. Though it’s on the pricier side, the neighbourhood is a great middle-ground for families who want to be in central Milan, but away from the tourists. St Louis Archinto campus is walking distance from Brera.
Southeast of the centre you have Porta Romana - a mix of residential tranquility and urban convenience. It’s a favourite for expat families due to its family-friendly environment, green spaces like the Giardino della Guastalla and excellent public transport connections. And southwest is Navigli, known for its picturesque canals and vibrant nightlife. Navigli offers a more bohemian atmosphere, with plenty of cafes and restaurants. It’s ideal for families who are looking for a more relaxed, artistic environment, though it’s best suited for those who don’t mind a livelier, tourist-friendly area.
To the east you’ll find Porta Venezia, named after the Porta Venezia city gate, one of the historical entry points to Milan. It has a mix of residential buildings, elegant shopping streets and green spaces, including the beautiful Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, one of Milan’s oldest and most famous parks. Moving slightly north, Porta Nuova is one of Milan’s most modern and rapidly developing districts, known for its impressive skyscrapers and sleek, contemporary architecture. It’s a business hub with plenty of offices, high-end shopping and dining options.
Then there’s Citylife, a residential and commercial area northwest of central Milan, known for its upscale, modern apartments and vibrant community atmosphere. It’s part of a major urban redevelopment project on the site of the former Fiera Milano exhibition grounds. Here you’ll find sleek, contemporary residential buildings designed by world-renowned architects like Zaha Hadid and Daniel Libeskind, offering luxurious apartments and Parco Citylife, one of Milan’s largest parks. This area is a car-free zone and St Louis Colonna campus is a short walk away, making it attractive for families.
Suburban neighbourhoods
San Siro offers a quieter, more residential option with larger apartments and green areas. It’s a bit farther from the city centre but is ideal for families with children, seeking a more relaxed atmosphere but still within easy reach of central Milan. Known for the iconic San Siro Stadium, this residential area is quieter than the city centre and good metro and bus connections make commuting relatively easy.
Located to the east of Milan’s city centre, Lambrate is a residential neighbourhood that offers a quieter, suburban feel and is close to Parco Lambro, spanning over 100 hectares of scenic walks and sport and recreation facilities. The British School of Milan is a 10 minute walk from Lambrate mainline and metro station.
The Noverasco di Opera area, 12km south of the city is popular with families attending The American School of Milan.
Getting started in Milan
Starting a new chapter in Milan is exciting, but be prepared for endless bureaucracy along the way! Italian bureaucracy can be slow and complex, so patience is essential. Seek assistance from relocation specialists or local advisors when needed.
Visas requirements
If you're not from the EU/EAA you'll need a visa to live and work in Italy which can be obtained from the Italian consulate or embassy in your home country. The process varies depending on your nationality and reason for moving (work, family, studies). You have the right to stay in Italy long-term once you get your Italian residence permit.
Residence permit
The permesso di soggiorno is the residence permit issued to non-EU citizens who intend to stay in Italy for an extended period, beyond 90 days. You can start the process at the post office and you’ll be given an appointment at your local police station (Questura) to provide fingerprints and have your photo taken. It’s important to note that you must apply within eight days of arriving in the city. You’ll need to provide a valid passport, visa, proof of health insurance and an address in order to complete this registration process.
The carta di soggiorno is a long-term residence card, typically issued to non-EU residents who have lived in Italy for at least five years and meet specific requirements.
Healthcare
Once you have your residence permit you can register for public healthcare - Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN). Many expats supplement the SSN with private health insurance to access private clinics, English-speaking doctors and shorter waiting times. Popular providers include Cigna, Allianz, Generali and AXA. Don’t forget to check vaccination and health records for school enrolment.
Utility bills
Because Italian bureaucracy can be quite challenging, setting up utility bills can be tough. To avoid that challenge, many people choose to move into a serviced apartment where all bills and utilities are covered in the price of the rent, or you can find a relocation company to do all the hard work on your behalf.
Day to day living in Milan
Milan’s public transport system is extensive and efficient, making it one of the easiest ways to get around the city. All the systems are well-connected making it easy to hop from one method of transport to another. It’s possible to buy single tickets, multi-trip batches of tickets and monthly passes for frequent travellers. There’s also the option to just tap on and off public transport by using your debit card.
The metro has four lines (M1 red, M2 green, M3 yellow and M4 blue) and over 100 stations, connecting central Milan to suburban areas. Trains run every 2–5 minutes during peak hours. Milan’s iconic orange and yellow vintage trams operate alongside modern ones and offer a more scenic view of the city. Suburban trains (S lines) operated by Trenord, connect Milan with surrounding towns and suburbs, making them ideal for commuters or weekend trips.
Work-life balance
Aligning with the Italian ethos of la dolce vita, professionals in Milan are naturals at embracing life’s pleasures. The Milanese have perfected the art of maintaining a work-life balance. A key factor in maintaining this balance is the wide range of leisure opportunities available after work hours. There are abundant green areas for jogging and cycling, a plethora of museums, galleries and theatres, fashion events and plenty of opportunity to brunch, lunch, dine or simply enjoy a coffee or aperitivo. This harmonious lifestyle makes working in Milan a sought-after experience for expatriates worldwide.
Family-friendly
Milan is a safe choice for families. With low crime rates in most areas, the city is well-policed and there is a strong focus on public safety. Milan offers excellent parks, playgrounds and activities for children, from theatre performances at Teatro alla Scala to water sports at Idroscala, an artificial lake south of Milan. There are also a number of family-oriented cafes and restaurants, family-friendly museum programmes and events such as Milan’s children’s festival.
The last word
Milan’s efficient public transport system, green spaces and cosmopolitan lifestyle make it an attractive destination. With a welcoming expat network and a well-connected location in Europe, Milan is a great base for international families looking to enjoy a city that effortlessly blends tradition and innovation. Whether you’re drawn by career opportunities or the promise of la dolce vita, Milan won’t disappoint.