Whether moving to Rome for work, studies, or pure love for Italian culture, one fundamental question often comes up: How much will it cost? The answer to this question can be crucial in making your decision. To help you out, we’ve got you covered. Averagely, a single person can expect his monthly living expenses to hover around €1,800. This figure is divided among four primary life aspects: Housing, Food, Transportation, and Entertainment.
A Peek into Rome’s Housing Scenario
As in any city, housing is most likely going to leave the biggest dent in your monthly budget. The city’s reliance on tourism and service industries means the housing market was not left unscathed by the Corona crisis, and this has reflected in fluctuating rental prices.
Average rental prices vary across Rome, highly influenced by the location. However, a snapshot view of the average prices includes rooms for €520, studios for €770, and 1-bedroom apartments for €1,650.
To cut your costs, consider renting a house on the outskirts of Rome or near residential areas.
- Room rent: €520/month
- Studio rent: €770/month
- 1-bedroom apartment rent: €1,650/month
Food & Groceries – The Taste of Italy
Who wouldn’t be excited about food when relocating to Rome, the land of authentic Carbonara and moreish Supplí? Eating out aside, you would need to adjust to local grocery prices.
Rome’s grocery prices are about 10% cheaper than Milan’s, yet 7% more expensive than Florence. The cost of your monthly grocery shopping depends on your lifestyle, but usually, it falls around €275 for a single resident.
- Average monthly grocery cost: €275
- Bottle of milk (1L): € 1.68
- Loaf of bread: € 1.64
- Chicken filet (1 KG): € 10.43
- Beef filet (1 KG): €16.20
Indulging the Senses – Entertainment Costs
Living in Rome presents a myriad of opportunities to immerse oneself in Italian culture. Be it a dinner outing or exploring the many attractions the city offers, budgeting for these activities is essential.
A basic meal for two in a local restaurant can go from €35, while beer would cost €5. Entertainment costs range from €5 to €20 for museum access, and €18 for cinema tickets for two.
- Basic dinner out for two: € 35
- Beer: € 5.00
- Museum entry: € 5-20
- Movie ticket: € 9.00
Getting Around The Eternal City
Rome’s public transportation system is rather robust and cost-effective! This negates the necessity of owning a vehicle. However, caution is advised when using public transportation around popular tourist locations due to potential petty crime incidents like pickpocketing.
Average prices include €1.50 for a single journey and €35 for a monthly pass. Taxis start at €4 and charge €1.30 per kilometer.
- One-Way public transportation ticket: €1.50
- Monthly pass for public transportation: €35
- Taxi starting fare: €4
- Taxi fare per KM: €1.30
Other Variable Expenses
Living in Rome will also bring several variable expenses such as utilities, healthcare, sports, and leisure activities, to name a few. For example, a monthly fitness club fee for an adult can be around €55.71, while utility costs for an apartment of around 85m2 could be around €233.58.
- Monthly fitness club fee: €55.71
- Utility costs for an apartment of around 85m2: €233.58
The Cost of Living for Students in Rome
Students planning to live in Rome will have a lower cost of living, with a minimum of €1,500.
- Minimum monthly cost for a student: €1,500.
Overall, Rome sits in the more affordable bracket when compared to other European capitals like Amsterdam, Paris, and Berlin. However, to live comfortably, it is advised to have an income in access of €1,900, with a more plush lifestyle requiring more than €2,500 a month. It’s safe to say, living in Rome is an experience you pay for, and rightly so – for what you get in return is priceless.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Rome
Given the inquiries and misconceptions surrounding the cost of living in Rome, here’s an elaborate response to some of the frequently asked questions:
How expensive is Rome really? Is Rome an expensive city?
While Rome can’t be classified as cheap, it is also not overly expensive, especially when compared to other capital cities in Europe. It’s more affordable than Paris, Amsterdam, and even Milan, making it a more accessible city for many.
How much money do I need in Rome?
You’d need a minimum of €1,800 – €1,900 per month for a modest lifestyle in Rome. This accounts for necessary expenses such as rent, groceries, entertainment, and transportation. For a more comfortable lifestyle, expect to spend around €2,500.
How expensive is Rome to eat?
The cost of eating in Rome can differ widely based on whether you’re dining at a high-end restaurant or grabbing a quick bite from a street food stall. You could spend €15 for a simple lunch and €35 for a basic dinner for two at a local restaurant.
Is Paris or Rome cheaper?
Overall, Rome is cheaper than Paris, especially regarding rent and groceries. However, each city has its pros and cons, and the cost of living can vary depending on your lifestyle and allocation of expenses.
Is pizza expensive in Rome?
Pizza, a staple of Italian cuisine, isn’t overly expensive in Rome. It significantly depends on where you buy – a slice from a street vendor could cost as low as €2-€3, whereas a whole pizza at a restaurant can cost upwards of €8.
How much is a cup of coffee in Rome?
Coffee in Rome is quite affordable, with an average price of €1.60 for a cappuccino, making coffee lovers rejoice!
How much is a Coke in Rome?
A 2-liter bottle of Coca Cola comes at an average price of €2.13.
How much is a Big Mac meal in Rome?
A Big Mac meal at McDonald’s in Rome will set you back around €10.
Do you tip in Rome?
Tipping is not strictly customary in Rome or Italy at large. However, it’s appreciated for good service at restaurants, usually rounding up to the nearest euro or about 5-10% of the bill.
Can you go to Rome on a budget?
Yes, it’s possible to live in Rome on a budget. By choosing accommodations in the city’s outskirts, cooking more at home, and using public transportation, you can significantly cut costs.
How to save money eating in Rome?
Eating like a local is the key. Try to avoid touristy areas where prices are inflated, and head to local markets for freshly sourced, affordable produce.
What to do on a budget in Rome?
Rome abounds in free or low-cost attractions like the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain. Also, just walking around Rome’s rich historical streets can be an ideal way to explore the city without breaking the bank.
Do restaurants in Rome take cash?
Most restaurants in Rome accept both cash and cards.
Rome’s cost of living is somewhat moderate compared to other major European cities. Embrace Italy’s rich culture and “la dolce vita”, adapt to the local lifestyle, make wise financial decisions, and the Eternal City will feel like home!
