Cost of Living in Rome

While Rome is not necessarily a cheap city to live in, it is less expensive than many of Europe’s other capital cities. You will encounter a generally stable economy when moving to Rome. This means prices tend not to fluctuate dramatically from year to year.

In 2024, Rome ranked 67th out of 226 cities in the Mercer Cost of Living Survey. While Rome is pricier than cities such as Glasgow in the UK and Melbourne, Australia, it’s much, much cheaper than major business hubs such as Hong Kong and New York City, USA. It’s even cheaper than Milan, which sits in 57th place.

Cost of accommodation in Rome

Like in any city, accommodation in Rome can take up a large part of your monthly budget. Housing prices vary significantly depending on which area or suburb of Rome you choose to stay. Naturally, the closer you live to the city centre, the more expensive the accommodation will be.

Rent does not always include utilities like electricity. It would be wise to ask about this before signing a contract. Although bank payments are the best and safest option, property owners will often insist on being paid monthly and in cash.

Cost of transport in Rome

The price of fuel is relatively high in Rome. Fortunately, European and Italian cars tend to be smaller, which makes them more fuel-efficient. Parking in Rome can be quite expensive, too. Public transport in Rome is cheap, extensive, and user-friendly, making it the preferred method of getting around in the city.

Rome’s public transport system, consisting of buses, trams, metro and urban trains, is a cost-effective way to navigate the city. A standard one-way ticket lasts 100 minutes and allows multiple transfers between the metro, buses, and trams.

Monthly and annual passes offer even greater value for regular commuters. Additionally, many of Rome’s iconic sites are within walking distance of each other, which can further reduce transport costs.

Cost of groceries and clothing in Rome

One of the best things about living as an expat in Italy is getting to enjoy all the incredible Italian food. You will generally find buying local produce much cheaper than buying imported foods.

Prices in Rome are slightly more affordable than in North American cities such as New York City, USA or Toronto, Canada. Coffee, wine and fresh bread are top of the list of cheaper products in Rome.

Shopping for groceries in Rome can be a delightful experience, especially in local markets like Campo de' Fiori or Testaccio Market. These markets offer a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses at reasonable prices. Although prices can be slightly higher compared to the local markets, supermarkets in Rome also provide a wide range of options.

Italy is famous for its designer clothing and shoes. Many outlets and flagship shops sell designer items cheaper than you would find in other countries. Electronics tend to be pricier in Rome; you can circumvent this by buying them elsewhere in Italy or bringing them from your home country. For clothing, Rome offers a mix of high-end designer shops and more affordable local brands, providing options for different budgets.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Rome

The lifestyle in Rome is diverse and lively. Eating out is a central part of entertainment in Rome, while shopping will also feature highly on the list, but both these activities can be costly when done regularly. If you enjoy a night out, you will also not lack options, but the bars, cafés, and clubs in the popular tourist areas will be slightly pricier than in areas frequented by tourists.

Similar to nightlife, the restaurants in tourist areas will be costlier than those in other areas. You will be spoilt for choice, with many restaurants offering authentic Italian cuisine. The best part about eating out in Rome is the portion sizes, which often compensate for the seemingly high prices.

For entertainment, Rome offers a variety of options ranging from historical tours, opera, live music and theatre. The costs for these activities can vary, but there are frequently free or reduced-price options for students and seniors. For those interested in art and history, many of Rome’s museums and archaeological sites offer free entry on certain days of the month.

Cost of education in Rome

Public education in Italy is free from primary school to university, although there is an enrolment tax that becomes mandatory from the age of 16. This enrolment tax is merely a once-off fee paid at the start of the school year when children are enrolled in one of Rome’s many schools.

The cost of going to a private school varies. Some private schools are supported by the state, which makes them affordable. International schools, the option many expats choose, are known to be costly. Some are all-inclusive, but the vast majority don’t include additional costs for uniforms, bus services, school lunches or excursions, so these are extras expat parents must budget for.

Although international schools are known for being pricey, these schools are known for offering excellent standards and often allow children to continue in their home country’s curriculum and language. As such, many parents find this cost well worth it.

Cost of healthcare in Rome

The national health service in Italy provides universal coverage to citizens and residents, with public healthcare largely free of charge. Most expats employed in Italy will qualify for the local government healthcare network by being residents. Although costs in the public health sector will vary based on several factors, many expats find the costs reasonable.

While public healthcare in Rome is comprehensive, some expats opt for private health insurance to cover additional services and ensure quicker access to specialists. Private healthcare in Rome is renowned for its high standards but comes at a significantly higher cost than public healthcare.

Dental and optical care, which are not always covered by the public healthcare system, can also be expensive, and you should consider this when choosing your healthcare options.