Who it makes sense for
Como has about 83,000 residents and sits at the southern tip of the lake, a few kilometers from the Swiss border (Chiasso). The city has a long tradition in the silk industry and today relies heavily on tourism.
- Families who want nature, a small city and a strong international school nearby.
- Remote professionals who go to Milan now and then.
- People with ties to Switzerland (Lugano, Ticino) who want to live on the Italian side.
by train to Milano Centrale, on the fastest train
average rent for a 1-bedroom in the center
residents (ISTAT, Jan 2026, estimate)
Cost of living
Average monthly figures in the city of Como, in euros, according to Numbeo (October 2026 update). In the lake villages (Cernobbio, Bellagio, Menaggio), rent can be much higher.
| Item | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom in the center | € 1,025 |
| 1-bedroom outside the center | € 663 |
| 3-bedroom (family) in the center / outside | € 1,847 / € 1,217 |
| Monthly transit pass | € 41 |
| Basic utilities (85 m²) | € 196 |
| Groceries, 1 adult | € 330 [estimate] |
| Simple restaurant meal | € 20 |
Run your own numbers in the cost of living calculator.
Where to live
- Città murata: the historic center inside the walls, everything within walking distance, lots of tourists.
- Sant'Agostino / Borgo Vico: on the lakefront, close to the center and the Brunate funicular.
- Camerlata and Albate: residential, cheaper, with train stations.
- Cernobbio: an elegant lake village right next to Como, high rent.
- Brunate: up on the hill, with views and quiet; you depend on the funicular or a car.
Schools
Italian public school is free and open to children of foreign residents. Enrollment for the first year is online, usually in January.
International options: International School of Como (IB, ages 2 to 18, about € 18,860 to € 29,500 per year) and English Gate School (Montessori- and Reggio Emilia-inspired, ages 1 to 15, about € 6,590 to € 8,830 per year). For families working in Switzerland, there are also schools in Lugano.
Health care
The main public hospital is the Ospedale Sant'Anna, in San Fermo della Battaglia, next to Como. The city also has the Ospedale Valduce, a private hospital within the SSN. Once you have residency, you register with the SSN and choose a family doctor. See our list of Portuguese-speaking doctors.
Transportation
- Train to Milan: from Como San Giovanni station, from 39 minutes to Milano Centrale. From Como Lago station, Trenord trains go to Milano Cadorna.
- Airport: Malpensa (MXP) is the closest, about an hour away by car.
- High-speed rail: EuroCity trains connect Como to Lugano and Zurich; for Rome or Venice, change in Milan.
- On the lake: public boats connect the villages. Traffic along the shore is slow in summer.
Climate
Rainier than Milan, with slightly cooler summers by the water. Winters are cold, but the lake softens the temperatures. Snow is rare in the city and common in the surrounding mountains.
Pros and cons
Unique scenery, Milan and Switzerland nearby, a safe city, hiking and water sports on the lake.
High rent, heavy tourism in summer, traffic, expensive international school, lots of rain.
Frequently asked questions
Can I live in Como and work in Switzerland?
Many people do this as cross-border workers. The tax rules for cross-border workers changed with the 2023 Italy–Switzerland agreement. Talk to our partner commercialista (accountant) before deciding [confirm current rules].
Is Como cheaper than Milan?
A little, especially outside the center. On the lake, not always. Compare them in the city comparison tool.
Do I need a car?
In the city, you can live without one. If you live in the lake villages, a car makes life much easier.
Sources: Numbeo – Como (10/2026); Tuttitalia / ISTAT, population as of 01/01/2026; doris.school – international schools in Como (10/2026); Trainline – Milan–Como timetables (10/2026).