A new cost analysis of the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics reveals that the remote alpine town of Livigno—not the fashion capital of Milan—may be the most expensive destination for spectators attending the Games.
The report, released by PlayersTime, breaks down the real-world costs for two people attending the Games for three days, including tickets, accommodation, transport, and dining. While Cortina d’Ampezzo commands the highest hotel rates, the study found that Livigno emerges as the costliest option overall for budget travelers due to cumulative expenses.
According to the data, the total cost for a budget-conscious couple spending three days in Livigno—including event tickets and logistics—reaches approximately $4,830 (€4,091). By comparison, a similar itinerary in Milan costs roughly $3,350 (€2,842), while Cortina comes in at $3,020 (€2,557) for the same profile.
The Milan Surprise
Contrary to its reputation for high prices, Milan offers relatively lower accommodation costs during the Games compared to its mountain counterparts.
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Milan: A three-night stay for two people starts at approximately $590 (€498) for short-term rentals, ranging up to $1,245 (€1,055) for three- and four-star hotels.
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Cortina: As a premier host featuring alpine skiing and sliding events, Cortina is the most expensive for lodging. Mid-range stays average around $3,160 (€2,680), while five-star luxury accommodations soar to over $7,500 (€6,378) for just three nights.
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Livigno: Accommodation here falls in the middle, starting at roughly $930 (€786) for short-term rentals.
Ticket Pricing: The Premium for Prestige: The report also analyzed ticket costs across the Games’ three main hubs. Unsurprisingly, the Opening Ceremony remains the most expensive single event, with individual tickets ranging from $305 (€260) to nearly $2,400 (€2,026).
Beyond the ceremony, Figure Skating ranks as the priciest discipline. Hosted at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, average tickets for mid-tier seating range from $345 (€292) to $595 (€505), with premium seats reaching $865 (€735).
For value-driven clients, the report highlights the newly debuting sport of Ski Mountaineering in Bormio. Tickets for these events, including finals, are available for approximately $47 (€40).
Methodology: The PlayersTime analysis is based on data from official sources including Olympics.com and Booking.com. It calculates the “real cost” by combining ticket prices with daily spending on food, transport, and lodging for three distinct visitor profiles: budget, mid-range, and premium.
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