Guys MXP area can be very expensive. Don't think it's Milan as it takes one hour to get to Milan centre. It's closer to Varese and the Lake, that's why it's so expensive. Also it's Alitalia's main base and there are many charter airlines based there too so accomodation is expensive (ppl think that cabin crew swim in gold!).
Gallarate, Somma and other smaller towns are very close to the airport but I remember when I was based there we were paying 1,000 Euros + bills for a one bed apartment in the outskirts of Gallarate. I was renting it with another 3 guys. We were all flying long haul so I had the flat pretty much for myself most of the time I was there, so it wasn't really a problem. For short haul operations it might have been different though!
It's a grey area in the winter (lots of fog) and it's extremely hot and humid in the summer, with LOTS of mosquitoes.
One thing to keep in mind is public transport to and from the airport is nothing like the major UK hubs. You really need a car. The only train that links MXP to Milan (Cadorna) is the MXP express. Then there are buses every 20mins thoughout the day from Milan Central train station via Fiera, and the journey can take between 50 to 90 minutes. Lately I missed a couple of flights thanks to that!(thank god I was on a sby ticket)
Gallarate is on the Milan Porta Garibaldi line (secondary line) and is linked with MXP with a local bus a few times a day but I never took it as it's the most unreliable thing in the world.
Taxis are VERY expensive and the Italians don't use them regularly for this reason.
There's another solution to that which is to get a room in Case Nuove, but unless you want to be woken up by some cargo DC10 taking off over your head (literally) at 3am every day and your favourite perfume is JetA1, maybe it's not a good idea.
Having said that, I know nothing about EZY or their contract, but if they give you an accomodation while on a transfer I would probably take it. Rent+bills+food+transport can become really expensive in the heart of the Padania valley. Also most airlines consider MXP/LIN/BGY as one base....wouldn't be surprised to see that coming soon to EZY as well to cut costs.
Good luck and if you need any help with your italian, pm me!!!
Ciao
fbw