Living in Rome as an expat: A complete guide

Living in Rome as an expat is exciting! Learn more about housing, transport, healthcare, jobs, making friends and more in this Rome guide.

Angelina

7 minute read

·

Updated on 25 Apr 2025

·

Living

Rome's far-reaching history and warm Mediterranean climate make it a dream destination for many, and unarguably one of the best cities in Italy for expats. Whether you're moving to Rome to study or kickstart your career, managing your expectations and being prepared is key to making your expat life in Rome a dream come true.

So before you explore homes for rent in Rome, this guide will provide you with essential tips for living in Rome and getting the most out of your stay.

Living in Rome is like experiencing a unique blend of ancient history and vibrant modern life. The city is a living museum, with iconic landmarks scattered throughout. The culture is rich and diverse and there is a strong sense of tradition and history, which is reflected in daily life. It’s renowned food culture, slow pace of life, and passionate and expressive communication style add to its charm.

But expat life in Rome is not without its challenges. Bureaucracy can be complex and time-consuming. The pace of life, while charming, can also be frustrating for those used to efficiency. Traffic can be heavy and chaotic, and noise levels can be high, especially in the city center. Initial language barriers can make everyday tasks difficult, though many Romans in tourist areas speak English.

Yes, Rome is generally a safe city to live in, with very little violent crime. However, like any major city that attracts many tourists, it's important to be aware of your surroundings. Scams and pickpocketing are quite common, particularly in crowded tourist areas and on public transport, as well as around the Termini train station, especially after sunset.

While generally safe, it's wise to be cautious in certain neighborhoods at night. Try to avoid neighbourhoods such as Tor Bella Monaca, Romanina, San Basilio, and Corviale. Also, the Termini train station tends to attract pickpockets, especially after the sunset.

Before you immerse yourself in the Roman lifestyle, there are some crucial practicalities to sort out.

If you haven't already, make sure you carefully go through our relocation checklist. Some of the things you need to arrange first include:

• Applying for your residence permit (permesso di soggiorno). Start early because this can take time!
• Applying for your tax ID (Codice Fiscale). This is necessary for almost everything, from opening a bank account to signing a rental contract.
• Applying for your Italian health insurance as this is mandatory to have.

Navigating Italian bureaucracy can be complex, so be prepared for potential delays and paperwork. Having all your documents in order and being patient will help immensely.

Besides this, it's also important to focus on housing.

Finding accommodation in Rome

Starting your accommodation search early is highly recommended due to high demand. Find and book your new home in Rome with complete peace of mind on HousingAnywhere.

Finding a place to live is a key part of moving to Rome. Some of the most popular and best neighbourhoods in Rome include Monti, Trastevere, Centro Storico, Ostiense, Prati, Testaccio, and Monteverde Vecchio. Each area offers a different vibe, so explore to find the best fit for your lifestyle in Rome.

Up-and-coming areas like the [neighbourhood of Pigneto] offer potentially lower rent prices and a vibrant, creative atmosphere with great nightlife and LGBTQI+ friendly spots.

For students moving to Rome, Trastevere and Testaccio are popular choices due to their lively nightlife and entertainment options.

Rent prices in Rome aren’t that steep compared to other European capitals. Here is an overview based on the HousingAnywhere Rent Index:

With the complexities of getting to Rome and finding a place to live addressed, the next exciting phase is making the city yours. This involves more than just logistics; it's about immersing yourself in the culture and daily life. Here’s how to navigate the next phase: settling in.

Learn Italian for an easier transition

Rome is an international city. The province of Rome is home to more than 500,000 foreign residents, making up about 12.5% of the city's population.

However, there's still a bit of language barrier in Italy. Italy has moderate English proficieny. And while many working in tourism may speak English, you cannot rely on everyone speaking the language well.

To truly thrive and integrate into the lifestyle in Rome, making an effort to learn some Italian will pay off significantly. It'll be beneficial for navigating tasks like reading local signs, increasing your chances of finding work, or handling bureaucratic needs at the Post Office. With a bit of effort, you can easily pick up the basics and be on your way to living like a local.

Making friends in Rome as an expat

Building a social network is key to a fulfilling expat life in Rome. An excellent way to connect with people is by pursuing your hobbies and interests. Check out the Meetup app for groups related to your passions, or dive into Rome's nightlife. Exploring the city's bars and clubs is a classic way to meet new people.

Alternatively, joining international communities and attending expat meetups and events can also help you expand your network and combat any feelings of loneliness. Websites and social media groups dedicated to expats in Rome are great resources for finding these communities.

Finally, consider participating in language exchange programs like Tandem or Conversation Exchange. This is a fantastic way to practice Italian and meet locals who want to improve their English – a win-win!

Understand the healthcare system in Rome

The Italian public healthcare system (SSN) is funded by taxes. That means that if you’re employed, your employer will deduct a contribution to SSN directly from your salary. And if you’re a self-employed expat, you can opt for a voluntary contribution.

Those who aren’t eligible for free healthcare or prefer a faster process should consider private medical insurance. It covers a broader range of conditions and specialists and provides access to English-speaking doctors.

One of the best international health insurance providers for expats is Cigna. They offer a vast network of doctors and hospitals and their services are specifically targeted at foreigners living in Italy. Some of the hospitals with English-speaking staff are Rome American Hospital, Salvator Mundi International Hospital, and International Medical Center.

Another great way to get quick 24/7 access to an English-speaking doctor in Rome is MedinAction. It’s one of the most useful apps you can download as an expat living in Rome.

Getting around Rome

Rome is notorious for its traffic, and the maze of one-way streets and narrow alleys can be intimidating for newcomers. However, getting around Rome is manageable once you understand the transportation options.

Public transportation in Rome is a budget-friendly way to travel. A single integrated ticket currently costs €1.50 and allows you to use buses, trams, and the metro for 100 minutes after validation. However, punctuality can sometimes be an issue.

However, if you're still exploring homes for rent in Rome, consider the proximity to metro or tram lines for a more reliable daily commute to work or university. Living within walking or biking distance is also a great option, allowing you to bypass traffic and enjoy the city's beauty – it's like walking through an open-air museum!

Pro Tip: Download the URBI app. It puts all of Rome's ride-sharing options—cars, scooters, bikes, cabs—into one place. It works with companies like Enjoy, ShareNow, Lime, and others, letting you book everything through their app. You'll still need accounts with each service you use, but URBI makes it way easier by showing all the options on one map, helping you pick the best ride faster!

While getting your administrative ducks in a row and starting to feel at home are crucial first steps, many expats move to Rome with the intention of working. Which brings us to the topic of finding work in Rome.

Unless you’re a student or an EU citizen, you’ll need to find a job before you arrive in Italy. Only citizens from other EU member states and EEA countries can work in Italy freely without a special visa or work permit. So, if that’s not the case, your main options include being sponsored by an employer in Rome or getting a self-employment visa.

The job market, particularly for English-speaking roles, can be competitive. One of the most popular jobs for English speakers in Rome is teaching English.There is also a demand for professionals in sectors like ICT, marketing, design, healthcare, and STEM fields. However, a good command of Italian is usually required for most positions, although exceptions might be found in the tourism or tech industries.

Useful websites for job hunting in Rome include Glassdoor, The Local It, Reed, Total Jobs, Monster, and the local TrovoLavoro.it.

The average salary in Rome is about €4,300 per month, which is a suitable amount to cover your living expenses. Take a look at our guide to Italian salaries for a better picture of salary expectations in different industries.

For those moving to Rome to study, the city offers excellent higher education opportunities. The 3 most renowned universities in Rome are Sapienza (Roma I), Tor Vergata (Roma II), and Roma Tre (Roma III). Sapienza and Tor Vergata offer a wider selection of English-taught Master's programs, primarily in science, economics, and engineering. And if you’re into fashion and design, you might be interested in Rome’s private fashion universities such as Accademia Costume & Moda and IED.

Non-EU students should be aware that tuition will be higher. Also, you’ll need to start your application as early as possible to apply for your Italian student visa on time.

Beyond finding work or study opportunities, a key factor in managing your expat life in Rome is understanding the expenses involved. So let's look into how you can budget for your life in Rome.

Rome is relatively affordable to live in. Naturally, your lifestyle and chosen neighborhood will influence your expenses. On average, the cost of living in Rome is between €2,100-€2,500 per month. This includes costs for rent, groceries, utilities, transportation, and leisure activities

To live comfortably in Rome, you'll need to earn more than €2,500 a month. For students living in Rome, the cost of living can be slightly lower, potentially around €1,500 a month if you opt for shared accommodation.

Living in Rome means having a wealth of history, culture, and experiences right on your doorstep. Some of the best things to do include strolling through ancient ruins, visiting historic sites and art museums, and sampling local products and street food at places like the Testaccio Market.

Rome is a city of endless discovery, where adventure and wonders await around every corner. We hope this guide helps you begin your expat life in Rome with excitement and confidence!