Get tips, join events & make friends in Milan
Are you a British expat in Milan or are you considering moving here? Getting advice from someone with a similar experience can be a good start. Through the InterNations Milan Community, you’ll easily meet and connect with fellow Brits and other internationals. Our members are happy to help a newcomer!
If you have questions, read on! We’ve rounded up everything you need to know to help you settle more quickly. You’ll also find more info on how to connect with British expats at fun events.
Everybody’s waiting to welcome you!
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Francois Carpentier
With the help of InterNations, my wife and I met a lot of other French expats at the famous aperitivos here in Milan.
Annabelle Molenaar
The Milan Community of InterNations is just so great: regular events -- several easy-going Ambassadors -- really friendly expat crowd!
Why you'll love InterNations in Milan
and countless possibilities for fun and friendship!
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Who are the Brits that move abroad?
Every year, we publish Expat Insider, one of the biggest global surveys for expats where we ask people living around the world about aspects of expat life.
We’ve rounded up key facts about the typical British expat, including what motivated them to move to a new country.
The pros & cons of living in Milan
Of course, no place is perfect. There’s always the good, the bad, and the ugly. Read on and discover what British expats love about Milan — and the challenges they face.
Pros:
Safety: Walking around the main streets at night isn’t dangerous. However, you still need to be cautious of minor crimes like pickpocketing, which are of concern in many big cities, especially in public spaces like metros and tourist spots.
Plenty of entertainment: From museums, classical music concerts, and theater to fashion weeks and comic cons, there’s always something to do in Milan. If you’re looking for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle, a one-hour trip will take you to Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy.
International vibe: Milan is home to many foreigners from around the globe, so finding English-speaking communities is easy. Brits appreciate the city’s diverse culture.
Food: Brits in our community love Italian food. Famous for its iconic dish “risotto alla Milanese,” Milan is known as a foodie city with a wide variety, from classic Italian to international cuisine.
Cons:
High rent: Milan is among the most expensive cities in Italy, with rent being the biggest cost. Residents often spend over 40% of their income on rent. You’ll need at least 800–1,000 EUR for a one-bedroom apartment.
Climate: The hot, humid summers and the cold, foggy winters in Milan can be tough. Plus, there are plenty of mosquitoes during the summer.
Bureaucracy: Dealing with bureaucracy in Milan can be quite challenging. Finding information is difficult, and everything requires an appointment, which can take weeks to get.
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Meet British expats at fun events in Milan
Moving to a new city can be hard because you may feel lonely at first. Luckily, our events are here to help you make friends. Designed to connect expats, you’ll get the chance to meet fellow Brits and other internationals. There are many things you can learn from their stories!
We also have Newcomers’ Events, designed for people new to the community and hosted by our Ambassadors. They’ll greet you with open arms and introduce you to other newcomers and more experienced expats living in the city.
Check out our upcoming events so you don’t miss out on becoming part of Milan’s expat family and the chance to make a bunch of international friends, including lots of Brits!
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All your questions about living in Milan, answered
Milan is known as Italy’s economic powerhouse. The job market here is generally strong, offering good career opportunities. Many multinational companies operate in Milan, creating a demand for English-speaking professionals. High-demand sectors include economics, finance, marketing, fashion, and hospitality.
Although English is the main language spoken in international companies, basic Italian skills are beneficial. You'll be working with Italians, so showing respect for their culture can go a long way.
There are many websites online that can assist you in finding an English-speaking job. Try your luck with:
You can also try a recruitment agency in Milan. If these options don’t appeal to you, InterNations has a large business networking community. If you’re looking for a job, why not attend some events and network with other expats who could assist you with your job search?
The average salary for jobs in Milan is around 3,500 EUR per month (gross). If you’re making at least this amount, you can live comfortably here. However, if you have a family and kids to support, you might want to aim higher. Earning between 4,500–6,000 EUR is considered a good salary for a family.
Here is an overview of the monthly cost of living in Milan:
| EUR | GBP (approx.) | |
Utilities (power, water, etc.) | 250 | 210 |
Rent for a studio apartment | 920–1,300 | 770–1,100 |
Rent for a small family home | 1,850–3,000 | 1,560–3,000 |
Public transport | 40 | 35 |
Mobile phone & internet | 35 | 30 |
Meal at a restaurant (per person) | 20–40 | 15–35 |
Groceries (per person) | 470 | 400 |
Basic health insurance (public) | 100–500 | 85–420 |
Milan is a very international city, with expats making up 20% of the population. Many people speak English, so getting around or handling basic interactions won’t be too hard.
But this will still feel limiting at some point. The most challenging moments usually occur when handling official paperwork, finding a flat, visiting a doctor, or making an official appointment.
Ideally, use your time in Milan to learn as much Italian as possible — or learn at least some basic Italian in advance. There are affordable language courses available, or you can try using language apps or websites that provide lessons.
To help you avoid some of these struggles, we’ve collected a list of services (none are affiliated with InterNations) that cater to English speakers:
Mi.mag — List of English-speaking doctors in Milan
English Speaking Dentists — Search for dentists by city; location and contact number provided
Niguarda Hospital — General hospital with 24/7 emergency care; not all staff may speak English
American International Medical Center — Private clinic providing assistance to the English-speaking community in Milan
Milan Medical Center — Wide ranges of medical services, with staff that speak fluent English among other languages
Avvocati per Stranieri — Immigration lawyer for foreigners in Milan
Taxing.it — International tax law practice in Milan, offering a wide range of services to clients in the UK and Italy
DayInterpreting — Get connected to a native Italian speaker on your phone and use the loudspeaker to have an instant interpreter with you
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Pursue your hobbies with amazing new friends
Do you want to continue with your hobbies — or discover new ones — while living in Milan? You can join a variety of InterNations Groups based on your interests.
These groups are run by dedicated Consuls who host at least one activity per month. They organize everything from game nights to professional networking. For example, you can go sightseeing and explore the city with the City Culture Exploration Group, ride your bike on various routes with the Biking Group, or see a movie with the Theatre Nights Group.
Follow your passion — there’s something for everyone!
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Enjoy the international experience — worldwide
We’re not just in Milan! InterNations has lively communities in 420 cities around the globe.
So if you’re thinking about relocating or are simply in the mood for a nice night out while traveling, InterNations is your go-to platform. As a member, you’re welcome to join events in any of our InterNations Communities.
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British expats in Italy
Other Nationalities in Milan
Italy Guide Topics
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