Where to live in Rome: best neighborhoods for students and young professionals

From €400 - €1,200 , explore Rome's top neighborhoods for students and young professionals with housing tips, transport links, and who each area suits best.

Yordan

13 minute read

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Updated on 22 May 2026

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Living

Rome's best neighborhoods for students and young professionals range from €400 to €1,190, but each neighborhood has a different profile. Italy's capital city has 21 neighborhoods and is considered the top city to live in Italy. Over 500,000 expats live in Rome, making it one of Italy's most international cities. It can seem daunting to find rental homes in Rome when there are so many areas to familiarise yourself with.

From student-friendly areas to quiet, family-oriented districts, this guide breaks down the top 10 Rome neighbourhoods: Monti, Trastevere, Centro Storico, Ostiense, Prati, Testaccio, and Monteverde Vecchio, San Lorenzo, Pigneto, EUR, so you can decide which part of Rome is right for you.

Key takeaways:

• Rome's average monthly rent stands at €650-€1,990, placing it above Madrid and Barcelona but below Milan and Paris among major European student cities.
• San Lorenzo and Ostiense are Rome's top picks for students on a budget, with rooms from €400/month in San Lorenzo and from €470/month in Ostiense, both with strong transport connections to Sapienza and Roma Tre.
• Monti and Trastevere are the sweet spot for expats and young adults who want nightlife, community, and a central location without paying Centro Storico prices.
• Prati and EUR are the safest and most orderly neighbourhoods in the city, and both have reliable metro access to the centre.
• Before settling on any neighborhood, check it against the areas to avoid in Rome to make sure you're making a safe choice.

Rome has one of Europe's largest universities. The neighborhoods closest to these campuses, or with the best transit links to them, are San Lorenzo, Ostiense, and Pigneto.

San Lorenzo

• Neighbourhood vibe: Energetic, student-centric, affordable
• Room rent prices: €400–€750/month
• Universities: Sapienza (5–10 min walk)

San Lorenzo is Rome's student neighborhood and Europe's largest student community. It is located just east of Termini station and close to the main campus of Sapienza University of Rome. The Policlinico Umberto I teaching hospital__ is also close, so it is popular with medical and health science students.

The neighborhood has a gritty, alternative, and raw energy: extensive street art, independent political spaces, and a local business ecosystem built entirely around student budgets, from discount supermarkets and cheap pizzerias to craft beer bars and copy shops.

Rents here are among the most affordable in the city. Private rooms typically range from €400–€750/month, studios from €800–€820/month, and apartments from €1,200–€2,200/month. But San Lorenzo can be noisy, especially on weekends. When you look for homes in San Lorenzo, pick a side street rather than a main street to reduce noise.

Ostiense

• Neighbourhood vibe: Alternative, artsy, community
• Room rent prices: €470–€1,190/month
• Universities: Roma Tre (5–10 min walk)

Ostiense was redeveloped from an industrial area of Rome into a modern, funky residential neighborhood. It's known for its street art and its alternative culture. Some of the old factories and warehouses have been repurposed to create excellent, yet secluded, nightlife in Ostiense. This means you'll have the possibility of residential peace combined with an excellent nightlife when you want it, as it is quite separate from where people live.

Ostiense is a bit south of the centre of Rome, but you can get around Rome easily via the multiple transport options. Bus, metro, and train stations are dotted across the neighborhood. The Stazione Ostiense regional railway also provides a direct connection to Fiumicino Airport. Roma Tre University's departments are scattered across the neighborhood, but still walkable.

Ostiense is one of the more __affordable neighborhoods in Rome. Rooms is around €470-€1,190/month, studios from €800/month while apartments range from €1,395 to €3,300/month depending on size and facilities. Because the neighborhood is far less touristy than the historic center, it retains an authentic Italian culture, and local shopkeepers frequently speak Italian. Good to improve your Italian!

Ostiense is a safe neighbourhood to live in. You can find rooms and apartments in Ostiense on HousingAnywhere to see what's currently available.

Pigneto

• Neighbourhood vibe: Alternative, creative, social
• Room rent prices: €600–€770/month
• Universities: Sapienza (15–20 min by tram)

Often described as Rome's "Brooklyn," Pigneto is a bohemian, multicultural neighborhood in Rome. Historically a working-class suburb, it has transformed into a hub for artists, young creatives, and international students. The neighborhood is lined with outdoor cafes, indie bookstores, and trendy cocktail venues.

Pigneto has one of the best public transport in Rome. The commute to Sapienza's main campus is around 15–20 minutes.

Rents here are still affordable, with rooms typically around €600–€770/month, studio from €900 to €1,290/month, and apartments from €800 to €2,150/month. It's pricier than San Lorenzo for rooms, but the lower end of the apartment range is competitive, especially if you're planning to share. You can browse rentals in Pigneto on HousingAnywhere to compare current listings.

If you're relocating to Rome to work, you may want to learn more about the neighborhood's character, commute times, and social life that fit your lifestyle. These 5 neighborhoods are very popular for internationals and young professionals: Monti, Trastevere, Testaccio, EUR, and Centro Storico.

Monti

• Neighbourhood vibe: Central, young, creative
• Studio rent prices: €1,600–€2,300/month
• Best if you: work anywhere in central Rome, use Termini station to commute, or move between clients and offices across the city

Located in central Rome, Monti is a neighborhood for shopping and other leisure activities. Despite its central location, Monti is less touristy than the neighbouring areas. So, the neighbourhood offers more of a small-town vibe without missing out on the hustle and bustle of city life.

Getting around Rome from Monti is easy as there're plenty of metro and bus stops in the area. If you want to head further away and take a trip to another Italian or European city, you have close access to Roma Termini Station.

If you look for homes in Monti, private rooms start at €500-€850/month, studios €1,600–€2,300/month, and apartments could be anywhere from €1,800 to €10,000/month for premium properties.

The nightlife here is excellent, but you'll need to be conscious of pickpockets at night.

Trastevere

• Neighbourhood vibe: Busy, boho, pretty
• Studio rent prices: €650–€2,300/month
• Best if you: work remotely or travel internationally often

Trastevere is the home of nightlife in Rome. It has a boho vibe and perfectly combines old and new. Trastevere is a popular tourist spot despite being located on the west bank of the Tiber and a little bit out of the centre. But living here is an excellent decision if you like to stay busy. You'll have so many markets, shops, and funky restaurants to explore while living here.

Trastevere is car-free, so you'll need to rely on Rome's public transport to get around, cycling or walking. Unfortunately, there's no metro stop in Trastevere. However, Tram 8 runs along Viale di Trastevere and connects the neighborhood directly to the Centro Storico. It also has one of the most convenient airport connections in Rome: you can go to Stazione Trastevere and reach Fiumicino Airport for €8 one-way.

The price of housing in Trastevere ranges from €600–€865/month for rooms, €650–€2,300/month for studios, and €1,300–€8,000/month for apartments. The riverside neighborhood doesn’t have as much housing to choose from__, but it is popular amongst internationals. If you want to live here, look for rent in Trastevere 3-4 months well in advance.

Testaccio

• Neighbourhood vibe: Culinary, connected, affordable
• Studio rent prices: €950–€1,200/month
• Best if you: commute to Ostiense, EUR, or anywhere on Metro B

Testaccio has a reputation for being a foodie's heaven in Rome. The market here is one of the main reasons people come to this neighborhood. Living here, you'll have fresh and affordable ingredients close to hand every day. You'll live amongst many culinary enthusiasts and have incredible nightlife.

Testaccio is perhaps the best-connected neighborhood outside of central Rome. You’ll have trains going through the neighborhood to take you out of Rome, metro and trams to take you around Rome, and buses to take you around the neighborhood.

Testaccio is another affordable neighborhood in Rome, though finding a place here can be tricky. Renting a room in Testaccio costs around €500–€900/month, but they can be hard to come by. A studio in Testaccio will cost about €950–€1,200/month, and an apartment will cost about €1,600–€3,950/month. People move to Testaccio and don’t want to leave, so finding a place here can take time.

Testaccio has a great nightlife that is secluded enough not to disrupt the whole neighborhood. It’s got a great community vibe and plenty of excellent restaurants and cafes. It’s a safe neighborhood in Rome that works for many people, regardless of their situation.

EUR

• Neighbourhood vibe: Modern, orderly, professional
• Studio rent prices: €950–€1,550/month
• Best if you: work in corporates, government and administrative offices

EUR (Esposizione Universale Roma) is Rome's business district. It is a master-planned neighborhood commissioned in the 1930s, located about 7 km south of the historic center. Wide boulevards, monumental white marble structures give EUR a feel completely unlike the narrow streets and cobblestones of central Rome. With a population density of just 1,917 inhabitants per km² compared to over 8,000 in Municipio I, it feels very suburban.

EUR is exceptionally well-connected via Metro B, with dedicated stations at EUR Magliana, EUR Palasport, and EUR Fermi, offering a direct 15–20 minute commute to the historic center and Roma Tre University.

Housing here has some of the most competitive prices for the level of space and modernity it offers. Rooms start at €450–€600/month, studios at €950–€1,550/month, and apartments at €1,100–€1,990/month.

Centro Storico

• Neighbourhood vibe: Cultural, touristy, classic
• Studio rent prices: €1,150–€1,500/month
• Best if you: work for an international organisation, embassy, cultural institution, or any workplace based in central Rome

The historical center of Rome, Centro Storico, is the place to live if you value history and culture. This neighborhood has plenty of major tourist spots like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and the Roman Forum. As such, it can be pretty busy with crowds of tourists. That said, living in Centro Storico will give you a real taste of Roman life and surround you with stunning architecture.

Centro Storico has an abundance of tram and bus stops. Getting around this neighborhood via public transport is simple, and you’ll have regular buses and trams operating.

Housing in the Centro Storico is among the priciest in Rome, and it can be hard to find. Centro Storico is such a hotspot for tourists, so most accommodation around here is short-term. Finding mid- to long-term accommodation in Centro Storico can be tricky and expensive. If you can find a private room, it’ll cost €550–€950/month. Renting a studio will cost about €1,150–€1,500/month, and an apartment will cost about €1,750–€3,000/month.

Living as an international in Centro Storico is ideal, as there are plenty of internationals staying here. Again, with so many tourists, there’ll be more pickpockets, so be aware of your surroundings in Centro Storico. Otherwise, this neighborhood is safe to live in.

If you are moving to Rome with your family, Prati and Monteverde Vecchio offer the best green spaces, quieter streets, and proximity to schools.

Prati

• Neighbourhood vibe: Traditional, upper-class, luxurious
• Apartment rent prices: €1,900–€18,500/month
• Parks nearby: Lungotevere riverside (5 min walk), Villa Borghese (one Metro A stop or a 20-min walk)
• Schools nearby: St George's British International School City Centre, Rome International School, and access to international schools across Rome

Prati is located next to the Vatican and close to the heart of Rome. Its interesting location makes Prati a unique mix of tradition, religion, modernity, and tourism. Living here, you’ll meet a huge range of unique characters while living in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Rome.

The Metro Line A goes through Prati, which keeps you well-connected to the rest of Rome. There are also plenty of buses to get you around Prati itself and beyond. But Prati is very aesthetically pleasing, so walking is a great way to get around and take in the beauty of your new surroundings.

Finding a place to live in Prati is challenging. Prati has a few mid- to long-term rentals, as most accommodation is used for tourism. This also makes it super expensive to live in Prati. If you can find a room in Prati, it’ll cost around €550–€1,000 per month. A studio in Prati can cost €800–€1,800/month, and an apartment can cost €1,900-€18,500/month.

Prati is considered one of the fancier neighborhoods in Rome, and it’s pretty quiet. In Prati, life is peaceful; there’s plenty of greenery and wide streets full of restaurants and boutique shops to explore. Prati is incredibly safe to live in, too.

Monteverde Vecchio

• Neighbourhood vibe: Green, cosy, peaceful
• Apartment rent prices: €1,350–€1,800/month
• Parks nearby: Villa Doria Pamphilj, Rome's largest landscaped park, and Gianicolo Hill
• Schools nearby: Ambrit International School and Green Mountain International School

Known as the greenest neighbourhood of Rome, Monteverde Vecchio is the place to be if you're seeking a calm escape from the city lights. Villa Doria Pamphilj, Rome's largest landscaped public park, is right in this neighborhood, with extensive lawns, running paths, and manicured gardens. Aside from that, Gianicolo Hill is equally close for some tranquil time away from the bustle. So much greenery and outdoor space attracts many families to this part of Rome.

Monteverde Vecchio is home to some of Rome's top international primary and middle schools, including Ambrit International School and Green Mountain International School. The neighborhood is close to the American Academy in Rome and the American University of Rome.

Monteverde Vecchio is well-connected to central Rome via tram and bus lines. While there’s no metro line, you’ll get to one in no time using the other transport options if you need to. Quattro Venti train station can also be found in Monteverde Vecchio, so if you need to head out of the city, you’ll have a station nearby.

Monteverde Vecchio is one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Rome and has plenty of accommodation options to browse. You can rent a room here for about €500–€1,200/month, a studio €1,500–€1,750/month, and an apartment €1,350–€1,800/month.

You’ll find many locals living in Monteverde Vecchio, especially elderly Romans. This neighborhood is a peaceful escape from the buzz of Rome, with plenty of schools, making it a perfect location for families moving to Rome.

With so many options, narrowing it down comes down to a few key considerations. Start with your budget. The cost of living in Rome is €852 per month, excluding rent. The average rent in Rome is €650- €1,990, depending on the type of accommodation and neighborhood. Since rent would be the biggest chunk of your budget, think about whether you want to go lower on rent or compromise on your lifestyle.

For students on a tight budget, housing costs in Rome can be a challenge, but there are support options to explore. The Italian government funds a system called the Diritto allo Studio Universitario (DSU), which provides housing grants and subsidised accommodation to eligible students based on financial need and academic merit. Applications typically go through your university's administrative office (often called the segreteria studenti). Other than that, you can look for scholarships like Erasmus+ exchange or from your own university.

Not every part of Rome is equally welcoming. Esquilino, San Basilio, Corviale, Tor Bella Monaca, and some areas in the center are best avoided for safety. If you're thinking about one of these neighborhoods, check out our guide to the areas to avoid in Rome for their pros and cons. Some outer districts can also have higher rates of petty crime, poor transport links, or simply feel disconnected from the city's core facilities. Wherever you end up, staying aware of your surroundings is always a smart habit in any major city.

The safest neighborhood in Rome are Prati, Testaccio and Ostiense. Prati is probably the safest of the three. It's quiet, well-maintained, with law courts and government offices nearby. It doesn't have the edgy vibe of some other parts of Rome. Testaccio is a different kind of safe. It's a tight-knit, working-class neighborhood where people have lived for generations. Residents know each other, look out for one another, and keep the area safe. Ostiense is similar in that sense. It has a younger, more alternative crowd, but the residential streets are calm, and the neighborhood has one of the lowest incident rates in the city. All three are also far enough from the tourist trail so you're not expecting petty theft and pickpocketing like in Trastevere or Centro Storico after dark.

In any case, Rome is generally safe, and other neighborhoods are comfortable to live in as well. However, Rome is very popular, so be careful of fraudulent listings. Particularly, be cautious of online forums and Facebook groups where you can trace the sources, or when the listings are too good to be true. Scams are most common in the tourist-saturated historic center, where landlords pivot between short-term and long-term, and listings are sometimes nonexistent.

Make sure you search for homes for rent on verified listings and have a secure payment process in place. Especially if you are searching remotely, that kind of verified, transparent process is one of the most practical safety nets available.

Rome's rental market moves fast, especially for well-priced apartments near the center. Ideally, start your search 3–4 months early before your intended move-in date.

Here are the practical next steps to find housing in Rome:

1. Set your full budget: monthly rent plus utilities and a security deposit.
2. Narrow your neighbourhood: Shortlist areas based on your commute, budget, and lifestyle priorities.
3. Browse verified listings: search homes for rent in Rome on trusted platform like HousingAnywhere. Filter by room type, price, move-in date, and neighborhoods.
4. Contact landlords and arrange viewings: remote video viewings are common and accepted on HousingAnywhere, so you can review a property from abroad.
5. Review your contract carefully: check the lease length, utility arrangement, deposit terms, and any rules on subletting before you sign.
6. Complete the booking securely: pay your deposit and first month's rent through the platform, confirm your move-in date, and finally, get the keys.

If you've got more questions about expat life in Rome, check out the expat guide for all the answers.

Good luck!

What are the most affordable neighbourhoods in Rome?

San Lorenzo is Rome's most affordable neighborhood, with rooms from €400/month. Ostiense is closely followed by €470/month and has some of the lowest apartment prices too (from €1,395/month). EUR is a strong option for budget-conscious professionals, with rooms from €450/month and apartments from €1,100/month. Monteverde Vecchio and Testaccio are also affordable for rooms, with prices starting around €500/month.

Is Trastevere a good place to live?

Yes, for the right person. Trastevere is one of Rome's most characterful and social neighborhoods, with excellent bars and restaurants and a strong expat community. It's especially good for students and young adults who want to have a lively neighborhood. However, if you move with your family, you may find the nighttime noise less appealing.

How much does it cost to rent in Rome?

It depends on the neighborhood and property type. The average rent in Rome is €650 for a room, €1,350 for a studio, and €1,990 for an apartment. Rooms in affordable areas like San Lorenzo start from €400/month, while central neighborhoods like Centro Storico and Prati can push apartments to €3,000–€18,500/month.