Who Rome makes sense for
Rome has about 2.7 million residents and is Italy's largest city. It is home to the government, embassies, UN agencies (such as the FAO), universities and a large service sector.
- Families who want plenty of school options in English, French, German and other languages.
- Professionals in international organizations, diplomacy, tourism and film and TV.
- Retirees who want city life with a mild climate.
by nonstop train to Milano Centrale
average rent for a 1-bedroom in the center
residents (ISTAT, Jan 2026, estimate)
Cost of living
Average monthly figures in euros, according to Numbeo (October 2026 update). In Rome, prices vary a lot between neighborhoods.
| Item | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom in the center | € 1,080 |
| 1-bedroom outside the center | € 780 |
| 3-bedroom (family) in the center / outside | € 2,280 / € 1,525 |
| Monthly transit pass | € 35 |
| Basic utilities (85 m²) | € 184 |
| Groceries, 1 adult | € 310 [estimate] |
| Simple restaurant meal | € 15 |
To run your own numbers, use the cost of living calculator.
Neighborhoods to consider
- Prati: elegant, flat and well served by the metro, near the Vatican.
- Monteverde: residential and green, with Villa Pamphili; popular with families.
- Parioli / Flaminio: leafy, near several international schools and embassies.
- San Giovanni / Pigneto: more affordable and lively, with the metro (lines A and C).
- EUR: modern and planned, with parks, offices and easy access to the airport and the sea.
Schools
Public school is free and open to children of foreign residents, with online enrollment, usually in January.
Rome has the largest international school offering in Italy. Among the best known: St. George's British International School, American Overseas School of Rome, Marymount International School, St. Stephen's School (high school, IB), Ambrit, Kendale International School (elementary, about € 6,000 to € 12,000 per year) and national schools such as the French Chateaubriand and the German school.
Health care
Major hospitals: Policlinico Gemelli, Policlinico Umberto I, San Camillo-Forlanini and Policlinico Tor Vergata. For children, Bambino Gesù. Once you have residency, you register with the SSN and choose a family doctor. See our list of Portuguese-speaking doctors.
Transportation
- Airports: Fiumicino (FCO), the country's main hub, with direct flights to Brazil [confirm current routes]; and Ciampino (CIA), for low-cost flights.
- Train: Roma Termini and Tiburtina. Milan in about 2h50 to 3h; Naples in just over 1 hour; Florence in about 1h30.
- In the city: three metro lines, plus ATAC buses and trams. The network is smaller than the city's size calls for.
Climate
Mediterranean: hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Snow is rare. Fall and spring are very pleasant.
Pros and cons
Many international schools, direct flights to Brazil, a mild climate, endless culture, consular services nearby.
Traffic and unreliable public transit, slow bureaucracy, uneven street cleaning, long distances.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rome cheaper than Milan?
For rent, generally yes. But international school and commuting can even things out. Compare them in the city comparison tool.
Do I need a car in Rome?
It depends on the neighborhood. Near the metro, you can live without one. In outlying neighborhoods, or with kids at a school on the outskirts, a car is usually necessary.
Is the bureaucracy harder in Rome?
Wait times for residency and documents are usually longer than in smaller cities. It pays to start early and arrive with complete paperwork.
Sources: Numbeo – Rome (10/2026); Tuttitalia / ISTAT, population as of 01/01/2026; doris.school – international schools in Rome (10/2026); MilanoFree – Frecciarossa Milan–Rome (11/2025).