Last updated: October 2026
The cost of living in Rome is moderate for a Western European capital, and rent is the line that moves your budget most. Crowdsourced data from Numbeo (updated October 2026) lists a one-bedroom apartment at about €1,084 a month in the centre and about €777 outside it. A single person renting alone should plan on roughly €1,700 to €2,200 a month, and sharing a flat can lower that.
Cost of Living in Rome at a Glance
Numbeo data is crowdsourced, not an official survey, so treat it as a guide. The totals are rough planning estimates for one adult renting a one-bedroom.
| Expense | Typical monthly range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1 bedroom) | €780 – €1,100 | Numbeo: about €777 outside the centre, €1,084 in the centre |
| Utilities (85 m² flat) | €165 – €250 | Numbeo average €184 for electricity, heating, water, waste |
| Internet | €21 – €35 | Numbeo average €28 |
| Other living costs | about €850 | Numbeo estimate for one person, excluding rent |
| Total | about €1,700 – €2,200 | Estimate, not an official figure |
Rent: Centre vs Outer Neighbourhoods
Rents drop quickly as you move away from the historic centre. Trastevere, Monti and the areas near the Colosseum are popular and priced accordingly. Neighbourhoods such as San Giovanni, Garbatella, Pigneto and Tor Pignattara cost less, and areas along the metro lines or the tram network can be easier to commute from.
Sharing a flat is common among students and young workers and is the biggest way to cut costs. Listings on Immobiliare.it show current asking rents by neighbourhood. Italian leases often come with a deposit of two or three months’ rent, so ask before you sign.
For other European comparisons, see our guides to Milan, Madrid and Paris.
Utilities and Internet
Numbeo lists about €184 a month for electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste in an 85 m² flat, and about €28 for home broadband. Bills depend on the season and on whether you pay for central heating in the building. Ask the landlord what the condominium fees (spese condominiali) cover and request recent bills.
Groceries
Supermarkets such as Conad, Coop and Carrefour sit alongside discounters, and neighbourhood markets sell fresh produce. Cooking at home is far cheaper than eating out. Prices in tourist areas run higher than in residential districts.
Eating Out, Cafes and Nightlife
An espresso at the counter is cheap in most of Rome, while sitting down at a table in a tourist zone costs more. Lunch specials and local trattorias outside the centre offer better value than restaurants near major sights. Your dining habits will move your monthly total more than any other discretionary line.
Public Transport
ATAC lists a single BIT ticket valid for 100 minutes at €1.50, a 24-hour ticket at €8.50, a 48-hour ticket at €15, a 72-hour ticket at €22 and a 7-day pass at €29. Numbeo lists the monthly pass at about €35. Check current fares and pass options on the ATAC website, since prices and rules change.
Buses and trams can be slow and crowded, and the metro has only three lines. Many residents combine transit with walking or scooters. Owning a car adds parking, insurance and restricted-traffic-zone (ZTL) fines, so most single renters skip it.
Fitness, Entertainment and Health Care
Gyms, cinemas and museums are priced by provider, so compare before you commit. Italy has a national health service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale), and registration rules depend on your residency status. See the Ministry of Health for details. Some residents also pay for private clinics or insurance.
Salary, Taxes and Disposable Income
Italy taxes income progressively through IRPEF, and employees also pay social contributions, so take-home pay is lower than the gross figure. A one-bedroom at €780 to €1,100 plus other costs means you need a solid net income to live alone comfortably, which is why many people share. Check current tax rules with the Agenzia delle Entrate, and if you are moving from abroad, see the Italian foreign ministry for visa and residence information.
Tips to Save in Rome
- Share a flat or rent a room in a shared apartment.
- Look at neighbourhoods near a metro or tram line but outside the historic centre.
- Shop at local markets and discount supermarkets.
- Eat the lunch special instead of dinner out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Rome per month?
A single person renting alone should plan on roughly €1,700 to €2,200 a month. This is an estimate based on crowdsourced Numbeo data, which lists a one-bedroom at about €777 outside the centre and €1,084 in the centre.
How much is rent in Rome?
Numbeo, a crowdsourced site, lists a one-bedroom apartment at about €1,084 a month in the centre and about €777 outside it (October 2026). Sharing a flat costs less.
How much does public transport cost in Rome?
ATAC lists a 100-minute BIT ticket at €1.50 and a 24-hour ticket at €8.50. Numbeo lists the monthly pass at about €35. Check the ATAC website for current prices.
Is Rome expensive compared with other European capitals?
Rome is moderate. Rent is the main cost, and everyday items such as transport and groceries are comparatively affordable. Prices in tourist areas run higher than in residential districts.
