The Hague vs Milan
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
The Hague is ~11% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
The Hague
Netherlands
COL+Rent
50.9
Rent Index
34.8
Groceries
55.8
Restaurant
57.7
Milan
Italy
COL+Rent
57
Rent Index
40.6
Groceries
65.5
Restaurant
64.5
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | The Hague | Milan | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,546 | $1,798 | $252 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,214 | $1,262 | $48 |
| Groceries | $319 | $372 | $53 |
| Restaurant Meal | $19 | $21 | $2 |
| Transit Pass | $93 | $42 | +$51 |
| Utilities | $179 | $239 | $60 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | The Hague | Milan |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,785/mo | $1,887/mo |
| Typical | $2,422/mo | $2,766/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,003/mo | $3,425/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in The Hague | ≈ in Milan | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,680/mo | +$180 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,240/mo | +$240 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,360/mo | +$360 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: The Hague vs Milan for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows The Hague is approximately 11% more affordable than Milan when combining rent and daily living costs. The Hague's COL+Rent Index of 50.9 vs Milan's 57 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in The Hague costs $1,546/month versus $1,798/month in Milan — giving The Hague a $252/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $3,024 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in The Hague ($319/mo) vs Milan ($372/mo) reflect The Hague's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $19 vs $21 show The Hague is the better value for dining out. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, The Hague offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $2,422 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.