Cost of Living in Rome: Rent, Housing & Income

Rome is Italy's capital and its largest city, a place where ancient ruins sit beside government offices and crowded neighborhood markets. Tourism shapes large parts of the center, and that affects the price of housing and food. This page is about Rome the city, not Italy as a whole, so the figures are tuned to city prices.

The numbers come from Livingcost, a crowd-sourced estimate that the site updates on its own pages, last checked Oct 13, 2026. Amounts are converted to US dollars, so euro exchange rates can move them.

Without rent, one person is estimated at $873/mo. With rent, the estimate is $1,972/mo. A family of four is estimated at $4,629/mo with rent and $2,703/mo without it.

A lunch menu averages $15.90 each, though a coffee and a pastry at the counter is a far cheaper habit than a sit-down meal. A liter of milk averages $1.83 each and a dozen eggs average $5.19 each. Neighborhood markets and supermarkets give better value than shops near major monuments.

A one-bedroom in the center averages $1,246/mo, while a cheaper one-bedroom averages $861/mo. The central premium is large, because the historic center competes with short-term tourist rentals. A three-bedroom in the center averages $2,194/mo, compared with $1,571/mo for a cheaper one.

Many Romans live in neighborhoods outside the historic core and take the metro, tram, bus, or regional train in. Ask whether condominium fees are included, whether the flat has heating you control, and how long the contract runs. Check that the listing is for a genuine long-term lease and not a short-term rental.

Utilities for one person average $129/mo. Internet averages $31.30/mo. A monthly local transport ticket averages $40.10/mo. Rome's metro has few lines, so buses and trams fill much of the gap, and delays are a regular part of life. Some residents use a scooter or car, though parking and restricted traffic zones in the center add cost and hassle.

The average monthly salary after tax is $2,041/mo, slightly above the single-person budget with rent. That leaves little margin for someone paying market rent in the center. People moving with foreign income or remote work tend to have an easier time than those relying on a local wage.

Compared with northern Italian cities and many European capitals, it can be moderate, but rent in central neighborhoods is steep. Food prices vary with where you eat. The cost of living mostly comes down to where in the city you live.

Trastevere and the historic center are atmospheric and popular, and they price accordingly. Areas such as Testaccio, San Giovanni, and Monteverde offer a more residential feel within reach of the center. Farther out, districts along metro and train lines have larger apartments for less money. Sample the commute before you sign a lease, because a short distance on a map can mean a long ride.

• Health insurance or private care
• Permit of stay, visa, and paperwork costs
• Italian language courses
• Flights home
• International school tuition
• Deposits, agency fees, and furnishing

Rules on visas and residency change and vary by nationality. Check Italy's official government sites or consult a licensed advisor.

Search in Italian and English, and expect agencies to handle many listings. Agents may charge a fee, so ask about it at the first call. Landlords often prefer longer contracts, and a proof of income or a guarantor may be requested. Visit in person, check the heating system, and ask for the energy certificate. Document the apartment's condition on day one with photos, because that makes the deposit conversation at the end of the lease much easier.

The World Bank's price level ratio for Italy was 69.0 in 2025, with the U.S. at 100. At market exchange rates, the same basket of goods and services cost about 69% of its U.S. price.

GDP per capita, adjusted for purchasing power, was 62,803 international dollars in 2025 (U.S.: 90,027 international dollars in 2025). Consumer prices rose 1.5% in 2025 (U.S.: 2.9% in 2024).

These are country-level figures for Italy, not for Rome alone.