Rome vs Antwerp
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Antwerp is ~13% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Rome
Italy
COL+Rent
48.6
Rent Index
32.2
Groceries
58
Restaurant
55.1
Antwerp
Belgium
COL+Rent
42.2
Rent Index
23.4
Groceries
52.4
Restaurant
49
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Rome | Antwerp | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,426 | $1,033 | +$393 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,000 | $779 | +$221 |
| Groceries | $329 | $294 | +$35 |
| Restaurant Meal | $18 | $17 | +$1 |
| Transit Pass | $37 | $41 | $4 |
| Utilities | $211 | $192 | +$19 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Rome | Antwerp |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,550/mo | $1,286/mo |
| Typical | $2,273/mo | $1,815/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,823/mo | $2,284/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Rome | ≈ in Antwerp | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,302/mo | -$198 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,737/mo | -$263 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,605/mo | -$395 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Rome vs Antwerp for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Antwerp is approximately 13% more affordable than Rome when combining rent and daily living costs. Rome's COL+Rent Index of 48.6 vs Antwerp's 42.2 (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 Rome costs $1,426/month versus $1,033/month in Antwerp — giving Antwerp a $393/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $4,716 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Rome ($329/mo) vs Antwerp ($294/mo) reflect Antwerp's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $18 vs $17 show Antwerp 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, Antwerp offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,815 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.