What People Say About Living in Monza

Everyone knows Milan. The fashion, the opportunities, the energy – but also the crowds, the noise, the prices, something that not everyone wants to deal with everyday. Just 15 minutes north by train sits Monza, a city of about 123,000 people that’s become the go-to answer for families and expats who want Milan access without Milan chaos.

It’s got Europe’s largest walled park. Train connections every 15-30 minutes. All the services you need. And property prices that, while not cheap, are at least somewhat sane compared to Milan. For people who need to be near a major city but don’t want to actually live in one, Monza keeps coming up.

But what it’s actually like living in Monza year-round? In this article from our long series “What People Say About Living in…” we’ll give you an overview of what it’s actually like living here, using our data and the opinions of actual residents.

Life in Monza: What People Say

The first thing people mention is the quality of life difference compared to Milan. The town feels quieter, cleaner, safer – but most of all practical, as it has all the services you might need for daily life while still being very well-connected.

“Before moving to Monza, I lived in Milan. The difference in terms of quality of life is amazing, and you’re still really close to the big city. Monza is really family friendly. The center is super walkable, and you can find everything from supermarkets to coffee shops and different types of stores.”

For families especially, the difference is clear. The presence of the park – actually the largest walled park in Europe, is a major quality-of-life factor. Kids can play, you can cycle, run, walk. Sometimes they organize concerts. It’s a massive green space right in the city:

“The town is mostly popular for having the largest walled park in Europe, which is well known for hosting the Autodromo or Monza Racetrack… a moment where it fills with racing fans for the famous Formula One race that is held every year.”

Transport and Connectivity in Monza

The location is probably one of the main pros of living in Monza. Despite being a medium-sized city, it’s close to Milan – which means more options for international schools, entertainment, and job opportunities. But also, probably the most important thing for expats: the airports.

In fact, Monza is less than 40 minutes away from Milan Malpensa (one of the biggest airports in Italy), and 20-30 minutes from Milan Linate and Bergamo Orio al Serio.

Plus, the train station is right outside the center, just a few meters’ walk. Trains to Milan run every 15-30 minutes during peak hours, and the journey only takes 15 minutes. That’s genuinely doable for daily commuting, even better given that the road is always really busy with traffic.

The main question for many is: “Is it feasible to live here year-round without having a car?” – the answer is yes and no. The town is really walkable, and you’re covered for lots of destinations thanks to the train station (even the airports if you do a few stops, or bigger cities since Milan is connected to all of Italy). But thinking of only relying on public transport, especially if you have a family, is definitely limiting. Buses pass and don’t pass, and sometimes they don’t even stop for you. For moving freely outside the town center, you’ll definitely need a car.

Beyond Milan, Monza sits perfectly positioned. You’re close to the lake district (Como, etc.), close to places like Bergamo, and if you have a car there’s plenty to do around the area. If you like skiing, the nearest ski resort is within about an hour and a half. If you like cycling, you have mountains and plains. Any sport – you can do it in Monza without issues.

Where to Live in Monza: Housing & Cost of Living

Property prices in Monza are moderate to high. The median is around €3,054/m², meaning a 100m² apartment costs approximately €305,400. Property prices are higher than in Varese and Bergamo in desirable neighborhoods (close to parks and schools), but significantly cheaper than Milan. Housing availability is pretty high, with plenty of choice, whether you’re looking for modern condos or villas.

Data elaborated from Immobiliare.it

Beyond the city center and the area near Villa Reale and the park, most residents recommend finding a house in the areas of Triante and San Giuseppe:

“For neighborhoods, I recommend Triante and San Giuseppe – excellent services with shops, Esselunga supermarket, bus stops to the center and M1 Metro. Well-connected to the A4 highway and Tangenziale Nord. About 3km from Monza center. Quiet and well-frequented areas.”

Another popular choice is San Fruttuoso, which is mainly residential and has everything from supermarkets to kindergarten, elementary, and middle schools. It’s served by the bus to M1 Sesto FS station, and there are good highway connections. Alternatively, there is San Biagio (Via Sirtori area).

People suggest avoiding the zones near the train station, as they’ve become a bit more dangerous recently:

“The center zones near the station are unfortunately a bit dangerous. But as in all cities, there are riskier areas. I’ve lived here for 9 years and wouldn’t change it. I live in Triante – an area with everything you need.”

Challenges of Living in Monza

Monza is objectively a very livable city given its amenities – including expat-friendly facilities like international schools – and its excellent connectivity, particularly in terms of airports and train access. That said, locals do point out a few recurring pain points worth knowing before you move.

The first is public transport within the city. Buses are unreliable, run on limited schedules, and can’t really be counted on in the evenings or at night. If you want to move around freely (especially with a family!) you need a car.

“Public transport in Monza still has a long way to go. Bus schedules are a bit inconsistent..don’t be surprised if you’re standing at a stop and the bus just drives past without even slowing down.”

The second is safety. The city is generally safe, but certain areas, particularly around the train station, have become more problematic in recent years. It’s not alarming, but it’s something to be aware of when choosing where to live:

“Unfortunately safety in the city has worsened a bit, especially in the station area. But it’s still way better than Milan.”

Third, if you’re a younger expat or a student, social life might disappoint you. Monza is quiet, so don’t expect Milan’s cultural calendar or nightlife scene. And if you’re a student specifically, finding rental housing, especially single-room apartments, can be tough. The city isn’t particularly academic, so the supply is limited.

Fourth, healthcare. While the local hospital performs well for certain specialties like cardiac emergencies and cancer care, it falls short in others, such as bone fracture treatment and some cardiovascular procedures. Post-operative stays also tend to run longer than ideal. The saving grace is that Milan’s world-class medical facilities are just 15 minutes away, and finding English-speaking doctors is much easier given the proximity to a major international city.

Monza by the Numbers: Key Data

• Quality of Life Score: Good (78/100)
• Air Quality: Good (82/100)
• Nearest Hospital: San Gerardo di Monza Nuovo (9 minutes)
• Safety: Moderate to low earthquake risk
• Internet Speed: Excellent (237 Mbps average)
• Transport: Monza is well-connected overall, though the bus system isn’t the best and the hours of service are limited
  • Airports: Linate (21 min), Bergamo/Orio al Serio (32 min), Malpensa (38 min)
  • Railway Station: Stazione di Monza Sobborghi (4 min), Stazione di Monza (7 min), Stazione di Villasanta Parco (8 min)

For more detailed information about Monza and its services and infrastructure, visit the Magic Towns city profile.

Is Monza Right for You?

✅ Choose Monza if:

• You need Milan access but don’t want Milan stress. The 15-minute train ride is genuinely practical for daily commuting, and the difference in atmosphere (quieter streets, cleaner air, more space) is noticeable.
• You have kids. Between the park, the walkable center, the good schools, and the general sense of calm, Monza is one of the better family environments in the wider Milan area. Kids can actually play outside.
• You travel frequently. Three major international airports within 40 minutes is a real advantage – Linate, Bergamo/Orio al Serio, and Malpensa are all easily reachable
• You work remotely. With average internet speeds of 237 Mbps, you’re well-equipped for remote work, video calls, and anything else you need online.
• You have a car, or are willing to get one. Having a car unlocks everything: the lake district, ski resorts, the countryside. Without one, your world shrinks to the city center and the train line.

❌ Think twice if:

• You’re on a tight budget. At a median of €3,054/m², property isn’t cheap – not compared to other cities of similar size in the region. Rents are also substantial. But you’re paying a premium for proximity to Milan.
• You want an active social life locally. Monza closes early. If nightlife, live events, or a buzzing restaurant scene matter to you on a daily basis, you’ll spend a lot of time commuting to Milan for it.
• You’re planning to live completely car-free. It’s doable, but it’s limiting, especially outside the center and especially with a family.
• You need top-tier local healthcare. The local score isn’t among the highest. For anything serious, you’ll likely be heading to Milan anyway.

Final Thoughts

So is Monza right for you? If you need Milan access but want to actually sleep at night, have space for your kids to play, good internet connectivity, and need to be near three great airports, it could be a great choice.

However, be aware of the fact that it isn’t a budget option – you’re paying for proximity to Milan, and the prices reflect that. Public transport within the city is unreliable, so a car isn’t optional so much as expected. The station area has gotten noticeably sketchier in recent years, so where you choose to live matters. And if you’re young and social, Monza’s quietness will feel like a limitation fairly quickly – nightlife means getting on a train.

But for families and professionals who need Milan close but want their daily life to feel calmer, more spacious, and more human – Monza has become the answer for a reason.