Cost of Living in Rome, Italy
Italy · Europe
$2,400
Monthly Cost
avg/person
68
Cost Index
NYC=100
62
Rent Index
NYC=100
78
Quality of Life
Good
58
Safety Index
Moderate
2.8M
Population
EUR
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated Monthly
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $13 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $55 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $9 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $4 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $4.5 |
| Cappuccino | $1.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $2.5 |
| Water (0.33L) | $1.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.2 |
| Bread (500g) | $1.5 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Eggs (12) | $3.5 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $8 |
| Beef (1kg) | $13 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $2 |
| Potato (1kg) | $1 |
| Onion (1kg) | $1 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.7 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $1.5 |
| Monthly Pass | $35 |
| Taxi 1km | $1.8 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.9 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $27000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $22000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $180 |
| Mobile Plan | $12 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $28 |
| Fitness Club/month | $45 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $1,300/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $900/mo |
| 3BR Center | $2,800/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $1,700/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $7,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $4,000/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $1900 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 3.8% |
Cost of Living in Rome — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Rome, Italy is approximately $2,400 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Rome has a cost index of 68, making it around 32% more affordable.
Rent and Housing
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center in Rome costs around $900/month, while a one-bedroom in the center is approximately $1,300/month. A three-bedroom apartment in the center averages $2,800/month. The rent index is 62 compared to New York City.
Quality of Life and Safety
Rome scores 78/100 on the quality of life index and 58/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 84/100. The climate index is 82/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Rome is approximately $1,900/month. With a purchasing power index of 68/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is EUR, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Cost of Living vs Salary in Rome
The average monthly salary in Rome is approximately $1,900. Compared with the average monthly living cost of $2,400, residents generally enjoy a purchasing power score of 68/100.
Healthcare Costs in Rome
Healthcare quality in Rome is rated 84/100. Medical expenses vary depending on insurance coverage and healthcare providers, but overall healthcare access remains an important factor when evaluating the total cost of living.
Quality of Life in Rome
Rome has a quality of life score of 78/100, supported by factors such as healthcare, safety, climate, purchasing power, infrastructure, and public services.
Cost of Living for Students in Rome
Students living in Rome should budget for accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and study-related expenses. Shared housing and student discounts can significantly reduce monthly costs.
Cost of Living for Expats in Rome
Expats moving to Rome often consider rent, healthcare, transportation, taxation, and lifestyle costs. Worldlivingcost data helps compare living expenses with other cities worldwide before relocation.
Quick Answer
The average cost of living in Rome, Italy is approximately $2,400 per month for a single person including rent, groceries, transportation, utilities and healthcare. The city's cost index is 68 compared with New York City (100).
Living in Rome
Living in Rome offers a balance between housing costs, transportation expenses, healthcare access and overall quality of life. The city has a cost of living index of 68 and a quality of life score of 78/100. Residents spend most of their monthly budget on housing, groceries and transportation, while local salaries average $1,900 per month. For expats, students, remote workers and families, Rome provides a useful benchmark when comparing living costs with other cities in Italy and around the world.
Key Facts About Rome
- Average Monthly Cost: $2,400
- Cost Index: 68
- Rent Index: 62
- Average Salary: $1,900
- Quality of Life: 78/100
- Safety Score: 58/100
- Country: Italy
- Currency: EUR
Is Rome Expensive?
Rome has a cost index of 68 compared with New York City's benchmark score of 100. This means it is more affordable than many major international cities.
How does Rome compare to other cities?
Rome is located in Europe with a population of approximately 2.8M. At a cost index of 68 (NYC = 100), it is a moderately affordable city, offering good value compared to most Western cities. Use the free comparison tool to see how Rome stacks up against any other city worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Rome?
The average cost of living in Rome, Italy is approximately $2,400 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 68 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Rome?
Rent in Rome varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 62 (NYC=100). Use Worldlivingcost's city comparison tool to see detailed rent prices for Rome alongside other cities worldwide.
Is Rome expensive to live in?
Rome has a cost index of 68 compared to New York City (100). At 68, Rome is moderately priced and more affordable than most Western cities. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $2,400.
What is the quality of life in Rome?
Rome has a quality of life index of 78/100 and a safety index of 58/100. The city is located in Europe and offers a good quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
How does the cost of living in Rome compare to other cities?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Rome with any city worldwide. Rome's cost index is 68 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side.
Can you live comfortably in Rome?
Many residents live comfortably in Rome with a monthly budget of around $2,400 depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Is Rome good for expats?
Rome is popular among expats due to its job opportunities, quality of life, and infrastructure.
What salary is needed in Rome?
A salary above the average monthly living cost of $2,400 is generally sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle in Rome.
Is Rome cheaper than New York?
Yes, Rome has a cost index of 68 compared with New York City's benchmark index of 100.
What are the biggest expenses in Rome?
Housing, rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare are typically the largest monthly expenses in Rome.
Best Time & Tips to Save Money in Rome
Cheapest Ways to Live in Rome
Newcomers looking to reduce their monthly budget in Rome typically save the most on housing by choosing accommodation outside the city center, where rent runs close to $900/month compared to $1,300/month in the center. Cooking at home instead of dining out, using public transport instead of taxis, and sharing an apartment with roommates are the most effective ways to cut living expenses in Rome, Italy.
Is Rome Worth Moving To?
With a purchasing power index of 68/100 and a quality of life score of 78/100, Rome is considered a highly desirable relocation destination with strong infrastructure and services. Combined with a cost index of 68 relative to New York City, Rome remains a popular search term among people comparing the cost of living Italy has to offer against other destinations in Europe.
Rome Cost of Living FAQ Summary
People searching for "cost of living in Rome", "Rome monthly expenses 2026", and "is Rome affordable" can use this page as a complete reference. With an average monthly cost of $2,400, a safety score of 58/100, and healthcare rated 84/100, Rome offers a data-backed answer for expats, digital nomads, students, and families planning a move to Italy.
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Last reviewed: 7/15/2026