Furnishing an Empty Flat in Milan: IKEA, Second-Hand and the Real Total Cost

An unfurnished studio in Milan (listed as non arredato) usually costs 50–150 € per month less than the same flat furnished. The catch is the setup bill: expect around 800–1,200 € if you mix IKEA with second-hand finds, or 1,800–2,300 € if you buy everything new. Below is the item-by-item breakdown that shows how to furnish an apartment in Milan cheap, where locals buy used furniture, and how to move it without a car.

Is an unfurnished flat actually worth it?

Do the maths before signing. Saving 100 € a month means 1,200 € a year — roughly the cost of a basic second-hand setup. So:

• Staying one year (Erasmus, short master's): usually not worth it, and you also have to sell or dispose of everything when you leave.
• Staying two to three years (bachelor's, master's, first job): almost always worth it, with clear savings from year two.

Watch the Italian wording in listings. Non arredato often means bare walls but a fitted kitchen counter; semiarredato (semi-furnished) usually includes kitchen and wardrobe; parzialmente arredato is vague. Always ask for a written list of what stays in the flat: fridge, washing machine, hob, oven, ceiling lights and curtains included.

How much does it cost to furnish a studio in Milan?

Approximate 2026 prices for a 30–40 m² flat for one person.

All new: roughly 1,400–3,200 €, realistically 1,800–2,300 €. Mixed strategy (new mattress and textiles, everything else used): 800–1,200 €. Add 100–200 € for transport and basic hardware — screws, hooks, extension leads, a small tool kit.

What should you buy new and what can be used?

Simple rule: buy new anything that touches your body or that costs a technician's fee when it breaks.

• Always new: mattress, pillows, bed linen. Bedbugs (cimici da letto) are not rare in buildings with high tenant turnover, and 60 € of savings is not worth the risk.
• Safely used: wardrobe, bookshelf, desk, dining table, chairs, bedside tables, mirrors, lamps, drying rack, steel pots.
• Used only if tested: fridge and washing machine. Ask how old it is, switch it on in front of you, and check the energy class — an old fridge can add 50–80 € a year to your bill.
• Risky: used fabric sofas are hard to sanitise; a cheap new armchair bed is the better call.

Where do people buy second-hand furniture in Milan?

• Subito.it and Facebook Marketplace: where most of the market lives. Filter by neighbourhood and look for "ritiro a mano" (collect in person) listings near you to skip delivery costs.
• University Facebook groups and department noticeboards: in late June and July graduating students empty their flats, and prices hit their lowest point.
• Second-hand consignment shops (mercatino dell'usato): several locations across the city and the surrounding towns, useful because you can see and test items in person.
• Charity and solidarity second-hand stores: very low prices on big furniture, often with paid delivery available.
• Neighbourhood flea markets: ideal for kitchenware, lamps and small decor.

Always ask sellers for photos with measurements. Milan's older ringhiera buildings have narrow staircases and tiny lifts — check that the wardrobe fits through your front door before you commit.

IKEA around Milan: stores, delivery and assembly

The long-standing stores near the city are Corsico, San Giuliano Milanese and Carugate, plus pick-up points and smaller city formats. If you have no car, check shuttle services, opening hours and delivery options directly on the IKEA website, since they change by season.

• Home delivery starts at roughly 30–50 € and is charged once, so group everything into a single order.
• Assembly is a separate paid service and can cost as much as the furniture. Two people can build a bed and a two-door wardrobe in an afternoon.
• Check the bargain corner / Circular Hub: ex-display items and damaged packaging can be 40–50% off.
• In September delivery slots fill up fast. If you move in on 1 October, order by mid-September.

How do you move furniture without a car?

1. Ask the seller to deliver: many private sellers will drop items at your door for 20–40 €. Usually the cheapest option.
2. Van rental or van car-sharing: roughly 40–80 € for half a day. Check the Area C and Area B traffic restrictions before driving into the centre.
3. Light removal service: 80–150 € for a studio with a few pieces, worth it for a fourth floor with no lift.

When is the cheapest time to buy?

The second-hand market follows the academic calendar. Late June and July are the sweet spot: graduates and students going home sell everything cheap and often give away kitchenware. September is the worst month — demand peaks, listings disappear within hours and deliveries slow down. If your contract starts in September and you can get the keys a few days early, use that window for the big delivery and fill the gaps with used finds later. For week one, a bed, a mattress, a wardrobe and one lamp are enough.

Beyond furniture: utilities, internet, SIM and bank in week one

In an unfurnished flat you usually activate electricity and gas yourself (subentro = restarting a closed supply, voltura = transferring an active one). Budget 50–100 € one-off plus a few days' wait, so start as soon as you have the contract. Then:

• Codice fiscale (Italian tax ID number): needed for almost everything, from a SIM card to a bank account. Check current procedures with the Agenzia delle Entrate or your consulate.
• Home internet: fibre around 22–30 € per month, with activation often taking 2–4 weeks. A portable router or phone hotspot covers the first days.
• Italian SIM: high-data plans typically 5–10 € per month; you need ID and a codice fiscale.
• Banking: European digital accounts to start immediately, an Italian account if you need recurring rent transfers and direct debits for bills.

Rules on residency registration, local taxes and contract registration change over time — always confirm current requirements on the Comune di Milano or relevant official website.

What happens to the furniture when you leave?

Plan this from day one, because it changes the real cost. Reselling in June typically returns 40–60% of what you paid for used items. Whatever doesn't sell must be disposed of properly: the city runs a bulky waste collection service (ingombranti) and recycling centres, with booking rules to check on the official site. Leaving a wardrobe in the courtyard can mean a fine and part of your deposit gone.

Still deciding between furnished and unfurnished? Compare real monthly rents across our apartments for rent in Milan, browse homes near Politecnico, or send us your requirements through the contact page.