City Comparison
Rome vs Milan
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Rome is ~15% 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
Milan
Italy
COL+Rent
57
Rent Index
40.6
Groceries
65.5
Restaurant
64.5
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Rome | Milan | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,426 | $1,798 | $372 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,000 | $1,262 | $262 |
| Groceries | $329 | $372 | $43 |
| Restaurant Meal | $18 | $21 | $3 |
| Transit Pass | $37 | $42 | $5 |
| Utilities | $211 | $239 | $28 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Rome | Milan |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,550/mo | $1,887/mo |
| Typical | $2,273/mo | $2,766/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,823/mo | $3,425/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Rome | ≈ in Milan | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,759/mo | +$259 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,346/mo | +$346 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,519/mo | +$519 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Explore More
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rome or Milan cheaper to live in?
Rome is approximately 15% cheaper overall. Rome's COL+Rent Index is 48.6 vs Milan's 57 (NYC = 100).
How much is rent in Rome vs Milan?
A 1BR in Rome city center costs ~$1,426/mo vs $1,798/mo in Milan. Outside the center: $1,000 vs $1,262.
What is $2,000/month in Rome worth in Milan?
Using cost-of-living adjustment, $2,000/month in Rome has the purchasing power of approximately $2,346/month in Milan.
Are groceries cheaper in Rome or Milan?
Monthly groceries cost approximately $329 in Rome vs $372 in Milan. Groceries Index: 58 vs 65.5 (NYC = 100).