Italy

Cost of Living in Rome

Monthly expenses, rent & budget analysis — Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates

COL+Rent: 48.6Rent: 32.2Groceries: 58Restaurant: 55.1

Monthly Budget Estimates

Minimal

$1,550/mo

Outside-center room, basic groceries, public transit

Typical

$2,273/mo

City-center 1BR, regular groceries & dining out

Comfortable

$2,823/mo

Premium apartment, frequent dining, entertainment

Monthly Costs Breakdown

CategoryCost (USD)
Rent (1BR City Center)$1,426
Rent (1BR Outside Center)$1,000
Groceries (monthly)$329
Restaurant Meal$18
Transit Pass (monthly)$37
Utilities (monthly)$211

Source: Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026

Can You Afford Rome?

Compare Rome with other cities at specific budget levels:

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to live in Rome?
A minimal monthly budget in Rome is approximately $1,550, a typical budget is $2,273, and a comfortable lifestyle costs around $2,823 per month.
How much is rent in Rome?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Rome city center costs approximately $1,426/month. Outside the center, expect around $1,000/month.
Is Rome expensive compared to New York?
Rome's COL+Rent Index is 48.6 compared to New York's 100, meaning Rome is about 51% cheaper than NYC overall.
What is the average grocery cost in Rome?
Monthly groceries in Rome cost approximately $329. The city's Groceries Index is 58 (NYC = 100).