Living in Rome as an expat presents a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern life. You’ll find tips on finding a home, navigating the job market, and enjoying the city’s culture. This guide offers essential insights to help you settle in and thrive in the Eternal City.
Key Takeaways
- Before moving to Rome, securing rental accommodation from verified landlords and obtaining essential documentation like health insurance and a tax ID is key for a smooth transition.
- Rome’s job market is thriving, particularly in sectors like tourism and technology, but knowledge of Italian is crucial for expats seeking employment opportunities.
- Building a social network in Rome is vital for expats; engaging in local activities and language exchanges can enhance the experience and create lasting friendships.
How Do You Settle in Rome?
Relocating to Rome is like stepping into a living museum, where every corner tells a story from over 1,000 years of history. The ancient ruins that dot the cityscape serve as a constant reminder of its storied past, while Rome’s neighborhoods each offer a unique blend of old and new. Whether you’re wandering through the bustling streets of Trastevere or the elegant avenues of Prati, there’s a distinct charm that makes this city unlike any other European capital.
Securing rental accommodation from verified landlords is crucial when moving to Rome. Many Italians prefer to let properties directly, avoiding unreliable estate agencies, which can be beneficial for expats. Spending some time in Rome before your official move can also help you negotiate better deals with landlords and agents, helping you find a place that suits your needs and budget.
Rome’s favorable climate is another draw for expats, offering mild winters and warm, sunny summers. This beautiful city provides a perfect backdrop for your new life, whether you’re exploring its ancient ruins or enjoying a leisurely stroll through its picturesque streets.
What Documentation Do Expats Need?
Navigating the bureaucratic landscape in Italy requires some preparation, especially for non-EU expats. One of the first steps is to secure health insurance, which is a requirement for residency applications. You also need a codice fiscale (tax code), which you can request from an Italian consulate before you move or from the Agenzia delle Entrate in Italy; it is necessary for various administrative processes, including opening a bank account and signing a lease.
Once you have a lease, register your residence (iscrizione anagrafica) with the Comune di Roma; the municipality then checks that you live at the address. EU citizens register their residence the same way.
Italy offers attractive tax incentives aimed at attracting foreign residents, making it an appealing destination for expats. With the right paperwork in hand, you’ll be well on your way to settling into your new life in Rome.
Safety in Rome
When it comes to safety, Rome is generally safe for residents, but petty crime is common: Il Sole 24 Ore's Indice della criminalità 2026 puts the province of Rome third of 106 provinces for reported crimes per 100,000 residents. The common crimes are primarily petty offenses such as pickpocketing and scams. Tourists and expats alike should be vigilant in busy areas like Piazza Vittorio and Tiburtina Station, which are hotspots for pickpockets due to the heavy foot traffic.
Most incidents are petty crime rather than violent crime, and many happen around transport hubs, so avoid lingering in stations late at night. Esquilino has more petty crime than most central districts, and some outer districts, such as Tor Bella Monaca, San Basilio and Corviale, have a reputation for higher crime; visit any area at different times of day before you sign a lease.
Learning the basics of the Italian language can improve your safety and experience in Rome. Many Italians appreciate when expats make an effort to speak Italian, and taking Italian lessons can help you navigate daily life more smoothly. This not only helps you blend in but also opens up more opportunities to connect with the local community.
What Is the Job Market Like in Rome?
Rome's economy is dominated by services: public administration, tourism, international organisations (the UN's FAO, IFAD and World Food Programme are headquartered in Rome), media, research and education. For current employment and unemployment rates in the province, see ISTAT's territorial labour-force statistics.
Key industries in Rome include Fashion, Tourism, Technology, and International Services. Jobs in marketing, communication, media, services, tourism, and education (TEFL) tend to have more opportunities for non-Italians. These fields are generally more welcoming to foreign candidates. However, most jobs in Rome require a good command of Italian, making it essential for expats to learn the language to improve their job prospects.
Networking is essential in Rome’s job market, where nepotism and social connections often influence hiring decisions. Being in Rome while searching for work can maximize your opportunities to network and find job openings. Teaching English is a common job for English speakers, but having fluency in Italian and a degree can significantly enhance your employment prospects.
How Do You Get Around Rome?
Rome’s public transportation system is a vital part of daily life for expats. The city offers a mix of buses, trams, and metro services, providing comprehensive coverage for commuting. The metro system is particularly efficient, offering quick access to key areas of the city. For those considering renting a home, it’s wise to check the metro or tram coverage to ensure a reliable commute.
The cost of a single integrated public transport ticket in Rome is €1.50, with monthly passes available for €35, making it an affordable way to navigate the city. The URBI app is a useful tool for expats, offering various transportation options and helping you choose the best way to get around.
Additionally, eco-friendly transport options like bike-sharing services and electric scooter rentals are popular among residents.
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Rome?
Living in Rome comes with its own set of financial considerations. Rent is typically the largest expense: new long-term leases registered in Rome in 2025 averaged about €1,080 a month (OMI), and asking rents for one-bedroom flats in central districts are usually higher. To live comfortably as a single person renting a one-bedroom flat, budget about €2,000-2,500 a month in total (a rough estimate, not an official figure).
Other costs depend on your lifestyle. As an official benchmark, households in Lazio, the region around Rome, spent an average of €2,980 a month in 2025, including €576 on food and non-alcoholic drinks (ISTAT; all household sizes, including the imputed rent of owner-occupiers). Public transport is relatively affordable, with a monthly pass costing €35.
Budgeting for social activities helps expand your social circle while living in Rome. Engaging in the local culture and lifestyle is part of the experience, and having a budget for these activities ensures you can fully enjoy your time in this vibrant city.
Accommodation Options
Finding the right accommodation is a significant step. Each neighbourhood has its own character: Trastevere is known for its nightlife and is popular with younger residents, while Prati is quieter, with higher rents, and attracts families.
Listed rents typically range from about €700 to €2,500 a month depending on the area and size (a rough range from listings, not an official statistic). Most homes are apartments, and many owners let them directly rather than through agencies.
Whether you’re looking for a lively area like Ponte Milvio or a more affordable option like Testaccio, Rome’s neighborhoods have a neighborhood to suit every preference.
Education for Expat Families
For expat families, education is a top priority. Rome has a wide choice of international schools with British, American and International Baccalaureate curricula, and private schools usually have smaller classes.
In addition to international school, Rome has bilingual and multilingual nurseries, making it easier for families to find suitable early education options. Private schools also offer similar educational standards to public schools but may focus on specific philosophies, such as religious or alternative methods. Inclusive education ensures that children with disabilities receive support within regular educational settings, fostering integration.
For higher education, notable universities in Rome include Sapienza, Tor Vergata, and Roma Tre. These institutions offer a wide range of English-taught programs, particularly in master’s courses in science, economics, and engineering. Sapienza University of Rome is one of the largest universities in Europe, providing ample opportunities for academic advancement.
How Does Healthcare Work in Rome?
Italy’s healthcare system provides coverage for citizens and legal residents who register with it. Tax-funded public healthcare systems give registered residents access to necessary medical care. Employees and self-employed residents register as of right; non-working non-EU residents, such as elective residents, either enrol voluntarily by paying an annual contribution of at least €2,000 or keep private insurance valid in Italy. Expats must register with the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) through the local health authority, with documentation such as proof of address and a tax number.
Many expats add private health insurance for faster access to specialists and a wider choice of doctors; compare several international and Italian insurers before you choose.
In an emergency, call 112, the European emergency number.
Making Friends and Social Life
Building a social network is crucial for a fulfilling expat experience. Attending expat and language exchange events is a great way to connect with others who have similar experiences. Participating in hobbies or clubs can also help you meet people with shared interests. Language exchange programs like Tandem or Conversation Exchange are excellent for learning Italian and meeting locals.
Rome’s international communities often offer Italian lessons and host meetups, providing valuable resources for expats to expand their network. Nurturing relationships after meeting new people is essential for building lasting friendships.
Engaging in the local lifestyle and participating in social activities will enrich your daily life and help you feel more at home in Rome.
Enjoying Rome's Culture and Lifestyle
Rome's calendar is full of cultural events: the Natale di Roma on 21 April marks the city's legendary founding, the Festa de' Noantri fills Trastevere in July, and the city's Estate Romana programme brings open-air concerts, cinema and theatre in summer.
Rome's nightlife is varied, from aperitivo bars in Trastevere and Monti to clubs and food venues in Testaccio and Ostiense. Whether you are exploring ancient ruins or enjoying a night out, the city offers a full social calendar.
Learning Italian is key to fully enjoying Rome’s culture and lifestyle. Many Italians appreciate when expats make an effort to speak Italian, and taking lessons can enhance your experience. Embracing the local culture will help you feel more connected to the city and its wonderful people.
Commuting and Traffic Challenges
Commuting in Rome can be a challenge due to the city’s notorious traffic congestion, especially during rush hours. The narrow streets and high volume of cars and scooters worsen traffic issues, leading to frequent jams. Living further from the city center can complicate commuting as the daily journey becomes laborious and stressful. Even the outskirts experience congestion, particularly during peak hours.
Rome’s public transportation network includes three metro lines, buses, and trams, though these services can face delays and reliability issues. To navigate the public transportation system efficiently, check real-time arrival information and optimize your travel plans. Using apps like Moovit can provide real-time updates and directions for various transit options, making your commute smoother.
When house hunting, considering commute distances to work and schools is crucial, especially if you rely heavily on public transportation. A single public transport ticket costs €1.50, with monthly and annual passes available that offer savings. Despite the challenges, with some planning and flexibility, you can navigate Rome’s streets and public transport system effectively.
Banking and Financial Services
Setting up banking and financial services in Rome is relatively straightforward but varies based on your residency status. Foreigners can open a bank account in Italy, with procedures differing for residents and non-residents. Residents can open traditional accounts at various banks, requiring documentation such as a passport, tax code, and proof of address. Non-residents may opt for digital banks like Revolut or N26, which simplify the account setup process.
Banking in Italy can involve fixed charges, transaction costs, and legally mandated stamp duties. For international money transfers, expats can use services like Wise or traditional bank transfers, each with different fees.
While many local shops and markets prefer cash transactions, carrying coins for small purchases can be beneficial. Understanding these nuances will help you manage your finances efficiently in Rome.
Shopping in Rome
Shopping is an integral part of daily life in Rome. Locals enjoy visiting smaller shops and markets for their groceries and daily needs. Monthly shopping trips are often done out-of-town, but local shopping tends to be more frequent, reflecting the Italian preference for fresh produce. Many small supermarkets in Rome have good deli counters with prepared food, and some even offer delivery, catering to the busy lifestyles of residents.
The size of kitchens in Rome is typically small, limiting grocery storage to a few days’ worth of supplies. Consequently, frequent trips to the local market or supermarket are common. Getting familiar with your neighborhood shops and markets will not only help you manage your daily needs but also immerse you in the local culture and lifestyle.
Exploring Beyond Rome
Rome’s central location in Italy makes it an ideal base for exploring other parts of the country and Europe. High-speed Frecciarossa and Italo trains connect Rome to important cities like Florence, Naples and Milan. Flights from Fiumicino and Ciampino airports provide easy access to other European capitals, expanding your travel options.
Day trips are easy: from Naples, the Circumvesuviana line continues to Pompeii and Sorrento, and regional trains reach the hill towns of Lazio. These connections let you see much more of Italian history and culture while living in Rome.
Typical Day in Rome
A typical day in Rome beautifully blends routine and charm. Many Romans start their day with a visit to a local café for a coffee and cornetto, savoring the simple pleasures of a morning ritual. For lunch, locals often opt for light meals such as panini and salad, which are both delicious and convenient. The pace of life in Rome can be leisurely, allowing you to savor each moment and appreciate the city’s unique atmosphere.
After work, a popular activity is to dine at a rooftop terrace restaurant, enjoying stunning views of the city. Evenings in Rome are filled with opportunities to explore cultural events, meet friends, or take a relaxed stroll through illuminated ancient ruins. This blend of daily life and historical splendor makes living in Rome a truly enchanting experience.
Summary
Living in Rome as an expat is an adventure filled with history, culture, and new experiences. From finding the right accommodation and navigating public transportation to understanding the job market and making friends, each aspect of life in Rome offers its own unique challenges and rewards. The city’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant social scene, and scenic beauty make it a captivating place to call home.
If you’re considering moving to Rome, this guide provides a comprehensive overview to help you prepare and make the most of your new life in the eternal city. Embrace the journey, immerse yourself in the local culture, and enjoy the countless opportunities that Rome has to offer.
Sources
- ISTAT: resident population at 1 January 2026 (estimate) and household spending 2025
- ATAC Roma: tickets and passes
- Agenzia delle Entrate, OMI Rapporto Immobiliare 2026: rents on leases registered in 2025
- Il Sole 24 Ore: Qualità della vita 2025 and Indice della criminalità 2026
- Italian Ministry of Interior - Visa and residence requirements