Melbourne vs Rome

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Rome is roughly 15% more affordable than Melbourne (index 41 vs 48, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Rome
More affordable overall
15% cheaper than Melbourne · Cost index: 41 vs 48

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

48Cost Index41
4,100Median Income /mo2,200
70Safety Index75
32.5Income Tax %33
70Internet (Mbps)80
240Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

MelbourneCategoryRome
$1,785/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
20% ← cheaper
$1,430/month
$1.8/liter
Meal for One
44% ← cheaper
$1/liter
$19/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
16% ← cheaper
$16/meal
$115/month
Monthly Transit Pass
64% ← cheaper
$41/month
$230/month
Utilities (Monthly)
6% ← cheaper
$216/month
$120/visit
Doctor Visit
50% ← cheaper
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Melbourne

Internet70 Mbps
Coworking$240/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishhigh
Communitygrowing
Walkability74/100

Rome

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Melbourne cheaper than Rome?

Rome is cheaper than Melbourne. Rome has a cost of living index of 41/100 compared to 48/100 for Melbourne (New York = 100), making it roughly 15% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Rome than Melbourne?

Rome is approximately 15% cheaper than Melbourne based on cost index scores (41 vs 48, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Melbourne could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,547/month in Rome.

What is the rent comparison between Melbourne and Rome?

In Melbourne, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,785/month. In Rome, the equivalent is around $1,430/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Melbourne offers 70 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$240/month. Rome offers 80 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Rome has a cost advantage of 15%.

What is the average income in Melbourne vs Rome?

The median net monthly salary in Melbourne is approximately $4,100 USD, compared to $2,200 USD in Rome.

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