Rome vs Graz
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Graz is ~19% 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
Graz
Austria
COL+Rent
39.4
Rent Index
18.1
Groceries
61.7
Restaurant
58
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Rome | Graz | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,426 | $821 | +$605 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,000 | $630 | +$370 |
| Groceries | $329 | $370 | $41 |
| Restaurant Meal | $18 | $15 | +$3 |
| Transit Pass | $37 | $47 | $10 |
| Utilities | $211 | $170 | +$41 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Rome | Graz |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,550/mo | $1,166/mo |
| Typical | $2,273/mo | $1,633/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,823/mo | $2,055/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Rome | ≈ in Graz | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,216/mo | -$284 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,621/mo | -$379 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,432/mo | -$568 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Rome vs Graz for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Graz is approximately 19% more affordable than Rome when combining rent and daily living costs. Rome's COL+Rent Index of 48.6 vs Graz's 39.4 (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 $821/month in Graz — giving Graz a $605/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $7,260 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Rome ($329/mo) vs Graz ($370/mo) reflect Rome's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $18 vs $15 show Rome is the better value for dining out. 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, Graz offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,633 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.