City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $1,500/month?
Rome vs Florence — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Rome
Likely Insufficient
COL+Rent: 48.6 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo may not cover basic costs in Rome.
Florence
Tight Budget
COL+Rent: 45.3 (NYC=100)
$1,500/mo barely covers basics in Florence.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Rome | Florence | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $832 | $821 | +$11 |
| Groceries | $226 | $231 | $5 |
| Dining Out | $148 | $151 | $3 |
| Transportation | $25 | $26 | $1 |
| Utilities | $145 | $148 | $3 |
| Other / Misc | $124 | $123 | +$1 |
| Total | $1,500 | $1,500 | — |
Purchasing Power
Rome
$1,500
per month
Florence equivalent
$1,398
per month
Only $1,398/mo in Florence matches $1,500/mo in Rome — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Rome on $1,500/month?
Living in Rome on $1,500/mo is rated "Likely Insufficient". Budget allocates ~$832 to rent, $226 to groceries, $148 to dining.
Can I live in Florence on $1,500/month?
In Florence, $1,500/mo is rated "Tight Budget". Allocations: $821 rent, $231 groceries, $151 dining.
Is Rome or Florence cheaper?
Florence is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Rome 48.6 vs Florence 45.3 (NYC=100).
What is $1,500/mo in Rome worth in Florence?
$1,500/mo of purchasing power in Rome equals ~$1,398/mo in Florence using COL adjustment.