Which place is cheaper, Lucca or Milan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Milan or Lucca?
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 Lucca 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 chic, cultural, and trendy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.
Lucca
Lucca is a popular, historic, and charming city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.
Milan and Lucca: Pros and Cons
Milan
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- 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
Lucca
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular for shopping
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Milan or Lucca?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Milan than Lucca. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Lucca is more touristy than Milan and is popular for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings. Milan is famous for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. It is also well known for Piazza del Duomo.
How is Milan different from Lucca?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lucca 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 Lucca?
Milan
Lucca
You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Lucca and Milan.
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.
Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Lucca. There are many interesting historic sights and buildings around this charming town. You can climb to the top of the Guinigi Tower or visit the Roman Amphitheater. Many visitors enjoy walking or biking around the city walls as well. Also make sure you visit the cathedral.
Is the Food Better in Milan or Lucca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Milan
Lucca
Milan is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.
The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Lucca. There are many great Tuscan restaurants inside the city walls. Perhaps the most popular local dish is tordelli Lucchesi. Its a meat filled pasta that has a beef ragu sauce. There are also other Tuscan recipes that include steak, boar, or rabbit.
Is Milan or Lucca Better for Nightlife?
Milan
Lucca
Milan is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.
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 Lucca has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is most lively during the spring and summer months when tourists crowd into the city. For the highest concentration of bars, clubs, and lounges, head to Piazza Amfiteatro, Piazza San Michele and Via Fillungo.
Is Milan or Lucca Better for Music?
Milan
Lucca
Milan is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Lucca is not a live music destination.
In Milan you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.
Lucca is not a live music destination.
Is Milan or Lucca Better for its Old Town?
Milan
Lucca
Both Milan and Lucca have world-class historic old towns worth visiting.
Milan offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.
Lucca has a world-famous historical area. The historic city is surrounded by city walls, which you can walk around. Within the walls there are cobblestone streets and a charming atmosphere.
Is the Shopping Better in Milan or Lucca?
Milan
Lucca
Milan is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.
Milan is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.
Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Lucca. The city is filled with a mix of tourist shops and more authentic local vendors. If you look hard, you can still find some interesting local items that make for a more unique and personal shopping experience.
Is Milan or Lucca Better for Families?
Milan
Lucca
Both Milan and Lucca are nice 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.
Lucca is a family-friendly place to visit. You can pass through town in a day or two, or stay longer and use it as a base for exploring Tuscany. There are playgrounds for the kids as well as some fun activities like cycling the city walls and climbing towers.
Is Milan or Lucca Better for Couples?
Milan
Lucca
Both Milan and Lucca are great 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.
Lucca is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a beautiful city with good restaurants and access to nice countryside. Couples who want to explore Tuscany can use this town as a base to take in much of the region.
Is Milan or Lucca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Milan
Lucca
Milan is well known for backpackers. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Milan is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Lucca. While there aren't many traditional hostels around town, guesthouses are usually affordable.
Is Milan or Lucca Better for Students?
Milan
Lucca
Milan is an unbeatable place for students. However, Lucca 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.
Lucca is not popular with students.
Is Milan or Lucca Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Milan
Lucca
Milan is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Lucca is not particularly known 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.
Public transit is quite limited in Lucca. There's no public transit within the city so if you can't walk somewhere, you'll want to take a taxi. In general, walking is the best option though.
Is Milan or Lucca a more walkable city?
Milan
Lucca
Milan is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.
Getting around Milan on foot is easy. In particular, the city center is walkable.
Lucca is very walkable. Much of the city can be explored on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Milan Worth Visiting? and Is Lucca Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Lucca or Milan?
How long in Milan or Lucca?
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Milan or Lucca to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Milan than Lucca 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 Lucca.
Families should spend more time in Milan than Lucca. 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 Lucca. 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 Lucca 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 Lucca? Ideal Length of StayMilan 1-5Lucca 1-2
One day in Milan or Lucca?
Each neighborhood in Milan has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.
In Lucca, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Lucca?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milan. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucca. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Lucca?
Milan is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Milan has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Lucca is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Lucca. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
A week in Milan or Lucca?
You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural big city of Milan. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Lucca. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 €166Lucca €106
The average daily cost (per person) in Milan is €166, while the average daily cost in Lucca is €106. 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 Lucca in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMilan €96Lucca €61
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMilan €192Lucca €122
Compare Hotels in Milan and Lucca
Looking for a hotel in Milan or Lucca? 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 Lucca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Milan €35Lucca €4.29
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:
- Milan to Bergamo Airport (BGY) - Departure Private Transfer : $46
- Milan to Como hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $107
- Airport Transfer: Malpensa Airport MXP to Milan by Luxury Van: $140
- Arrival Private Transfer Luxury Car LIN airport to Milan: $102
- Arrival Private Transfer Luxury Van LIN airport to Milan: $81
- Arrival Private Transfer: Malpensa Airport MXP to Milan in Luxury Van: $139
- Arrival Private Transfer: Toulouse Airport TLS to Toulouse in Luxury Van: $92
- BERGAMO ORIO AL SERIO - MILANO airport transfer: $191
- BERGAMO ORIO AL SERIO - Milano airport transfer with private Luxury Van: $186
- Basel : Private Transfer to/from Milan Malpensa Airport: $1,016
- Bellagio : Private Transfer to/from Milan Malpensa Airport: $278
- Bergamo Airport(BGY) to Val Gardena/Alta Badia - Arrival Transfer: $193
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucca
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lucca:
- Private Transfer from Lido di Camaiore to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $125
- Tasting in a Tuscan Vineyard with transfer from Lucca: $86
Is it cheaper to fly into Milan or Lucca?
Prices for flights to both Lucca 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 €39Lucca €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:
- PYT Milano Dinner Show with Live Music and DJ Set: $21
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $29
- Milan Gourmet Food Tour and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $38
- Gourmet Street Food Tour with Sightseeing and Tasting: $45
- Eating Milan Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $46
- Tasty Milan Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $46
- Delicious Milan Street Food Tour Tasting and Sightseeing with Local Guide: $46
- Devour Milan Street Food Tour and Sightseeing: $46
- NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $59
- NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Milan !: $60
- Local Market and Cooking Class with an Italian Chef: $70
- Italian Cooking Class with Food and Wine: $70
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lucca
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lucca.
- Flavors of Lucca Food Tour with Local Guide: $75
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Capannori with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Gaiole in Chianti with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in San Miniato with Show Cooking: $93
- Lucca Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $99
- Traditional-Traditional Cooking Class cuisine course: $123
- Pasta Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $149
- Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Gaiole in Chianti: $158
- Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Pistoia: $158
- Lucca Home Cooking Class: $191
- Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $202
- 5 Hours Private Activity - Truffle Hunting with Dinner in San Miniato: $207
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Milan €31Lucca €5.68
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.
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- The City Storytelling Experience: Art, History and Myths Come Together: $3.26
- Milano Walking Tour with Audio and Written Guide by a Local: $4.19
- Giuseppe Verdi in Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.60
- Unique Self-Guided Audio Tour on Alessandro Manzoni: $4.60
- Self-Guided Audio Tour Exploring Age-Old Plants: $4.60
- Self-Guided Audio Tour Exploring the Famous Five Days: $4.60
- From Italy eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.81
- Stories of the Fashion Capital: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Milan: $5.49
- The Best of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
- City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.36
- Branca Tower Entrance Ticket: $6.42
Tours and Activities in Lucca
Here are a few actual costs in Lucca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Wine and olive oil tasting & farm tour: $39
- 2 Hour Walking Tour at Lucca : $142
- 2-Hours Relax Walking Tour Through Lucca: $158
- BOOK YOUR PRIVATE WINE OR BEER AMAZING EXPERIENCE IN LUCCA: $123
- Bike Self-Tour in the Lucca Countryside and Green Landscapes: $70
- Carrara Marble Tour by shuttle from Lucca, Pisa or La Spezia port: $162
- Carriage tour in the historic center of Lucca: $84
- Cesarine: Market Tour & Typical Dining at a Local's Home in Lucca: $206
- Chianti Wine and Vinci half day Small Group Tour from Lucca: $119
- Cinque Terre Tour Small Group Tour from Lucca: $179
- Complete tour of the city and walls: $210
- Discover Lucca’s Secrets on a Guided Walking Tour: $16
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayMilan €24Lucca €13
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: $56
- 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: $181
- Brescia and Franciacorta winery area. Cultural and wine tasting small group tour: $184
Sample the Local Flavors in Lucca
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lucca:
- Wine tasting in the historical Cantalici winery: $12
- Wine Tasting Experience - Tenuta Adamo Winery: $16
- Guided Winery Tour with Wine Tasting: $21
- Aperitivo Evening Food and Wine Tour: $80
- Private wine tasting in Versilia - 5 wines and a taste of local products: $82
- Chianti Half-Day Wine Tour in the Tuscan Hills Small Group from Lucca: $97
- Guided E-Bike and Wine Tour: $117
- Guided E-Bike Tour with Wine Tasting from Lucca: $119
- Bike Ride & WIne Tasting: $131
- Tuscan Wine Tour by shuttle from Pisa: $149
- Tuscan Wine Tour by shuttle from Lucca: $149
- Tuscan Wine Tour in Lucca by shuttle: $152
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Milan and Lucca, we can see that Milan is more expensive. And not only is Lucca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lucca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lucca 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 Lucca.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Milan Expensive? and Is Lucca Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Milan or Lucca?
Milan has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Lucca. When comparing the sizes of Milan and Lucca, 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.