Moving to Rome: a comprehensive guide for aspiring expats
Want to move to Rome? Here, get our tips on housing, job opportunities, and how to adapt to the local culture.
14 min read
For expats looking for adventure, history, and culture, Rome has a certain allure. If you’re drawn to the idea of living in the Eternal City, you’re not alone — Rome has a long tradition of welcoming outsiders from all over the world.
Even so, a big city like Rome can seem daunting at first, especially for people who don’t speak Italian. It also takes confidence and some know-how to navigate the job and housing markets successfully.
Here, we’ve put together everything you need to know about moving to Rome, from accommodation and work to healthcare and the cost of living.
Moving to Italy?
See all you should know to make your move as smooth as possible.
Rome is located in the Lazio region, which has over 600,000 foreign residents — but 80% of them live in Rome. So, if you’ve set your sights on living in Rome, you can expect to rub shoulders with locals and expats alike.
To get the best possible start, look for dedicated expat groups and associations, such as Expats Living in Rome, which organizes social events, dinners, and trips. You can also look for language courses or conversation exchanges to help you learn the local language.
There's no shortage of festivals throughout the year, including concerts, shows, and events with an Italian flavor. Activities like these are a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture and meet other expats with similar interests.
Finding accommodation in Rome as an expat
Looking for somewhere to live in Rome can be complicated, especially with steep market prices in prime city locations. However, it’s always possible to stay in a hotel or short-term rental for the first few days or weeks. Once you figure out which areas interest you, it’s easier to look for a long-term place to live.
Finding a place to rent in Rome: the basics
There are various online platforms you can use to find a rental property in Rome. These portals let you compare prices, districts, and nearby amenities.
Typically, you’ll either find a place to rent privately or engage the services of a real estate agency. While the first option may help you save on some costs, it's also the more risky choice. If you go through an agency, you might be able to find better places, and the agency can step in to help if anything goes wrong.
If you’re looking to rent a property in Italy for the long term, you’ll generally encounter three types of contracts:
Freely negotiated tenancy agreement (4+4): These kinds of agreements last for four years at a rental price agreed between the two parties. They can also be automatically renewed for another four years when they expire.
Regulated tenancy agreement (3+2): With these contracts, the tenant association sets the rental price, and the agreement lasts for three years. After that, it can be explicitly renewed for another three years or automatically extended for two years.
Short-term lease contract: This is a contract lasting a maximum of 18 months, often used by business travelers, students, and people doing apprenticeships or professional training.
After the rental contract is signed, the landlord may ask for a security deposit to cover any unpaid rent or damage that the tenant causes. The amount and conditions of the deposit are set out in the contract.
How to buy a house in Rome
If you’re moving to Rome and want to buy a home, the same principle applies as with renting: It’s generally more secure to go through a real estate agency.
When buying property, the first things to consider are the district and its market pricing, so that you can find the most cost-effective option that’s still in line with your needs.
In 2024, the average price per square meter is around €3,000. In Rome’s historic city center districts, prices can increase to over €5,000.
To begin the purchase process, you need to have a bank account and submit a formal purchase offer. Then, the land registry (Catasto in Italian) and the urban planning office will complete some additional checks.
Once the documents are ready, a preliminary contract is drawn up and you’ll need to pay a deposit. Finally, a notary helps to prepare and register the bill of sale.As far as costs go, you should plan for the following expenses:
Real estate agency commission — approximately 3%
Land registration tax — 2% of the land value for the purchase of a first home, and 9% for a second home
Fixed mortgage tax — as of 2024, €50
Fixed stamp duty — as of 2024, €50
Notary fees —varies by notary
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Besides Rome’s historic city center, there are plenty of sought-after districts across the city. Here are a few of them:- Prati: A residential neighborhood near the Vatican, it’s known for its wide streets, high-end shopping, and proximity to major historical sites.- Pinciano: This prestigious neighborhood is near the Villa Borghese. It boasts period architecture, tree-lined avenues, and panoramic views over the city.- Cavour: Located in the heart of Rome's historic center, Cavour is famous for its nightlife.- Trastevere: Like Cavour, Trastevere is one of the most popular and lively districts — perfect for evenings out with friends.- Esquilino: A multicultural neighborhood near Rome’s Termini train station, it’s home to a mix of international restaurants, shops, and markets.- San Lorenzo: Acclaimed for its artistic and cultural life, this alternative neighborhood is popular with university students and has a good bar scene.- Testaccio: Once an unpretentious working-class area, Testaccio is home to a large food market, traditional restaurants, and all kinds of local events.
How to find work in Rome
The Italian job market has had its ups and downs over the years, and working in Rome as an expat can still come with some challenges. There are also several requirements that apply only to non-European job seekers.
If you’re a European Union citizen, you have the same freedom as Italians do to live in and travel around the country. You’re also allowed to engage in employment or perform self-employed work. All you need is to carry a passport or valid identity document that permits foreign travel, and request an Italian tax code.
However, the situation is more complicated for workers who aren’t from Europe. If you’re aren’t an EU citizen, you need an entry visa and a residence permit valid for a certain type of work, such as seasonal, self-employment, or employed work. Alternatively, you can apply for a residence permit for family and/or study reasons.
Finding a job in Rome will be much easier if you can speak Italian, especially for jobs that involve interacting with the public. Once you know the language, you can expand your search to many more kinds of jobs. Networking and socializing with other working expats can also be useful.
The average salary in Rome is around €28,000 per year, or €14 per hour. That’s equivalent to around €1,600 per month on average, although it can range from €1,300 up to €2,100.
VAT in Rome for expats
As mentioned already, European citizens can apply for any type of work in Rome. Alternatively, if you prefer to be self-employed, you can register for VAT.
The same applies to non-Europeans — you can also register your own business.
One particular advantage Italy offers is that VAT is a flat rate. With this simplified system, tax is only due on the amount you earn, which is helpful when starting a new business.
Before you register for VAT, it's always good to talk to an accountant. This is especially true if you plan to work remotely and run your business from another place.
The cost of living in Rome
There’s always a trade-off with living in large cities like Rome: Although there may be more jobs and chances to grow your career, the daily cost of living is usually higher than in smaller towns and cities.
When it comes to accommodation, a room in Rome can cost anywhere from €400 to €550, while renting a studio or two-bedroom apartment will likely cost €700 to €800. Additionally, rental prices are significantly higher in the central parts of the city.
For food, budget at least €70 per week for one person, or a total of €280 per month.
Single rides on public transport cost €1.50, but it's possible to buy a monthly pass for €35. This pass can be used for any mode of public transport, from the city’s metro to the bus services.
On the low end, expect your cost-of-living expenses to be around €900 to €1,000 in total if you rent a single room. If you opt for a studio apartment, that amount can easily increase to over €1,300.
Once you factor in extra costs like dining out, subscriptions, and any other small expenses, you'd need a salary of at least €1,700–1,800 per month. One way to trim down your costs is to move further away from the city center to a neighborhood with lower average rents.
How does Rome’s healthcare system work?
No matter when you’re moving from, adapting to a different healthcare system can come with a steep learning curve. According to Italy’s constitution, the right to healthcare is guaranteed not only for Italian citizens but also for anyone who lives in Italy.
For EU citizens, the rules depend on how long you’re staying in Italy. If you stay less than three months, you can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to receive emergency healthcare. All you have to do is go to the appropriate public facility, show your card, and pay for a “ticket” if necessary.
Anyone staying in Italy for more than six months has to have mandatory private health insurance or be registered with the country’s National Health System (SSN).
People from countries outside the EU who stay for less than 90 days in Italy can pay the regional rates to access SSN healthcare. And anyone with a tourist visa can get private health insurance, which covers medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation expenses.
However, if you have a longer residence permit, you can contact the local health authority and get set up with a general practitioner. This also ensures that any dependent family members can access healthcare services.
Registering with the SSN is mandatory if you work, are applying for or renewing a residence permit, or are waiting for other official documentation. It’s also required for unaccompanied foreign minors. To learn more, read our guide to health insurance in Italy.
Schools and education in Rome
Many expats initially move to Rome to study at one of the city’s high-level universities. The cost of studying at a university in Italy is very reasonable compared to other countries — plus, there are many different scholarships, projects, and benefits for foreign students.
For example, students within certain income brackets are entitled to free or subsidized accommodation, as well as free meals in the university canteen. Some students might also qualify for tax advantages or fee reductions.
Some of the best educational institutions are:
Sapienza University of Rome: One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Italy, it offers a wide variety of courses. “La Sapienza” is renowned for its research excellence and international ethos.
University of Rome Tor Vergata: Located on the outskirts of Rome, Tor Vergata is known for its innovative research programs and strong connections to the business world.
Roma Tre University: With a strong focus on innovation and interdisciplinary research, Roma Tre has an excellent reputation for humanities, social sciences, and architecture.
Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma: This institution focuses primarily on specialized programs for biomedical sciences and medicine.
Guglielmo Marconi University: Famous for its programs in economics, technology, and the social sciences, this private university offers flexible study options.
LUISS Business School: An integral part of LUISS Guido Carli, it's one of Italy’s leading institutions for business and management studies.
Getting around in Rome
Rome is well-connected to the rest of the country and can be easily reached by car, bus, train, or plane.
If you’re landing at Rome-Fiumicino airport, the simplest way to get to the city center is by train. It runs every 30 minutes, and the journey takes less than 60 minutes.
Passengers arriving in the city by train can get off at either Roma Termini or Tiburtina stations, depending on your end destination.
To get around the city, you can buy a monthly pass for €35, which lets you travel on all the bus and metro routes.
Alternatively, you could ride a bike or electric scooter — although with Rome’s heavy traffic, this option can be quite dangerous and stressful.
The regional train network conveniently connects Rome to nearby cities and towns. Travelers can buy weekly or monthly passes to reduce transportation costs.
Of course, the solution you choose for your daily trips will mostly depend on the areas you live, work, and hang out in.
Cultural differences between Rome and the rest of Italy
Once you’ve spent some time in Rome, you'll realize it’s a little different from the rest of Italy. If you speak the language, you’ll notice the Roman dialect right away — it’s very different from standard Italian.
Clipped speech and odd-sounding expressions are a big part of Roman identity. Locals will rarely speak to you in “classic” Italian, no matter where you’re from.
The chaos and frenzy of the city seem to make the locals a little noisier, too. Still, despite being geographically central, they still manage to radiate the warmth and openness that Southern Italy is known for.
Here are a few other Roman quirks that might catch expats by surprise:
Traditional recipes: Roman cuisine is sacred, and under no circumstances should it be contaminated with “strange” ingredients, even if those additions would be normal somewhere else. For example, never say that you put cream in carbonara — you’ll risk losing all your local friends!
Stray cats: You won’t have to look hard to spot Rome’s feline residents. A municipal regulation protects the rights of these stray cats, and volunteers from the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary feed and care for them.
Scooters: In Rome, scooters are among the most popular means of transport, as they let you easily zip through city traffic. But be very careful if you decide to fire up a Vespa — you can’t always count on the other drivers (and riders) to follow the rules of the road.
The curse of Piazza Navona: If you meet your soulmate in Rome, avoid going counter-clockwise around the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (the Fountain of the Four Rivers). It's said that a witch once cast a “lovers’ curse” on the place, and it could end your relationship!
Familiarity: Romans are generally friendly and expressive, even to strangers. But this familiarity might be disarming for people from more socially formal cultures.
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If you're preparing to move to Rome, the first thing to do is start planning how you'll manage your money, both in terms of accommodation and daily living expenses. Remember to consider the costs of any university study or training courses, expenses related to healthcare, visas, and any unforeseen events that could arise along the way.Fortunately, an N26 account can help you manage your expenses as an expat in Rome. It makes it simple to actively monitor your cash flow and set customized spending limits based on your personal habits.You can also use the N26 Spaces feature to create sub-accounts within your main bank account. Think of them like virtual piggy banks where you can stash savings for your future projects or different goals. And if you need a little extra help, read through our guide on how to open a bank account in Italy.
FAQ
It all depends on what you’re looking for. Rome is a thriving international city and offers a fascinating blend of history and culture — not to mention the amazing food and Mediterrean climate.
Expats in Rome live in different areas of the city, from central districts like Prati, Parioli, and Trastevere to outlying neighborhoods like Tor Bella Monaca and San Basilio.
Yes — but. Many expats manage to live in Rome without speaking any Italian.
However, having some knowledge of Italian and the Roman dialect can make your day-to-day life a lot easier. Plus, you’ll have better job opportunities and be more likely to integrate into the local community.
Italy is generally welcoming to people from other countries, but the experience can be different depending on where you come from, the region where you live, and how you interact with others.
Yes, as an EU citizen, you have the right to live and work in Italy without applying for a work visa. But even so, you may have to follow some bureaucratic procedures to register for work and to access public services.
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