Boston vs Milan: cost of living for digital nomads

Boston, United States and Milan, Italy, line by line from the catalogue: what a month costs, rent, food, coworking, safety and internet. Every figure links back to its source on the city page.

The short version

  • Milan is about 35% cheaper than Boston for a month of nomad living ($2,625 vs $4,050).
  • Rent is the biggest gap: $1,300 in Milan against $2,300 in Boston.
  • Both score 7/10 on safety.
  • Internet is faster in Boston: 250 Mbps typical against 150 Mbps.
  • Boston is continental; Milan is temperate.

Boston wins 1 of the measured lines; Milan wins 6.

Frequently asked questions

Which city is cheaper, Boston or Milan?

Milan is cheaper: about $2,625/month against $4,050/month in Boston, roughly 35% less for a typical remote worker's budget.

Which city is safer, Boston or Milan?

Boston and Milan score the same on safety, 7/10 each.

Which has faster internet, Boston or Milan?

Boston has faster typical internet: 250 Mbps against 150 Mbps in Milan.

LineBostonMilan
Monthly total (USD)$4,050$2,625
Rent$2,300$1,300
Food$740$580
Transport$100$45
Coworking$260$200
Safety (out of 10)7/107/10
Internet (Mbps)250150
Climatecontinentaltemperate
City sizemetrometro
Settingcoastinland
Nomad score (out of 10)6/107/10

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Costs are typical monthly figures for one person in USD, from the sources named on each city page; safety and internet are the catalogue's own ratings. Cost figures verified (Eastern Time): Boston September 11, 2026, Milan September 10, 2026.