Living in Rome
Rome is one of the oldest and most influential cities in the world, with a history that spans over 2,500 years.It is the capital of Italy and the seat of the Roman Catholic Church, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Living in Rome as an expat can be both rewarding and challenging.
You can enjoy the beauty and culture of the city, but also face the difficulties of traffic, bureaucracy, and pollution.
Rome is a city of contrasts, where ancient monuments coexist with modern buildings, and where tradition and innovation blend together.
Rome is the most populous city in Italy, with about 2.8 million inhabitants.
It is also the core of the wider Rome metropolitan area, which is estimated to have between 4.2 million and 6.7 million people.
Rome is the political and administrative capital of Italy and a major cultural and tourist center.
It is known for its landmarks, such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican, and the Trevi Fountain.
It has a GDP of about €200 billion ($246 billion), making it the fourth richest city in Italy and one of the largest economies in Europe.
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What is Rome like?
Rome is a historical and artistic city, with a rich and diverse population.It is home to people from different countries, religions and backgrounds, who contribute to the city’s social and cultural life.
Rome is also a cultural and artistic center, with a long and glorious history and heritage.
It hosts many museums, galleries, theaters, festivals and events, covering various fields of interest, such as art, music, literature, cinema, religion and sports.
Some of the most famous cultural attractions in Rome are the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, the Roman Forum, the Capitoline Museums, the Borghese Gallery and the National Museum of Rome.
Climate
Rome has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm to hot summers.It is located in central Italy, on a plain, and about 25 km (15 mi) from the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The average temperature of the coldest month (January) is of 7.7 °C (46 °F), that of the warmest months (July, August) is of 25.6 °C (78 °F).
Precipitation amounts to about 800 millimeters (31.5 inches) per year; the wettest season is autumn, followed by winter3 Here is the average precipitation4
In the summer, it’s hot and sunny, and you can enjoy the sun and the nightlife.
However, there can be some afternoon thunderstorms, and the humidity can be high.
In the winter, it’s mild and quite rainy, but it can get cold at night.
Sometimes, there can be some snowfalls, but they are usually light and rare.
The spring and the autumn are pleasant and variable, with some rain and some sun.
You can see the flowers and the leaves, and enjoy the culture and the art.
Rome is not very sunny or rainy by Italian standards, but it still has some clear and bright days, and some wet and cloudy days.
The weather can be changeable and unpredictable, so you need to be prepared for anything.
Economy
Rome is the political and administrative capital of Italy, and a major cultural and tourist center.It is known for its landmarks, such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican, and the Trevi Fountain.
It has a mixed and diversified economy, based on sectors such as public administration, services, tourism, commerce, media, entertainment, education, and research.
It is also a hub for innovation and creativity, hosting several universities, academies, and institutes, such as the Sapienza University of Rome, the LUISS University, the Rome University of Fine Arts, and the National Research Council.
Rome offers many opportunities for work and career development, especially for highly skilled and qualified professionals.
However, it is also a very expensive and congested city, where the quality of life is often affected by problems such as traffic, pollution, bureaucracy, and corruption.
Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world, but it also faces some social and economic challenges, such as poverty, inequality, unemployment, and immigration.
According to the latest data, about 14% of the population in Rome lives below the poverty line, and about 11% is unemployed.
The city also hosts a large number of immigrants, mostly from Eastern Europe, Africa, and Asia, who often face difficulties in integrating and accessing basic services.
The city authorities have implemented various policies and initiatives to address these issues, such as urban regeneration, social inclusion, cultural promotion, and security.
Education
Rome is a historical and artistic city, with a rich and diverse educational offer.It has several public and private universities and colleges, offering a wide range of courses and degrees, from humanities and social sciences to engineering and medicine.
Some of the most prestigious and renowned academic institutions in Rome are the Sapienza University of Rome, the LUISS University, the Pontifical Gregorian University, and the John Cabot University.
The city also has many international schools, catering to the needs of expat families and children.
Some of the most popular and reputable international schools in Rome are the American Overseas School of Rome, the St.
George’s British International School, the Marymount International School, and the Rome International School.
Cost of living in Rome
The cost of living in Rome is high compared to most other Italian cities, but still lower than Milan and Venice.A family of four estimated monthly costs are €4,000 without rent, and a single person estimated monthly costs are €2,400 without rent.
Rent in Rome is also high, especially in the city centre.
For example, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs about €800 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment costs about €1,600 per month.
The prices of food, transportation, utilities, and entertainment are also higher than the national average.
Is Rome safe?
Rome is a relatively safe city to visit, with a moderate crime rate compared to other major cities in Italy and Europe.However, some precautions are recommended, especially in certain areas and situations.
The most common crimes in Rome are pickpocketing, bag-snatching, scams, and vandalism, which usually target crowded and touristy places, such as the city center, the railway stations, the metro, and the buses.
To avoid these risks, it is advisable to be vigilant and careful, to keep your valuables close and secure, to avoid suspicious or aggressive people, and to report any incident to the police.
Rome is also generally safe at night, but it is better to avoid walking alone in dark and isolated streets, and to stick to the well-lit and busy areas.
Some of the areas to avoid in Rome are Tor Bella Monaca, Romanina, San Basilio, and Corviale, which are affected by drug trafficking, thefts, strong presence of immigrants, and delinquency.
Pros and cons of life in Rome
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Historical and artistic city | Expensive city |
| Rich and diverse culture | Crowded and noisy |
| Religious capital | Polluted |
| Well-developed public transportation | Not very friendly to foreigners |
| Close to other major Italian cities | Language barrier |
| Food and wine | Hard to make friends and integrate |
| Historical and artistic population | Slow-paced and bureaucratic lifestyle |
| English is widely spoken | Hot and dry climate |
| Stable and diversified economy | |
| High quality of life |
Advantages of Living in Rome
Overall, Rome is a historical and artistic city, with a rich and diverse culture.You can explore its many attractions, such as ancient monuments, museums, art galleries, churches, and fountains, and immerse yourself in its history.
It is also a religious capital, with the Vatican City and the Pope based in the city, and a lot of spiritual and cultural events.
The city has a good public transportation system, which makes it easy to get around and to other major Italian cities, such as Florence, Naples, and Venice.
Not only that, but you can also enjoy its food and wine, which are famous for their quality and variety, and reflect the regional and seasonal diversity of Italy.
Rome is a historical and artistic city, with a rich and diverse population.
You can meet people from different countries, religions, and backgrounds, who contribute to the city’s social and cultural life.
English is widely spoken here, especially among the younger generation, which makes it easier for you to communicate and find work.
The city has a stable and diversified economy, which offers you many opportunities for career growth and development.
Rome has a high quality of life, with excellent education, healthcare, and social services, which ensure your well-being and happiness.
Disadvantages of Living in Rome
Rome can be expensive and challenging to live in.You can face difficulties in finding affordable housing, especially in the city centre, where the prices are very high.
You can also spend a lot on food, utilities, entertainment, and healthcare, which are higher than the national average.
The city can be crowded and noisy, especially during peak tourist season, when it is full of visitors and events.
It can also be polluted, with poor air quality and traffic congestion, which can affect your health and mood.
Rome is not very friendly to foreigners, and the language barrier can be a challenge, especially if you don’t speak Italian.
You can also have trouble making friends and integrating into the local community, which can make you feel lonely and isolated.
Moreover, the city can have a slow-paced and bureaucratic lifestyle, which can be frustrating and demotivating, especially if you have to deal with red tape and corruption.
In addition to that, compared to other parts of Italy, Rome can have a hot and dry climate, with scorching and humid summers, which can make you feel uncomfortable and exhausted.
FAQs
What is Rome like for foreigners?
Rome is a historic and cultural city that attracts many expats from different countries and backgrounds.It is the capital and the largest city of Italy, offering a variety of opportunities and experiences for those who live there.
Living in Rome as an expat can be both rewarding and challenging.
You can enjoy the benefits of living in a beautiful and ancient city that offers a lot of culture, history, art, and cuisine, but you also have to deal with the high cost of living, the language barrier, the bureaucracy and the pollution.
Some of the best areas for expats to live in Rome are Trastevere, Monti, Testaccio, and Prati.
What is Rome like for students?
Rome is a popular destination for students who want to study in Italy or abroad.It is a city that offers a wide range of academic programs, from arts and humanities to engineering and sciences, from public and private universities to international and prestigious institutions.
Students in Rome can benefit from a stimulating and innovative learning environment, a lively and diverse student community, a rich and varied cultural offer, and a lot of opportunities for internships and career development.
However, students in Rome also have to cope with the high cost of living, the competitive and demanding academic standards, the limited availability of accommodation, and the complex bureaucracy and regulations.
What is Rome like for women?
Rome is a great city for women who want to pursue their personal and professional goals.It is a city that values women and offers them a lot of opportunities in various fields, especially in education, culture, tourism and politics.
Women in Rome can enjoy a high quality of life, a rich cultural scene, a diverse and inclusive society, and a safe and secure environment.
However, women in Rome also face some challenges, such as the gender pay gap, the glass ceiling, the work-life balance, and the social pressure to conform to certain standards of beauty and style.
What is Rome like for LGBTQ people?
As the capital and largest city in the country, Rome is one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in Italy.It is a city that celebrates diversity and inclusion, and that supports and protects the rights and freedoms of LGBTQ people.
LGBTQ people in Rome can enjoy a vibrant and colorful social scene, a large and active LGBTQ community, a lot of events and festivals, and a lot of resources and services.
However, LGBTQ people in Rome also have to face some challenges, such as discrimination, harassment, violence, and homophobia, especially in some conservative and religious sectors of the society.
Is Rome a poor city?
Rome is a wealthy city in Italy, with a GDP per capita of €40,000 ($47,000), which is higher than the national average of €30,000 ($35,000).Rome has a diverse and dynamic economy, based on sectors such as tourism, culture, finance, media, and public administration.
It is also a center for innovation and education, hosting several universities and research institutes.
However, Rome also faces some social and economic challenges, such as unemployment, poverty, inequality, and corruption.
According to the latest data, the unemployment rate in Rome is 9.8%, higher than the national average of 8.8%.
The poverty rate is 11.4%, which is above the national average of 9.4%, and affects about 300,000 people in the city.
Is Rome dirty?
Rome is a moderately clean city in Italy, with a fair level of air quality, waste management, and water sanitation.Rome ranked 32nd out of 104 Italian cities in the latest environmental survey by Legambiente and Ambiente Italia, which measures the quality of urban ecosystems.
Rome has implemented some initiatives to improve its cleanliness and sustainability, such as promoting public transportation, cycling, and electric vehicles, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing recycling and composting, and protecting green areas and monuments.
However, Rome still faces some problems with cleanliness, such as littering, graffiti, dog waste, and frequent smog episodes.
Rome also needs to improve its water efficiency and consumption, as it has one of the highest rates of water loss and leakage in Italy.
Rome also suffers from illegal dumping and burning of waste, which poses a serious health and environmental risk.
Is Rome a fun city?
Rome is a fun city for those who enjoy history, culture, art and gastronomy, with countless options to explore and experience.It is a city that combines ancient and modern, with monuments, ruins, churches and museums that testify to its rich and glorious past.
Some of the most famous and impressive attractions in Rome are the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.
It is also a city that offers a lively and diverse nightlife, with bars, clubs, restaurants and venues that cater to different tastes and preferences.
It is famous for its aperitivo, a pre-dinner drink with snacks and appetizers, which is a social and relaxing way to start the evening.
It has many areas where you can enjoy nightlife and recreation, such as Trastevere, Testaccio, Monti, Pigneto and San Lorenzo.
It also has many places where you can enjoy live music, comedy, theater and other performances, such as Auditorium Parco della Musica, Teatro dell’Opera, Teatro Sistina and Teatro Vittoria.
Rome is a city that never sleeps, and it will always amaze you with its fun and vibrant atmosphere.
Is Rome walkable?
Rome is a city that has a low level of walkability, as it is huge, chaotic, and crowded with tourists and traffic.It also has a poor public transport service, with frequent delays, breakdowns, and strikes, that makes it hard to move around the city and reach the main attractions.
However, Rome also has some advantages for pedestrians, such as a rich and diverse historical and artistic heritage, a lively and vibrant atmosphere, and a mild and sunny climate for most of the year.
