Cost Comparison 2025

RomevsAuckland

Italy
New Zealand

Overall

💰

+14.7%

Rome is 14.7%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+44.4%

Housing is 44.4% higher

Dining

🍽️

+11.4%

Restaurants 11.4% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+23.1%

Food shopping 23.1% more

Comparing the cost of living between Rome, Italy and Auckland, New Zealand reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Rome is more expensive than Auckland by approximately 14.7%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Rome are lower than in Auckland by 31%. A one-bedroom apartment in Rome's city center costs around €1,100, while the same in Auckland is approximately NZ$2,400.

Dining out in Rome offers significant savings compared to Auckland. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €15 in Rome versus NZ$25 in Auckland.

Public transportation in Rome is more affordable, with monthly passes at €35 compared to NZ$215 in Auckland.

Purchasing power in Auckland is notably stronger, meaning residents can afford more goods and services with their local salaries compared to Rome.

Grocery shopping in Rome is more affordable by approximately 19%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Rome can expect to spend approximately €452 per month (excluding rent), while in Auckland, the same lifestyle would cost around NZ$893. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €1,581 monthly in Rome versus NZ$3,126 in Auckland. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Rome, Italy
Auckland, New Zealand

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€1,100
NZ$2,400
1BR Outside Center
€800
NZ$1,900
3BR City Center
€2,200
NZ$4,200

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€15
NZ$25
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€65
NZ$120
Cappuccino
€2
NZ$6
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€5
NZ$12

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€2
NZ$3
Bread (500g)
€2
NZ$3
Eggs (12)
€3
NZ$6
Cheese (1kg)
€13
NZ$13

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€2
NZ$4
Monthly Pass
€35
NZ$215
Taxi Start
€5
NZ$5
Gasoline (1L)
€2
NZ$3

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€140
NZ$170
Internet (60 Mbps)
€30
NZ$85
Mobile Minute
€0
NZ$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Rome to Auckland, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from Auckland to Rome requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Rome

Cost of Living Index68
Rent Index45
Purchasing Power Index75

Auckland

Cost of Living Index78
Rent Index65
Purchasing Power Index88

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rome more expensive than Auckland?

Yes, Rome is approximately 14.7% more expensive than Auckland overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Rome compared to Auckland?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.1x of your Auckland salary when living in Rome. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Auckland, you'd need about $57,353 in Rome for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Rome and Auckland?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 31%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

Auckland offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, Auckland provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Rome if you prioritize cultural experiences, or Auckland for better value.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Rome vs Auckland?

In Rome, a single person needs approximately €1,252 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €3,081. In Auckland, these figures are NZ$2,793 for singles and NZ$6,326 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Rome and Auckland in 2025 shows notable differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in Auckland to maintain your lifestyle from Rome

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers