DAY IN THE LIFE: a realistic insight into the *cost of living in Rome*

/ itsbarbsonyoutube
Every time I find myself wondering what living abroad or in a different city may look like, KZbin is my biggest resource: DAY IN THE LIFE / WHAT I SPEND IN A DAY... is always what I type in the search bar.
So few weeks ago I told myself: " Hey, Barbs! Why don't you share a little bit about your authentic, unedited lifestyle in Rome ?! That would be a fun way to give a better sense of the COSTS OF LIVING IN THE ETERNAL CITY, in case someone's actually thinking about moving here!"
Well.. what do you guys think? Was it a good idea? 😊

[@dannigro8794]

This is very nice, as an American it’s interesting to see the perspective of somebody living in another country. I visited Rome before it’s very beautiful, all of my family was from southern Italy and Sicily and came to New York on a boat decades ago and settled on Long Island. But I always wanted to go back and visit as I had a very nice time when I went in the past. These are nice videos, hope you keep posting.

[@barbs.]

Thanks a lot for your comment! I'm glad you enjoy the videos and I hope you can somehow feel like if your were exploring and strolling around yourself ⛺️ Hopefully you'll have the chance to come to Italy again in person and spend some quality time soon! In the meantime.. thanks again for sharing 😙🎈

[@bliblablub6688]

Nice to see you again :) it was a nice video, enjoyed it

[@barbs.]

Thanks a lot for your comment and support!! I'm happy you liked it 🎉

[@renaissanceman8687]

‘There was a replacement bus service’ 😂 thought that was just an English thing (happens a lot here). When I’m lucky enough to be in Italy, I tend to use Esselunga for main food shops and De Spar for smaller shops (or First Aid items). I’ve seen a lot of Conad Stores but never used them, might try them next time 🇮🇹

[@barbs.]

Thanks a lot for your tip -I'm writing down the correct sentence as I'm replying, so I'll know how to properly say that next time the tram/metro doesn't work (happens A LOT here too) 😂 Esselunga is a great choice! Unfortunately the ones in Rome (I believe there are 2 in the city) are very far from where I live, but the variety is superlative and prices are really on point! I'll be waiting for your review of the other stores next time you come here then 😙🎉

[@annatleal]

Ciao Barbs! I've been watching your videos for a few months now since KZbin recommended it to me because I'm studying Italian and I honestly can't remember if I've left a comment before but I just wanted to say I love your videos, they're so funny and interesting to watch ☺️🤍

[@barbs.]

Ciaoo Thank you for your super sweet comment, it truly made my day I'm really glad you enjoy watching the videos on this channel, I'd like to share as many aspects of the "Italian lifestyle" as I can so -again- thanks a lot for your support! Hope you're having fun with learning Italian, un carissimo saluto a teee 🇮🇹

[@annatleal]

@@barbs. ❤️🇮🇹

[@macantakai]

Just found your channel and have been binge watching videos 😂 love your content 😊

[@barbs.]

I'm SO SO happy you enjoyed 🤩🎉 Thanks a lot for your kind comment and for watching the videos on this channel, I'm really glad to hear you liked them!!

[@SunnySingh-uq4ll]

Thank you so much for the run down as been contemplating to move to either Italy UK or Portugal from Australia haha it really helps. Ps: you are incredibly gorgeous

[@armisaripada2335]

I love watching you Barbs❤️❤️❤️

[@barbs.]

Thank yooouuu 😍 You're super kind and sweet!!

[@eriksavini691]

Great video! Very educational!

[@barbs.]

Thanks a lot! 🥳

[@erinsbooks]

Really informative. Makes me want to move there.

[@barbs.]

Thanks a lot, I really appreciate! 🌸

[@debbiethompson3123]

Love your videos, and your personality!

[@barbs.]

Thank you so much for your kindness and support!! 💖🙏

[@brianfilkowski]

Rome is expensive compared to other places. I am looking to live near Arezzo or even closer to Marche. It doesn’t have to be a large city. Prices might be even less ? I am sad about the 24 hour supermarket. It is what I am trying to get away from here in the US. Although it does look spectacular I must admit.

[@elxakiltse8773]

totally agree about 24 hour anything. It has ruined the US.

[@barbs.]

They might, yes!! Generally speaking: the smaller the city/town the lower the prices - if we're not talking about tourist destinations or super central locations 💯 24/7 supermarkets are indeed an open debate and they make me ask myself some questions, I must admit. As for now, thankfully they're not "a thing" over here and they only exist in very few cities (like Milan and Rome) 😐 Anyway, thanks a lot for watching! I really appreciate reading your comment 🙏🏻 And best of luck if you'll decide to move to Arezzo!!

[@angelacruz902]

I love your videos so much!

[@barbs.]

Thank yoooouuuu 💓

[@hamsome9511]

KZbin recommended me this video and I was glad I clicked it. Great vid! How about next vid is about your daily/monthly/yearly earnings? :)

[@barbs.]

Thanks for your suggestion, that's actually a great one!! I'll definitely work on that then 😚🎉 I'm really happy to hear you enjoyed the video, thanks again for your comment and support!

[@jennifercoe8081]

I love your videos Barbs :)

[@barbs.]

So happy to hear that, thanks a lot!! 💖

[@viniciusfernandes2005]

Love the video, Barbs! Do you live by yourself or with a roommate? What's the culture about living arrangements during university there?

[@barbs.]

Thanks a lot, I'm glad you liked it! I currently live by myself, but I used to share apartments with other roommates when I was studying, and during my first years after university as well 🤗 That's very common among students to live with other people, especially when they have to move to another city because of their studies (we call them "fuorisede", meaning people living outside of their hometown 🛤) Unfortunately schools don't provide for their rents (unless when it comes to very specific scholarships) nor offer accommodations, so they have to find a place where to stay on their own 😞 If they don't know anybody to share an apartment with, they can ask a real estate agency to help them find just a single room! I briefly talked about that in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKO0dYegbNuAotk Feel free to check it out if you're interested! 🎉

[@hallelujah4331]

Can you make a monthly expenses in budget video?

[@barbs.]

That's a great video idea, thanks for your suggestion!! My lifestyle has changed a lot since I last filmed this, so I'd say a general update is indeed more than needed 🪐

[@hallelujah4331]

@@barbs. can’t wait 😊

[@CarlosAlberto_Il_piccolo]

In Argentina we call it "Merluza" , it is incredible the similarities between spanish spoken in Argentina (modified by italian´s emigration at the beginnig of 20th century) and the italian. We also eat "grisines" you call it "grissini", we use the word "guarda", "capo" facha (is from faccia)

[@barbs.]

OMG that's incredible, so many similarities!! I'm pretty sure you'd be able to understand - and eventually to learn - spoken Italian without much difficulty 🤩

[@CarlosAlberto_Il_piccolo]

50% of argentinian population are Italian related. I have italian passport and also codice fiscale, but for some reason our nonnos o bisnonnos did not learn the italian to their kids. I believe was because they were discriminated for no speaking spanish. but we have many similarities, for example: My father's name is "Domingo" witch means Domenico in spanish, a very italian name

[@matthewconstantine5015]

I'm in Rome right now and have been surprised at how inexpensive some stuff is, even in the more touristy areas. Granted, I've lived in one of the more expensive US cities for 16 years, so my idea of price is a bit warped. Still, it's been nice.

[@barbs.]

So cool you're in Rome, hope you're having fun visiting around! Yeah luckily, Rome is still one of the most affordable big cities -especially when it comes to food, I'd say #italiansbeingitalian 😅

[@KittyKat-vb1nd]

US is so overpriced and the quality is dire.

[@chrisd9762]

Love how cheap good coffee is in Rome, not like England. Love the video! My wife and I are finally going on Holiday back to Italy soon. We were thinking Napoli but people have said it's dangerous, is that true!?

[@barbs.]

That's great news! I'm really happy you'll come and visit soon 🎉 Napoli is beautiful, magical and multifaceted: don't skip your staying because of that saying!! I think you definitely get the best out of the city if you have the chance to explore it together with someone who comes from or lives there, that's why my suggestion is booking guided visits/tours so you'll also have the best advice and won't miss out! Enjoy your Italian getaway, un abbraccio a voi🎈

[@chrisd9762]

@@barbs. Great advice! We have booked a few tours, as well as a coffee and pastry tour :) Thanks Barbs!

[@barbs.]

How amazing, love to hear that!! Have a great tiimee 😚💖

[@pahadidesh]

Hii, I am from India, Planning to move to Rome as a student. how much does it cost for a month for student.

[@gedovanderzee1224]

Nice video! Wish I could get such in inexpensive breakfast over here in The Netherlands. But I have a question, don't you have any fixed expenses like insurance's (health, house, household effects, funeral, etc) and taxes like road tax and council tax? Ciao e grazie!

[@barbs.]

Insurance is almost always optional - I mean - it's up to you whether to get it or not 💯 And it's not mandatory even when it comes to health, because of our public healthcare! However, if you own a car (or a moto) you do need to have insurance covering for you, and with that also come other fees/taxes like "il bollo auto/moto" 🚘 But, again, if you - like me - don't have a car of your own, you don't need to pay anything! You also don't pay fixed taxes like council tax if you don't have a house of property or if you own just one house, because that is called "prima casa" ("first house".. I assume) and you pay no taxes on the place where you live. You start paying what's called IMU only if you're also the owner of one or more "second houses" 🏡 The only tax I forgot to mention in the video is the waste tax: here in Rome I have to pay €50 every 6 months! Hope that can help!! Thanks a lot for watching and leaving a comment 🥳 Ciao e grazie mille a te!!

[@melcatuncan9807]

Can you do a video in spoken Italian? It would nice to hear you speak in your native language.

[@JM-se5qt]

For people from the UK Pam=Asda Conad=Sainsbury's/Tesco Carrefour=Waitrose

[@barbs.]

Thanks for converting that, mate! (aspe.. si dice mate? o buddy? o man? o dude? sono andata in confusioooneee 😱)

[@domusbird]

Hey Barbs, i hope you will upload a video soon.

[@barbs.]

It took me a while to edit and upload a new video this time (even more than usual 😅), but finally here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIXIpaurZ66Wmbc 🎉 Let me know if you have the chance to check it out!

[@milliemesa]

Nice Video ❤️ I always thought Rome was more expensive 🙈

[@barbs.]

I'm glad the video gave you another perspective! Thanks a lot for watching and leaving a comment 😚💓

[@absalomgarcia2550]

Hi Barbs! I don’t know how I found your videos but I’m so glad I did! I’m going to Rome in September so the info is stoo useful. Chi vediamo per un cafe? :)

[@barbs.]

What an amazing coincidence!! Well, thanks a lot for watching and leaving a comment then 🎉 I'm glad you found the video helpful and I hope it gave you some tips for your upcoming trip to the eternal city! You already know how to sound like a local hahah😙 How exciting, have fun and enjooyy 🌸

[@tgwti]

Are you still in Rome, now?

[@barbs.]

I am! Well.. not RIGHT now (I'm at my parents' place again, to spend some days off altogether☀️) but I'm still based in Rome 🥳 Would you like to see more content on day-to-day life in the Eternal City?

[@vanyasharma2678]

Ciao Barbs, can you tell me the name of the bookstore and the book club?

[@barbs.]

Ciao 😚 For sure, the book club is called Euroclub and it refers to Mondolibri group, which you can physically find as sections/pop-ups inside Mondadori libraries!

[@kennyburris158]

Is transportation wheelchair acessible?

[@barbs.]

I wish I could reply "Yes, of course!"... however... sadly, Rome isn't a great example in terms of accessibility -especially when it comes to public transportation. Some buses do have a moving platform that can be used when needed.. but as for trams and metros, I honestly don't know which are the measures in place. No doubt the city needs to take huge steps forward!

[@janetlombardi2314]

Do you like living in Rome? Why did you decide on Rome. Thanks for your video

[@barbs.]

I do! I moved to Rome when I was 18 because I wanted to start my studies in the performing arts, and Rome really had a lot to offer. Then, a few years later, I realized I was getting attached to the vibrance of the city and so I decided to stay.. I can say it almost feels like home now 🌻 What a lovely question by the way, thanks a lot for your comment!

[@raspas99]

It's probably best to ask a person because online search doesn't really give you much. If I buy an apartment in Rome and rent it is it a good idea? And is it better to rent it as a whole or day by day? Sorry for such a mundane question:) thanks!

[@barbs.]

Thank you for leaving a comment, and for trusting my opinion on the matter! I'm no expert at all, but -from what I understand- the demand for accommodations in the city is always extremely high.. so I'm pretty sure if you have a house/apartment of property, you'll always be able to make something out of it 🏡 Renting day by day (as you do on airbnb, for instance) may be more profitable, but I honestly don't know what kind of process you need to undertake in that scenario 😅 Let me know if you end up moving forward with this idea though! And thanks again for your support 💥

[@isidorazivkovic7245]

Heeeey, can I just ask where were you looking for an apartment? Cause I haven't found apartments that cheap anywhere. Was is easy to find it? Thanks :)

[@barbs.]

Hey there! Honest answer: no, it wasn't easy at all -quite the opposite actually 🙈 I did all my research online (the websites I kept digging into were immobiliare.it, subito.it, mioaffitto.it, idealista.it, casa.it) and that listing eventually came up. The reason why it was so cheap compared to other apartments is because it's a basement.. in fact, let me tell you it has A LOT of cons you need to take into account -the videos I refer to at the beginning give you a better sense of what I'm talking about. Also - to disclose the full story here - lately those cons have been adding up so fast that I decided to move out in November... and it's very likely I'll have to spend a bit more for my next place 😅 Anyway, I'll probably make a full video on the topic so I'm going to keep you posted!

[@Jazminaww]

What part of time is this ?

[@GMK9VII]

Oh wow I wish my bills would come so little as you. My rent here in USA for my flat is approximately €1308.12 Groceries usually are € 140 for a week or more

[@barbs.]

OMG 😵‍💫 Do you live with other housemates or is the rent on you alone? Thanks for sharing!

[@GMK9VII]

@@barbs. I live alone with my cat who does not pay rent. Its also worth mentioning my flat is 2bedroom.

[@barbs.]

Your cat is a lucky one!! lol 🤪

[@rerelala.]

Hello barbs🌺 can we get a vlog with the same concept but for 2024 pleeeease 😍

[@barbs.]

That's an amazing idea, thanks a lot for your suggestion 🤩🎉 DEAL -I'll try and start filming it asap!!

[@barbs.]

It's definitely been a while but.. there's finally an updated version on the channel 😅 Here's the link, in case you wanna check it out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWesgWyQYreMgsk 🎈

[@rerelala.]

@@barbs. oh thank uuuu 😍 running to watch it you are The Best 💕

[@barbs.]

@@rerelala. 💖

[@AlessandroBusinaro]

❤️

[@kondobolo2575]

Things are pretty cheap in Rome

[@barbs.]

They are! 😙

[@lexb277]

Looks inexpensive to live in Italy but then again I live in Los Angeles

[@armes29906]

I subscribe your chennel because you re too beautiful i am coming rome for study next year wanna meat you someday

[@shafqatalibagoro]

Seems like you r familiar to me 😮

[@TheNinjappa]

Thats some cheap gas and electricity... I pand 800 euro's for 2 months

[@barbs.]

Oh wow!! To be honest, the suppliers had raised prices from February to April (so I had to pay literally double the price 😳) and then went back to normal by mid-month. Hope your bills will go down too!

[@aditya1848]

You are rich and beautiful😍✨❤

[@elxakiltse8773]

molto interessante, pero sarebbe più divertente in Italiano :)

[@kartikxq]

YOU'RE SINGLE?