City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Italy
COL index 70.4
France
COL index 76.3
Milan vs Paris — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Milan is 7.7% cheaper than Paris for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Milan | Metric | Paris | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70.4 | Cost of living index | 76.3 | +8.4% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €32,873 | Net at €50,000 gross | €34,014 | +3.5% |
| €1,920 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,980 | +3.1% |
| €2,640 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,730 | +3.4% |
| €46,695 | PPP — net / COL | €44,579 | -4.5% |
| 34.3% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 32.0% | -6.7% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Italy = €2,739 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Paris, you would need roughly €52,955 gross in France (≈ €2,969 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
Affiliate disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. WorthOf may earn a commission if you sign up. This does not affect our data, our methodology, or our editorial independence.
Pros & cons
- +Lower rent (€1,920 vs €1,980)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (70.1%)
- −High cost of living (index 76)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (69.9%)
The verdict
Across the data, Paris delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Milan carries a lower cost-of-living index; Paris has the lighter effective tax burden; Milan wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Milan edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Milan cheaper than Paris?+
Milan is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Milan 70.4, Paris 76.3 — a 7.7% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Milan and Paris?+
Milan sits at 70.4 on our COL index, Paris at 76.3. That works out to roughly 7.7% — Milan being the cheaper of the two.
Is Milan a good place to live compared to Paris?+
It depends on priorities. Milan delivers €32,873 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 34.3% effective tax rate. Paris delivers €34,014 at 32.0%. Centre 1-bed rent: €1,920 vs €1,980.
How do salaries compare in Milan vs Paris?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €32,873/year (€2,739/month) in Milan and €34,014/year (€2,834/month) in Paris.
Which city has lower taxes, Milan or Paris?+
France has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Italy 34.3%, France 32.0%.