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    Rome vs Vienna: A Complete Data-Driven Comparison

    ๐Ÿ›๏ธ

    Rome

    Italy ยท $2,400/mo

    0.00
    Total
    0.00
    Nomad
    ๐ŸŽป

    Vienna

    Austria ยท $2,500/mo

    0.00
    Total
    0.00
    Nomad

    Choosing between Rome, Italy and Vienna, Austria is one of the most common dilemmas facing digital nomads, expats, and remote workers in 2026. Both cities offer unique advantages. But the right choice depends entirely on your priorities, budget, and lifestyle preferences.

    In this comprehensive comparison, we analyze Rome and Vienna across 12 critical categories: Economic Factors, Quality of Life, Infrastructure & Connectivity, Housing & Living Spaces, and 8 more categories. Each category is scored on a 0-100 scale using data from over 20 verified sources, including Numbeo, WHO, Speedtest, and local government statistics.

    Rome earns an overall score of 71.51/100, while Vienna scores 78.58/100. A 7.07-point modest gap that Vienna leads. But headline scores never tell the full story. Let's break down exactly where each city excels and where it falls short.

    Rome is described as: "The Eternal City. Unmatched history and cuisine, but bureaucracy can be challenging." Meanwhile, Vienna is known as: "Consistently rated the world's most livable city. Imperial charm meets modern efficiency." These reputations are earned. But how do they hold up under rigorous data analysis? Read on.

    Economic Factors

    Rome

    61
    / 100

    Vienna

    73

    In economic factors, Vienna takes the lead with a score of 73/100 compared to 61/100. This category covers employment & income, cost factors, economic environment.

    Vienna has a commanding lead in employment & income (71 vs 49).

    Vienna stands out for transportation costs, currency stability, economic stability, though tax rates and business regulations could be improved. Rome performs well in currency stability and healthcare costs despite the overall gap.

    Employment & Income

    Rome

    49
    / 100

    Vienna

    71

    Job Market Strength

    48/ 10078

    Salary Levels

    42/ 10076

    Freelance/Remote Work Market

    68/ 10062

    Entrepreneurship Environment

    38/ 10068

    Cost Factors

    Rome

    66
    / 100

    Vienna

    75

    Housing Costs

    37/ 10064

    Daily Living Costs

    52/ 10058

    Transportation Costs

    82/ 10094

    Entertainment Costs

    72/ 10062

    Healthcare Costs

    88/ 10088

    Education Costs

    62/ 10085

    Economic Environment

    Rome

    64
    / 100

    Vienna

    71

    Tax Rates

    35/ 10032

    Business Regulations

    32/ 10054

    Economic Stability

    82/ 10089

    Currency Stability

    92/ 10091

    Banking System

    78/ 10088

    Quality of Life

    Rome

    75
    / 100

    Vienna

    82

    In quality of life, Vienna takes the lead with a score of 82/100 compared to 75/100. This category covers healthcare, education, safety & environment, climate & nature.

    Vienna has a commanding lead in safety & environment (87 vs 65). Rome has a solid advantage in climate & nature (82 vs 70).

    Vienna stands out for water quality, green spaces, vocational training, though beach/water access and sunshine hours could be improved. Rome performs well in natural beauty and universities despite the overall gap.

    Healthcare

    Rome

    76
    / 100

    Vienna

    85

    Healthcare Quality

    84/ 10093

    Healthcare Accessibility

    79/ 10091

    Healthcare Affordability

    87/ 10087

    English-Speaking Medical Staff

    74/ 10082

    Mental Health Services

    58/ 10079

    Dental Care

    76/ 10076

    Education

    Rome

    79
    / 100

    Vienna

    88

    School Quality

    71/ 10089

    International Schools

    79/ 10084

    Universities

    91/ 10092

    Language Schools

    86/ 10081

    Vocational Training

    69/ 10095

    Safety & Environment

    Rome

    65
    / 100

    Vienna

    87

    Crime Rates

    54/ 10086

    Personal Safety

    71/ 10092

    Political Stability

    86/ 10088

    Natural Disaster Risk

    68/ 10094

    Air Quality

    54/ 10081

    Water Quality

    81/ 10098

    Noise Pollution

    43/ 10072

    Climate & Nature

    Rome

    82
    / 100

    Vienna

    70

    Climate Suitability

    91/ 10064

    Sunshine Hours

    89/ 10051

    Rainfall Patterns

    79/ 10068

    Natural Beauty

    96/ 10086

    Green Spaces

    79/ 10097

    Beach/Water Access

    64/ 10035

    Mountains/Hiking

    74/ 10089

    Infrastructure & Connectivity

    Rome

    74
    / 100

    Vienna

    78

    In infrastructure & connectivity, Vienna takes the lead with a score of 78/100 compared to 74/100. This category covers transportation, connectivity, digital infrastructure.

    Vienna stands out for public transport quality, public transport coverage, train connections, though ferry connections and car ownership necessity could be improved. Rome performs well in airport connectivity and train connections despite the overall gap.

    Transportation

    Rome

    71
    / 100

    Vienna

    79

    Public Transport Quality

    74/ 10098

    Public Transport Coverage

    81/ 10097

    Public Transport Affordability

    91/ 10096

    Bike Infrastructure

    59/ 10085

    Walkability

    89/ 10096

    Traffic Congestion

    47/ 10074

    Driving Conditions

    41/ 10071

    Taxi/Rideshare

    79/ 10079

    Car Ownership Necessity

    76/ 10018

    Connectivity

    Rome

    72
    / 100

    Vienna

    73

    Airport Connectivity

    94/ 10084

    Airport Distance

    79/ 10089

    Train Connections

    93/ 10097

    Bus Connections

    78/ 10082

    Ferry Connections

    18/ 10012

    Digital Infrastructure

    Rome

    80
    / 100

    Vienna

    81

    Internet Speed

    84/ 10081

    Internet Reliability

    81/ 10089

    Internet Cost

    84/ 10074

    Mobile Network Quality

    83/ 10087

    Coworking Spaces

    73/ 10078

    Public WiFi

    76/ 10076

    Housing & Living Spaces

    Rome

    63
    / 100

    Vienna

    73

    In housing & living spaces, Vienna takes the lead with a score of 73/100 compared to 63/100. This category covers housing market, neighborhoods.

    Vienna has a solid advantage in housing market (69 vs 54).

    Vienna stands out for proximity to amenities, landlord regulations, housing quality, though purchase prices and rental availability could be improved. Rome performs well in proximity to amenities and neighborhood diversity despite the overall gap.

    Housing Market

    Rome

    54
    / 100

    Vienna

    69

    Rental Availability

    51/ 10042

    Rental Costs

    36/ 10068

    Purchase Prices

    34/ 10041

    Housing Quality

    72/ 10089

    Housing Variety

    76/ 10082

    Landlord Regulations

    52/ 10091

    Neighborhoods

    Rome

    76
    / 100

    Vienna

    80

    Neighborhood Diversity

    81/ 10079

    Expat/International Areas

    71/ 10081

    Gentrification Trends

    62/ 10064

    Proximity to Amenities

    91/ 10095

    Daily Life & Services

    Rome

    80
    / 100

    Vienna

    83

    In daily life & services, Vienna takes the lead with a score of 83/100 compared to 80/100. This category covers shopping & retail, food & dining, essential services, utilities & connectivity.

    Vienna stands out for cafรฉ culture, water reliability, electricity reliability, though opening hours and utility costs could be improved. Rome performs well in restaurant variety and restaurant quality despite the overall gap.

    Shopping & Retail

    Rome

    76
    / 100

    Vienna

    79

    Supermarket Availability

    81/ 10094

    Shopping Mall Quantity

    69/ 10078

    Shopping Mall Quality

    71/ 10084

    International Brands

    79/ 10091

    Local Markets

    93/ 10089

    Opening Hours

    63/ 10035

    E-commerce

    79/ 10082

    Food & Dining

    Rome

    88
    / 100

    Vienna

    83

    Restaurant Variety

    96/ 10088

    Restaurant Quality

    96/ 10092

    Restaurant Affordability

    81/ 10064

    Cafรฉ Culture

    91/ 10099

    Street Food

    86/ 10058

    Alcohol Availability

    87/ 10094

    Food Delivery

    81/ 10086

    Essential Services

    Rome

    77
    / 100

    Vienna

    86

    Pharmacy Density

    89/ 10092

    24-Hour Pharmacies

    81/ 10076

    Medicine Availability

    86/ 10094

    Postal Services

    63/ 10088

    Banking Services

    81/ 10091

    Laundry Services

    71/ 10072

    Repair Services

    69/ 10079

    Hair Salons/Barbers

    81/ 10092

    Pet Services

    71/ 10087

    Utilities & Connectivity

    Rome

    77
    / 100

    Vienna

    86

    Electricity Reliability

    89/ 10098

    Water Reliability

    89/ 10099

    Utility Costs

    64/ 10052

    Heating/Cooling

    71/ 10084

    Waste Management

    72/ 10096

    Cultural & Social Life

    Rome

    77
    / 100

    Vienna

    81

    In cultural & social life, Vienna takes the lead with a score of 81/100 compared to 77/100. This category covers culture & entertainment, social life, community.

    Vienna stands out for theaters & performing arts, museums & galleries, music scene, though local friendliness and expat integration could be improved. Rome performs well in museums & galleries and historical sites despite the overall gap.

    Culture & Entertainment

    Rome

    86
    / 100

    Vienna

    94

    Museums & Galleries

    99/ 10098

    Historical Sites

    99/ 10097

    Theaters & Performing Arts

    84/ 10099

    Music Scene

    79/ 10098

    Cinema Options

    76/ 10084

    Libraries

    71/ 10089

    Art Scene

    94/ 10092

    Social Life

    Rome

    76
    / 100

    Vienna

    78

    Nightlife Quality

    81/ 10074

    Nightlife Safety

    66/ 10091

    Festival Calendar

    91/ 10088

    Sports Culture

    79/ 10076

    Social Clubs

    71/ 10072

    Dating Scene

    74/ 10058

    LGBTQ+ Scene

    67/ 10084

    Community

    Rome

    66
    / 100

    Vienna

    69

    Local Friendliness

    69/ 10048

    Expat Community Size

    66/ 10086

    Expat Integration

    61/ 10054

    Language Barriers

    39/ 10062

    Cultural Events

    94/ 10095

    Professional & Career

    Rome

    69
    / 100

    Vienna

    77

    In professional & career, Vienna takes the lead with a score of 77/100 compared to 69/100. This category covers business environment, work environment, market opportunities.

    Vienna has a solid advantage in business environment (78 vs 66).

    Vienna stands out for time zone, work-life balance, internet for work, though business visa options and freelance market could be improved. Rome performs well in internet for work and time zone despite the overall gap.

    Business Environment

    Rome

    66
    / 100

    Vienna

    78

    Industry Clusters

    64/ 10076

    Major Companies

    69/ 10081

    Startup Ecosystem

    54/ 10072

    Coworking Culture

    71/ 10078

    Professional Networking

    71/ 10074

    Business Associations

    66/ 10084

    Work Environment

    Rome

    76
    / 100

    Vienna

    80

    Work-Life Balance

    76/ 10092

    Remote Work Acceptance

    71/ 10068

    Internet for Work

    89/ 10089

    Time Zone

    81/ 10098

    Business Visa Options

    65/ 10052

    Market Opportunities

    Rome

    63
    / 100

    Vienna

    70

    Client Base

    71/ 10074

    Freelance Market

    66/ 10061

    Competition Level

    53/ 10076

    Lifestyle & Pace

    Rome

    69
    / 100

    Vienna

    75

    In lifestyle & pace, Vienna takes the lead with a score of 75/100 compared to 69/100. This category covers daily rhythm, lifestyle options, tourism impact.

    Vienna has a solid advantage in lifestyle options (87 vs 76).

    Vienna stands out for tourist infrastructure, weekend culture, family orientation, though shop opening hours and tourist volume could be improved. Rome performs well in tourist infrastructure and dining hours despite the overall gap.

    Daily Rhythm

    Rome

    76
    / 100

    Vienna

    73

    Pace of Life

    81/ 10074

    Working Hours Culture

    74/ 10088

    Dining Hours

    82/ 10082

    Shop Opening Hours

    61/ 10028

    Weekend Culture

    81/ 10095

    Lifestyle Options

    Rome

    76
    / 100

    Vienna

    87

    Outdoor Lifestyle

    79/ 10089

    Fitness Culture

    71/ 10078

    Health Consciousness

    76/ 10084

    Pet Friendliness

    76/ 10091

    Family Orientation

    79/ 10094

    Tourism Impact

    Rome

    56
    / 100

    Vienna

    64

    Tourist Volume

    29/ 10038

    Tourism Seasonality

    51/ 10062

    Tourist Infrastructure

    89/ 10096

    Authenticity

    71/ 10081

    Crowding

    39/ 10044

    Legal & Administrative

    Rome

    66
    / 100

    Vienna

    64

    In legal & administrative, Rome takes the lead with a score of 66/100 compared to 64/100. This category covers visa & residency, administration, rights & freedoms.

    Rome has a solid advantage in visa & residency (64 vs 50). Vienna has a solid advantage in rights & freedoms (93 vs 81).

    Rome stands out for deportation risk, freedom of speech, religious freedom, though bureaucracy level and residency process could be improved. Vienna performs well in deportation risk and worker rights despite the overall gap.

    Visa & Residency

    Rome

    64
    / 100

    Vienna

    50

    Visa Requirements

    61/ 10042

    Residency Options

    74/ 10048

    Residency Process

    39/ 10036

    Citizenship Pathway

    59/ 10024

    Deportation Risk

    86/ 10098

    Administration

    Rome

    54
    / 100

    Vienna

    51

    Bureaucracy Level

    29/ 10031

    Digital Government

    61/ 10074

    Document Requirements

    51/ 10034

    Language Requirements

    49/ 10028

    Legal System

    81/ 10088

    Rights & Freedoms

    Rome

    81
    / 100

    Vienna

    93

    Freedom of Speech

    86/ 10092

    Religious Freedom

    86/ 10094

    Women's Rights

    81/ 10092

    LGBTQ+ Rights

    74/ 10089

    Worker Rights

    79/ 10096

    Family & Children

    Rome

    71
    / 100

    Vienna

    88

    In family & children, Vienna takes the lead with a score of 88/100 compared to 71/100. This category covers child-friendly infrastructure, family services.

    Vienna has a solid advantage in child-friendly infrastructure (94 vs 79). Vienna has a solid advantage in family services (82 vs 63).

    Vienna stands out for playgrounds, child safety, kid activities, though school holidays and family housing could be improved. Rome performs well in kid activities and pediatric care despite the overall gap.

    Child-Friendly Infrastructure

    Rome

    79
    / 100

    Vienna

    94

    Playgrounds

    79/ 10098

    Kid Activities

    86/ 10094

    Child Safety

    79/ 10096

    Pediatric Care

    81/ 10091

    Baby/Toddler Facilities

    71/ 10089

    Family Services

    Rome

    63
    / 100

    Vienna

    82

    Childcare Availability

    61/ 10084

    Childcare Costs

    49/ 10092

    School Holidays

    59/ 10068

    Extracurricular Activities

    74/ 10088

    Family Housing

    71/ 10076

    Practical Considerations

    Rome

    71
    / 100

    Vienna

    82

    In practical considerations, Vienna takes the lead with a score of 82/100 compared to 71/100. This category covers transportation costs, special services, communication, emergency services.

    Vienna has a solid advantage in special services (83 vs 73). Vienna has a solid advantage in communication (88 vs 73). Vienna has a solid advantage in emergency services (96 vs 80).

    Vienna stands out for emergency numbers, emergency response, emergency healthcare, though vehicle costs and fuel prices could be improved. Rome performs well in emergency numbers and language learning despite the overall gap.

    Transportation Costs

    Rome

    59
    / 100

    Vienna

    63

    Fuel Prices

    59/ 10048

    Gas Station Density

    81/ 10079

    EV Infrastructure

    56/ 10084

    Vehicle Costs

    49/ 10042

    Vehicle Maintenance

    51/ 10064

    Special Services

    Rome

    73
    / 100

    Vienna

    83

    Moving Services

    71/ 10082

    Storage Facilities

    66/ 10074

    Translation Services

    81/ 10086

    Legal Services

    76/ 10088

    Accounting Services

    71/ 10084

    Communication

    Rome

    73
    / 100

    Vienna

    88

    Postal Reliability

    64/ 10094

    Package Import

    61/ 10078

    Language Learning

    86/ 10089

    International Calling

    81/ 10092

    Emergency Services

    Rome

    80
    / 100

    Vienna

    96

    Emergency Response

    79/ 10097

    Emergency Healthcare

    86/ 10096

    Emergency Numbers

    91/ 10098

    Natural Disaster Preparedness

    64/ 10092

    Specific to Your Profile

    Rome

    67
    / 100

    Vienna

    81

    In specific to your profile, Vienna takes the lead with a score of 81/100 compared to 67/100. This category covers remote work specific, personal circumstances.

    Vienna has a solid advantage in personal circumstances (83 vs 64).

    Vienna stands out for time zone alignment, citizenship advantages, hobby availability, though cafรฉ laptop culture and language skills could be improved. Rome performs well in video call quality and hobby availability despite the overall gap.

    Remote Work Specific

    Rome

    73
    / 100

    Vienna

    78

    Time Zone Alignment

    79/ 10098

    Coworking Day Passes

    71/ 10076

    Cafรฉ Laptop Culture

    81/ 10054

    Video Call Quality

    84/ 10092

    Tech Ecosystem

    51/ 10071

    Personal Circumstances

    Rome

    64
    / 100

    Vienna

    83

    Citizenship Advantages

    59/ 10096

    Partner Citizenship Advantages

    50/ 10084

    Industry Presence

    51/ 10078

    Language Skills

    41/ 10058

    Religious/Cultural Fit

    71/ 10084

    Dietary Requirements

    81/ 10088

    Hobby Availability

    84/ 10094

    Pet Import Rules

    71/ 10079

    The Verdict: Rome or Vienna?

    With an overall score of 78.58/100 versus 71.51/100, Vienna leads on paper. But the "better" city ultimately depends on what matters most to you.

    Rome excels in legal & administrative. Vienna leads in economic factors, quality of life, infrastructure & connectivity.

    Use our interactive comparison tool to drill deeper into specific metrics. No single ranking captures the complexity of choosing a new home. But data-driven analysis gives you the best starting point.

    Dive Deeper with Our Interactive Tool

    See the full data breakdown with live filtering and side-by-side analysis.

    Compare Rome vs Vienna Live