Rome vs Barcelona

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Rome is roughly 26% more affordable than Barcelona (index 31 vs 42, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Rome
More affordable overall
26% cheaper than Barcelona · Cost index: 31 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

31Cost Index42
2,400Median Income /mo2,500
70Safety Index73
32Income Tax %20
75Internet (Mbps)95
280Coworking /mo250

Price Breakdown

RomeCategoryBarcelona
$1,350/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
7% ← cheaper
$1,260/month
$1.7/liter
Meal for One
26% ← cheaper
$1.25/liter
$13/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
16% cheaper →
$15.5/meal
$38/month
Monthly Transit Pass
30% cheaper →
$54/month
$140/month
Utilities (Monthly)
$140/month
$70/visit
Doctor Visit
22% cheaper →
$90/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

Rome

Internet75 Mbps
Coworking$280/mo
Café WiFigood
Englishmoderate
Communitygrowing
Walkability78/100

Barcelona

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rome cheaper than Barcelona?

Rome is cheaper than Barcelona. Rome has a cost of living index of 31/100 compared to 42/100 for Barcelona (New York = 100), making it roughly 26% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Rome than Barcelona?

Rome is approximately 26% cheaper than Barcelona based on cost index scores (31 vs 42, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in Barcelona could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,211/month in Rome.

What is the rent comparison between Rome and Barcelona?

In Rome, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $1,350/month. In Barcelona, the equivalent is around $1,260/month.

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

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. Rome offers 75 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$280/month. Barcelona offers 95 Mbps and coworking at ~$250/month. Rome has a cost advantage of 26%.

What is the average income in Rome vs Barcelona?

The median net monthly salary in Rome is approximately $2,400 USD, compared to $2,500 USD in Barcelona.

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