imagine starting your morning with a shot of espresso and a freshly baked cornetto before making your way to your co-working space. Your walk takes you down a winding cobblestone path, past colorful Reinassance buildings and trickling fountains. After work, you plan to head to the local market before meeting up with some of your new friends for refreshing afternoon Aperitivo.
If you plan to live and work in Rome, your days could be spent doing exactly that. This is one of the best places to visit in Italy, for sure.
After living in Rome for several months, I can attest that Rome is one of the best places for freelancers and digital nomads. Not only is the cost of living in Rome relatively affordable, but you’ll also have the opportunity to meet plenty of expats just like yourself.
If you’ve ever considered moving to Rome, then this short article is for you. I’ll cover why you ought to live in Rome, how to find accommodation, and where to book a co-working space. I’ll even give you a few insider suggestions on where to eat and what to see during your stay.
After this article, you’ll be on your way to a new, unforgettable journey in Italy. Here’s my digital nomad guide to living in Rome.
Πίνακας περιεχομένων
Cost of Living in Rome
Best Neighbourhoods in Rome
Co-working spaces in Rome
Finding Rome Accommodation
Top things to do in Rome
WiFi and SIM Cards in Rome
Best restaurants in Rome
Transportation in Rome
Obtaining a Visa for Italy
Pros and Cons of Living in Rome
Τελικές σκέψεις
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Cost of Living in Rome
Although it’s considered one of the most expensive cities in Italy, Rome can still be affordable. Here’s a breakdown of expenses that you ought to take into account when living in Rome.
Accommodation costs in Rome
Generally speaking, the closer you live to the historic city center, the much more expensive your rent will be. If you don’t mind taking the tram or subway, you can find a less expensive house in the suburbs or outskirts of Rome.
Depending on the neighborhood, renting a private studio or 1-bedroom house will cost around 800€ – 1400€ ($880 – $1,545 USD) per month, including utilities. shared flats are cheaper, and you can expect to pay anywhere from 400€-1000€ ($440 – $1,100) per month. keep in mind that furnished flats will cost more.
Food costs in Rome
One of the best things about living in Rome is eating local cuisine. Fortunately, Romans take their cooking very seriously, and there are plenty of dining options for every budget. On average, you can expect to pay the following prices when eating out in a restaurant in Rome:
3-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant: 70€ ($77)
Fast food meal with drink: 6€ ($6.60)
.5 liter of local beer: 3€ ($3.30)
Bottle of wine: 20€ ($22)
Bottle of water: 1€ ($1.10)
If you are sticking to a budget, don’t worry; groceries in Rome are much less expensive than in other parts of Europe. Not to mention, there are tons of markets throughout the city that sell fresh, organic produce of the highest quality. If you plan on cooking while living in Rome, you can pay the following prices for grocery store ingredients:
Loaf of bread: 1€ ($1.10)
Local cheese: 2€ ($2.20)
12 eggs: 2.50€ ($2.75)
Bottle of wine: 5.00€ ($5.50)
Bottle of beer: 1.10€ ($1.20)
1kg chicken breast: 3.80€ ($4.20)
Going out for drinks in Rome can be cheap, if you know where to go! hotel bars, touristy areas, and cocktail lounges sell drinks that are just as expensive as other parts of the Western world. However, you can still find budget-friendly bars and lounges that sell cheap drinks.
Cocktail in mid-range bar: 10€ ($11)
Cocktail in expensive bar: 15€ ($16.50)
Glass of red wine in mid-range bar: 4€ ($4.40)
Afternoon apperitvo: 5€ ($5.50)
Transportation costs in Rome
If you live in the city center of Rome, you’ll have plenty of public transportation options available. It’s essential to note that tourists and foreigners are not allowed to drive in the historic city center of Rome. However, you can still take buses, trams, trains, and taxi to many destinations around the city. Note, there is Uber in Rome, but you are only able to purchase Uber Black, Uber Lux or Uber Van.
Single ticket (1 zone) : 1.50€ ($1.65)
Monthly ticket: 35€ ($38.60)
Taxi (1 mile): 6€ ($6.60)
Best Neighbourhoods in Rome
Within Rome’s city limits, there are 14 distinct neighborhoods – or riones, as the locals say. Each rione has a distinct identity, and it’s up to you to decide which one fits your style and budget. here are some of my favorite places tostay in Rome.
Trastevere
Located on across the Tiber river, Trastevere is considered Rome’s many picturesque rione. With ivy-lined brick buildings and lovely courtyard cafes, Trastevere oozes with Italian style and atmosphere. At night, the neighborhood becomes one of the hippest nightlife areas, with students, locals, and visitors spilling out into the street with glasses of wine. even though you’re a 10-minute walk from Centro Storico, you’ll feel as if you’re miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Monti
A stone’s throw from Roma Termini station is the quaint Monti district. dotted with boutique stores, hip cafes, and small red wine bars, this comfortable neighborhood attracts visitors and locals alike. At night, you’ll find plenty of local Italians sitting outside in one of the squares, listening to music and chatting with friends. This is a great place to live if you want to see the cooler, artistic side of Rome that many tourists overlook.
Centro Storico
If you want to be in the center of it all, there’s no better rione than Centro Storico. home to jaw-dropping attractions like the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain, Centro Storico is the heart of the city. There’s no shortage of restaurants, shops, or bars. However, there is one downside: you’ll be sharing your space with thousands of other people!
Testaccio
Tucked away in the south of the city is the residential neighborhood of Testaccio. Although you may see a traveler or two around, this is an outstanding option for people who want an authentic taste of real Roman life. You’re still within walking distance of Centro Storico, but you’re lightyears away from the hectic and slightly chaotic masses of crowds. Foodies will also love being best next door the well-known Mercato Testaccio, which is open every day except Sunday.
Χώροι συνεργασίας στη Ρώμη
Before you start working as a digital nomad in Rome, it’s crucial to find a reliable and functional co-working space. Fortunately, Rome has dozens of fun and distinct co-working offices to choose from.
Millepiani – located south of the city is Rome’s award-winning co-working space, Millepiani. Monthly prices start at just 75€ ($82.75) a desk and come with totally free internet, printing, meeting room usage, and even an on-site kitchen. If you’re searching for a space bursting with creative atmosphere, then Millepiani is the spot for you.
FAMO COSE – situated in the heart of Pignento, FAMO COSE is not your average co-working space. They accommodate creative and hands-on freelancers by offering photography darkrooms, 3D printers and scanners, and even carpentry and welding tools. A one-month membership starts at just 150€ ($165) per person.
Cowo 360 – As one of the much more conventional spaces in Rome, Cowo 360 is an budget-friendly option for digital nomads. Desks can be rented hourly, daily, or monthly, which is ideal for those needing a bit much more flexibility. They also host a variety of events, such as networking meetups and instructional courses.
Εύρεση καταλυμάτων της Ρώμης
In a city with practically three million residents, finding the ideal house can show challenging. However, there are several Rome accommodation sites you ought to use to help you with your search. These English sites accommodate foreigners and expats needing both long-term and short-term stays.
SpotAHome – think of SpotAHome like a long-term Airbnb Rental. All furnished flats are individually rented by the owner. What really makes SpotAHome stand apart is that a SpotAHome employee personally verifies the flats that are listed. Some employees also shoot walk-through videos, so you know exactly what you’re renting. This is the service I used while living in Rome for several months, and I couldn’t have been happier with the flat!
NestPick – is an English site that aggregates thousands of furnished flat listings for Rome. Their easy to use search system allows you to filter between different neighborhoods, and desired relocation in and relocation out date. learn much more here.
ZappyRent – whether you’re searching for a shared room or a private flat, ZappyRent has a broad selection of apartments in Rome. You can filter by size, budget, and location. the best thing about ZappyRent is that it’s completely totally free to use! You can rent a flat directly from the owner without paying extra fees or commission prices.
Κορυφαία πράγματα που πρέπει να κάνετε στη Ρώμη
Once you arrive in Rome, you’ll probably want to head straight for the ancient Colosseum or Roman Forum. After all, no visit to Rome would be complete without going to these renowned landmarks! However, if youlook beyond the major traveler attractions when travelling Rome, you’ll find that the city is teeming with distinct attractions around every corner.
Here are some of the best touristy (and non-touristy) things to do in the Eternal City.
Campo de’ Fiori and Mercato Testaccio
As one of the oldest markets in Rome, Campo de’ Fiori is a lively place in the center of the city. This market operates from 7 am to 2 pm Monday through Saturday, and sells everything from fresh flowers and vegetables to Italian spices and souvenirs. Although it’s much more touristy than other markets in Rome, its Campo de’ Fiori is still a great place to view Roman daily life.
For a much more authentic market experience, head to Mercato Testaccio in the lovely Testaccio neighborhood. attracting a local crowd, Mercato Testaccio sells a variety of goods, including clothes, kitchen supplies, and fresh produce. Don’t forget to stop by Mordi & Vai, a hole-in-the-wall sandwich shop that’s possibly much more well-known than the market itself.
Villa Borghese
If you’re wanting to escape the hustle of the city, head to the top of vacation home Borghese, one of the largest parks in Rome. home to lush gardens, world-famous museums, and sprawling turf fields, vacation home Borghese is an urban oasis where you can unwind.
Stop by Galleria Borghese, which includes a large collection of artistic masterpieces from Bernini, Rossi, and Rotari. Or bring a picnic and a bottle of red wine and soak in the sun for a unwinding afternoon. Make sure to stop by Viale del Muro Torto for an unbeatable and dramatic view of Rome.
Το Βατικανό
Whether you’re admiring the Sistine chapel or marveling at the grandiose St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Vatican is a must-see while in Rome. This tiny city-state is home to the Roman Catholic Church and attracts millions of visitors every year.
If you’re wishing to catch a peek of the Pope, then you’re in luck! The easiest way to see the Pope is during the Papal Audience, which takes place every Wednesday at 10 or 10:30 am. It’s totally free to attend, but make sure to come early to snag a good seat.
Baths of Caracalla
Dating back to the 3rd century, the Baths of Caracalla is one of the best-preserved ruins of a conventional Roman bathhouse. In fact, the blueprint of the baths influenced numerous other noteworthy buildings that were built around Rome.
During your visit, you’ll be able to walk the same path as the ancient Romans. visit the swimming pool, on-site libraries, and even a frigidarium – or cold room. You’ll even have a chance to see the colorful mosaic tiles and statues that once adorned the walls of the bathhouse.
Κάρτες WiFi και SIM στη Ρώμη
With a SIM card, it’s easy to stay connected to family and friends while living in Rome. You can purchase a prepaid SIM card at the airport, or in a mobile phone store like Vodaphone, TIM, or WIND 3. You’ll need to make sure your smartphone is “unlocked” so that you can add an international SIM card.
If you’re staying in Rome for an extended period, you’ll need to top up your card. All you have to do is visit a tobacco shop, newsstand, or supermarket to add much more money to your SIM card. keep in mind that many places only take cash in Euros. foreign credit report cards might not be accepted.
WiFi is also readily available in many traveler areas. Cafes, restaurants, and hotels offer totally free WiFi to patrons. You might be able to find city-wide hotspots in Centro Storico and other popular neighborhoods.
Τα καλύτερα εστιατόρια στη Ρώμη
There’s no doubt that Rome is home to some of the best restaurants on the planet. Whether you’re eating homemade pasta from a family-run restaurant or sampling conventional fried artichokes and risotto balls, Rome has somethin