Italy vs Vatican City
Italy costs roughly 6% less than Vatican City, though Vatican City scores higher on safety. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Italy is approximately 6% less expensive than Vatican City based on cost of living including rent. This makes Italy a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Italy has a FIRE Score of 55/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 53.1, suggesting moderate safety levels.
Recommended profile: Italy is best suited for digital nomads who prioritize experience over savings.
About Italy
Retirees with steady income fare better here than remote workers chasing savings. Rent outside the center runs $660.88/mo, cheap by European standards, but income tax climbing to 43% erodes any freelance upside fast. The Elective Residence Visa requires $2,895/mo in passive income, and citizenship stays complex even after years of residency.
$1,138/mo
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About Vatican City
Vatican City is best for ultra-wealthy retirees seeking extreme safety, with a Safety Index of 88.4. Its cost of living is moderate, with a Cost of Living Plus Rent Index of 85, but rent for a 1BR in the city center averages $2,000/month. The key trade-off is no digital nomad or retirement visa and no pathway to citizenship or residency, making residency nearly impossible.
$-100/mo
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Living Costs (excl. rent)
Rent Per Month
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Country Details →Battle of Lifestyles
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| Metric | Italy | Vatican City |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 2: Increased Caution | Level 2: Increased Caution |
| Quality of Life Index | 151 | 185.7 +34.7 |
| Healthcare Index | 65.1 | 72.1 +7.0 |
| Safety Index | 53.1 | 88.4 +35.3 |
| Cost of Living Index | 51 +3.0 | 54 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $1,017.2 +82.8 | $1,100 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $3,632.9 | $3,200 +432.9 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $845.17 +1,154.83 | $2,000 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $660.88 +839.12 | $1,500 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $1,474.53 +2,325.47 | $3,800 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $1,091.27 +1,908.73 | $3,000 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 285.05 Mbps +135.1 | 150 Mbps |
Expat taxes filed by specialists
Greenback Expat Tax handles US taxes for Americans living in Vatican City. File confidently from abroad.
File your taxes →International health insurance from $45/mo
Get covered before you move to Vatican City. Genki Traveler offers insurance designed for nomads and expats.
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