How Much Money Do I Need to Live in Milan or Lecco as a Student for Two Years?

How Much Money Do I Need to Live in Milan or Lecco as a Student for Two Years?

Living as a student in Milan or Lecco involves considering a range of factors that can affect your overall cost of living, including accommodation, food, transportation, utilities, and leisure. This article provides a detailed breakdown of estimated monthly and total costs for each city based on various lifestyle choices and spending habits.

Estimated Monthly Costs in Milan

Accommodation: Shared apartment or dormitory: €600 - €1200 Private room: €800 - €1500 Apartments outside the city center: €600 - €1200

Food: €200 - €400 per month depending on eating habits and dining choices.

Transportation: €35 - €50 per month for public transport.

Utilities: €100 - €150 per month for water, electricity, and gas.

Internet and Phone: €30 - €50 per month.

Leisure and Miscellaneous: €100 - €200 depending on personal interests and activities.

Total Monthly Cost: €1165 - €2200

Estimated Monthly Costs in Lecco

Accommodation: Shared apartment or dormitory: €400 - €800 Private room: €600 - €1200 Apartments outside the city center: €400 - €800

Food: €200 - €300 per month depending on eating habits and dining choices.

Transportation: €30 - €50 per month for public transport.

Utilities: €80 - €120 per month for water, electricity, and gas.

Internet and Phone: €30 - €50 per month.

Leisure and Miscellaneous: €80 - €150 depending on personal interests and activities.

Total Monthly Cost: €820 - €1570

Total Costs for Two Years

Milan: Total for 24 months: €27,960 - €52,800

Lecco: Total for 24 months: €19,680 - €37,680

Additional Considerations

Tuition Fees: Depending on the institution, tuition can range from €1000 to €3000 per year for EU students, and higher for non-EU students.

Health Insurance: If you are not covered by an EU health card, consider additional costs for health insurance.

Travel and Extracurricular Activities: Budget extra for any travel or activities you plan to engage in.

Conclusion

You would need approximately €20,000 to €53,000 for two years in Lecco or Milan, depending on your lifestyle and accommodation choices. It’s advisable to create a detailed budget based on your specific situation and preferences.

Personal Experience

Based on my personal experience, accommodation costs in Milan vary significantly depending on the location and type of accommodation. Budgeting from 700 euros to 1000 euros per month is possible, especially if you rent a room in a decent zone. However, if you choose a private room or an apartment in a less central area, the costs can be higher.

Lecco offers more cost-effective options, with accommodation costs typically lower than in Milan. Renting a room in a decent area can be in the range of 500-800 euros per month.

Food costs can also be managed by buying vegetables from street markets and eating out less frequently. Public transport in Milan is affordable, reducing monthly expenses for transportation.

I’ve met fellow students who managed to live quite frugally on a budget of 300-400 euros per month in Milan, indicating that with careful planning and budgeting, living expenses can be significantly reduced.

My advice is to explore various options and means to reduce your expenses. Being mindful of your spending habits and prioritizing your financial goals will help you achieve a more comfortable and affordable living situation in either city.