
Lazio · Roma · Italy
Roma
Historic city with ancient ruins, high walkability, solid healthcare, lively markets, and culinary traditions.
At a glance
About Roma
Rome, the capital of Italy and a central hub within Lazio, is a vibrant city steeped in history and culture. Its ancient ruins, among them the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, draw millions of visitors each year and stand as testament to its storied past. For expatriates and retirees, the city delivers a high walkability index, making it easy to wander its charming neighbourhoods, each with its own character, from artistic Trastevere to the upmarket Spanish Steps area. Although Rome’s healthcare system ranks impressively, expats may run into hurdles with bureaucracy and language barriers. Likewise, while nearby beaches offer recreational escapes, they sit a short drive away and call for some planning. The air quality is notably good, adding to a pleasant living environment. Rome’s rich culinary traditions and lively markets deepen its appeal, making it a compelling choice for those after both cultural immersion and urban convenience.
✓ Pros for expats
– High-quality healthcare services available across the city.
– Efficient public transport system linking the various districts.
– Rich cultural and historical heritage to explore and enjoy.
– Pleasant Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers.
– Diverse local cuisine offering plenty of dining options.
– Strong expat community easing integration and social connections.
– Good internet connectivity for remote work and communication.
– Vibrant arts scene with museums, theatres, and galleries.
– Educational institutions offering a range of learning opportunities.
– Access to beautiful parks and recreational areas for relaxation.
! Things to consider
– Air quality may not suit sensitive respiratory conditions.
– Tourist crowds can overwhelm popular attractions and neighbourhoods.
– High living costs may strain retirement budgets considerably.
– Traffic congestion can be frustrating, especially during rush hours.
– Bureaucratic processes can be slow and red tape common.
– Summer heat can be intense, leading to discomfort.
– Public services can occasionally prove unreliable or inconsistent.
– Certain neighbourhoods may feel less safe at night.
– Limited shopping hours might disrupt spontaneous retail therapy.
– Noise from traffic and nightlife can be intrusive at times.
Where is Roma
Getting there
Roma in Lazio benefits from robust connectivity. The town is reachable via major roads, including the A1 motorway and the Roman ring road. Leonardo da Vinci Airport (Fiumicino) acts as the primary international gateway, while Ciampino Airport supplies extra options. Two nearby train stations strengthen regional transport links, scoring 7 out of 10 in connectivity.
Housing & cost of living
Estimated cost of an 80 m² home: €274,400
Housing availability: High
Cost of living
Rome offers a vibrant lifestyle with a robust economic backdrop, mirrored in its low unemployment rate against national averages and a strong economic rating. While housing can run pricey, with rental costs for one-bedroom apartments hovering around €2,000, the overall cost of living still allows a decent quality of life, requiring a steady monthly income for comfort. Dining and grocery prices stay relatively manageable, keeping it feasible for investors and expats. Despite affordability challenges, Rome’s economic health feeds positively into its living experience.
Climate & weather
Exceptional (Top 10%)
Low (11th-20th percentile)
Somewhat Low (21st-30th percentile)
Exceptional (Top 10%)
Roma, Italy, offers a climate that tends to balance mild winters with notably warm summers, creating an ideal setting for year-round residency. Despite a modest amount of snowfall each year, the city stays largely free of harsh winter conditions, keeping a temperate weather pattern with generous sunlight across the year. Precipitation is spread evenly, sustaining lush landscapes without the extremes of flooding or drought. The usual range of temperatures supports comfortable living and unhurried exploration of the city’s countless historical sites. This climate blend suits retirees and expats perfectly, those chasing a stable, agreeable environment to call home.
Air quality & environment
Air quality rating: ★★★★★
In Roma, Italy, the air quality generally presents a positive picture for those weighing relocation or extended stays. The levels of particulate matter, both PM10 and PM2.5, sit within a range that keeps a breathable atmosphere, with PM10 specifically classified as Good. Further reassurance comes from nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide levels, which stay notably low, ensuring these gases have minimal impact on overall air quality. Ozone levels, by contrast, hover at moderate amounts, meriting periodic attention but not immediate concern. This balance offers a comfortable environment for residents and visitors alike, well suited to enjoying and exploring the historic city.
Healthcare & safety
Road accidents: 40.0 per 10k inhabitants.
ASL Roma 1 covers central Rome, the historic centre, Prati, Trastevere, the Vatican area, EUR-area municipi, the Pigneto, Centocelle. Its composite sits at 50/100, just above the median. Emergency response is strong at 62, while community care at 39 is the relative weakness, reflecting the well-known difficulty of running primary care in a city centre with a transient population. For residents this is the best of the Roman ASL for hospital and acute access, weaker for chronic-disease management.
Internet & connectivity
Transport & proximity
✈️ Airports
| Airport | Drive | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Leonardo da Vinci (Rome Fiumicino) | 22 min | 10 |
| Ciampino (Rome) | 27 min | 4 |
| Perugia-San Francesco d'Assisi (Perugia) | 92 min | 5 |
🚂 Rail stations
| Station | Drive | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Roma Termini | 19 min | 10 |
| Roma Tiburtina | 22 min | 10 |
| Roma San Pietro | 6 min | 9 |
What's nearby
Life in Roma
Neighbourhoods
– Flaminio is known for its cultural institutions, among them the National Gallery of Modern Art and the Auditorium Parco della Musica.
– Parioli, a mainly residential area, hosts several embassies and luxury villas.
– Pinciano is home to the Borghese Gallery, one of the most important art galleries in Rome.
– Salario sits next to Villa Ada, a large public park popular for outdoor activities.
– Nomentano is known for La Sapienza University, one of Europe’s largest universities.
– Tiburtino, an area with industrial roots, now houses various artistic and cultural spaces.
– Prenestino-Labicano is a diverse district known for its wealth of street art and historical sites.
– Tuscolano offers plentiful shopping options and is well-connected by metro lines A and C.
– Appio-Latino holds ancient roads and the Catacombs of San Callisto, a significant archaeological site.
– Ostiense is a lively area featuring a mix of restaurants, nightlife, and the iconic Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls.
– Gianicolense takes in the neighbourhood of Monteverde, known for its scenic views and green spaces.
– Aurelio sits next to Vatican City, offering views of St Peter’s Basilica and various diplomatic residencies.
– Trionfale features a mix of modern and historical buildings and lies close to the Vatican Museums.
– Della Vittoria, near the renowned Foro Italico sports complex, provides various fitness and sport opportunities.
Local cuisine
Rome’s culinary scene is a vivid reflection of its rich history and cultural influences. Traditional Roman cooking, marked by simplicity and quality ingredients, features iconic dishes such as Pasta alla Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, and Bucatini all’Amatriciana. Other local specialties take in Gnocchi alla Romana, Porchetta di Ariccia, and Roman artichokes. The dining landscape is broad, with countless eateries ranging from casual trattorias to upscale fine dining. Notable Michelin-starred restaurants like La Pergola, Imàgo, and Aroma showcase refined Italian gastronomy, lifting classic flavours. On top of that, international influences are present, delivering a global culinary experience alongside local delicacies.
Where to shop
The city offers a varied shopping landscape, featuring high-end fashion boutiques, trendy retail chains, and vintage stores. Notable shopping centres include a prominent department store. Markets range from weekly flea markets to local artisan shops, catering to a spread of tastes and budgets. Areas like Monti and the Spanish Steps hold niche boutiques and independent designer studios, while main thoroughfares carry a mix of luxury and contemporary brands. This blend ensures a well-rounded shopping experience that suits different preferences and lifestyles.
Green areas & parks
In the Lazio region, Roma offers several renowned parks and trails for outdoor activities. Key green areas include the Parco Regionale Appia Antica, known for its extensive archaeological paths, and the Castelli Romani Regional Park, ideal for hiking through wooded landscapes. Hiking enthusiasts can take on trails like Monte Catillo via Tivoli and the historic Appian Way. In addition, the Bracciano – Martignano Regional Park provides a tranquil setting for lakeside activities. These destinations suit expats and retirees seeking both cultural and natural experiences.
Education
People & tourism
Annual tourists (2023): 8,931,069