Cost Comparison 2025

RomevsHanoi

Italy
Vietnam

Overall

💰

-38.2%

Rome is 38.2%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-51.1%

Housing is 51.1% lower

Dining

🍽️

-50.0%

Restaurants 50.0% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-30.8%

Food shopping 30.8% less

Comparing the cost of living between Rome, Italy and Hanoi, Vietnam reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Rome is more affordable than Hanoi by approximately 38.2%. 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 higher than in Hanoi by 105%. A one-bedroom apartment in Rome's city center costs around €1,100, while the same in Hanoi is approximately ₫12,000,000.

Dining out in Rome is notably more expensive compared to Hanoi. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €15 in Rome versus ₫50,000 in Hanoi.

Public transportation in Rome is more affordable, with monthly passes at €35 compared to ₫200,000 in Hanoi.

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

Grocery shopping in Rome is more expensive by approximately 44%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show higher 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 Hanoi, the same lifestyle would cost around ₫4,820,000. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €1,581 monthly in Rome versus ₫16,870,000 in Hanoi. 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
Hanoi, Vietnam

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€1,100
₫12,000,000
1BR Outside Center
€800
₫7,000,000
3BR City Center
€2,200
₫25,000,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€15
₫50,000
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€65
₫400,000
Cappuccino
€2
₫50,000
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€5
₫25,000

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€2
₫35,000
Bread (500g)
€2
₫20,000
Eggs (12)
€3
₫35,000
Cheese (1kg)
€13
₫350,000

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€2
₫8,000
Monthly Pass
€35
₫200,000
Taxi Start
€5
₫15,000
Gasoline (1L)
€2
₫24,000

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€140
₫2,000,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
€30
₫200,000
Mobile Minute
€0
₫2,000

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Hanoi to Rome, 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 Rome to Hanoi 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

Hanoi

Cost of Living Index42
Rent Index22
Purchasing Power Index28

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rome more expensive than Hanoi?

No, Rome is approximately 38.2% cheaper than Hanoi. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 72% of your Hanoi salary when living in Rome. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Hanoi, you'd need about $36,170 in Rome for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Rome and Hanoi?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 105%, 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?

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

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

In Rome, a single person needs approximately €1,252 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €3,081. In Hanoi, these figures are ₫11,820,000 for singles and ₫31,870,000 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Rome and Hanoi in 2025 shows significant 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 Hanoi to maintain your lifestyle from Rome

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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