11 Locals Share How to Find Accommodation in Rome

Living in Rome is an amazing and unforgettable experience, but it comes with the ultimate mission when you first arrive – find accommodation. If you’re an expat, the task might seem a bit daunting, especially if you have no idea where to live, or don’t speak enough Italian to read the fine print and use the power of the word of mouth. Don’t worry – we got your back. We contacted local experts on accommodation in Rome and gathered some useful advice on how to find accommodation in Rome. The Eternal City awaits!

Where to search for accommodation?

Just like any other country, Italy has a list of classified websites as well as online rental platforms that make your quest for accommodation in Rome a bit easier.

John Henderson, who retired in Rome, noted some of the issues old school agencies and landlords face:”My rental agency and new landlady don’t take credit cards or checks and think PayPal is run by Mafia loan sharks.” Always ask if your rent is paid by cash or card – Roman banks don’t get along with Visa cards and have very small daily withdrawal limits.

Walks of Italy warned expats about using classifieds like Craigslist – “Scams abound, and given the free-for-all nature of the posts, there’s no way to know if people are who they say they are… or if apartments are actually what they look like, either!”

Spotahome tip: Choose the option that’s more convenient for you and always make sure all your questions are answered. If you don’t speak Italian, bring a translator who will help you read the fine print.

Where to live in Rome?

First thing’s first – where do you want to live in Rome? With so many choices, here’s the criteria you can use to easily narrow down your next neighborhood:

Your lifestyle
Your budget
Work and travel commitments

Check out Citii.io if you’re looking to calculate the cost of living in Rome!

How to deal with Rome’s rental prices

A little tip from our friends at Move Hub: “Renting in Rome does not come cheap. You will pay around €1000/month for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre and €2150/month for a three-bedroom property.” – if you’re looking for accommodation in Rome, make sure your wallet can afford it!

Rick Zullo makes a good point – “If you find a flatmate to share an average two-bedroom place, you’ll reduce your cost to 650-700 a month. I should mention that these figures assume that you will not be living in Piazza Navona or on the Via Veneto.”

When searching for accommodation in Rome, you might have to compromise. If a whole apartment is out of your budget, but you really want to live in your preferred neighbourhood, choosing shared accommodation might be a better solution.

If you prefer to live alone, but are on a budget, you might have to find an apartment for rent in the outskirts of the city.

Here’s what the locals have to say about Roman neighborhoods:

1. Trastevere

Character: Lively local atmosphere

“Characterized by numerous pedestrian islands it is one of the most vital zones in the capital, above all for its the nightlife. You can find numerous cafes and restaurants as you stroll its narrow streets.” – Wanted in Rome

Our very own property checker, Nick Russo, also claims Trastevere is the place to be – “I love Trastevere, cause there you can spend the whole night jumping from a little bar to another little pub or even stay in the streets having a beer or a glass of wine with you friends, mostly free of cars and clubs.”

2. Ostiense

Character: Up-and-coming

In an interview with Spotted by Locals, Daniela D’Avanzo, Rome’s local guide, shared her love for Ostiense, and the way it’s currently being reshaped from its industrial times. “People are trying to give new life to all its old buildings. So new and different activities are born: from restaurants to museums and arts center, from shops to discos.”

3. Garbatella

Character: Beloved suburb

Although it seems quite far from the city centre, Garbatella won the heart of many, including Annalaura D’Errico, another correspondent with Spotted by Locals. “I really like living here because it is close by the city center and yet it has the look and feel of a small town or village. Garbatella’s architecture is indeed quite distinctive, with tiny cottages in lush garden complexes.”

4. Monti

Character: Young and hip

If you’re in your 20s and looking to move to Rome, Monti might just be your perfect choice. Eating Italy Food Tours describe the area as “Within walking distance of all the best things to see in Rome, Monti also manages to maintain a distinctly young Roman feel. This lively neighborhood has some great restaurants that range from down-home Roman to fine-dining trendy.”

Our property checker, Meissa Couto, also claims Monti is the best neighborhood to live in – “It’s a beautiful neighbourhood in the city centre, very charming with small pedestrian streets and old buildings and with lots of restaurants and bars.”

5. Testaccio

Character: Where history meets the present

Everyone loves Testaccio, including our property checker Massimilliano Olivi – “Testaccio, with its typical squares, was builded as a popular neighborhood and now is one of the most beautiful example of architectural requalification in Rome. A lot of restaurants and pubs with live music and hosts the museum of contemporary art of Rome.”

Check out Max in action!

For rental prices in these neighborhoods, check out Spotahome Rome’s search bar!

So how do you find accommodation in Rome?

After you’ve chosen your budget and found your favorite neighbourhood, it’s time to search – give yourself time. Many people fall into the trap of having to find accommodation at the last minute and then signing a year-long rental contract because there were no other options at the time.

Spotahome Rome allows you to find accommodation in Rome before you even arrive to the city – we have property checkers who film the apartment for you, and our team of copywriters and customer service will give you all necessary information for your move.

Get in touch – we’ll be happy to find your new home!