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Digital Nomad Guide to Rome, Italy | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Piazza del Popolo in Rome

Digital Nomad Life in Rome

By Betsy Burlingame

Summary: Rome, Italy is a popular destination for digital nomads due to its rich culture, vibrant nightlife, and excellent food. Rome is also a great place to live for digital nomads because of its excellent public transportation system, which makes it easy to get around the city. Additionally, Rome is a great place to live for digital nomads because of its low cost of living. The best neighborhood to live in Rome for digital nomads is Trastevere. This neighborhood is known for its lively atmosphere, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes. Additionally, Trastevere is close to the city center, making it easy to get around. The approximate population of Rome, Italy is 2.8 million people. The weather in Rome, Italy (Farenheit) is generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s in the winter to the mid-80s in the summer. The monthly cost of living for a digital nomad in Rome is approximately $1,500 USD. This includes rent, food, transportation, and entertainment. The cost (in US dollars) to rent a centrally located, one-bedroom apartment with high-speed internet access in Rome is approximately $1,000 USD per month.

Italian For A While
Italian For A While
Italian For A While
Italian For A While

How do I meet people in Rome?

When we asked people living in Rome about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:

"Expats in Rome often join clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, book clubs, and sports teams. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as concerts, festivals, and art exhibitions. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests, as well as attending meetups and networking events. Finally, expats can also meet people by simply exploring the city and striking up conversations with locals," said one expat in Rome.

What is life like in Rome?

When we asked people living in Rome what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:

"Living in Rome as an expat or digital nomad can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The city is full of culture, history, and art, and offers a wide variety of activities and attractions to explore. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife, delicious cuisine, and beautiful architecture. The city is also well-connected, with excellent public transportation and plenty of coworking spaces to choose from. Rome is a great place to live for those looking for a unique and exciting experience," said one expat who made the move to Rome.

Italian For A While

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.

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Italian For A While

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.

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Where should I live in Rome?

We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"When looking for a place to live in Rome, it is important to consider your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you are looking for. There are a variety of options available, from renting an apartment or house to staying in a hostel or hotel. If you are looking for a more permanent residence, you can search online for rental listings or contact a local real estate agent. Additionally, there are many websites that offer short-term rentals, such as Airbnb, HomeAway, and Booking.com. It is also possible to find furnished apartments for rent through websites such as EasyRoommate and Spotahome. Finally, if you are looking for a more traditional living arrangement, you can look for a room in a shared apartment or house," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Rome.

"My husband and I looked at over 35 apartments before finally finding the "right" one. We used leasing agents. We lived in a corporate apartment for 3 months and walked around/drove around a lot looking at the buildings and neighborhoods. A lot of the apartments we saw were too dark, the spaces were all cut up into smaller areas, weren't big enough, no elevator available (big consideration when you have small children), etc," explained one person living in Rome, Italy.

What do I need to know before moving to Rome?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Rome, they said:

"Before retiring in Rome, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, Italian, as it will be necessary for everyday life. Additionally, expats should research the cost of living in Rome, as it is known to be higher than other parts of Italy. It is also important to research the healthcare system in Rome, as it is different from other countries. Expats should also be aware of the cultural differences between their home country and Italy, and be prepared to adjust to the local customs. Finally, expats should research the visa requirements for retirement in Rome, as they may need to apply for a special visa," said one expat in Rome.

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Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Italian For A WhileItalian For A While

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Rome?

"Expats in Rome appreciate the city's rich history and culture, which is evident in its many ancient monuments, churches, and ruins. They also enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city, with its lively piazzas, bustling markets, and delicious cuisine. The locals are also known for their hospitality and friendliness, making it easy for expats to feel at home in Rome. Additionally, the city's mild climate and abundance of outdoor activities make it a great place to live," said one expat in Rome.

"I absolutely love the simple, fun, passionate lifestyle that the Italians embrace. I have been lkiving in Venice for the last 4 years and love the lifestyle there too - very family oriented," remarked one member in Rome.

Italian For A While

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Italian For A While

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.

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What do people find most challenging about the culture in Rome?

"The language continues to be a struggle now that my children attend the local Italian school and all the meetings and paperwork are in Italian. I also long for meaningful friendships with the Italians, but my vocabulary is still too limited to have in depth conversations. My kids are fluent and I so envy them," said one person in Rome.

"Expats in Rome often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the city's chaotic traffic and the lack of public transportation can be difficult to navigate. Furthermore, the Italian bureaucracy can be complex and time-consuming to understand. Finally, the Italian lifestyle of taking things slowly and enjoying life can be a difficult adjustment for those used to a more fast-paced lifestyle," said one expat who made the move to Rome.

What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Rome for a while?

"If you plan to stay in Rome for a while, you will need to apply for a residence permit. This permit will allow you to stay in the country for a certain period of time. You may also need to apply for a visa depending on your nationality. It is important to check the requirements for your specific country before applying for any documents," said one expat who made the move to Rome.

Italian For A WhileItalian For A While
Connect

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Italian For A WhileItalian For A While

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Rome?

We asked people in Rome if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:

"It is important to be mindful of cultural differences when visiting Rome. It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, and to dress appropriately. Avoid wearing revealing clothing, such as shorts or tank tops, as this is considered disrespectful. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local customs when it comes to dining etiquette. For example, it is considered rude to leave food on your plate, and it is also considered rude to ask for a doggy bag. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local customs when it comes to public displays of affection. While it is acceptable to hold hands, kissing and hugging in public is generally frowned upon," explained one expat living in Rome, Italy.

"I have had a few emotional outbursts where I yell and scream in English out of frustration or compare the way things are done in the States, quite loudly, openly putting down the Italian way. So embarassing! I have since learned not to do that," said one person in Rome.

Italian For A WhileItalian For A While
Connect

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Italian For A WhileItalian For A While

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What are healthcare services like in Rome?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Rome, they replied:

"Rome offers a wide range of healthcare services to its citizens. The Italian National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale) provides free or low-cost healthcare to all Italian citizens, including those living in Rome. The city also has a number of private hospitals and clinics that offer a variety of medical services. Rome is home to several world-renowned medical research centers, such as the National Institute for Cancer Research and the National Institute for Infectious Diseases. Additionally, Rome has a number of specialized medical centers, such as the Institute for Cardiovascular Diseases and the Institute for Neurological Diseases. Rome also has a number of pharmacies, which provide prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs," explained one expat living in Rome, Italy.

Italian For A WhileItalian For A While
Connect

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Italian For A WhileItalian For A While

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What are the pros and cons of living in Rome?

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the rich culture and history of Rome. They enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful architecture. Additionally, the city's excellent public transportation system makes it easy to get around. On the other hand, expats and digital nomads may find the cost of living in Rome to be quite high, and the city can be quite crowded and noisy," said one foreigner in Rome.

Italian For A WhileItalian For A While
Connect

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Italian For A WhileItalian For A While

Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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