Rome vs Vienna
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Rome is ~12% 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
Vienna
Austria
COL+Rent
55.3
Rent Index
30.6
Groceries
81.3
Restaurant
82.2
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Rome | Vienna | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,426 | $1,391 | +$35 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,000 | $1,068 | $68 |
| Groceries | $329 | $487 | $158 |
| Restaurant Meal | $18 | $20 | $2 |
| Transit Pass | $37 | $62 | $25 |
| Utilities | $211 | $224 | $13 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Rome | Vienna |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,550/mo | $1,775/mo |
| Typical | $2,273/mo | $2,464/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,823/mo | $3,070/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Rome | ≈ in Vienna | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,707/mo | +$207 |
| $2,000/mo | $2,276/mo | +$276 |
| $3,000/mo | $3,414/mo | +$414 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Rome vs Vienna for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Rome is approximately 12% more affordable than Vienna when combining rent and daily living costs. Rome's COL+Rent Index of 48.6 vs Vienna's 55.3 (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 $1,391/month in Vienna — giving Vienna a $35/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, the rent difference is modest and may be offset by other cost categories.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Rome ($329/mo) vs Vienna ($487/mo) reflect Rome's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $18 vs $20 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, 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.