The 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics 2026 in Milan–Cortina will be a sporting highlight, but for those who travel to Italy, it can be an expensive experience. To follow the Winter Games on site often costs more than twice as much as at home. This is shown by the FOREX OS index.
With an index of 241, exclusive Cortina d'Ampezzo, where the women's downhill and toboggan sports 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, even here it is more than twice as expensive.
The Alps can be more expensive than at home, and during the Olympics, prices can rise further. So it's important to keep track to get the most out of your travel budget. One tip is to use cash, it gives a clearer overview of how much you actually spend.
In smaller towns such as 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 skiing in Predazzo (174) are slightly less costly but still about 70-75% more expensive.
Olympic City |
Index |
| Sweden | 100 |
| Cortina d'Ampezzo | 241 |
| Livigno | 230 |
| Anterselva (Antholz) | 201 |
| Tesero (Val di Fiemme) | 186 |
| Predazzo (Val di Fiemme) | 174 |
| Bormio | 169 |
| Milan | 110 |
| Verona | 96 |
Spectators who visit the inauguration or indoor sports 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 finale and the Paralympic opening ceremony, the costs are slightly lower than at home.
Milan–Cortina 2026 will be one of the most dispersed Winter Olympics ever. Public transport is available, but car hire provides extra flexibility to get between the resorts. On Italian motorways – autostrada – you pay toll fees. The Milan–Cortina route (about 400 km) costs about €30 one way. Cash is always accepted at the toll stations, cards are widely accepted.
The payment options vary from place to place even within Italy. Sometimes cash is king and sometimes card, so have both to be prepared. VISA is a sponsor of Milan Cortina 2026 and is the only card accepted in the official venues. Cash is accepted at kiosks, for some parking and merchandise.
A tourist tax of a few euros per person per night is added in Italy and is paid on the spot. Please bring cash, cards are not accepted everywhere.
Buy euros before your trip and avoid expensive withdrawal fees and currency surcharges when using cards. With FOREX Credit Card, there is no currency surcharge.
Cash provides a clear overview of how much you're spending.
Then you are prepared for any situation.
Even cash is convenient in, for example, toll stations on motorways.
Use the enhanced public transport solutions that the Olympic organizer arranges between the locations
*FOREX Olympic Index is based on price comparison data and reports on costs associated with the Olympics. The basis for the general price levels is taken from international cost-of-living comparisons, such as Numbeo, MyLifeElsewhere and Eurostat. The index applies to the period 4 February–16 March 2026 and includes costs for hotels, restaurants, taxis and rental cars, among other things. An index shows how prices are and how they change over a certain period. The Swedish prices are based on the price level in Stockholm. Keep in mind that a low total index doesn't 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.