If you plan on moving to Rome, you should know that you’ll never be bored. This particular part of Italy has a gripping history and plenty of things to see and do. In this guide, we’ll cover tips for finding cheap rooms for rent in Rome, along with some of the best places to visit for recreational, sightseeing, and cultural activities. Moreover, we’ll also take a look at the average rent prices in Rome for the most popular rioni (districts), so you know exactly what to expect when you arrive in the city.
Related: 5 Ways To Save Money For Your Next Vacation
Getting to Know Rome
Built on seven hills, Rome is the capital city of Italy, with the largest population in the country. It’s known to be one of the oldest consistently inhabited cities in Europe and according to legend, was founded by Romulus and Remus, the twin sons of the god of Mars.
In the 1st century, Rome was known as “Roma Aeterna” (eternal city), and by the 2nd century, it was named the “Caput Mundi” (capital of the world). After that, within Europe’s early modern history, Rome was the center of literature, education, poetry, architecture, law, religion, philosophy, gastronomy and more.
Presently, in more modern times, Rome is known for its Mediterranean climate, with mild, humid winters and hot, dry summers.
Finding rooms for rent in Rome, Italy
Rome is extensive and consists of 22 municipi (municipalities), with the city center alone divided into a number of smaller districts and neighborhoods. Formerly, founded on Palatine Hill, it grew outwards, enclosing surrounding hills with the Tiber River running through the city. The historical, archaeological finds provide an illustrious historical backdrop to present-day Rome.
Top neighborhoods in Rome
- Monti (rione of Rome): is a trendy and artsy (rione) district, with meandering cobbled streets lined with informal cafes and independent businesses. Here, you’ll find budget hostels and affordable accommodation. Also, perfect if you’re seeking cheap rooms for rent in Rome.
- Ostiense: is south of the city, just a half-an-hour bus ride from the center. A quiet neighborhood with a muted tourist scene, this urban area is known for its nightlife, street art and good food. Moreover, as a first-time renter, this can be a great place to find rooms for rent in Rome.
- San Lorenzo: is located east of the city center and within walking distance of central amenities. It has a fun and young atmosphere, with fashionable bars, great low-priced pizza and affordable clothing stores. The neighborhood has a great atmosphere and is ideal for students looking for cheap rooms for rent in Rome.
Related: How to Manage Finances When You Share an Apartment
Average rent in Rome
| Room For Rent In Rome | Average Rent |
|---|---|
| Studio Apartment For Rent In Rome | €1,059 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment For Rent In Rome | €1,426 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartment For Rent In Rome | €2,384 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment For Rent In Rome | €2,433 |
| 4 Bedroom Apartment For Rent In Rome | €2,288 |
| 5 Bedroom Apartment For Rent In Rome | €2,740 |
| 6 Bedroom Apartment For Rent In Rome | €2,234 |
| 7 Bedroom Apartment For Rent In Rome | €3,731 |
| 8+ Bedroom Apartment For Rent In Rome | €4,126 |
University life in Rome
Finding a balance between the academic grind of university life and the chance to have fun and unwind, can be tough. Living with roommates off- or on-campus can bring similar issues, but we’ve plenty of tips to help you out on our blog!
Living off-campus, you will have to make allowances for your commute, meals, utilities, and rent. However, this option can still cost less than living on-campus and gives you more freedom to prepare for adult life in the real world.
Universities in Rome:
- ISIA Roma
- La Sapienza
- Tor Vergata
- Roma Tre
- Libera Università Internazionale degli Studi Sociali Guido Carli – LUISS
Related: Types Of Roommates In College
How transit-friendly is Rome
Rome has a complicated interior urban transit system comprising suburban railways, rapid transit lines, trams, light rail lines, and buses. However, this makes it super easy to get around!
1. Walkability
The best way to explore and get around in Rome, is to walk. The city is very walkable, furthermore, most places of interest will have a bus/train/metro station nearby for longer journeys.
2. Roads/traffic
Rome has an elevated cars per capita ratio; traffic chokes are infamous. A partial ban on vehicular traffic from 6 am to 6 pm, in the central part of the city is enforced.
3. Taxis
Taxi stands are dotted all over Rome, especially the tourist areas. As a result, they’re easy to find but expensive. Comparatively, taxis in Rome are more expensive than in other major European countries.
4. Public transportation
- Bus: Rome has a complex bus network, including a trolleybus system. Symbols at bus stations, U, X and E, denote destination. For instance, U is for urban regular bus routes functioning between 5 am and 12 am. Green lettered-X is for express bus routes connecting far away suburbs with central Rome. Finally, brown-coloured letter E buses operate mainly on the outskirts of Rome.
- Metro: provides the city with three underground main rapid transit lines – A (orange), B (blue) and C (green) that service 73 stations. However, Metro service is limited to mornings, making buses the local primary mode of transport.
Metro timings: Sunday through Thursday, 5:30 am to 11:30 am. Friday and Saturday, 5:20 am to 1:30 am. - Azienda Tramvie e Autobus del Comune di Roma (ATAC): is a public transport company controlling most public lines in the city. Generally, it’s obligated to program bus routes and support real-time services and information to users.
5. Airports
- Intercontinental Leonardo da Vinci is Italy’s top international airport in southwest Rome.
- Rome Ciampino Airport in the southeast of Rome is a joint civilian and military airport.
- Roma-Urbe Airport is a small, low-traffic airport, north of the city center which handles most helicopter and private flights.
6. Cycling
Rome has beautiful cityscape, for this reason, cycling can be an adventure. Riding a bike is a great way to familiarise yourself with the city and is a fun, economical way to look for rooms for rent in Rome.
Related: Creative Ways To Store A Bike In An Apartment
Cultural Activities in Rome
- Drink espresso: Like the Romans do — cold espresso with loads of sugar in the hot summer months. Likewise, to blend in, order a cappuccino only for breakfast. Romans typically enjoy two to three espressos a day, and you can just have a shot of espresso or an espresso with a mound of steamed milk.
- Climb Gianicolo: Janiculum Hill offers views from the highest perspective to gaze at the city’s skyline. Locals gather here at sunset for romantic date nights, but there’s a long steep hike to get to this point, so it’s best to hire/ride a bicycle, scooter or car.
- Visit numerous historical, cultural attractions: Take selfies at each attraction, from Trevi Fountain to the Pantheon, and the numerous Roman baths. Ride your bicycle while looking for places for rent in Rome, or travel across the River Tiber and visit Trastevere, the Jewish Ghetto. Here you’ll find tons of eateries and bars on every side of the cobbled streets, for this reason, making it an attractive location to look for cheap rooms for rent in Rome!
Historical Spots in Rome
Chiefly, the entire city is the world’s center for historical and cultural spots, with some attractions that are famous the world over and some lesser-known ones too.
- The Pyramid of Cestius: Near the Porta San Paolo at the Piramide subway station, the Pyramid of Cestius sits at the border of a major intersection. Built between 12 and 18 BC as a tomb for an affluent Roman, it’s the only one in Europe and is accessible by special permission only.
- The Cimitero Acattolico (Non-Catholic Cemetery): to get here, take the underground B line and stop at Pyramid station. Concealed behind the Cestius Pyramid, the cemetery is informally known as the cemetery of foreigners in the Rome rione of Testaccio.
- Colosseum: also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Colosseum is a world-renowned icon of Rome. You can take a guided tour, purchase a Roma Pass or if you’re a local, reach Palatine Hill early. From there you can access the Colosseum without having to stand in long queues for hours.
D’you know what else Roomi does outside of helping its readers find rooms for rent in Rome? With our ever-increasing lists of rooms and roommates across the world, we’ll help you find your perfect match!
