Which place is cheaper, La Spezia or Milan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Milan or La Spezia?
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 La Spezia 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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.
La Spezia
La Spezia is a lively, convenient, and cultural town. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.
Milan and La Spezia: Pros and Cons
Milan
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Scenic old town
- Fun shopping
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
La Spezia
Pros- Popular beach
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Less museums and historical sights
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular old town
- Less popular for shopping
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Milan or La Spezia?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Milan than La Spezia, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Milan is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while La Spezia is known for its beaches. La Spezia is more touristy than Milan and is known for being the gateway to Cinque Terre. 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 La Spezia?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between La Spezia 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 La Spezia?
Milan
La Spezia
Milan is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, La Spezia is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.
Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Milan. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.
La Spezia offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The highlight of the area is the surrounding natural beauty, but in town you can visit the Maritime Museum, The castle of San Giorgio, and The Amedeo Lia Art Museum.
Is the Food Better in Milan or La Spezia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Milan
La Spezia
Milan is very popular for its restaurants. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
Eat your way through Milan, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.
Dining out in La Spezia is an experience not to be missed. The town has many local flavors that incorporate seafood and other local ingredients. Focaccia is popular, as is Farinata, which is a chickpea flour pancake. Anchovies and mussels are also common ingredients.
Is Milan or La Spezia Better for Nightlife?
Milan
La Spezia
Milan is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.
Milan is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.
La Spezia has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find more bars and clubs around town than you do in the smaller nearby towns. Some people head into La Spezia for the evening to grab a drink and socialize.
Is Milan or La Spezia Better for Music?
Milan
La Spezia
Milan is very popular for its live music scene. However, La Spezia is not a live music destination.
With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week 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.
La Spezia is not a live music destination.
Is Milan or La Spezia Better for Beaches?
Milan
La Spezia
La Spezia is a town with good options for the beach. However, Milan is not a beach destination.
Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in La Spezia. The beaches in the area tend to be rocky and pebbly. For the best beaches, head out of town to nearby areas.
Milan is not a beach destination.
Is Milan or La Spezia Better for its Old Town?
Milan
La Spezia
Milan is very popular for its old town. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.
Milan has a world-famous historical area. 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.
La Spezia offers a nice historic old town area. The old town runs between the streets of Corso Cavour and Via Prione and is best explored on foot.
Is the Shopping Better in Milan or La Spezia?
Milan
La Spezia
Milan is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.
Known for shopping, Milan draws large crowds to its stores. 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.
Many visitors go to La Spezia to go shopping. There's a morning market at Piazza del Mercato as well as many clothing and souvenir shops around town.
Is Milan or La Spezia Better for Families?
Milan
La Spezia
Both Milan and La Spezia 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.
La Spezia is a family-friendly place to visit. Visitors often use La Spezia as a base for visiting nearby Cinque Terre. The surrounding region has many kid-friendly activities like hiking, swimming, and beaches.
Is Milan or La Spezia Better for Couples?
Milan
La Spezia
Both Milan and La Spezia are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.
Milan is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.
La Spezia is a very popular place to visit for couples. It makes a nice base for visiting nearby sights if the more popular Cinque Terre area is too overwhelming.
Is Milan or La Spezia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Milan
La Spezia
For backpackers, both Milan and La Spezia are very good places to visit.
Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Milan. 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.
Backpackers come from all over to visit La Spezia. It's more affordable than the nearby towns in Cinque Terre, but they're still easily accessible from town.
Is Milan or La Spezia Better for Students?
Milan
La Spezia
Milan is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, La Spezia is not popular with students.
Milan is a very popular place to visit 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.
La Spezia is not popular with students.
Is Milan or La Spezia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Milan
La Spezia
Milan is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.
Milan has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.
You'll find some public transit in La Spezia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses, trains, and ferry boats offer the main forms of transportation in the area.
Is Milan or La Spezia a more walkable city?
Milan
La Spezia
Milan is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.
It's very easy to get around on foot in Milan. In particular, the city center is walkable.
La Spezia is a very walkable destination. The town is easy to walk around and you'll find a pedestrian-only area downhill from the train station.
For even more information, also check out Is Milan Worth Visiting? and Is La Spezia Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in La Spezia or Milan?
How long in Milan or La Spezia?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Milan and La Spezia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Milan than in La Spezia. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Milan, and 2-3 days is enough time in La Spezia.
Families should spend more time in Milan than La Spezia. 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 La Spezia. 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 La Spezia 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.
-
How many days in Milan or La Spezia? Ideal Length of StayMilan 1-5La Spezia 2-3
One day in Milan or La Spezia?
People visit Milan because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Milan has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
In La Spezia, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this cultural destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
A weekend in Milan or La Spezia?
People visit Milan because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Spezia. 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 La Spezia?
People visit Milan because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
La Spezia is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of La Spezia. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
A week in Milan or La Spezia?
Milan is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
You'll find nightlife and food around the cultural destination of La Spezia. 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMilan €166La Spezia €198
The average daily cost (per person) in Milan is €166, while the average daily cost in La Spezia is €198. 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 La Spezia in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMilan €96La Spezia €113
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMilan €192La Spezia €226
Compare Hotels in Milan and La Spezia
Looking for a hotel in Milan or La Spezia? 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 La Spezia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Milan €35La Spezia €41
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:
- taxi / transfer service to and from airports: $240
- Zurich : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $852
- Zug : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $682
- Vitznau : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $693
- Varese : Private Transfer to/from Rho Fiera: $170
- Tremezzo: Private Transfer to/from Milan Malpensa Airport: $245
- Transfer from Milano or Linate: $136
- Transfer from Milan to Ravenna Cruise Port with stop in Verona: $256
- Torno: Private transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $202
- Torino : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $437
- Tasch : Private Transfer to/from Malpensa Airport: $533
- Serravalle Outlet Luxury Shopping Tour- semiprivate VIP transfer: $97
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Spezia
Also for La Spezia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- La Spezia Cruise Port to Florence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $260
- Arrival Private Transfer La Spezia to Genoa by Business or Luxury Vehicle: $253
- Private Transfer from La Spezia to Florence : $242
- Private Transfer La Spezia to Pisa by Business or Luxury Vehicle: $202
- Private Transfer from La Spezia to Cinque Terre by car or van: $141
- La Spezia Cruise Port to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $130
- Arrival Private Transfer from La Spezia to Porto Venere or Lerici: $91
- Private Transfer Porto Venere or Lerici to La Spezia by car / van: $91
- La Spezia Cruise Port to La Spezia hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $44
- Private Transfer from La Spezia Cruise Port to La Spezia hotels: $22
- Private Transfer from La Spezia Port to La Spezia Hotels: $22
- Private Transfer from La Spezia Hotels to La Spezia Cruise Port: $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Milan or La Spezia?
Prices for flights to both La Spezia 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 dayMilan €39La Spezia €56
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:
- PYT Milano Dinner Show with Live Music and DJ Set: $21
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $29
- Gourmet Street Food Tour with Sightseeing and Tasting: $45
- Devour Milan Street Food Tour and Sightseeing: $46
- Eating Milan Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $46
- Delicious Milan Street Food Tour Tasting and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $46
- NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $59
- NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $60
- Italian Cooking Class with Food and Wine: $69
- Local Market and Cooking Class with an Italian Chef: $69
- Local Cuisine Cooking Class with Wine: $72
- Fresh pasta experience for children - Cooking Class: $72
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Spezia
For La Spezia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour: $91
- Small-Group Street Food Tour: $95
- Portovenere: Sunset Cruise with Aperitif and Dinner: $96
- Tour of Apericena at Sunset and Dinner on Boat: $96
- La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $97
- Small-group Street food tour in La Spezia: $97
- Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in La Spezia: $114
- Porto Venere & Islands Sunset Boat Tour w/ Dinner: $137
- Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $148
- Private Cooking Class in an Italian Home: $155
- Market Visit and Seafood Cooking Class with Lunch: $156
- Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in La Spezia: $158
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Milan €31La Spezia €37
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.
- Milan Highlights semi-Private Walking Tour: $43
- Milan Urban Wonders Small Group Tour: $53
- Gallery Tour, Terraces of the Duomo & Cathedral: $36
- Skip-the-Line Duomo Cathedral Tour : $54
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Milan: $6.53
- "Milano Style: Your Italian Fashion Experience": $164
- 2 Hours Guided La Scala Theatre Tour in Milan: $125
- 2-Hour Milan by Night Walking Tour: $156
- 2-hours Duomo of Milan guided experience with entrance tickets: $71
- 24 h in Personalized Highlights Tour: $181
- An Architectural insight of Milan on a Private Tour with a local: $148
- Bernina Express Tour Swiss Alps & St Moritz From Milan: $156
Tours and Activities in La Spezia
For La Spezia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Florence & Pisa bus tour from La Spezia: $82
- La Spezia Walking Tour: $39
- Pisa Tour by bus: $55
- 4-Hour E-Bike Guided Tour of the Tellaro and Montemarcello Villages: $55
- 6-Hour Guided Tour Portovenere and Cinque Terre with aperitif: $130
- Afternoon Boat Tour to Cinque Terre with brunch on board: $152
- Boat Tour of the 3 Islands & Portovenere: $65
- Boat Tours 5 Terre: $136
- Boat tour 5 terre & Portovenere Food - drink - music - swim : $163
- Boat tour Cinque Terre and Gulf of Poets from La Spezia: $185
- Caving adventure at the Caves of Equi Alpi Apuane: $141
- Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in La Spezia: $151
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMilan €24La Spezia €35
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: $43
- Wine Tasting Experience in Milan city centre: $44
- Milan Wine Tasting Experience: $52
- Italian Wine Tasting in Milan: $53
- Milan Wine Tasting Aperitivo: $55
- Milan Wine Tasting with Italian Sommelier: $86
- Private Food and Wine Tasting Experience in the Center of Milan: $87
- Wine Tasting with an Italian Sommelier: $93
- Best of Guided Tour with Duomo, Food & Wine Tasting: $159
- Food and Wine Tasting enjoying the New Milan: $164
- Brescia & Franciacorta Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $180
- Brescia and Franciacorta winery area. Cultural and wine tasting small group tour: $184
Sample the Local Flavors in La Spezia
Also in La Spezia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- boat tour with seafood and wine tasting: $213
- Lucca city tour and Pisa tower + wine tasting from La Spezia Port: $217
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Milan and La Spezia, we can see that La Spezia is more expensive. And not only is Milan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Milan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Milan 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 La Spezia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in La Spezia than you might in Milan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Milan Expensive? and Is La Spezia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Milan or La Spezia?
Milan has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of La Spezia. When comparing the sizes of Milan and La Spezia, 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.