Is Cape Town or Rome cheaper to live in?

Cape Town is 18% cheaper than Rome. The average monthly cost in Cape Town is $1,590, while Rome costs $1,943 per month.

Which city is better for digital nomads: Cape Town or Rome?

For digital nomads, Rome offers faster internet at 140 Mbps. Cape Town is more budget-friendly with lower living costs. Both cities have their strengths - Cape Town has a NomadIQ score of 6.8/10 while Rome scores 6.9/10.

What is the rent difference between Cape Town and Rome?

A 1-bedroom apartment costs $993/month in Cape Town and $1,356/month in Rome. Cape Town has 27% lower rent.

Is Cape Town or Rome safer?

Rome has a higher safety score of 5.3/10. Cape Town scores 2.7/10 for safety while Rome scores 5.3/10.

Should I move to Cape Town or Rome as an expat?

The choice depends on your priorities. Choose Cape Town if budget is important ($1,590/month). Choose Rome for better safety. Rome is better for remote work with 140 Mbps internet.

Back to Comparison Tool

Cape Town vs Rome

Cost of Living, Safety & Expat Guide (2026)

Cape Town

South Africa

$1,590/mo6.8/10

Rome

Italy

$1,943/mo6.9/10

Cape Town

South Africa

$1,590/moNomadIQ 6.8/10

Rome

Italy

$1,943/moNomadIQ 6.9/10

Detailed Comparison

Factor

Cape Town

Rome

Winner

Total Monthly Cost

$1,590

$1,943

Cape Town

Rent (1BR)

$993

$1,356

Cape Town

Groceries

$350

$380

Cape Town

Transport

$90

$45

Rome

Healthcare

$120

$130

Cape Town

Safety Score

2.7/10

5.3/10

Rome

Internet Speed

120 Mbps

140 Mbps

Rome

NomadIQ Score

6.8/10

6.9/10

Rome

Which city is better for digital nomads?

For digital nomads choosing between Cape Town and Rome, the answer depends on your priorities. Here's our analysis:

Best for Budget

Cape Town

$1,590/mo

Best Internet

Rome

140 Mbps

Best NomadIQ Score

Rome

6.9/10

Our Recommendation: Choose Cape Town if budget is your top priority, or Rome if you need the fastest internet for remote work.

Digital Nomad Analysis: Cape Town vs Rome

When comparing Cape Town and Rome for digital nomads, several factors come into play.

Cost of Living: Cape Town offers a more affordable lifestyle at $1,590/month compared to Rome's $1,943/month.

Internet & Remote Work: Rome provides faster connectivity at 140 Mbps compared to Cape Town's 120 Mbps.

Safety: With a safety score of 5.3/10, Rome offers better security than Cape Town (2.7/10).

Overall: Rome's NomadIQ score of 6.9/10 gives it an edge for remote workers.

Cost of Living Comparison

Cape Town is 18% cheaper than Rome.

• Cape Town rent: $993/mo
• Rome rent: $1,356/mo
• Difference: $363/mo

Safety Comparison

Rome has a higher safety score (5.3/10) compared to Cape Town (2.7/10).

2.7/10

Cape Town

5.3/10

Rome

Digital Nomad Friendliness

For remote workers, internet speed is crucial. Rome offers faster internet at 140 Mbps vs 120 Mbps.

120 Mbps

Cape Town

140 Mbps

Rome

Which City Is Better for Expats?

Both cities are excellent choices for expats, with each having unique strengths.

Cape Town: Best for budget-conscious expats

Rome: Best for those prioritizing amenities

Cape Town vs Rome

Cape Town

Rome

Cape Town

Rome

Detailed Comparison

Which city is better for digital nomads?

Digital Nomad Analysis: Cape Town vs Rome

Cost of Living Comparison

Safety Comparison

Digital Nomad Friendliness

Which City Is Better for Expats?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Cape Town vs Rome