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

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Should you visit Varenna or Milan?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Varenna and Milan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Varenna or Milan?

Varenna

A golden light cascades from the heavens, bathing the misty blue mountains in a honey haze. The shivering waters of Lake Como blend the gentle blues and yellows of the sky to a tea rose pink that sits under white sailboats. A quaint village hustled around lush gardens, Varenna, Italy is an attractive fishing village that dates back to the eleventh century. Founded in 769 AD by fisherman, the town was originally destroyed in 1126 AD by the rival town Como, only to be restored refugees from the Isola Comacina whose town was also destroyed. Located on the eastern shore of the lake in the province of Lecco, Varenna is filled with a romantic air from its old Italian fisherman houses to the picturesque lanes. Unlike the towns of Bellagio or Milan, Varenna holds a particular authenticity to Italian culture without the burdens of tourist-ridden streets and hotel-packed areas. As Lake Como works as the main attraction of Varenna, the village provides its visitors with a wide array of entertainment on its pebbly beaches. Besides this, Varenna is also known for its exquisite gardens of two villas, Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi. Besides this, Varenna also has museums just waiting to be explored. Take a tranquil retreat to Varenna!

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.

Which city is cheaper, Milan or Varenna?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Varenna is €131, while the average daily cost in Milan is €133. 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 Varenna and Milan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Varenna €69
    Milan €76
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Varenna €138
    Milan €152
Compare Hotels in Varenna and Milan

Looking for a hotel in Varenna or Milan? 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 Varenna


Hotels in Milan


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: Varenna Hotel Prices and Milan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Varenna €27
    Milan €28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varenna

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

  • Varenna/Bellano/Lierna to/from Milan Malpensa Apt (private transfer): $243

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:

  • 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
  • Ultra - Milan Private Airport Transfer from city Milan centre to Malpensa (MXP): $9.41
  • Transfer to all northern airports italy tour lakes: $265
  • Transfer Milano to Florence: $342
  • Transfer Milano To Rome: $498
  • Taxi Transfer Malpensa Airport or Milan City ⇔ Zermatt both ways: $1,151
  • Round Trip Malpensa Airport (MXP) Transfer to Milan City Center: $135
  • Round Trip Linate Airport (LIN) Transfer to Milan City Center: $79
  • Private transfer: Milan Hotel to Siena Hotel: $489
  • Private transfer: Milan Hotel to Florence Hotel: $416
  • Private transfer from Milan to Turin with Hotel pick-up and drop off: $265

Is it cheaper to fly into Varenna or Milan?

Prices for flights to both Milan and Varenna 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
    Varenna €42
    Milan €31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varenna

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

  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Varenna: $106
  • Small-group Street food tour in Varenna: $111
  • Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Varenna: $162
  • Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Varenna: $180
  • Private cooking class at a local's home with lunch or dinner in Varenna: $180
  • Cruise and Dinner on Lake Como from Varenna: $184
  • Market Tour and Home Cooking Class with Meal: $214

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Varenna €27
    Milan €25

Tours and Activities in Varenna

For Varenna, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • E-Bike Experience on Lake Como East Bank: $138
  • From Milan: Semi-Private Lake Como Day Trip with Cruise: $271
  • HIKING TOUR: VARENNA, Castle of VEZIO Villa MONASTERO, FIUMELATTE: $74
  • LA DOLCE VITA - BELLAGIO: Cruise & Lunch + Villa Melzi: $243
  • LA DOLCE VITA - BELLAGIO: Cruise & Lunch + Villa Melzi (Guided Tour): $330
  • Romantic Tour: $322
  • Small Group Market tour and Dining Experience at a Cesarina's home in Varenna: $136
  • Dining Experience at a Local's Home: $96
  • Villa Balbianello and Flavors of Lake Como Walking and Boating Full-Day Tour: $325

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.

  • 1.5-Hour Milan Segway Tour: $68
  • 2-Hour Milan by night walking tour: $75
  • 2-Hours Milan Segway Tour with Brera and skyline: $87
  • 2-Night Garda Lake and Verona Tour from Milan or Venice: $866
  • 3 Hours Milan Walking Tour: Leonardo Da Vinci and Renaissance: $149
  • 3-Hour Milan Private Segway Tour: $95
  • 5-Night Milan Verona and Venice Tour: $1,646
  • Bagatti Valsecchi Museum Ticket Entrance: $14
  • Bernina & St.Moritz Day Tour from Milan: $146
  • Bernina express private tour: $596
  • Best Street Food Walking Tour: $90
  • Best of PRIVATE walking tour: $149

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Varenna €18
    Milan €19

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

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Varenna and Milan, we can see that Milan 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 Varenna or Milan?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Varenna or Milan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Varenna and Milan. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Milan because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Varenna is around the same temperature as Milan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varenna in July are around 23°C (73°F), and Milan is about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Milan this time of the year. In Varenna, it's very sunny this time of the year. Varenna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milan during summer. Varenna gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

Varenna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Varenna usually receives more rain than Milan. Varenna gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Varenna 23°C (73°F) 
    Milan 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Varenna or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Varenna as well as Milan. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

In October, Varenna is generally around the same temperature as Milan. Temperatures in Varenna average around 15°C (58°F), and Milan stays around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Varenna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milan. Varenna gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Milan. Varenna receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Varenna usually gets more rain in October than Milan. Varenna gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Varenna 15°C (58°F) 
    Milan 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Varenna or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and Varenna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Milan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Milan. It's quite cold in Varenna in the winter. Varenna is around the same temperature as Milan in the winter. The temperature in Varenna is usually 5°C (41°F) in January, and Milan stays around 5°C (41°F).

Varenna usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Milan during winter. Varenna gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Varenna usually receives more rain than Milan. Varenna gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Varenna 5°C (41°F) 
    Milan 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Varenna or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Varenna during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Milan in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Varenna is around the same temperature as Milan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Varenna in April are around 13°C (55°F), and Milan is about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Varenna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Milan. Varenna gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. Varenna usually gets more rain in April than Milan. Varenna gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Milan and Varenna

Varenna Milan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in) 5°C (41°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 106 mm (4.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 152 mm (6 in) 13°C (55°F) 76 mm (3 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 194 mm (7.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 20°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 166 mm (6.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 153 mm (6 in) 19°C (67°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 120 mm (4.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)


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Varenna vs. Milan Travel Comparison

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