If you're planning on studying abroad in Italy, finding somewhere to live will be top of your list. However, the rising cost of rent for students continues to be one of the main housing issues in Italian cities and a frequently debated topic in the media. Locare's Research Office has analysed potential alternative housing solutions, particularly for those studying in Milan and looking for more affordable accommodation than what’s available in the city centre. So, how much does it cost to move to the suburbs of Milan if you're a student from out of town? This is everything you need to know about finding cheaper apartments for rent in the suburbs.
Where to live in Milan as a student?
The research considers rental costs in ten suburban municipalities, all large enough to offer a variety of rental apartments within an hour’s commute by public transport from the University of Milan (La Statale), located at Via Festa del Perdono 7, in the heart of the city.
The study focuses on two-bedroom apartments with a surface area between 51 and 70 square metres, suitable for sharing between two people. The type of contract analysed is an open-market lease. This choice was made instead of the specific contract for university students – a temporary type of agreement – as the latter imposes a rent cap, which must remain within the agreed limits for the area.
The rental prices obtained are an average calculated by Locare’s Research Office, based on size, location relative to the town centre, transport links, and the apartment's condition.
Sesto San Giovanni
The commute to the University takes around 30 minutes, facilitated by three stops on the red metro line. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment has risen by 4% compared to last year, ranging from €728 to just under €1,050 per month.
Segrate
It takes less than 40 minutes to reach La Statale using buses and the metro. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment varies from a minimum of €910 to a maximum of €1,284 per month, with an average increase of 7% compared to 12 months ago.
Melzo
In around 48 minutes, via train and metro, you can reach the University from central Melzo. The rent for a two-bedroom apartment for two students sharing ranges from €654 per month for smaller options to €872 per month for larger ones. The rise compared to last year is 9%.
San Donato Milanese
It takes at least 35 minutes to get from San Donato to Via Festa del Perdono, changing from a bus to the yellow metro line. The rent for a two-bedroom apartment has risen by 7%, with a maximum rent (70 sqm) of around €1,125 per month and a minimum of €800.
San Giuliano Milanese
By taking the suburban railway line and then the yellow metro, you can reach the University from San Giuliano in under 35 minutes. Here, the monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment has remained largely unchanged compared to last year (-0.2%), ranging from €700 to €1,000 per month.
Rozzano
Despite being close to the city, Rozzano is poorly served by public transport. It takes nearly 55 minutes to reach La Statale. However, the journey can be made on a single vehicle, tram number 15, which takes you directly into the city centre. Over the past 12 months, rental prices have dropped by about 1%, now ranging between €710 and €900.
Corsico
Getting to class from Corsico takes just over 50 minutes, with a bus connection to tram number 2. Here, average rents have also fallen, losing around 5% of their value over the past 12 months. The rent for a two-bedroom apartment ranges from €655 for a 51 square metre option to around €900 for larger choices.
Cusago
Travelling from Cusago to the University of Milan by public transport takes just over 40 minutes, involving a bus followed by the metro. Rent prices range from €720 to €927 per month, with a 3% increase compared to a year ago.
Rho
From Rho to the University takes less than 40 minutes by suburban railway and metro. The rent for a smaller two-bedroom apartment averages €614, while a larger one costs around €842, with a 1% drop compared to last year.
Bollate
Starting from the centre of Bollate and reaching La Statale via suburban railway and metro takes about 40 minutes. In this northern municipality of Milan, the rent for a two-bedroom apartment ranges from a minimum of €600 to a maximum of €810 per month. Prices have remained largely unchanged (+0.4%) compared to 12 months ago.
Discover Italy's oldest university
Italy is a country rich in ancient and prestigious schools and universities, but there is one with the longest history and the oldest academic tradition: the University of Bologna. Here are some historical, cultural, and academic details that make the oldest university in Italy unique, the crucial role Bologna has played in European culture, and the legacy it continues to pass on today
Erasmus in Milan: Information and tips for students
Planning for an Erasmus in Milan? This guide offers essential information and tips for students preparing to embark on this exciting journey. Milan, a global capital of fashion and design, is also renowned for its high-quality education institutions. It's no wonder that it's a top choice for Erasmus students from around the world.
Erasmus in Rome: Information and Tips for Students
Erasmus in Rome offers a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the Eternal City. This article provides essential information and tips for students planning to embark on this life-changing experience. From navigating the application process to finding accommodation and making the most of your time in Rome, we have got you covered.
Looking for a room to rent in Italy? Supply and price trends in 2022
The supply of rooms for rent in shared flats in Italy has fallen by 43% over the past year, in line with the sharp decline in the stock of rental accommodation, according to the regular room-to-rent report by idealista, Italy's leading real estate portal. If you're looking for a room to rent in Italy, we have the details on rooms for rent in each Italian city.
Best student cities in Italy 2022: how Italian cities rank among the best student cities in the world
Summer is here, which also means that the new university term is just around the corner. When it comes to the best student cities across the world, we're looking to the "Best Student Cities" ranking, published by QS Quacquarelli Symonds, a British company that specialises in the analysis of higher education institutions across the world. Several factors were taken into account to compile the ranking of the world's best student cities, including affordability, opportunity and students' opini
Student rental contracts in Italy
There are many different types of rental contract in Italy, including contracts that are aimed specifically at students. Student leases are popular rental formulas for university students away from home, both Italian and foreign students, and this type of contract is characterised by the temporary duration of the lease. We have all the details about student rental contracts in Italy.
