Milan - Post Report Question and Answers
How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Most of the foods we'd want are available here. I have my groceries delivered once a week for €7-9, including water, beer, wine, etc., which is very convenient. US Mission personnel have access to the Army base commissary at Vicenza about 2.5 hours away. There they have a full American grocery store, thrift store, and exchange with electronics and all are at US prices. We go there to stock up once every few months. The cost for products locally is comparable to DC, and less for certain things (wine, good cheese, and coffee). There are many gluten-free and organic products available, and I find their mark-up isn't as high as in the US. I often shop in Chinatown and at the Indian markets for things like rice, coconut milk, spices, etc, as their availability and prices are better. Amazon.it, Casanova, and Euronics are good for small appliances. - Jun 2018
Italy = Food. Groceries are abundant and often less expensive than in the US. Very fresh, at times seasonal. Household supplies are readily available. - Sep 2016
More expensive than the U.S. - I'd say about 30% more. If you're with the USG, you get a COLA. You can get most everything you need here, but you will be frustrated and charmed by the boutique nature of the stores. If you want a pot or pan, then you go to the pots and pan store that only sells pots and pans. If you want a lamp, you go to the lamp store. Some of this is due to Italian culture, some of it is due to an urban environment where real estate space is expensive and small. You can get a bit more big box experience if you drive outside the city, but don't expect anything like a Target. There is an IKEA. You will go there. Even if it is against your religion and you break out in hives to visit an IKEA, you will go there. It is that, or if you buy any furniture, linens, etc. you will be at the mercy of some boutique shop that will charge you five times what you'd expect to pay for something that is in a style and color you don't want. - Aug 2013
Milan is one of the most expensive cities in world. But fortunately, wine, cheese and prosciutto are much less expensive than in the US. Selection of household goods is more limited than in the US. There are large, American style supermarkets and warehouse stores in the suburbs, but within the city they tend to be smaller and more expensive. For those without a car, one large grocery chain had a very good on-line delivery service with a reasonable fee. - Jun 2010
Hard to find sour cream, cheddar cheese, oatmeal, and shiitake mushrooms. Everything else is pretty available. - Dec 2008
Grocery stores are available. They are a lot more expensive compared to the States for both food and household items. The Cost of Living Allowance does not cover the extra amount you pay for items here. Also, the quality of Italian household products is not up to the standards we are accustom to in the U.S. - Jan 2008
