City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Florence vs Rome — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Florence
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 45.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Florence.
Rome
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 48.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Rome.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Florence | Rome | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $821 | $832 | $11 |
| Groceries | $231 | $226 | +$5 |
| Dining Out | $151 | $148 | +$3 |
| Transportation | $26 | $25 | +$1 |
| Utilities | $148 | $145 | +$3 |
| Other / Misc | $123 | $124 | $1 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Florence
$1,500
per month
Rome equivalent
$1,609
per month
You'd need $1,609/mo in Rome to match $1,500/mo in Florence.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Florence on $1,500/month?
Living in Florence on $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Budget allocates ~$821 to rent, $231 to groceries, $151 to dining.
Can I live in Rome on $1,500/month?
In Rome, $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Allocations: $832 rent, $226 groceries, $148 dining.
Is Florence or Rome cheaper?
Florence is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Florence 45.3 vs Rome 48.6 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Florence worth in Rome?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Florence equals ~$1,609/mo in Rome using COL adjustment.