Hong Kong vs Milan: cost of living for digital nomads
Hong Kong, Hong Kong 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 31% cheaper than Hong Kong for a month of nomad living ($2,625 vs $3,790).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $1,300 in Milan against $2,200 in Hong Kong.
- Hong Kong scores higher on safety (8/10 vs 7/10).
- Internet is faster in Hong Kong: 250 Mbps typical against 150 Mbps.
- Hong Kong is tropical; Milan is temperate.
Hong Kong wins 2 of the measured lines; Milan wins 6.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Hong Kong or Milan?
Milan is cheaper: about $2,625/month against $3,790/month in Hong Kong, roughly 31% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Hong Kong or Milan?
Hong Kong scores higher on safety: 8/10 against 7/10 for Milan.
Which has faster internet, Hong Kong or Milan?
Hong Kong has faster typical internet: 250 Mbps against 150 Mbps in Milan.
| Line | Hong Kong | Milan |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $3,790 | $2,625 |
| Rent | $2,200 | $1,300 |
| Food | $650 | $580 |
| Transport | $80 | $45 |
| Coworking | $260 | $200 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 250 | 150 |
| Climate | tropical | temperate |
| City size | metro | metro |
| Setting | coast | inland |
| Nomad score (out of 10) | 6/10 | 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): Hong Kong September 11, 2026, Milan September 10, 2026.