City Comparison
Milan vs Rome
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Rome is ~15% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Milan
Italy
COL+Rent
57
Rent Index
40.6
Groceries
65.5
Restaurant
64.5
Rome
Italy
COL+Rent
48.6
Rent Index
32.2
Groceries
58
Restaurant
55.1
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Milan | Rome | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,798 | $1,426 | +$372 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,262 | $1,000 | +$262 |
| Groceries | $372 | $329 | +$43 |
| Restaurant Meal | $21 | $18 | +$3 |
| Transit Pass | $42 | $37 | +$5 |
| Utilities | $239 | $211 | +$28 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Milan | Rome |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,887/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Typical | $2,766/mo | $2,273/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,425/mo | $2,823/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Milan | ≈ in Rome | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,279/mo | -$221 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,705/mo | -$295 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,558/mo | -$442 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Milan or Rome cheaper to live in?
Rome is approximately 15% cheaper overall. Milan's COL+Rent Index is 57 vs Rome's 48.6 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Milan vs Rome?
A 1BR in Milan city center costs ~$1,798/mo vs $1,426/mo in Rome. Outside the center: $1,262 vs $1,000.
What is $2,000/month in Milan worth in Rome?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Milan has the purchasing power of approximately $1,705/month in Rome.
Are groceries cheaper in Milan or Rome?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $372 in Milan vs $329 in Rome. Groceries Index: 65.5 vs 58 (NYC = 100).