Cost Comparison 2025

RomevsJakarta

Italy
Indonesia

Overall

💰

-33.8%

Rome is 33.8%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-44.4%

Housing is 44.4% lower

Dining

🍽️

-50.0%

Restaurants 50.0% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-23.1%

Food shopping 23.1% less

Comparing the cost of living between Rome, Italy and Jakarta, Indonesia reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Rome is more affordable than Jakarta by approximately 33.8%. 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 Jakarta by 80%. A one-bedroom apartment in Rome's city center costs around €1,100, while the same in Jakarta is approximately IDR 8,000,000.

Dining out in Rome is notably more expensive compared to Jakarta. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €15 in Rome versus IDR 35,000 in Jakarta.

Public transportation in Rome is more affordable, with monthly passes at €35 compared to IDR 150,000 in Jakarta.

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

Grocery shopping in Rome is more expensive by approximately 30%. 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 Jakarta, the same lifestyle would cost around IDR 3,350,000. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €1,581 monthly in Rome versus IDR 11,725,000 in Jakarta. 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
Jakarta, Indonesia

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€1,100
IDR 8,000,000
1BR Outside Center
€800
IDR 4,500,000
3BR City Center
€2,200
IDR 18,000,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€15
IDR 35,000
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€65
IDR 250,000
Cappuccino
€2
IDR 35,000
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€5
IDR 40,000

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€2
IDR 20,000
Bread (500g)
€2
IDR 15,000
Eggs (12)
€3
IDR 25,000
Cheese (1kg)
€13
IDR 120,000

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€2
IDR 5,000
Monthly Pass
€35
IDR 150,000
Taxi Start
€5
IDR 7,500
Gasoline (1L)
€2
IDR 10,000

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€140
IDR 1,200,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
€30
IDR 400,000
Mobile Minute
€0
IDR 1,500

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Jakarta 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 Jakarta 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

Jakarta

Cost of Living Index45
Rent Index25
Purchasing Power Index30

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rome more expensive than Jakarta?

No, Rome is approximately 33.8% cheaper than Jakarta. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 75% of your Jakarta salary when living in Rome. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Jakarta, you'd need about $37,363 in Rome for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Rome and Jakarta?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 100%, which can significantly impact your entertainment budget. 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 Jakarta for affordability.

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

In Rome, a single person needs approximately €1,252 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €3,081. In Jakarta, these figures are IDR 7,850,000 for singles and IDR 21,725,000 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Rome and Jakarta 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 Jakarta to maintain your lifestyle from Rome

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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