Costs: what is expensive in Rome and what is not

What costs more

Housing is the heaviest item and the one that sets Rome apart from the national average. The historic centre, Prati, Parioli and Trastevere have some of the highest rents in Italy; tourist demand for short-term rentals shrinks the supply for residents in Municipio I. Parking and car insurance also cost more than average because of the territory and accident rates.

Eating out in tourist areas costs more than elsewhere in the city: a few blocks away from the monuments prices drop noticeably.

What costs less

The monthly Metrebus pass, valid on metro, buses, trams and urban trains within Roma Capitale, is among the cheapest of the European capitals (see data). Neighbourhood markets and grocers remain affordable. Civic museums and many state sites have free days; residents can apply for the MIC card for the Musei in Comune.

Cheaper zones

Rents fall as you move away from the centre, especially east and south-east (Pigneto, Centocelle, Tor Pignattara, Cinecittà along metro A and C) and south along metro B (Garbatella, San Paolo, Marconi, Laurentina). Choosing a zone 10–15 minutes by metro from the centre cuts the cost without sacrificing mobility; beyond the ring road prices fall further but travel time grows a lot.

Tourist tax

Anyone staying overnight in accommodation in Rome pays a contributo di soggiorno per person per night, differentiated by type and category of the establishment and raised from 1 October 2023 by Giunta Capitolina resolution no. 255/2023. Current rates and exemptions are published on Roma Capitale's service page.