Roquetas de Mar vs. Rome: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

This report provides a detailed comparison of the cost of living and quality of life between Roquetas de Mar, Spain, and Rome, Italy, based on data collected for 2026. The analysis covers key areas including groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, childcare, and property costs, alongside quality metrics such as pollution levels, commute times, and overall quality of life scores. While both locations offer distinct lifestyles, the data reveals significant differences in affordability and living conditions.

Groceries and Household Expenses

Health Care Index

30.6 / 64.8

Pollution Index

67.2 / 48.1

Roquetas de Mar   Rome

Roquetas de Mar generally offers lower prices for groceries compared to Rome. Basic items such as milk, bread, and eggs are significantly cheaper in Spain. For example, a liter of milk costs €1.04 in Roquetas de Mar versus €1.86 in Rome, and a loaf of bread is €0.98 compared to €2.14. This trend extends to other staples, making daily household expenses more manageable in Roquetas de Mar.

Dining Out and Entertainment

Safety Index

66.2 / 52.9

Traffic Commute Time Index

78 / 35.2

Roquetas de Mar   Rome

When it comes to dining out, Roquetas de Mar is considerably more affordable. A mid-range meal for two (without drinks) costs approximately €20.50, nearly half the price of a similar meal in Rome, where the same meal would cost around €60.85. Additionally, groceries can be cooked at home in Roquetas de Mar, further reducing dining expenses. Entertainment costs, such as cinema tickets, also show a difference, with a standard ticket priced at €8.78 in Roquetas de Mar versus €11.67 in Rome.

Transportation

Transportation costs vary significantly between the two cities. Public transport, including buses and trains, is cheaper and more accessible in Roquetas de Mar. A monthly public transport pass costs around €40.00, while in Rome, the same pass is priced at €40.84. Car ownership is also less expensive in Spain, with a Volkswagen Golf 1.5 costing approximately €22,500 compared to €30,340 in Rome.

Utilities and Internet

Utilities for a standard 85 m² apartment are slightly higher in Rome, where basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage) cost €216.81 per month, compared to €180.00 in Roquetas de Mar. Internet and mobile data costs are relatively similar, though internet is marginally more expensive in Rome at €32.40 per month versus €20.00 in Roquetas de Mar.

Childcare and Education

Childcare costs differ substantially. In Roquetas de Mar, a private preschool costs €585 per month, while in Rome, the same service is priced at €585.38. However, international primary school tuition is lower in Roquetas de Mar (€12,000 annually) compared to Rome (€14,585).

Pollution and Environment

Roquetas de Mar has significantly lower pollution levels than Rome. The pollution index in Spain is 29.4, while in Rome, it is 65.7. Cleaner air and a less polluted environment contribute to a better quality of life in Roquetas de Mar.

Safety and Commute

Both cities are relatively safe, but Rome has a higher traffic commute time index (35.2) compared to Roquetas de Mar (20.3). This indicates that daily commutes are shorter and less stressful in Spain, contributing to a better work-life balance.

Healthcare and Amenities

Rome offers more extensive healthcare facilities and amenities, particularly in urban areas. However, Roquetas de Mar benefits from a quieter, coastal lifestyle, which may appeal to those seeking a relaxed environment.

Property Prices

Property costs are substantially higher in Rome. The price per square meter for an apartment in the city center is €9,249.35, compared to €4,500.00 in Roquetas de Mar. While salaries in Rome are higher (€2,163 net per month) than in Roquetas de Mar (€1,500 net per month), the overall cost of living in Spain is significantly lower. Roquetas de Mar offers a lower cost of living and a higher quality of life in terms of pollution, commute times, and daily expenses. Rome, while more expensive in certain areas, provides greater amenities and higher income potential. The choice between the two locations depends on individual priorities, whether that is affordability, lifestyle, or career opportunities.