A+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
16%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Rome Georgia National
Cost of living9596100
Groceries9799100
Health care10299100
Housing8488100
Transportation9799100
Utilities100102100
Lifestyle & Entertainment102100100
Household Items97100100
Education & Childcare10299100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Rome, GA

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Rome is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Rome is 95, which is 5% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

In Rome, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Rome will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Rome?

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 9 residents in Rome to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 33% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 67% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Rome Affordable?

Is Rome affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Rome, the median home price is 13.9% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 20.6% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Rome boasting a median household income of $58,534, 28% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Rome?

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Rome, the housing index comes in at 16% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Rome shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Rome is 1% lower than the Georgia average
  • The cost of living in Rome is 5% lower than the national average
  • Rome housing is 16% lower than the national average
  • Georgia general sales tax is 22% lower than the national average
  • Georgia state income tax is 61% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Rome

See all the best places to live around Rome

Compare Rome, GA Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Rome?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Rome?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Rome poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$105,062$8,755$2,451$3,152
      Renters$41,082$3,424$959$1,233
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Rome is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Rome has a median income of about $105,062 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,451 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $41,082. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $959 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      Georgia Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Georgia 4% 8%

      Georgia Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Georgia 1% 5.57%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Summerville, GA4,3708118.9%
      Lyerly, GA5058218.1%
      Kingston, GA6578415.9%
      Cave Spring, GA1,2258812.2%
      Lindale, GA5,4698812.2%
      Rome, GA37,605955.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      New Albany, IN37,605919.4%
      Roseville, MN37,57711211.7%
      Dunedin, FL37,5531088.4%
      Holly Springs, NC37,53812423.8%
      Lewiston, ME37,532972.9%
      Rome, GA37,605955.4%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.