Rome
Italy
The Eternal City, where ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and everyday Italian life share the same sun-warmed streets.
Overview
Rome is a living museum where you sip coffee beside two thousand year old ruins and pass Baroque fountains on the way to lunch. For expats it offers unmatched history, incredible food, and a warm, expressive culture, balanced by the realities of an older bureaucracy and busy streets. Neighborhoods like Trastevere, Monti, and Prati each have a distinct character, from medieval and bohemian to elegant and residential. Central Italy's rail network puts Florence, Naples, and the coast within easy reach.
Why Expats Love It
Expats love Rome for its extraordinary beauty, world-class cuisine, mild climate, and the sheer romance of daily life among historic landmarks. The relaxed pace, strong cafe culture, and central location for travel across Italy and Europe make it deeply appealing despite its bureaucratic quirks.
Must Dos
The essential, top gem experiences for the full tourist experience.
Colosseum and Roman Forum
Walk through the ancient amphitheater and the ruins of the forum, the political and social heart of ancient Rome. A combined ticket and early entry beat the crowds.
Vatican Museums and St. Peter's
See the Sistine Chapel ceiling and Michelangelo's dome at St. Peter's Basilica. Book ahead and go early for the museums.
Pantheon
Stand beneath the perfect ancient dome with its open oculus, one of the best preserved buildings of antiquity, now free but often requiring reservation.
Trevi Fountain
Toss a coin into the Baroque masterpiece, best seen early morning or late evening when the crowds thin.
Trastevere Evening
Wander this cobblestoned neighborhood after dark for trattorias, wine bars, and the liveliest local dining atmosphere in the city.
Villa Borghese and Gallery
Relax in the great park and book the Borghese Gallery to see Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio paintings in an intimate setting.
Off the Beaten Path
Live like a local. Special, lesser known experiences for adventurers who want real local flavor.
Testaccio Market and Food
Eat where Romans eat in this working class food district, famous for its market stalls and classic Roman cucina.
Aventine Keyhole
Peek through the famous keyhole at the Knights of Malta gate for a perfectly framed view of St. Peter's dome, atop a quiet orange-scented hill.
Quartiere Coppede
Discover this whimsical pocket of fairy-tale Art Nouveau buildings, largely unknown to visitors, north of the center.
Appian Way by Bike
Cycle the ancient Roman road past tombs, aqueduct ruins, and countryside, especially peaceful on car-free Sundays.
Centrale Montemartini
See classical statues displayed among old power station machinery in one of Rome's most unusual and quiet museums.
Garbatella District
Explore this planned 1920s neighborhood of garden courtyards and village charm, a favorite of filmmakers and locals.
Cost of Living
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)
$1100/mo
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)
$2000/mo
Restaurant Meal
$18
Monthly Groceries
$300/mo
Monthly Transportation
$40/mo
Monthly Healthcare
$50/mo
Climate
Rome has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Spring and autumn are long and pleasant, making them ideal for exploring on foot.
Best Time to Visit
April to June and September to October
Visa & Residency
Written for US citizens
For Americans, short stays are visa-exempt for up to 90 days per 180-day period under Schengen rules. For longer stays, Italy offers routes such as the elective residence visa for those with stable passive income and a digital nomad visa for qualifying remote workers and freelancers. Requirements and processing can be slow and change often, so confirm with an Italian consulate or immigration lawyer before relocating.
These notes assume a US passport. If you hold a different nationality, your visa options and timelines may vary. Always confirm current rules with the official embassy or consulate before you commit.
Safety
Rome is generally safe, with pickpocketing and tourist scams the main concerns around major sights, transit hubs, and crowded buses. Violent crime is uncommon, but stay alert with bags and phones in busy areas.
Healthcare
Italy has a strong public health system and respected private clinics. Expats often use private insurance for faster service and easier access to English-speaking doctors in a city with high demand.
Culture & Lifestyle
Culture
Roman life is expressive, social, and food-centered, with long meals, family ties, and a strong sense of tradition. Patience with bureaucracy and some Italian phrases will smooth daily interactions considerably.
Lifestyle
Daily life means espresso at the bar, markets for fresh ingredients, and evening passeggiata strolls through historic squares. Nomads settle into coworking spaces and neighborhood cafes, using trains for weekend escapes across Italy.
Language
Italian, with English understood in tourism and business but limited in daily errands
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Timezone
CET (UTC+1)