San Francisco vs Rome

Cost of living comparison for 2026. Rome is roughly 18% more affordable than San Francisco (index 41 vs 50, New York = 100). Data sourced live via AI — updated regularly.

Rome
More affordable overall
18% cheaper than San Francisco · Cost index: 41 vs 50

Life Power at $3,000/mo

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

Head-to-Head Stats

50Cost Index41
8,160Median Income /mo2,200
45Safety Index75
37Income Tax %33
150Internet (Mbps)80
450Coworking /mo200

Price Breakdown

San FranciscoCategoryRome
$3,024/month
1-BR Apartment (Center)
53% ← cheaper
$1,430/month
$5.11/liter
Meal for One
80% ← cheaper
$1/liter
$25/meal
Restaurant (Mid-range)
36% ← cheaper
$16/meal
$98/month
Monthly Transit Pass
58% ← cheaper
$41/month
$389/month
Utilities (Monthly)
44% ← cheaper
$216/month
$150/visit
Doctor Visit
60% ← cheaper
$60/visit

Digital Nomad Profile

San Francisco

Internet150 Mbps
Coworking$450/mo
Café WiFiexcellent
Englishhigh
Communitylarge
Walkability87/100

Rome

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Francisco cheaper than Rome?

Rome is cheaper than San Francisco. Rome has a cost of living index of 41/100 compared to 50/100 for San Francisco (New York = 100), making it roughly 18% more affordable overall.

How much cheaper is Rome than San Francisco?

Rome is approximately 18% cheaper than San Francisco based on cost index scores (41 vs 50, where New York = 100). A person spending $3,000/month in San Francisco could live a similar lifestyle for roughly $2,461/month in Rome.

What is the rent comparison between San Francisco and Rome?

In San Francisco, a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $3,024/month. In Rome, the equivalent is around $1,430/month.

Which city is better for digital nomads — San Francisco or Rome?

Both cities have nomad infrastructure. San Francisco offers 150 Mbps internet and coworking at ~$450/month. Rome offers 80 Mbps and coworking at ~$200/month. Rome has a cost advantage of 18%.

What is the average income in San Francisco vs Rome?

The median net monthly salary in San Francisco is approximately $8,160 USD, compared to $2,200 USD in Rome.

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