The 2026 Winter Olympics and 2026 Paralympics in Milan–Cortina will be a sporting highlight, but for those traveling to Italy it can be an expensive experience. Watching the Winter Games in person often costs more than twice as much as at home. This shows FOREX OS Index.
With an index of 241, exclusive Cortina d'Ampezzo, where the women's downhill and luge events are decided, is the most expensive resort during the Games - over 140 percent more expensive than at home. Cheering on the snowboarding stars in Livigno (230) also costs money, and here too it is more than twice as expensive.
– The Alps can be more expensive than at home, and during the Olympics prices can rise even further. So it's important to keep an eye on things to get the most out of your travel budget. One tip is to use cash, it gives a clearer overview of how much you're actually spending, says Niklas Lydahl, COO at FOREX.
In smaller resorts like Tesero (186) and Antholz/Anterselva (201) – where biathlon takes place – you can expect it to cost 85–100 % more than at home. Ski jumping in Bormio (169) and men's downhill in Predazzo (174) are slightly less expensive but still around 70–75% more expensive.
Spectators attending the opening ceremony or the indoor events in Milan (110) notice a clear difference compared to the ski resorts. Here prices are only around 10 % above Swedish levels. In Verona (96), which is the host city for the Olympic closing ceremony and the Paralympic opening ceremony, costs are slightly lower than at home.
Milan–Cortina 2026 will be one of the most widely spread Winter Olympics ever. Public transport is available, but renting a car gives extra flexibility for getting between the resorts. On Italian motorways – autostrada – you pay a toll. The Milan–Cortina route (about 400 km) costs about €30 one-way. Cash is always accepted at the toll stations, cards are widely accepted.
– Payment options vary between different places in Italy. Sometimes it's cash, sometimes card. Bring both, so you're prepared for all situations and can focus on what really counts – the experience, says Niklas Lydahl.
FOREX OS-INDEX MILANO-CORTINA 2026*
| Place | Index* |
| Cortina d'Ampezzo | 241 |
| Livigno | 230 |
| Anterselva/Antholz | 201 |
| Tesero | 186 |
| Predazzo | 174 |
| Bormio | 169 |
| Milan | 110 |
| Sweden | 100 |
| Verona | 96 |
FOREX tips for a smooth Olympic trip
Remember the tourist tax – a tourist tax of a few euros per person per night is added in Italy and is payable on site. Bring cash, cards are not accepted everywhere.
Reduce unnecessary fees – buy euros before your trip and avoid expensive withdrawal fees and currency surcharges when using cards.
Keep track of cash – cash gives a clear overview of how much you spend.
Combine cash and cards – then you are prepared for all situations.
Bring euros in smaller denominations – even cash is convenient in, for example, toll stations on motorways.
* The FOREX Olympic Games index is based on price comparison data and reports on costs associated with the Olympic Games. The basis for the general price levels is taken from international cost of living comparisons, such as MyLifeElsewhere and Eurostat. The index is valid for the period 4 February–16 March 2026 and includes, among other things, costs for hotels, restaurants, taxis and rental cars. An index shows how prices are and change during a certain period. The Swedish prices are based on the price level in Stockholm. Keep in mind that a low overall index does not always mean that all costs are lower - some expenses may still be higher. The index gives an indication of the general price level at the destination.
