Barcelona vs Rome

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Rome is roughly 4% more affordable than Barcelona (index 41 vs 42, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Rome
More affordable overall
4% cheaper than Barcelona · Cost index: 41 vs 42

Life Power at $3,000/mo

The same salary ranks differently depending on where you live — from Beggar to King.

Head-to-Head Stats

42Cost Index41
2,500Median Income /mo2,200
73Safety Index75
20Income Tax %33
95Internet (Mbps)80
250Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

BarcelonaCategoryRome
$1,260/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
12% cheaper →
$1,430/month
$1.25/liter
Meal for One
20% ← cheaper
$1/liter
$15.5/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
3% cheaper →
$16/meal
$54/month
Monthly Transit Pass
24% ← cheaper
$41/month
$140/month
Utilities (Monthly)
35% cheaper →
$216/month
$90/visit
Doctor Visit
33% ← cheaper
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Barcelona

Internet95 Mbps
Coworking$250/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability78/100

Rome

Internet80 Mbps
Coworking$200/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability72/100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Barcelona cheaper than Rome?

Rome is cheaper than Barcelona. Rome has a cost of living index of 41/100 compared to 42/100 for Barcelona (New York = 100), making it roughly 4% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Rome than Barcelona?

Rome is approximately 4% cheaper than Barcelona based on cost index scores (41 vs 42, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Barcelona could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,882/month in Rome.

What is the rent comparison between Barcelona and Rome?

In Barcelona, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,260/month. In Rome, the equivalent is around $1,430/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — Barcelona or Rome?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Barcelona offers 95 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$250/month. Rome offers 80 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Rome has a cost advantage of 4%.

What is the average income in Barcelona vs Rome?

The median net monthly salary in Barcelona is approximately $2,500 USD, compared to $2,200 USD in Rome.

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