Cost Comparison 2025

RomevsMumbai

Italy
India

Overall

💰

-48.5%

Rome is 48.5%cheaper

Rent

🏠

-44.4%

Housing is 44.4% lower

Dining

🍽️

-57.1%

Restaurants 57.1% cheaper

Groceries

🛒

-46.2%

Food shopping 46.2% less

Comparing the cost of living between Rome, Italy and Mumbai, India reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Rome is more affordable than Mumbai by approximately 48.5%. 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 Mumbai by 80%. A one-bedroom apartment in Rome's city center costs around €1,100, while the same in Mumbai is approximately ₹35,000.

Dining out in Rome is notably more expensive compared to Mumbai. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €15 in Rome versus ₹200 in Mumbai.

Public transportation in Rome is more affordable, with monthly passes at €35 compared to ₹1,500 in Mumbai.

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

Grocery shopping in Rome is more expensive by approximately 86%. 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 Mumbai, the same lifestyle would cost around ₹12,260. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €1,581 monthly in Rome versus ₹42,910 in Mumbai. 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
Mumbai, India

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€1,100
₹35,000
1BR Outside Center
€800
₹20,000
3BR City Center
€2,200
₹100,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€15
₹200
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€65
₹1,500
Cappuccino
€2
₹150
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€5
₹200

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€2
₹55
Bread (500g)
€2
₹35
Eggs (12)
€3
₹80
Cheese (1kg)
€13
₹400

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€2
₹10
Monthly Pass
€35
₹1,500
Taxi Start
€5
₹25
Gasoline (1L)
€2
₹105

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€140
₹3,000
Internet (60 Mbps)
€30
₹1,000
Mobile Minute
€0
₹1

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Mumbai 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 Mumbai 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

Mumbai

Cost of Living Index35
Rent Index25
Purchasing Power Index40

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Rome more expensive than Mumbai?

No, Rome is approximately 48.5% cheaper than Mumbai. You'll find significant savings in housing, food, and transportation costs.

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

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 67% of your Mumbai salary when living in Rome. For example, if you earn $50,000 in Mumbai, you'd need about $33,663 in Rome for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Rome and Mumbai?

The most significant cost difference is in dining out. Restaurant prices vary by about 133%, 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 Mumbai for affordability.

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

In Rome, a single person needs approximately €1,252 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €3,081. In Mumbai, these figures are ₹32,260 for singles and ₹92,910 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

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

Calculate Salary Equivalence

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