Living in Rome vs Milan: Which Italian City is Right for You?
- Emily Fata
- Apr 25
- 8 min read
Curious about the pros and cons of living in Rome vs Milan? Come discover which city suits your lifestyle best with our in-depth comparison of spending time living in both major Italian cities.
If you had asked me before moving to Italy which city I thought I’d prefer—Milan or Rome—I would definitely have had fluctuating answers, unable to come up with something concrete. Both have their appeal, and on paper, each offers something distinctly Italian; after previously spending only a very short time in each, this was as much of an opinion as I could form.
Thus, the big question loomed: Should I set up camp in Milan or Rome? Thankfully, I decided to give both a try, living in each city for over two months each. Let me tell you, they could not be more different. If you’re considering a move to Italy (or even just an extended visit), here’s what you need to know about living in Rome vs Milan. Living in each city taught me more than just logistics; it shaped my understanding of what I want from life in Italy.
The Lifestyle: Fast-Paced Hustle vs Easygoing Chaos
Milan is Italy’s sleek, business-oriented metropolis where time is money and style is everything. The pace here is relentless, with people moving efficiently between work and aperitivo. There’s a certain seriousness in the air, as if the city itself has put on a perfectly tailored suit and is running late for a meeting. While Milan is certainly an economic powerhouse, I found it lacked the warmth, culture, and joie de vivre that drew me to Italy in the first place.
The city operates on schedules, ambition, and transactions. People walk with purpose, conversations are short and to the point, and the general vibe is that of an urban machine where everything must keep moving. For me, this was a letdown. I came to Italy looking for that warm, leisurely lifestyle that embraces good food, deep conversations, and appreciation for art and history. In many ways, it reminded me of my life in Toronto—a well-oiled machine of a city where work takes precedence over play. Except I wasn’t in Toronto, and I didn’t know the city like the back of my hand after three decades of exploring it, so it felt isolating rather than ‘cool, I can go about my business and not have to worry about being bothered by anyone today.’
Rome, though, is chaotic in the best way. People expressively talk with their hands, streets are filled with history, and there’s a lingering sense that life is meant to be enjoyed, not just endured. Romans work hard, but their entire existence doesn’t revolve around their careers. They take their time with meals, embrace spontaneous adventures, and genuinely enjoy their surroundings. The warmth of the people made me feel instantly at ease, and even though it was still a big city, it felt more like a place where I belonged.
Sure, things might not always run on schedule (okay, they rarely do), but there’s a charm in the unpredictability. It’s a city that embraces imperfection, and that’s what makes it feel so alive. Walking through the streets of Rome, you’re just as likely to stumble upon a 2,000-year-old ruin as you are a charming piazza filled with locals enjoying an early evening spritz. It’s history, culture, and community all wrapped into one.
Public Transportation: Efficiency vs Affordability (and Strikes)
Coming from Toronto, where public transit is often unreliable and limited in reach, I found Milan and Rome’s metro systems surprisingly efficient. That being said, neither was perfect—it’s no secret that Italy’s public transportation isn’t winning any gold medals for reliability, either. Milan’s metro is structured, clean, and fairly easy to navigate, but it is expensive, charging by distance through a zone system. A typical ride cost me about €2.40 each way, which added up quickly. Rome, by contrast, had a simple flat fare of €1.20 for 100 minutes, allowing me to hop between metro lines and buses without worrying about additional costs.
Strikes were another factor. Milan’s transit system seemed to be on strike constantly while I was there, which made getting around difficult. Additionally, the metro line near where I lived (Cologno Nord) shut down every night at 9 PM for construction, which made evenings out a logistical nightmare unless I was willing to fork out for a taxi; because of this, getting home often felt like an elaborate puzzle with no solution. Rome wasn’t entirely free from strikes, but I encountered fewer disruptions compared to my time in Milan. Plus, since Rome is incredibly walkable, it was easy to spend a day around Rome on foot, as long as I arrived and returned home in the short windows that transit typically runs during strike days (the morning and evening rush, so that people can still get to and from work).
The People: Reserved Professionals vs Warm, Chaotic Locals
If you’ve ever heard the stereotype that Northern Italians are more reserved and business-oriented while Southerners are warm and welcoming, my experience confirmed this. In Milan, people are generally polite, but distant. Of course, if you engaged with shopkeepers in smaller, family-run stores, they were usually polite and pleasant. However, making friends in Milan felt next to impossible. I even joined an expat Facebook group to connect with other internationals, and the general consensus was that Milan’s work-centric culture made it tough to form social bonds. So, while I didn’t necessarily feel unwelcome, I also didn’t feel a strong sense of belonging either…but it’s no surprise that I mostly gravitated towards people from the south as much as I could.
Rome, on the other hand, was an entirely different story. The stereotype of Romans being more boisterous, warm, and animated turned out to be true. Strangers would strike up conversations, people were more patient with my beginner A2-level (soon to be B1-level!) Italian, and I felt more welcomed overall. Because I had some family and friends nearby, I had more of a social network, but even beyond that, Romans seemed more open to meeting new people. This made my time in Rome much more fulfilling, as I was able to go out more and genuinely enjoy the city’s vibrant social scene.
Food Scene: International Flavours vs Traditional Comforts
Milan wins when it comes to variety of cuisine available. The city’s international food scene is top-notch, offering everything from incredible sushi to Middle Eastern cuisine; I missed the variety of cuisines that I had easy access to in Toronto, and Milan offered a great selection of international dining experiences. However, finding good, authentic Italian food at a reasonable price was a bit more challenging. Many places catered to tourists, and aperitivo spots were often overpriced with subpar food. Even in the heart of Italy, Milan felt more like a global city than an Italian one.
Rome, on the other hand, is a food-lover’s dream. Every meal felt like a warm embrace—carciofi alla romana (Roman-style artichokes), pizza romana, cacio e pepe. The traditional osterie and trattorie were endlessly charming, with dishes that felt steeped in history. In fact, I never had a bad meal in Rome, even when I gambled on touristy-looking restaurants while my sisters were visiting me in the city. Eating in Rome felt like an experience of food that is more authentic and rooted in tradition, not just a necessity, and that made all the difference.
The Weather: Gloomy and Grey vs Mild and Sunny
Milan’s winters were an endless sea of grey. The fog rolled in thick, and the drizzle never seemed to stop. It was the kind of weather that makes you want to curl up under a blanket and not emerge until spring. Add to that the fact that I didn’t feel entirely safe wandering around alone after dark, and you can imagine how uninspiring my time there felt.
Rome, in contrast, was a breath of fresh air—literally. Even in the dead of winter, the city felt alive. The sun made regular appearances, and I could take leisurely strolls without feeling trapped in a rain cloud. I spent more time outdoors, discovering hidden gems like parks, ancient ruins, and hidden pasticcerie that made my day-to-day life feel like a little adventure.
The Social Scene: Workaholics vs Social Butterflies
If you’re looking to build a social life, Rome is the place to be. The energy is infectious, and people actually make time to enjoy themselves. I made more friends in Rome in a few weeks than I did in Milan in two months. In contrast, Milan felt like a city where people were always too busy to hang out. Even online groups for expats confirmed this—many people said making friends in Milan was tough, simply because work came first.
Rome’s social scene was vibrant, welcoming, and much easier to navigate. Whether it was casual meetups, cultural events, or just striking up a conversation with someone at a café, I felt far more connected to the people and the city itself.
Which Will it Be: Living in Rome vs Milan?
Without hesitation, I would choose Rome. Hands down.
I came to Italy to experience something different, and Rome gave me that in every way. The history, the people, the vibrant energy—it all made me feel alive and connected to the country in a way that Milan never did. Walking through the city felt like stepping into a living museum, with ancient ruins, stunning churches, and hidden artistic gems around every corner. It was a city that inspired me daily, filled with unexpected surprises and an undeniable energy.
While Milan has its perks—efficiency, international food, and a structured lifestyle—it felt cold. That said, living in Rome vs Milan ultimately comes down to personal preference. Milan is a fantastic choice for those who love efficiency, modernity, and a fast-paced lifestyle far from la dolce far niente (and an occasional art gallery, like the Pinacoteca di Brera). Rome is for those who embrace a bit of beautiful chaos and want to live in the heart of history.
Of course, Rome isn’t without its downsides. It’s chaotic and sometimes disorganized, but for me, the benefits far outweighed the drawbacks. When it came time to leave, I felt a genuine sadness at saying goodbye, whereas in Milan, I was ready to pack up and move on without a second thought.
All in All
If you’re considering a move abroad, my advice is simple: do it. Moving abroad and experiencing new cities is one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself.
There’s no better way to truly understand a place than by living there; no two cities—even within the same country—offer the same vibe. Don’t assume that just because you love a country, every city will be the right fit. I thought Milan would be a dream city, but it turned out that Rome was the one that stole my heart. Ultimately, you won’t know which place truly speaks to you until you experience it firsthand.
Whether it’s Milan, Rome, or somewhere entirely unexpected, stepping outside your comfort zone will teach you more about yourself than you ever imagined. So, book that flight, explore this big and beautiful planet, and see where you feel most at home. You might just surprise yourself.
One of my dream is to live in Rome. Thanks for sharing this insights, my dream doesn’t end.
It’s great that you got to experience living in both cities. I’ve only visited, but I really liked them both. If I had to choose one to live in, I’d pick Rome too—I really enjoy the vibe of big cities.
I love both cities but Rome is a bit more to my liking when it comes to walking around. Lake como near Milan and Genoa would be different stories though. In Italy, I would choose Florence over other cities. :)
I would agree with you about choosing Rome, but right now I would go for either one! Milan reminds me somewhat of NYC while Rome is its own special city.
These are for sure two popular destinations all year round. If you can't decide between one or the other, why not visit both? Historical wonders!