Dreaming of Roman cobblestones, ancient history, and heavenly pasta? Whether you’re planning a move for work, studies, or simply want to live out your Italian adventure, understanding the true cost of living in Rome is essential. In this guide, you’ll find updated figures, practical tips, and candid advice to help you make the move with confidence. For a deeper dive into exploring Rome, you can check the complete visitor’s overview at this page.
Everyday Averages: What Will It Actually Cost?
Rome balances history with a vibrant modern lifestyle, but your monthly expenses in the city will depend heavily on your lifestyle and chosen neighborhood. For a single person, the cost of living ranges from about €1,600 to €2,200+ per month. This range includes the essentials: rent, groceries, transportation, and some entertainment. How much you spend within that range is all about your daily choices, apartment size, and location.
| Monthly Budget Example | Outer 1-Bed Apartment | Central 1-Bed Apartment |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | €900 | €1,450 |
| Utilities & Internet | €180 | €180 |
| Transport | €35 | €35 |
| Groceries | €250 | €250 |
| Eating Out & Leisure | €150 | €180 |
| Total Approximate | €1,515 | €2,095 |
If you dine out more, love concerts, or want a bigger flat, you’ll spend moresimple as that.
Housing Costs in Rome: Why Location Matters
Housing will set the tone for your budget. Rental prices in Rome change dramatically based on neighborhood, apartment size, and whether the home is furnished. Here’s what you can expect:
- Central/Premium Areas: Centro Storico, Prati, Parioli, Trastevere around €25–€31 per square meter per month. For example, a 40 m² studio in the Centro can be €1,200–€1,500. A one-bedroom (50–60 m²) will likely cost €1,300–€1,900 or more.
- Mid-Range Zones: San Giovanni, Appio Latino, Nomentanoabout €20–€22.5/m²/month. A 40 m² studio might be €900–€1,200. A one-bedroom can range from €1,100–€1,500.
- Outer Districts: Ostia, Tor Vergata, Far Tiburtinabetween €14–€18/m²/month. Studio apartments can be found in the €750–€900 range, while one-bedrooms run €900–€1,100.
Typical monthly rents for single rooms in shared apartments run from €400 (outer) to €650 (central trendy areas). A decent studio starts around €800–€1,200 depending on how close you are to the historic center.
Things to Remember About Renting
- Most contracts are “4+4” years, free-market, or the “3+2” formula if you’re eligible for a canone concordato discount.
- Deposits are capped at three months’ rent and should pay legal interest. No more is normaleven in high-demand areas.
- Ask if TARI (waste tax) and condo/building fees are included, as these add €200–€500 annually.
- Inquire about heating: central systems can boost winter bills; individual boilers are usually cheaper.
Food & Grocery Shopping in Rome
Italian cuisine is world-celebrated, and the best way to savor it daily is at home or through smart local choices. Rome’s grocery basket is about 10–12% cheaper than Milan and roughly 8% less than Florence, making the city a surprisingly good deal for fresh ingredients.
What Does a Typical Grocery Run Cost?
- Average monthly grocery budget: €250–€290 for a single person
- Bottle of milk (1L): €1.80
- Loaf of bread: €1.60–€1.80
- Chicken fillet (1kg): €10
- Beef filet (1kg): €16–€18
Cook like a Romanvisit local markets for the best deals. Supermarkets are everywhere but smaller alimentari (neighborhood groceries) often sell quality local produce at very good prices. Shopping at the local markets like Mercato Testaccio or Mercato Trionfale is a fun way to cut costs and experience the daily rhythm of Rome.
The Price of Eating Out
- Pizzeria for 2 (pizza + drinks): €30–€40
- Mid-range dinner for 2: around €70
- Street food or a café sandwich: €4–€8
- Beer: €4–€6 (venue dependent)
- Cappuccino: about €1.80
- Big Mac meal: €10
Eating out can be as affordableor as indulgentas you choose. For budget lunches, opt for pizza al taglio or panini shops. To save while dining, always look for spots where the locals eat and try the “menu del giorno” (daily set menu) at casual trattorias.
Getting Around in Rome: Transport Costs and Tips
Rome’s public transportation system is well-connected and wallet-friendly. You can travel across the city on buses, trams, and three metro lines without the stress or cost of maintaining a car.
- Single BIT ticket (valid 100 min, bus/metro/tram): €1.50
- 24-hour pass: €7
- 72-hour pass: €18
- Monthly ATAC pass: €35 (Buy here)
Use Tap&Go for contactless metro accessjust swipe your usual contactless card. Always validate your ticket to avoid surprise fines! For a night out, remember that taxis in Rome start at €3.50 (day) or €7.50 (night/holidays), with a per-kilometer charge of €1.31–€1.42, depending on tariff and time. There’s a fixed rate of €55 from the city center to Fiumicino (FCO) airport.
Museums, Movies, and Fun: What’s the True Cost of Leisure?
Living in Rome means being spoiled for choice, from world-famous ruins to hidden Renaissance gardens. The cost of leisure activities can be reasonable if you plan ahead.
- Colosseum/Forum/Palatine combined 24h ticket: €18 (Official tickets)
- Vatican Museums: €20 + €5 official online reservation (Buy official tickets)
- Most civic museums: €10–€15 standard; MIC Card for Rome residents and students gives unlimited access for €5 per year (MIC Card official website)
- Cinema ticket: about €9
- Dinner out, two people: €35–€80 (depending on venue and courses)
- Fitness club monthly fee: €40–€70
On the first Sunday of every month, many state museums and archaeological sites offer free entrya tradition that opens up high culture to everyone. Don’t miss it!
Utilities & Bills: What to Add to Your Rome Budget
Utility costs vary depending on apartment size, heating type, and the time of year. For an average 85 m² flat, typical utility bills (electricity, gas, water, garbage) land between €160 and €260 per month. The main swing factor is always winter heatingcentral systems can push you to the upper end.
- Monthly utilities (85 m² apartment): €160–€260
- Home internet: €20–€35 per month
- Mobile phone: €10–€15 per month
- Waste tax (TARI): expect €150–€300 a year, sometimes included in the building fees, but check when you sign a contract
- Condo/building fees: €40–€100/month, covers shared cleaning, elevator, and common area lighting
Healthcare, Students, and Other Essentials
All residents in Rome, including non-EU students, need to plan for healthcare expenses. If you’re a non-EU student, the voluntary regional health system (SSN) fee is currently €700 per year (calendar year, not prorated). Other freelancers or residents might pay €2,000 or more per year.
For university students and young professionals, Rome remains affordable compared to most major European capitals. Many civic museums, discounted public transport, and lower grocery costs help keep monthly budgets balanced. Look into local discounts as soon as you arriveyour student card or proof of residency can unlock a surprising number of savings from museums to gym memberships.
Saving Money in Rome: Local Tips
- Choose neighborhoods wiselyouter districts and areas with university housing are much cheaper.
- Shop at local markets and neighborhood grocers for the freshest produce at the lowest price.
- Avoid touristy cafés and trattorias right near major landmarks for daily coffee or a quick meal.
- Take advantage of the MIC Card or free museum days if you’re a student or making Rome home.
- Always validate your metro/bus ticket; fines can be hefty and inspectors are active!
- Use Tap&Go metro entry with your contactless bank card to skip lines and machines.
- Don’t forgettipping in Rome is appreciated but not required. Round up or leave 5–10% for exceptional service.
Rome: Common Questions Answered
Is Rome Expensive to Live In?
Rome is generally less expensive than Paris, Amsterdam, or even Milanespecially for rent and groceries. Your monthly necessities are about €1,600–€2,200+ depending on your area and habits. For a modest lifestyle, aim for an income of at least €1,800–€1,900 per month, but for more comfort and some splurges, €2,500 is realistic.
How Much Does Food Cost in Rome?
A cappuccino in Rome is about €1.80, a beer starts at €4, and a mid-range restaurant meal for two sits at €70. Pizzas in a pizzeria cost €8–€12 for a whole round pie, but you can grab a slice for €2–€3 at a pizza al taglio shop. Supermarket groceries are affordable and deliciousyou’ll find top-quality produce, bread, and meats at prices better than most big European capitals.
Can You Live in Rome on a Tight Budget?
Absolutely! By moving to outer districts, sharing a flat, shopping local, and using public transport, many students and young professionals manage on €1,500–€1,700 a month. Rome is full of free outdoor spectacles, public art, and beautiful parksa true treat for budget-conscious adventurers.
How Are Rent and Deposits Handled?
Rent depends on the areaabout €18 per square meter city average, from €31 in the Centro to €14 in the suburbs. Deposits are capped at three months’ rent, and contracts can be standard “4+4” or a “3+2” formula if you prefer stability and possible tax savings.
Is It Safe to Use Public Transport?
Rome’s transport is generally safe, especially if you validate your ticket and stay alert to pickpocketing in busy areas. Tap&Go and digital tickets make getting around easy and fast.
Where to Buy Official Public Transport and Attraction Tickets?
- Rome ATAC Public Transport: Official ATAC ticket shop
- Colosseum & Ancient Rome Sites: Official Colosseum tickets
- Vatican Museums: Official Vatican Museums Shop
- MIC Card for Residents/Students: MIC Card website
Rome welcomes you not only with history, culture, and food but with many ways to live well on almost every budget. Do your research, pick your zone, and make the most of local savings and services. As you find your place in the Eternal City, you’ll discover that with a bit of planning and flexibility, life in Rome can be as affordable as it is legendary.