The cost of living in Vatican City is modelled at about $1,179 a month for one person including rent, according to Livingcost’s June 2026 estimates, but that number hides the real issue: you cannot simply move in. Residence is tied to working for the Holy See, so most people searching for costs end up comparing Vatican prices with rent and daily life in nearby Rome.
Quick Answer
- One person: about $1,179 a month including rent, or $609 without rent (Livingcost, June 2026).
- Family of four: about $2,759 a month including rent, or $1,795 without rent.
- Who can live there: citizenship is granted by office (jus officii), not birth, and usually ends when the appointment ends.
- Population: about 882 residents in 2024 on roughly half a square kilometer.
- Currency: the euro, under a special agreement with the EU.
- Data caveat: there is no open rental market, so Livingcost’s figures are modelled estimates rather than listings you can rent.
Cost of Living in Vatican City: Monthly Budget Estimates
Livingcost treats Vatican City as a single place with a population of 882 and last updated its estimates on June 21, 2026. The figures are in US dollars.
| Monthly cost | One person | Family of four |
|---|---|---|
| Total with rent | $1,179 | $2,759 |
| Total without rent | $609 | $1,795 |
| Rent and utilities | $570 | $964 |
| Food | $437 | $1,149 |
| Transport | $54.40 | $149 |
| Everything else (remainder of the total) | about $118 | about $497 |
Livingcost also lists average pay of about $1,557 a month after tax. Treat that as a modelled figure, because pay for Holy See staff depends on the role and the employer.
Housing and Rent
Vatican City has no ordinary rental market. Housing is generally arranged through the Holy See for the people who work there, so you cannot browse listings the way you would in Rome. For reference, Livingcost’s modelled rents are below, per month in US dollars:
| Home type | Cheaper | City center |
|---|---|---|
| One-bedroom (about 40 m²) | $405 | $511 |
| Three-bedroom (about 80 m²) | $769 | $981 |
Livingcost estimates utilities at about $116 a month for one person and $178 for a family. Because the supply is tiny and tied to employment, many workers instead live in Rome or other parts of Italy and commute in, which makes Italian rents the number that matters for most people. Our guide to the cost of living in Rome covers that market in detail.
Food and Groceries
Livingcost budgets about $437 a month on food for one person and $1,149 for a family. Vatican City is surrounded by Rome, so everyday groceries and restaurants are priced in euros and follow Italian levels in practice. If you eat out, expect Roman prices around the main tourist areas to be higher than in residential neighborhoods.
Transport
Livingcost models transport at about $54.40 a month for one person and $149 for a family. The state covers roughly half a square kilometer, so most movement inside it is on foot, and anyone who works there but lives in Rome relies on Rome’s public transport network. There are no passport controls for visitors entering from Italian territory.
Salaries and Who Can Live There
Citizenship is granted on the basis of office. It covers cardinals, diplomats of the Holy See, Swiss Guard members and others who live in the city because of their work, and a spouse and children can be included if they live together in the city. It usually ends when the appointment ends, and someone left with no other citizenship becomes an Italian citizen. Some people are also authorized to live there without being citizens.
The practical takeaway is that there is no way to move in by choice or by paying rent. If you work for the Holy See, ask your employer what housing, allowances and benefits come with the role, because those terms matter more than any averaged figure.
Healthcare and Other Costs
The Vatican has its own health and hygiene directorate, but residents and staff also rely on Italian services in Rome. Coverage and costs depend on your employment terms, so confirm what is included and whether you need private insurance. Education, leisure and other spending are not separately documented for the state, so budget using Roman prices.
How Vatican City Compares With Nearby Places
For the practical comparison, see our guides to the cost of living in Italy, the cost of living in San Marino and the cost of living in Liechtenstein, which are other tiny European states with their own price levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live in Vatican City?
Livingcost’s June 2026 model puts it at about $1,179 a month for one person including rent and about $2,759 for a family of four. These are modelled estimates because there is no open rental market.
Can anyone live in Vatican City?
No. Citizenship is granted by office, such as service as a cardinal, diplomat or Swiss Guard, and usually ends when the appointment ends. Some non-citizens are authorized to live there, but you cannot apply simply by choosing to move.
Can you rent or buy a home in Vatican City?
There is no ordinary public rental or sales market. Housing is generally tied to employment by the Holy See, so ask your employer. If you want to live nearby, look at rentals in Rome.
What currency does Vatican City use?
The euro, under a special agreement with the EU. Vatican City issues its own euro coins and stamps but does not issue banknotes.
How many people live in Vatican City?
About 882 residents in a 2024 estimate, regardless of citizenship. Another group of citizens, mostly diplomats and cardinals, live elsewhere, mainly in Rome.
Conclusion
Vatican City is not a place you can choose to move to, and its cost figures are modelled estimates of around $1,179 a month for one person. If you work for the Holy See, rely on your employer’s housing terms. If you only want to live nearby, budget using Rome’s rents and prices instead.
Sources
- Livingcost: Cost of Living in Vatican City, updated June 21, 2026.
- Wikipedia: Vatican City, for population, currency and entry facts.
- Wikipedia: Vatican citizenship, for residency and citizenship rules.
