Milan Most Expensive Italian City While Naples Remains Cheapest in Codacons Study

Milan has been confirmed as the most expensive city in Italy for 2026 according to an annual study by Codacons. The analysis, based on Mimit price observatory data updated in June, examined a basket of 33 items consisting of 20 food products and 13 services such as dentists, hairdressers, and veterinarians. To purchase the full basket in Milan, consumers spend approximately 693 euros, while the same goods and services cost about 402 euros in Naples, representing a 42 percent difference. Other expensive cities include Bolzano at 652 euros, Bologna at 642.92 euros, and Aosta at 640.89 euros. Conversely, Palermo and Catanzaro are among the most affordable cities with costs of 464 euros and 474 euros respectively.

The price gap is most pronounced in the services sector. Milan requires approximately 491 euros for services, compared to 262 euros in Naples. Specific disparities include veterinary vaccinations, which cost 63 euros in Milan and 29.50 euros in Naples, and dental fillings, which cost 176 euros in Aosta but only 71 euros in Palermo. Food costs show a smaller but still significant divide. Six cities, including Milan, Bolzano, and Florence, spend over 200 euros on the food basket, while Naples spends the least at 140 euros. Specific high costs include fresh bread in Bolzano at 7.16 euros per kilogram and cured ham in Florence at 41.20 euros per kilogram.

Center leaning coverage describes the results as a picture of an Italy split in two. Center right leaning coverage provides additional context by noting that the basket excludes major living expenses like rent and utilities. This perspective includes Idealista data showing that average monthly rent for a 70 square meter apartment is roughly 1,560 euros in Milan compared to 1,030 euros in Naples.