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.
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 7.7 °C (46 °F), that of the warmest months (July, August) is 25.6 °C (78 °F). Precipitation amounts to about 800 mm (31.5 in) per year; the wettest season is autumn, followed by winter.
In summer, it's hot and sunny — great for nightlife, but afternoon thunderstorms and high humidity are common. Winters are mild and quite rainy, occasionally cold at night, with rare and light snowfalls. Spring and autumn are pleasant and variable, with both rain and sun.
Economy
Rome is the political and administrative capital of Italy, and a major cultural and tourist center. It has a mixed and diversified economy, based on 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, LUISS, the Rome University of Fine Arts, and the National Research Council.
Rome offers many opportunities for highly skilled professionals, but it is also a very expensive and congested city, where quality of life is often affected by traffic, pollution, bureaucracy, and corruption. About 14% of the population lives below the poverty line, and about 11% is unemployed.
Education
Rome has several public and private universities and colleges, offering a wide range of courses and degrees. Some of the most prestigious are the Sapienza University of Rome, LUISS, the Pontifical Gregorian University, and the John Cabot University. The city also has many international schools, including the American Overseas School of Rome, 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's estimated monthly costs are around €4,000 without rent; a single person's are around €2,400 without rent.
Rent is also high, especially in the city centre. A one-bedroom apartment in the centre costs about €800 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment costs about €1,600 per month. 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. The most common crimes are pickpocketing, bag-snatching, scams and vandalism, which usually target crowded and touristy places — the city center, railway stations, the metro and buses. Stay vigilant, keep valuables close, avoid suspicious or aggressive people, and report any incident to the police.
Rome is generally safe at night, but avoid walking alone in dark and isolated streets. Some areas to avoid include Tor Bella Monaca, Romanina, San Basilio and Corviale, which are affected by drug trafficking, theft, 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 transport | Not very friendly to foreigners |
| Close to other major Italian cities | Language barrier |
| Food and wine | Hard to make friends and integrate |
| English widely spoken | Slow-paced and bureaucratic |
| Stable, diversified economy | Hot and dry climate |
Advantages of living in Rome
Rome is a historical and artistic city with a rich and diverse culture. You can explore its many attractions — 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. The public transport system makes it easy to reach other major Italian cities such as Florence, Naples and Venice. The food and wine are famous for their quality and regional variety.
Disadvantages of living in Rome
Rome can be expensive and challenging. Affordable housing is hard to find, especially in the city centre. The city can be crowded and noisy — particularly during peak tourist season — and polluted, with poor air quality and traffic congestion. The language barrier can be a challenge if you don't speak Italian, and the bureaucratic lifestyle can be frustrating. Summers can be scorching and humid.
FAQs
What is Rome like for foreigners?
Rome attracts many expats from different countries and backgrounds. Living here as an expat is both rewarding and challenging: you enjoy the culture, history, art and cuisine, but also deal with the high cost of living, the language barrier, bureaucracy and pollution. Best areas for expats include Trastevere, Monti, Testaccio and Prati.
What is Rome like for students?
Rome offers a wide range of academic programs, from arts and humanities to engineering and sciences, across public, private and international institutions. Students benefit from a stimulating learning environment, a diverse student community, a rich cultural offer and good internship opportunities — though high cost of living, limited accommodation and complex bureaucracy are real constraints.
Is Rome a fun city?
Rome combines ancient and modern, with monuments, ruins, churches and museums alongside lively nightlife. Areas like Trastevere, Testaccio, Monti, Pigneto and San Lorenzo are great for going out. Live music, comedy and theater run at venues like Auditorium Parco della Musica, Teatro dell'Opera, Teatro Sistina and Teatro Vittoria.
Is Rome walkable?
Rome has low walkability — it is huge, chaotic, and crowded with tourists and traffic. Public transport suffers frequent delays and strikes. That said, the city offers a rich historical and artistic heritage, a vibrant atmosphere, and a mild sunny climate for most of the year, which makes pedestrian exploration rewarding in spite of the friction.