Milan vs Rotterdam: cost of living for digital nomads
Milan, Italy and Rotterdam, Netherlands, 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 4% cheaper than Rotterdam for a month of nomad living ($2,625 vs $2,730).
- Rent is the biggest gap: $1,300 in Milan against $1,400 in Rotterdam.
- Rotterdam scores higher on safety (8/10 vs 7/10).
- Internet is faster in Rotterdam: 200 Mbps typical against 150 Mbps.
- Both have a temperate climate.
Milan wins 3 of the measured lines; Rotterdam wins 4.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is cheaper, Milan or Rotterdam?
Milan is cheaper: about $2,625/month against $2,730/month in Rotterdam, roughly 4% less for a typical remote worker's budget.
Which city is safer, Milan or Rotterdam?
Rotterdam scores higher on safety: 8/10 against 7/10 for Milan.
Which has faster internet, Milan or Rotterdam?
Rotterdam has faster typical internet: 200 Mbps against 150 Mbps in Milan.
| Line | Milan | Rotterdam |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly total (USD) | $2,625 | $2,730 |
| Rent | $1,300 | $1,400 |
| Food | $580 | $570 |
| Transport | $45 | $70 |
| Coworking | $200 | $190 |
| Safety (out of 10) | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Internet (Mbps) | 150 | 200 |
| Climate | temperate | temperate |
| City size | metro | metro |
| Setting | inland | 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): Milan September 10, 2026, Rotterdam September 10, 2026.