Italy: Milan is country’s most expensive city

Milan: Milan is confirmed as Italy’s most expensive city to live in, according to a new report by consumer watchdog Codacons.

The survey was based on the cost of living in Italy’s main cities, comparing the prices of food and tariffs for services, reports state broadcaster RAI News.

“The cost of living is extremely diversified across the country” – said Codacons president Carlo Rienzi – “with cities in the south on average cheaper than in the north.”

Groceries in Milan cost 47 per cent more than in Naples, according to Codacons, with the Milan customer paying €99.24 to stock up on staples such as fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and bread, compared to €67.58 in Naples.

The Codacons report also found that a trip to the dentist in Milan costs €127.80 compared to €78 in Naples, with a visit to a private gynaecologist in Milan costing €155 compared to €80 in Naples.

A man’s haircut costs an average of €21 in Milan compared to around €15 in Naples, while a sandwich in a Milan bar will cost €4.47 compared to €2.75 in Naples.

The price difference is inverted however when it comes to bin charges which cost €507.96 in Naples and €310.55 in Milan, according to Codacons.

A cup of coffee in Milan costs an average of €1.03 (the national average is €1.04) while in Naples it will set you back 90 cent.