Where can you find cheaper rent in Rome?

Rental prices in Rome vary substantially by location. Properties in the historic centre and other sought-after central districts tend to command higher rents, while areas farther from the centre may offer more options for budget-conscious renters. Housing-market reports have identified areas such as Lunghezza–Castelverde, Borghesiana–Finocchio and Bufalotta–Casal Monastero–Settebagni among the areas worth investigating for comparatively affordable rentals. Prices and availability change, so compare current listings before making a decision.

Affordable Neighbourhoods in Rome Compared

These areas are starting points for your search, not a guaranteed ranking. Rent depends on the individual property, its condition, size, furnishing, contract and transport access.

Area Rental budget Location What to check
Lunghezza and Castelverde Lower-cost option Eastern outskirts of Rome Check the exact address against regional rail, bus connections and your daily destination.
Borghesiana and Finocchio Lower-cost option Eastern Rome Look carefully at walking distance to Metro Line C and local bus stops.
Bufalotta and Casal Monastero Budget-conscious choice Northeastern Rome Review bus routes and connections to metro or rail services from the specific street.
Settebagni Worth comparing Northern Rome Check access to the Settebagni railway station and connections for your commute.
Acilia Suburban alternative Southwestern Rome Check the Roma-Lido railway service and the route from your home to the station.
Dragona and Malafede Suburban alternative Southwestern Rome Check local bus routes, nearby rail connections and door-to-door travel time.
Casalotti and Selva Nera Outer residential option Northwestern Rome Check bus frequency, connections and travel time to your workplace or university.
Collatino and the Aniene area Compare individual properties Eastern and northeastern Rome Compare proximity to metro, regional rail, tram and bus connections.
Centocelle Inner-city alternative to compare Eastern Rome Look at Metro Line C, tram routes and bus connections for the exact address.
Torre Angela Outer eastern option Eastern Rome Check Metro Line C access and the final leg between the station and property.
Tor Bella Monaca Budget-focused search area Eastern Rome Check the exact bus and Metro Line C connections from the property.
Tiburtina and Pietralata Transport-oriented comparison Eastern and northeastern Rome Check Metro Line B and railway connections where relevant.
Appio Latino and Cinecittà Compare carefully Southeastern Rome Review Metro Line A access and the distance to the nearest station.

Neighbourhood Guides: Where to Look for Affordable Housing

Explore the differences between these parts of Rome before deciding where to rent.

Lower-cost option

Lunghezza and Castelverde

Lunghezza and Castelverde are worth investigating if your main goal is to reduce rent. They are outside the central tourist districts, so compare the complete journey to work or university before choosing a property.

Location
Eastern outskirts of Rome
Rent information
Among the more affordable areas identified in Rome housing-market reports
Transport
Check the exact address against regional rail, bus connections and your daily destination.
May suit
Renters prioritising housing costs and willing to live farther from the historic centre.
Lower-cost option

Borghesiana and Finocchio

Borghesiana and Finocchio may offer alternatives to expensive central neighbourhoods. The practical value of a property depends on its distance from public transport, local services and your regular destinations.

Location
Eastern Rome
Rent information
Frequently identified among Rome's more affordable housing areas
Transport
Look carefully at walking distance to Metro Line C and local bus stops.
May suit
Students, workers and households looking for more space within a limited budget.
Budget-conscious choice

Bufalotta and Casal Monastero

These residential areas are useful to include in a rental search when central Rome is outside your budget. Compare travel times at the hours you expect to commute, not just the distance on a map.

Location
Northeastern Rome
Rent information
Included among comparatively affordable rental areas in market reporting
Transport
Review bus routes and connections to metro or rail services from the specific street.
May suit
People who prefer residential surroundings and do not need to live within walking distance of the centre.
Worth comparing

Settebagni

Settebagni can be worth considering when you are looking beyond the central districts. Confirm the frequency and timing of train and bus services, especially if you work evenings or weekends.

Location
Northern Rome
Rent information
A candidate for renters comparing less central districts
Transport
Check access to the Settebagni railway station and connections for your commute.
May suit
Commuters whose destinations are accessible by the local rail network.
Suburban alternative

Acilia

Acilia offers a different residential setting from the historic centre. The right location within the area matters: compare station access, local shops, property condition and total commuting costs.

Location
Southwestern Rome
Rent information
Often worth comparing with central and inner-city rental options
Transport
Check the Roma-Lido railway service and the route from your home to the station.
May suit
People whose work, study or family commitments are compatible with southwestern Rome.
Suburban alternative

Dragona and Malafede

Dragona and Malafede are options to investigate when looking for housing outside the most expensive central districts. Do not assume every property is inexpensive: compare recent listings in the same street or immediate area.

Location
Southwestern Rome
Rent information
Rental prices can be worth comparing with more central areas
Transport
Check local bus routes, nearby rail connections and door-to-door travel time.
May suit
Renters seeking a residential area and prepared to plan journeys carefully.
Outer residential option

Casalotti and Selva Nera

Casalotti and Selva Nera may suit renters who do not need to be close to central Rome every day. Evaluate the specific address, since transport convenience can differ considerably across the area.

Location
Northwestern Rome
Rent information
Worth including in a wider search for lower-cost housing
Transport
Check bus frequency, connections and travel time to your workplace or university.
May suit
People who value residential surroundings and can accommodate a bus-based commute.
Compare individual properties

Collatino and the Aniene area

The Collatino and Aniene areas cover a range of residential settings. Search by exact location and compare travel times, building condition and recurring costs before deciding.

Location
Eastern and northeastern Rome
Rent information
Some sections may offer alternatives to premium central districts
Transport
Compare proximity to metro, regional rail, tram and bus connections.
May suit
Students and workers who want to balance access to the city with housing costs.
Inner-city alternative to compare

Centocelle

Centocelle is worth comparing if you want a more established urban neighbourhood. It is not guaranteed to be cheaper than every outer suburb, so use current listings to assess its value.

Location
Eastern Rome
Rent information
Prices depend on the street, property and proximity to transport
Transport
Look at Metro Line C, tram routes and bus connections for the exact address.
May suit
Renters wanting neighbourhood amenities and public transport without living in the historic centre.
Outer eastern option

Torre Angela

Torre Angela can be included in a wider search for housing in eastern Rome. Assess transport, local services and the total cost of commuting before signing a lease.

Location
Eastern Rome
Rent information
Potential alternative to central and highly sought-after districts
Transport
Check Metro Line C access and the final leg between the station and property.
May suit
People whose budget is a priority and whose daily journey suits this part of the city.
Budget-focused search area

Tor Bella Monaca

Tor Bella Monaca may appear in searches for lower-cost accommodation. Visit the area if possible, assess the property and surroundings personally, and confirm transport options at the times you will travel.

Location
Eastern Rome
Rent information
Compare actual available listings rather than relying on a fixed neighbourhood estimate
Transport
Check the exact bus and Metro Line C connections from the property.
May suit
Renters prioritising cost who have checked the specific street and commute.
Transport-oriented comparison

Tiburtina and Pietralata

Tiburtina and Pietralata include different types of housing and transport access. Properties close to major stations may command a premium, so compare less central streets as well as locations directly beside transport hubs.

Location
Eastern and northeastern Rome
Rent information
Varies by proximity to stations, universities and major roads
Transport
Check Metro Line B and railway connections where relevant.
May suit
Students and commuters who need access to transport hubs or eastern Rome.
Compare carefully

Appio Latino and Cinecittà

The Appio Latino and Cinecittà areas are useful to compare if you want access to the city without renting in the historic centre. The most convenient streets may be more expensive than locations farther from a metro station.

Location
Southeastern Rome
Rent information
Can offer alternatives to the historic centre, but prices vary considerably
Transport
Review Metro Line A access and the distance to the nearest station.
May suit
People seeking established residential areas with metro access.

How Much Does Rent Cost in Rome?

Rome does not have a single rental price that applies to every neighbourhood or apartment. The asking rent per square metre is a useful way to compare areas, but it is not the same as the total monthly rent you will pay.

According to Idealista's January 2026 report on the 2025 rental market, Rome's average asking rent reached approximately €18.70 per square metre per month at the end of 2025. This is a historical market benchmark, not a current quote for a specific apartment or neighbourhood.

To illustrate the differences between locations, an Immobiliare.it report published in May 2025 gave the following April 2025 asking-rent figures for selected areas:

Area Reported asking rent Reference period
Rome overall €17.70/m² per month April 2025
Historic Centre €27.50/m² per month April 2025
Aventino, San Saba and Caracalla €25.10/m² per month April 2025
Testaccio and Trastevere €23.60/m² per month April 2025
Prati and nearby districts €23.50/m² per month April 2025
Bologna and Policlinico €21.20/m² per month April 2025

These figures are historical and should not be treated as today's advertised rents. The report identified Lunghezza–Castelverde, Borghesiana–Finocchio and Bufalotta–Casal Monastero–Settebagni among the more affordable rental areas, but the exact rent for each property must be checked against current listings.

For example, a 50 m² apartment advertised at €15 per square metre would have an asking rent of €750 per month before utilities, condominium charges and other applicable costs. The actual price depends on the listing.

What affects the monthly rental price?

Tips for Finding Affordable Housing in Rome

1. Compare current rental listings

Search several property portals and compare similar apartments in the same area. Useful starting points include Idealista and Immobiliare.it. Check the date of each listing and confirm whether the advertised property is still available.

2. Calculate the full commuting cost

A lower rent farther from the centre may be offset by transport costs and a longer journey. Check the route from the actual property address to your workplace, university or other regular destination. Rome Capitale provides information through its public transport and mobility service.

3. Consider a room in a shared apartment

Renting a room rather than an entire apartment can reduce the amount you need to pay each month. Before agreeing to a room, confirm which expenses are included, how shared spaces are managed and whether the rental arrangement is documented in a written contract.

4. Check the exact location, not only the neighbourhood name

A large neighbourhood can contain streets with very different transport access and housing conditions. Check the walking distance to stations and bus stops, nearby supermarkets, noise levels and services you will use regularly.

5. Read the rental contract carefully

Confirm the lease duration, notice period, deposit, maintenance responsibilities and additional charges before signing. Ask for written confirmation of any promise made by an agent or landlord. Be cautious if you are asked to transfer money before you have verified the property and the legitimacy of the rental arrangement.

6. Start searching early

Demand can increase around university enrolment periods and other busy times. Start early when possible, prepare the documents a landlord may request and compare several suitable options instead of committing to the first listing you see.

Which Area Is Right for Your Budget?

The cheapest advertised apartment is not always the most economical choice once transport, utilities and commuting time are considered. Use these general guidelines to create a shortlist:

Important: Neighbourhood affordability is relative, and prices change. This guide is for research and comparison, not a promise that a particular area or property will be available at a specific price. Verify current rents and transport information before making a housing decision.

Continue planning your move with these related IsRome guides. Create the corresponding pages if they are not already published on your website.