Cost of Living: Chicago vs Milan (2026)
United States vs Italy — relocation comparison
For the Kids
Schools, pediatric care, and whether your children can actually enroll
Sources: OECD PISA 2022 · Wikipedia · Numbeo · official health systems
Settler Essentials
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals
The Short Version
- •Rent is 27% cheaper in Milan ($1737/mo vs $2388/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are slightly warmer in Milan (28°C vs 27°C).
- •Milan is safer by homicide rate (0.5 vs 18.2 per 100k).
- •English is easier to get by in Chicago (100/100 vs 62/100 English proficiency).
Chicago vs Milan — Common Questions
Is Chicago cheaper than Milan?▾
Milan is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1737/month in Milan vs $2388/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Chicago or Milan?▾
Milan is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Chicago has a rate of 18.20 per 100,000 and Milan has 0.55 per 100,000.
Should I move to Chicago or Milan?▾
Milan scores 67 to Chicago's 54 on livability — the gap is real. Chicago has its charms, but the numbers favor Milan. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.
Is it easier to get residency in Chicago or Milan?▾
Chicago: US Employment-Based Green Card (complex process, Permanent residence). Milan: Italy Digital Nomad Visa (moderate requirements, 1 year (renewable)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
Can I live in Chicago or Milan without speaking the local language?▾
English is easier to get by in Chicago (EF EPI score: 100/100) than in Milan (62/100). In Chicago, daily life and professional settings often work in English. In Milan, learning some of the local language will make long-term settlement significantly smoother.
Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.
Factor in your salary, family size, weather preferences, and deal-breakers.
Related comparisons