A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Milan vs. Bologna for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Milan or Bologna?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Milan and Bologna can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Milan or Bologna?

Milan

Milan, known to most of the world as the capital of fashion and style, is also the heart of Italian industry and economics. Between the stock exchange, cathedrals and boutiques, this metropolis is a city-lover's dream come true. It is an escape from the stresses of the real world, and provides a playground for all the world's most lavish luxuries.

Bologna

Bologna is the capital city of the northern region of Italy, Emilia-Romagna, with a population of 380,000. It is a historical city known well by Italians, however, not as well known among foreigners. The locals of Bologna speak little to no English. The city is most known for having the oldest university in the West. Another reason many visit this city is because of its exquisite cuisine. Many Italians would consider it one of the most beautiful cities in the entire country because of its impeccably preserved historic centers. The best time to visit Bologna is usually between March and October, although bare in mind that July and August can get quite hot.

Which city is cheaper, Bologna or Milan?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Milan is €166, while the average daily cost in Bologna is €170. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Milan and Bologna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Milan €96
    Bologna €87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Milan €192
    Bologna €174
Compare Hotels in Milan and Bologna

Looking for a hotel in Milan or Bologna? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Milan


Hotels in Bologna


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Milan Hotel Prices and Bologna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Milan €35
    Bologna €21
Typical Local Transportation prices in Milan

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Milan:


  • Train to Airport
    €7.00
  • Malpensa Airport Train (for Two)
    €22
  • Taxi From Airport
    €90
  • Public Transit Day Pass
    €4.50
  • Short Taxi Ride
    €7.13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milan

Also for Milan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Linate Airport and Milan Central Station Transfer: $5.67
  • Bergamo: Bus Transfer to/from Milan City Center: $9.07
  • Ultra - Milan Private Airport Transfer from city Milan centre to Malpensa (MXP): $9.41
  • Ultra - Milan private transfer from train station to Milan city centre: $9.41
  • Ultra - Milan Private Airport Transfer from city centre to Milan train station: $9.41
  • Direct Transfer between Malpensa Airport and Center: $11
  • Bus Transfer from Malpensa Airport and Milan Central Station: $11
  • Milan Hotel to Linate Airport: Shared Departure Transfer (max 8 people): $21
  • Private Departure Van Transfer: Hotel to Linate Airport Milan (LIN): $31
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Milan Linate Airport to Milan City: $40
  • Private Departure Transfer from Milan City to Milan Linate Airport: $40
  • Private Business Transfer from Milan City Center to Linate Airport (LIN): $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bologna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bologna:

  • Private Transfer from Bologna to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $626
  • Private transfer from Bologna to Ljubljana: $605
  • Private Transfer: Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Bologna or vice versa: $574
  • Private Transfer: Civitavecchia Port to Bologna or vice versa: $561
  • Private Transfer: Ciampino Airport (CIA) to Bologna or vice versa: $556
  • Private Transfer from Bologna to Rimini (RMI) Airport: $523
  • Private Transfer from Bologna to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $514
  • Bologna Departure Private Transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport MXP in Luxury Van: $458
  • Bologna Departure Private Transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport MXP in Business Car: $416
  • Arrival Private Transfer Bologna Airport BLQ to San Marino by Business Car: $344
  • Florence: Private Transfer to Bologna Airport (BLQ): $315
  • Florence: Private Transfer from Bologna Airport (BLQ): $310

Is it cheaper to fly into Milan or Bologna?

Prices for flights to both Bologna and Milan change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Milan €39
    Bologna €41
Typical Food prices in Milan

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Milan:


  • Snack at Train Station
    €8.60
  • Restaurant Pizza
    €6.60
  • Casual Cafe Lunch (for Two)
    €27
  • Three Course Dinner (for Two)
    €64
  • Cappuccino
    €1.63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milan

For Milan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Evening Food Tour: $90
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Milan with show cooking: $106
  • Food Tour of Brera: $110
  • Small-group Street food tour in Milan: $111
  • Pizza and Gelato-Making Class: $112
  • Gourmet Food Tour: $113
  • Private Italian cooking class & lunch in the woods outside Milan: $118
  • 3.5-Hour Traditional and Modern Food Tour: $130
  • Central Market Tour and Cooking Class: $135
  • Market Tour and Lunch or Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $158
  • Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Milan: $162
  • Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Milan: $180

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bologna

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bologna.

  • FICO with Gelato Cooking Class and Luna Farm Ticket: $22
  • FICO Eataly World, Pizza Making, & Luna Farm: $22
  • Virtual Cooking Class: Ravioli variations with classic tomato sauce: $40
  • Bologna Traditional Home Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner: $56
  • Traditional Home cooking class in Bologna: $67
  • Private Walking tour and Traditional Home Cooking Experience in Bologna: $73
  • Hands on Home Cooking Class: $78
  • Learn to Make Bolognese Pasta: Private Cooking Lesson in Bologna with Giovanna: $86
  • Bologna traditional food tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $95
  • Guided Traditional Food Tour: $95
  • Withlocals The 10 Tastings™: Bologna PRIVATE Food Tour: $103
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Bologna with cooking demo: $106

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Milan €31
    Bologna €39
Typical Entertainment prices in Milan

For Milan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Stairs to Duomo Rooftop
    €7.00

Tours and Activities in Milan

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Milan.

  • Santa Maria delle Grazie Self-Guided Tour App: $3.97
  • Self-Guided Smartphone Tour of Sforza Castle: $3.97
  • Santa Maria delle Grazie Reserved Entry Ticket & Tour: $14
  • Bagatti Valsecchi Museum Ticket Entrance: $14
  • Cathedral, Archeological Area and Museum Ticket: $14
  • Milan Cathedral: Rooftop Terraces Ticket (No Church Access): $15
  • Leonardo3 The World of Leonardo: Tickets for the Interactive Exhibition: $15
  • Leonardo's Vineyard with Guided Tour Option: $15
  • Leonardo3 - The World of Leonardo Museum Entrance Ticket: $16
  • Skip the Line: Milan Cathedral Rooftop Ticket: $17
  • Casa Milan Admission Ticket: $17
  • Walking Street Art Tour of Ticinese and Navigli: $17

Typical Entertainment prices in Bologna

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bologna are as follows:


  • Food Tour (for 2)
    €31
  • Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)
    €115
  • Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour (for 2)
    €67
  • National Gallery Museum Bologna (for 2)
    €12
  • Archaeology Museum of Bologna (for 2)
    €12

Tours and Activities in Bologna

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bologna are as follows:

  • 2-Hour Bike Tour of Bologna: $48
  • 2-hour Walking Tour of Bologna: $32
  • 2.5-Hour Bike Tour of Bologna with Food Tasting: $81
  • 2.5-hour Bologna City and University Walking Tour: $310
  • Art tour of Ravenna from Bologna: $137
  • BOLOGNA, City & Food Private Tour: $266
  • Best of BOLOGNA on a Private Tour: $208
  • Best of Private & Personalised Walking Experience: $68
  • Best walking tour of Bologna: $149
  • Bike Tour of Bologna for Instagram: $38
  • Bologna 3 hour walking tour: $343
  • Bologna By Run: Sightseeing Running Tours: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Milan €24
    Bologna €30
Typical Alcohol prices in Milan

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Milan:


  • Cocktail at a Bar
    €8.40
  • Beer
    €3.35

Sample the Local Flavors in Milan

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Milan:

  • Wine Tasting Experience in the City Centre: $41
  • Wine Tastings with Chef Luigi Gandola: $93
  • From Wine Tasting Tour in the Countryside: $101
  • Food and Wine Tasting enjoying the New Milan: $127
  • Milan Countryside and Wine tasting Tour: $148
  • Wine Tour Barolo from Milan: $243
  • Day trip from Valtellina and wine tasting - private tour: $603
  • Food & Wine Tour on Lake Orta from Milan - Private Tour: $695
  • Wine Tour in Franciacorta from Milan: $821

Sample the Local Flavors in Bologna

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bologna:

  • Wine Tasting Tour in One of the Oldest Inns: $62
  • Food & Wine Tasting Tour Bologna: $81
  • Amarone Classico Wine Tasting from Bologna by Train: $210
  • Bologna Food Experience: Factory Visits with Gourmet Lunch and Wine Tasting: $212
  • From Romagna Region Wine Tasting Tour: $286

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Milan and Bologna, we can see that Bologna is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.


When is the best time to visit Milan or Bologna?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Milan or Bologna in the Summer?

Both Bologna and Milan during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Milan in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Milan is around the same temperature as Bologna in the summer. The temperature in Milan is usually 23°C (73°F) in July, and Bologna stays around 24°C (75°F).

In Bologna, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Milan. In the summer, Milan often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Milan gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Milan usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Milan gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Milan 23°C (73°F) 
    Bologna 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Milan or Bologna in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Milan and Bologna. Most visitors come to Milan for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Milan is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Milan in October are around 15°C (58°F), and Bologna is about 16°C (61°F).

Milan usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Milan gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Bologna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Milan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Milan usually receives less rain than Bologna. Milan gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Milan 15°C (58°F) 
    Bologna 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Milan or Bologna in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Milan as well as Bologna. The winter months attract visitors to Milan because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Bologna in the winter. The weather in Milan can be very cold. In January, Milan is generally much warmer than Bologna. Temperatures in Milan average around 5°C (41°F), and Bologna stays around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Milan often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Milan gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Milan usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. Milan gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Milan 5°C (41°F) 
    Bologna 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Milan or Bologna in the Spring?

Both Bologna and Milan are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

Milan is around the same temperature as Bologna in the spring. The temperature in Milan is usually 13°C (55°F) in April, and Bologna stays around 13°C (55°F).

Milan usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during spring. Milan gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Milan usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bologna. Milan gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Milan 13°C (55°F) 
    Bologna 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Bologna and Milan

Milan Bologna
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 76 mm (3 in) 13°C (55°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 102 mm (4 in) 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 103 mm (4 in) 16°C (61°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 102 mm (4 in) 8°C (46°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)


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Milan vs. Bologna Travel Comparison

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