Helsinki vs Milan: cost of living for digital nomads
Helsinki, Finland 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 1% cheaper than Helsinki for a month of nomad living ($2,625 vs $2,660).
- Helsinki scores higher on safety (9/10 vs 7/10).
- Internet is faster in Helsinki: 250 Mbps typical against 150 Mbps.
- Helsinki is continental; Milan is temperate.
Helsinki wins 3 of the measured lines; Milan wins 3.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Helsinki or Milan?
Milan is cheaper: about $2,625/month against $2,660/month in Helsinki, roughly 1% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Helsinki or Milan?
Helsinki scores higher on safety: 9/10 against 7/10 for Milan.
Which has faster internet, Helsinki or Milan?
Helsinki has faster typical internet: 250 Mbps against 150 Mbps in Milan.
| Line | Helsinki | Milan |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $2,660 | $2,625 |
| Rent | $1,300 | $1,300 |
| Food | $590 | $580 |
| Transport | $80 | $45 |
| Coworking | $180 | $200 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 250 | 150 |
| Climate | continental | temperate |
| City size | metro | metro |
| Setting | coast | inland |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 7/10 | 7/10 |
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): Helsinki September 11, 2026, Milan September 10, 2026.