Perth vs Rome
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Rome is ~13% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Perth
Australia
COL+Rent
55.7
Rent Index
39.5
Groceries
74
Restaurant
63.3
Rome
Italy
COL+Rent
48.6
Rent Index
32.2
Groceries
58
Restaurant
55.1
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Perth | Rome | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,758 | $1,426 | +$332 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,311 | $1,000 | +$311 |
| Groceries | $412 | $329 | +$83 |
| Restaurant Meal | $22 | $18 | +$4 |
| Transit Pass | $97 | $37 | +$60 |
| Utilities | $146 | $211 | $65 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Perth | Rome |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,930/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Typical | $2,743/mo | $2,273/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,419/mo | $2,823/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Perth | ≈ in Rome | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,309/mo | -$191 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,745/mo | -$255 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,618/mo | -$382 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Perth vs Rome for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Rome is approximately 13% more affordable than Perth when combining rent and daily living costs. Perth's COL+Rent Index of 55.7 vs Rome's 48.6 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a relatively small gap, meaning the decision between these cities often comes down to lifestyle preferences rather than pure cost.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Perth costs $1,758/month versus $1,426/month in Rome — giving Rome a $332/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $3,984 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Perth ($412/mo) vs Rome ($329/mo) reflect Rome's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $22 vs $18 show Rome offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Rome offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $2,273 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.