Cost of Living in Rome

Is Rome cheap to live in?

Rome is one of the world's great cities — 2,500 years of history on every street corner, extraordinary food, a warm Mediterranean culture and a more affordable lifestyle than its status as a world capital might suggest. With a monthly budget of around €1,300, you can live very comfortably in the Eternal City.

Italy has recently introduced a Digital Nomad Visa and the Flat Tax regime for new residents (€100,000 flat tax on foreign income), making Rome increasingly attractive for international entrepreneurs and remote workers. The city's extraordinary cultural richness, world-class food and wine, and warm Roman character make it one of Europe's most rewarding places to live.

Rent and housing in Rome

Rent in Rome is more affordable than other major Western European capitals. A one-bedroom apartment in central neighbourhoods costs around €900 per month, with significant variation by area. The historic centre (within the Aurelian Walls) is most expensive, while Prati, Pigneto and Ostiense offer excellent value.

Food and drink in Rome

Rome's food culture is extraordinary and surprisingly affordable. The city's neighbourhood trattorias serve classic Roman dishes — cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana, coda alla vaccinara — for €10–14. A perfect espresso at a local bar costs just €1.30 (consumed standing, as locals do), and supplì (fried rice balls) at a local rosticceria cost €2–3 each.

Rome's food markets are exceptional — Campo de' Fiori (touristy but spectacular), Mercato di Testaccio (the best for quality local produce) and the Sunday Porta Portese flea market. Pizza al taglio (by the slice) from a local pizzeria costs €3–6 for a generous portion and is one of Rome's greatest pleasures. Local wine from the Castelli Romani hills south of Rome is excellent and very affordable.

Transport in Rome

Rome's public transport covers metro (2 lines), bus and tram for a monthly pass at just €35 — one of the cheapest in Western Europe. The system is less efficient than Northern European networks but covers the main areas. Many Romans and expats prefer scooters or e-bikes for navigating the historic centre. Walking is genuinely the best way to explore — Rome's centro storico is very walkable.

Weather in Rome

Quality of life in Rome

Living in Rome means daily encounters with extraordinary beauty — Baroque fountains, ancient ruins, Renaissance churches and one of the world's greatest collections of art. The city is relatively safe, with low violent crime, though pickpocketing in tourist areas requires awareness. Healthcare through the SSN (public health system) is free for registered residents.

Day trips and travel from Rome

Rome's central location in Italy makes it an outstanding base. Naples (1.5 hours by high-speed train) gives access to Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast and excellent pizza. Florence is 1.5 hours, Venice 3.5 hours and the Cinque Terre 4.5 hours. The Castelli Romani hills for wine tasting, the beach at Ostia and the Etruscan city of Tarquinia are all easy day trips. Rome Fiumicino airport connects to all major European cities.

Lifestyle costs in Rome

Total monthly budget in Rome

A realistic monthly budget for a single expat in Rome is around €1,300 — rent (€900), utilities (€100), groceries (€180), eating out (€150), transport (€35), phone (€12) and leisure (€120). Learning to eat lunch at a local trattoria (€12 formule) rather than dinner significantly reduces costs.

Compare Rome with other cities

See how the cost of living in Rome stacks up against other European cities.