Wellington vs Rome
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Rome is ~5% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Wellington
New Zealand
COL+Rent
50.9
Rent Index
32
Groceries
72.8
Restaurant
56.4
Rome
Italy
COL+Rent
48.6
Rent Index
32.2
Groceries
58
Restaurant
55.1
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Wellington | Rome | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,478 | $1,426 | +$52 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,179 | $1,000 | +$179 |
| Groceries | $404 | $329 | +$75 |
| Restaurant Meal | $18 | $18 | $0 |
| Transit Pass | $111 | $37 | +$74 |
| Utilities | $141 | $211 | $70 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Wellington | Rome |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,786/mo | $1,550/mo |
| Typical | $2,404/mo | $2,273/mo |
| Comfortable | $2,977/mo | $2,823/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Wellington | ≈ in Rome | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,432/mo | -$68 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,910/mo | -$90 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,864/mo | -$136 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Wellington vs Rome for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Rome is approximately 5% more affordable than Wellington when combining rent and daily living costs. Wellington's COL+Rent Index of 50.9 vs Rome's 48.6 (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 Wellington costs $1,478/month versus $1,426/month in Rome — giving Rome a $52/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 Wellington ($404/mo) vs Rome ($329/mo) reflect Rome's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $18 vs $18 show Rome 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.