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Cost of Living: Graz vs Rome (2026)

Austria vs Italy — relocation comparison

TL;DRGraz is 43% cheaper on rent ($772/mo vs $1355/mo). Rome has milder winters (3°C vs -3°C lows). Both are solid options for settling down — the spreadsheet won't save you from this one.
77
Livability Score
🇦🇹 Graz
Austria
Full profile
68
Livability Score
🇮🇹 Rome
Italy
Full profile
Graz edges ahead 77 to 68. Rome isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you.
Graz
Rome
$772/mo
Rent
$1355/mo
8.3/10
Democracy
7.6/10
0.9/100k
Safety
0.5/100k
74/100
English
29/100
Time to PR
5 yr
💰
Cost of Living
Graz
$583/mo cheaper on rent alone
🔒
Safety
Rome
0.5 homicides per 100k
🗳️
Democracy
Graz
8.3/10 EIU index
☀️
Weather
25°C vs 30°C summers
🗣️
English
Graz
higher proficiency score
Graz
Metric
Rome
$772/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$1355/mo
$909/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$635/mo
🧳
Cost to land
$7,957
0.9 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
0.5 / 100k
🚨
Crime perception
lower is better
47 / 100
25°C
☀️
Summer high
30°C
-3°C
❄️
Winter low
3°C
Internet speed
75 Mbps
15.1 μg/m³
🌬️
Air quality (PM2.5)
12.7 μg/m³
8.3 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
7.6 / 10
74/100
🗣️
Street English
29/100
$74k
💼
GDP per capita
$62k
2.9% · Boringly steady
📈
Inflation
1.0% · Practically frozen
77 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
68 / 100
Grid reliability
89/100 — Mostly stable
🗽
Freedom House
87/100
📋
Time to PR
5 years

Settler Essentials

Democracy trend
stable
Industries
governmenttourismmediaaerospace
Startup ecosystem
nascent
Grid reliability
89/100
Time to PR
5 yrs
EU visa
Easy
RU visa
Complex
UA visa
Easy
Retiree visa
2,583/mo
Tax breaks
Impatriati Regime, Regime Forfettario, New Residents Flat Tax, 7% Retiree Flat Tax

Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals

The Short Version

  • Rent is 43% cheaper in Graz ($772/mo vs $1355/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are noticeably warmer in Rome (30°C vs 25°C).
  • Graz scores higher on democracy (8.3 vs 7.6 / 10 EIU).
  • Street-level English is easier in Graz (74/100 vs 29/100).

Graz vs Rome — Common Questions

Is Graz cheaper than Rome?

Graz is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $772/month in Graz vs $1355/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Graz or Rome?

Rome is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Graz has a rate of 0.88 per 100,000 and Rome has 0.55 per 100,000.

Should I move to Graz or Rome?

Graz edges ahead 77 to 68. Rome isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.

Is it easier to get residency in Graz or Rome?

Graz: no specific remote work visa. Rome: Italy Digital Nomad Visa (moderate requirements, 1 year (renewable)). See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Which has better weather, Graz or Rome?

Rome is warmer in summer (30°C vs 25°C). Graz has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

Can I live in Graz or Rome without speaking the local language?

Graz is easier for street-level English (74/100) than Rome (29/100). That's the score that matters for doctors, landlords, and bureaucracy. Office English can still run higher than street English in both cities.

Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.

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