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Cost of Living in Rome

Understanding the the cost of living in Rome helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
|-Cost of Living in Rome

Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from €800 to €1,500 per month, while outside the city center, rent can range from €600 to €1,000 per month.
Apartment Purchases The cost of purchasing an apartment in Rome can range from €2,000 to €4,000 per square meter. The average price for a two-bedroom apartment in the city center is €400,000, while outside the city center, the average price is €250,000.
Transportation Public transportation in Rome is relatively inexpensive. A single ticket costs €1.50 and a monthly pass costs €35. Taxis are also available and the cost of a ride is €2.50 for the first kilometer and €1.00 for each additional kilometer.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Rome is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs €1.50, a liter of milk costs €1.00, and a dozen eggs costs €2.00.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Rome varies depending on the type of restaurant. A meal at a fast food restaurant costs €7-10, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs €15-20.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Rome is relatively low. The average cost of electricity, gas, water, and garbage collection is €100 per month.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Rome varies depending on the school. Preschool tuition ranges from €1,000 to €2,000 per year, elementary school tuition ranges from €2,000 to €4,000 per year, middle school tuition ranges from €3,000 to €6,000 per year, and high school tuition ranges from €4,000 to €8,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Rome

“The cost of living in Rome is generally considered to be higher than the average for other European cities. Rent prices can be quite expensive, especially in the city center, and groceries and other everyday items can also be pricey. Eating out can also be costly, but there are plenty of affordable options available. Transportation costs are relatively low, and public transportation is widely available,” said one expat living in Rome.

Can I live in Rome on $1,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Rome for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you’ll have to make some sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I’d recommend looking into areas like San Giovanni, Pigneto, or Monteverde. These neighborhoods are not as expensive as the city center, but they still offer a good quality of life and access to public transportation. You should avoid neighborhoods like Trastevere, Prati, or Parioli, as they tend to be more expensive.When it comes to housing, you’ll probably have to share an apartment with roommates to keep costs down. A single room in a shared apartment in an affordable neighborhood can cost around $400-$600 a month. Utilities and internet will add another $50-$100 to your monthly expenses.For transportation, I’d recommend getting a monthly public transportation pass, which costs around $40. This will give you unlimited access to buses, trams, and the metro. Owning a car in Rome can be expensive and challenging due to traffic and parking issues.Eating out can be quite expensive in Rome, so you’ll need to cook most of your meals at home. Groceries can cost around $200-$300 a month, depending on your eating habits. If you do want to eat out occasionally, try to find local trattorias or pizzerias, which tend to be more affordable than touristy restaurants.Entertainment and socializing can also add up, so you’ll need to be mindful of your spending in this area. Going out for drinks or coffee with friends can be relatively affordable if you stick to local bars and avoid touristy areas. However, going to the cinema, concerts, or other events can be more expensive.In summary, living in Rome on $1,500 a month is possible, but you’ll need to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, sharing an apartment, cooking at home, and being selective with your entertainment choices, you can make it work,” commented an expat living in Rome.

Can I live in Rome on $3,500 a month?

“I’ve been living in Rome for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you’ll have to make some adjustments and sacrifices. First, you’ll need to find an affordable neighborhood to live in. I’d recommend looking into areas like San Giovanni, Pigneto, or Monteverde. These neighborhoods are not as expensive as the city center, but they still offer a good quality of life and are well-connected to public transportation.On the other hand, I’d avoid neighborhoods like Trastevere, Prati, or Parioli, as they tend to be more expensive and might not fit your budget. Rent will probably be your biggest expense, so finding a reasonably priced apartment is crucial. You can expect to pay around $1,000 to $1,500 a month for a one-bedroom apartment in a decent neighborhood.As for other expenses, groceries can be quite affordable if you shop at local markets and avoid imported products. Eating out can be pricey, especially in touristy areas, so I’d recommend cooking at home most of the time and treating yourself to a nice meal out occasionally. Public transportation is relatively cheap, and you can get a monthly pass for around $40.One sacrifice you might have to make is giving up some of the modern amenities you’re used to. For example, air conditioning is not as common in Rome, and you might have to get used to living without it during the hot summer months. Additionally, apartments in Rome can be quite small, so you might have to downsize your living space.Overall, living in Rome on $3,000 a month is doable, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. It’s a beautiful city with a rich history and culture, so I think you’ll find that the sacrifices are worth it in the end,” said one expat living in Rome.

Can I live in Rome on $5,000 a month?

“I’ve been living in Rome for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even with modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of location and the size of your living space. Rome is a beautiful city with a mix of affordable and expensive neighborhoods, so it’s all about finding the right balance for your lifestyle.If you’re looking for more affordable neighborhoods, I’d recommend checking out areas like San Giovanni, Pigneto, or Monteverde. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center, but they still have a great local vibe and plenty of amenities. You can find a nice apartment for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month, which should leave you with plenty of money for other expenses.On the other hand, if you’re set on living in a more central location, you might have to sacrifice some space or amenities to stay within your budget. Neighborhoods like Trastevere, Prati, or Testaccio are more expensive, with rents for a one-bedroom apartment ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 a month. These areas are beautiful and have a lot to offer, but you might have to settle for a smaller apartment or one without all the modern amenities you’re used to.In terms of other expenses, groceries and eating out can be quite affordable in Rome, especially if you shop at local markets and avoid touristy restaurants. Public transportation is also relatively cheap, with a monthly pass costing around $40. However, if you plan on having a car, keep in mind that gas prices and parking fees can add up quickly.Overall, I think it’s definitely possible to live comfortably in Rome on $5,000 a month, but you’ll have to be mindful of your spending and make some compromises when it comes to housing. It’s all about finding the right balance between your budget and your desired lifestyle,” commented an expat living in Rome.

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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