Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Italy
Italy
Based on our comparison, Bologna wins 5 out of 8 categories.Rome wins 3 categories.
For digital nomads choosing between Bologna and Rome, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:
Best for Budget
Bologna
$1,642/mo
Best Internet
Bologna
175 Mbps
Best NomadIQ Score
Rome
6.9/10
Our Recommendation: Choose Bologna if budget is your top priority, or Bologna if you need the fastest internet for remote work.
When comparing Bologna and Rome for digital nomads, several factors come into play.
Cost of Living: Bologna offers a more affordable lifestyle at $1,642/month compared to Rome's $1,943/month.
Internet & Remote Work: Bologna leads with 175 Mbps average internet speed, ideal for video calls and large file transfers. Rome offers 140 Mbps.
Safety: With a safety score of 5.3/10, Rome offers better security than Bologna (5.1/10).
Overall: Rome's NomadIQ score of 6.9/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.
Bologna is 15% cheaper than Rome.
Rome has a higher safety score (5.3/10) compared to Bologna (5.1/10).
5.1/10
Bologna
5.3/10
Rome
For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Bologna offers faster internet at 175 Mbps vs 140 Mbps.
175 Mbps
Bologna
140 Mbps
Rome
Based on our analysis, Bologna edges out as the better choice for expats, winning 5 of 8 comparison factors.
Bologna: Best for budget-conscious expats
Rome: Best for those prioritizing amenities
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