Which place is cheaper, Calgary or Milan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Milan or Calgary?
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 Calgary 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.
Milan
Milan is a trendy, chic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of Milan is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food. See Milan travel costs.
Calgary
Calgary is a authentic, western, and local city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Calgary travel costs.
Milan and Calgary: Pros and Cons
Milan
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Scenic old town
- Fun shopping
- Known for its beauty
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
Calgary
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular for shopping
- Public transit not as usable
- Less walkable
Is there more to do in Milan or Calgary?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Milan than Calgary, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Calgary is more touristy than Milan and is popular for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede. Milan is popular for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also home to Piazza del Duomo.
How is Milan different from Calgary?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Calgary and Milan. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Milan or Calgary?
Milan
Calgary
Milan is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Milan. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calgary. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.
Is the Food Better in Milan or Calgary? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Milan
Calgary
Milan is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.
Many restaurants in Milan have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.
Calgary may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.
Is Milan or Calgary Better for Nightlife?
Milan
Calgary
Milan is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.
The nightlife in Milan is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.
If you're looking for night time activities Calgary has a few options to choose from. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.
Is Milan or Calgary Better for Music?
Milan
Calgary
Milan is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Calgary is not a live music destination.
Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Milan The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.
Calgary is not a live music destination.
Is Milan or Calgary Better for its Old Town?
Milan
Calgary
Milan is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Calgary does not have a historic old town.
With a famous historical old-town, Milan offers plenty to see. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.
Calgary does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Milan or Calgary?
Milan
Calgary
Milan is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.
The abundance of shops in Milan make it a world-class shopping destination. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.
Calgary has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.
Is Milan or Calgary More Beautiful?
Milan
Calgary
Milan is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.
The famous beauty of Milan is one of the main draws. There is stunning architecture and beautiful neighborhoods that you can explore.
Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.
Is Milan or Calgary Better for Families?
Milan
Calgary
Both Milan and Calgary are good to visit with kids.
Milan offers lots of family activities. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.
Calgary is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.
Is Milan or Calgary Better for Couples?
Milan
Calgary
Milan is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.
Couples visit Milan frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.
Calgary is a good city for couples to visit. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.
Is Milan or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Milan
Calgary
Milan is well known for backpackers. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Milan is a great city to visit for backpackers. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.
Plenty of backpackers visit Calgary. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.
Is Milan or Calgary Better for Students?
Milan
Calgary
Milan is an unbeatable place for students. However, Calgary is not popular with students.
Milan is a very popular city for students. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.
Calgary is not popular with students.
Is Milan or Calgary Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Milan
Calgary
Milan is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.
Visitors in Milan can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.
While Calgary offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.
Is Milan or Calgary a more walkable city?
Milan
Calgary
Milan is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.
Getting around Milan on foot is easy. In particular, the city center is walkable.
Calgary is generally not a very walkable city. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.
For even more information, also check out Is Milan Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Calgary or Milan?
How long in Milan or Calgary?
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Milan or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milan than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Milan, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.
Families should spend more time in Milan than Calgary. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Milan, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Milan than Calgary. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Milan that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Milan than Calgary if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Milan.
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How many days in Milan or Calgary? Ideal Length of StayMilan 1-5Calgary 1-2
One day in Milan or Calgary?
Because Milan is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.
In Calgary, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this western destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.
A weekend in Milan or Calgary?
Because Milan is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milan has to offer.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calgary. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Five days in Milan or Calgary?
Milan is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milan has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
Calgary is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Calgary. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
A week in Milan or Calgary?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milan. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Milan. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
You'll find nightlife and shopping around the western destination of Calgary. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.
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Milan Prices
Italy PricesCalgary Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMilan €195Calgary €151
The average daily cost (per person) in Milan is €195, while the average daily cost in Calgary is €151. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Milan and Calgary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMilan €96Calgary €62
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMilan €192Calgary €124
Compare Hotels in Milan and Calgary
Looking for a hotel in Milan or Calgary? 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.
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 Calgary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Milan €35Calgary €11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Milan
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Milan:
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Train to Airport€7.00
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Malpensa Airport Train (for Two)€22
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Taxi From Airport€90
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Public Transit Day Pass€4.50
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Short Taxi Ride€7.13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Milan
Also for Milan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Milan to Bergamo Airport (BGY) - Departure Private Transfer : $172
- Airport Transfer: Malpensa Airport MXP to Milan by Luxury Van: $161
- Airport Transfer: Milan to Linate Airport LIN by Luxury Car: $159
- Airport Transfer: Milan to Malpensa Airport MXP by Luxury Van: $161
- Arrival Private Transfer Luxury Van LIN airport to Milan: $96
- Arrival Private Transfer: Malpensa Airport MXP to Milan in Luxury Van: $161
- Arrival Transfer: Linate Airport LIN to Milan by Business Car: $141
- BERGAMO ORIO AL SERIO - Milano airport transfer with private Luxury Van: $204
- Bergamo Airport (BGY) to Sirmione - Arrival Private Transfer: $175
- Cervinia: Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $552
- Champoluc: Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $529
- From Linate airport : Private 1-Way Transfer to Bellagio: $400
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:
- Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Vancouver: $2,153
- Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper Shuttle Transfer: $1,256
- Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Jasper: $861
- Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Fernie, BC: $517
- Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Edmonton: $502
- Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Golden BC: $502
- Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Lake Louis: $359
- Black Car Airport Transfers in Bow Valley: $295
- Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Red Deer: $251
- Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Kananaskis: $222
- Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Drumheller: $215
- Calgary YYC Airport to Banff Canmore Private Transfer: $215
Is it cheaper to fly into Milan or Calgary?
Prices for flights to both Calgary 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
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Food Meals for one dayMilan €67Calgary €46
Typical Food Prices in Milan
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Milan:
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Snack at Train Station€8.60
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Restaurant Pizza€6.60
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Casual Cafe Lunch (for Two)€27
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Three Course Dinner (for Two)€64
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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:
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $32
- Milan Gourmet Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $42
- Milan Street Food Tour and City Sightseeing with Local Guide: $42
- Delicious Food Tour and City Center Sightseeing: $46
- International aperitif + cooking class in Italian: $48
- only in ITALIAN - International aperitif + cooking class in Italian: $49
- Street Food Tour with Tastings and Local Guide: $49
- Gourmet Street Food Tour with Sightseeing and Tasting: $49
- Tasty Milan Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $50
- Delicious Milan Street Food Tour Tasting and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $51
- Eating Milan Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $54
- Pasta and Tiramisu Small Group Cooking Class with Wine: $66
Typical Food Prices in Calgary
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Calgary:
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Bread, Chips, Cheese€6.89
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Calgary
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Calgary.
- Sushi Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Calgary: $63
- Pasta Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Calgary: $63
- Light Brunch & Food Tour at Calgary Farmers' Market WEST: $80
- Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $127
- Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Milan €31Calgary €13
Typical Entertainment Prices in Milan
For Milan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Stairs to Duomo Rooftop€7.00
Tours and Activities in Milan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Milan.
- Milan's Best-Kept Secrets: A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $1.17
- Self Guided Tours In Milan With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.57
- Milan Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.81
- Milan Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $5.12
- Stories of the Fashion Capital: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Milan: $6.99
- Branca Tower Entrance Ticket: $7.00
- Royal Self-Guided Story Puzzle Adventure: $7.15
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Milan: $7.20
- Milano Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide by a Local: $7.21
- Mysteries of Uncover the city's lesser-known tales on this audio tour: $7.99
- Milan Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.40
- Duomo Milan Cathedral Walking Tour with Audioguide (no ticket): $8.40
Typical Entertainment Prices in Calgary
Here are a few typical costs in Calgary for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Stampede Admission (for 2)€19
Tours and Activities in Calgary
Here are a few actual costs in Calgary for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day of Drumheller Dinosaurs and Badlands Guided Group Tour : $132
- 1 Day of Drumheller Dinosaurs and Badlands in Private Custom Tour: $88
- 2-Day Lake Louise, Moraine Lake & Columbia Icefield Rockies Tour: $80
- 3 Day Banff Moraine Lake Louise Johnston Columbia Icefield Tour : $241
- 6-Hour Private City Tour Drive to Calgary Tower: $682
- Airport Pickup & Private Tour from Calgary to The Rockies!: $257
- Badlands Tour: Drumheller with Museum, Hoodoos & Coal Mine: $121
- Banff Explorer™ Private Tour with Moraine Lake & Lake Louise: $537
- Banff Gondola Hot Springs Bow Falls and Three Lakes tour: $73
- Banff Gondola Upper Hot Springs & Top 3 Lakes Tour from Calgary: $88
- Banff Johnston Canyon and Banff Gondola 1 Day Tour from Calgary: $118
- Banff Lake Louise Moraine & Emerald Lake Tour: $77
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMilan €24Calgary €9.33
Typical Alcohol Prices in Milan
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Milan:
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Cocktail at a Bar€8.40
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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:
- Milan Pub Crawl Party with Free Shots and Drink Deals by Riviera: $30
- Guided Riviera Bar Crawl with Free Shots: $37
- Wine Tasting Experience with Platter at Winelovers: $44
- Wine Tasting Experience: $48
- Wine Tasting Experience in the City Centre: $52
- Wine Tasting Experience in Milan City Center: $54
- Milan Wine Tasting Experience: $57
- Italian Wine Tasting in Milan: $58
- Wine Tasting Experience - Urban Cellar: $60
- Fun Wine Tasting with an Italian Sommelier: $76
- Fun Wine Tasting with the most italian Sommelier in Milan: $82
- Private Food and Wine Tasting Experience in the Center of Milan: $95
Sample the Local Flavors in Calgary
Also in Calgary, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Brewery Tours at Award Winning Venues: $82
- Calgary Brewery Tour: $88
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Milan and Calgary, we can see that Milan is more expensive. And not only is Calgary much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Milan is in Europe and Calgary is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Calgary would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Calgary and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Milan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Milan than you might in Calgary.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Milan Expensive? and Is Calgary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Milan or Calgary?
Milan has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Calgary. When comparing the sizes of Milan and Calgary, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.