Data last updated: August 2026

Barcelona, SpainRome, Italy

You would need around 18.8% less money in Rome, Italy to maintain the same standard of living you have in Barcelona, Spain.

Overall Cost of Living

18.8%

Rome, Italy is cheaper than Barcelona, Spain

1-Bed Rent (City Center)

City A1,691 USD
City B1,281 USD
Difference-24.2%

Groceries (Monthly)

City A332 USD
City B318 USD
Difference-4.2%

Average Net Salary

City A2,338 USD
City B2,041 USD
Difference-12.7%

Editorial Insight: Planning a move from Barcelona, Spain to Rome, Italy? Based on our verified data model, you are looking at a fantastic geo-arbitrage opportunity. Overall, the cost of living in Rome, Italy is 18.8% cheaper. Housing is typically the biggest financial win—renting a 1-bedroom apartment in Rome, Italy's center costs around 1,281 USD, which is a staggering 24.2% less than in Barcelona, Spain. If you are retaining a remote income, the Remote Wealth team ranks this as a highly strategic move for wealth accumulation.

Pro Tip:Since you'll be managing money across borders and currencies, we highly recommend setting up a borderless account like Wise (formerly TransferWise) before you move to avoid heavy bank exchange fees.Check out Wise

Reviewed by the Remote Wealth Editorial Team

Our cost of living data for Barcelona, Spain and Rome, Italy is compiled using our rigorous verification methodology. We combine millions of data points from reliable sources to ensure you get the most accurate financial comparison for your relocation.

Read more about our team →

Salary Comparator

Find out exactly how much you need to earn in Rome, Italy to maintain your current lifestyle in Barcelona, Spain.

USD

You need in Rome, Italy

1,898 USD

Geo-Arbitrage FIRE

Discover how moving to a cheaper city accelerates your Financial Independence and Retire Early (FIRE) timeline.

By moving from Barcelona, Spain to Rome, Italy and investing the 19% cost of living difference, you could reach FIRE 2.8 years earlier.

Budget Simulator

Instantly adapt your Barcelona, Spain budget to local Rome, Italy prices. We automatically adjust housing, groceries, and leisure categories.

Housing1281 USD
Groceries318 USD
Utilities & Internet263 USD

Investment Planner

You save 410 USD every month on rent alone by moving to Rome, Italy.

Investing this rent difference in an S&P 500 index fund could grow to ~68,880 USD in 10 years.