Rome vs Singapore
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Rome is ~37% 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
Singapore
Singapore
COL+Rent
77.4
Rent Index
73.1
Groceries
75.3
Restaurant
50.4
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Rome | Singapore | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,426 | $3,120 | $1,694 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,000 | $2,280 | $1,280 |
| Groceries | $329 | $410 | $81 |
| Restaurant Meal | $18 | $11 | +$7 |
| Transit Pass | $37 | $86 | $49 |
| Utilities | $211 | $166 | +$45 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Rome | Singapore |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,550/mo | $2,863/mo |
| Typical | $2,273/mo | $3,947/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,823/mo | $4,662/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Rome | ≈ in Singapore | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $2,389/mo | +$889 |
| $2,000/mo | $3,185/mo | +$1,185 |
| $3,000/mo | $4,778/mo | +$1,778 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Rome vs Singapore for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Rome is approximately 37% more affordable than Singapore when combining rent and daily living costs. Rome's COL+Rent Index of 48.6 vs Singapore's 77.4 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a substantial gap that significantly impacts long-term savings and lifestyle quality.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Rome costs $1,426/month versus $3,120/month in Singapore — giving Rome a $1,694/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $20,328 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Rome ($329/mo) vs Singapore ($410/mo) reflect Rome's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $18 vs $11 show Singapore 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.