Side-by-side city decision # Rome vs Ghent. A direct comparison of monthly costs, connectivity, safety, quality of life and remote-work fit. Share comparison Copy link RomeItaly0/6 VS GhentBelgium4/6 $2,488Rome monthly budget $1,915Ghent monthly budget 91 MbpsRome internet 180 MbpsGhent internet Decision summary Ghent Ghent leads on more of the six headline signals. Cost Best budget Ghent Speed Fastest internet Ghent Vibe Best nomad vibe Tie Safety Highest safety Ghent Air Cleanest air Ghent Walk Most walkable Tie Quick read ## Two cities at a glance The headline numbers before you examine the full comparison. [Rome](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/italy/rome.md) Italy 0/6 Budget$2,488 Internet91 Mbps Vibe8/10 [Ghent](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/belgium/ghent.md) Belgium 4/6 Budget$1,915 Internet180 Mbps Vibe8/10 Full comparison ## Compare what matters Green marks the stronger numeric result. Text-only categories are presented without a winner. Differences only ### Monthly budget and costs 7 signals MetricRomeGhent Total estimated budget $2,488 $1,915 1-bed center rent $1,650 $1,160 Coworking desk $280 $260 Local meal $16.5 $19.5 Cappuccino $1.8 $3.9 Gym membership $65 $48 Transport budget $38 $55 ### Work and infrastructure 2 signals MetricRomeGhent Internet speed 91 Mbps 180 Mbps Nomad vibe 8/10 8/10 ### Quality of life 5 signals MetricRomeGhent Safety index 63/100 72/100 Air quality 62/100 78/100 Walkability 9/10 9/10 Female safety 7/10 8/10 LGBTQ+ friendly 7/10 9/10 ### Culture and climate 4 signals MetricRomeGhent Healthcare quality Excellent Excellent English proficiency Average Excellent Climate type Mediterranean Temperate oceanic Best time to visit Apr - Jun May - Sep Beyond the numbers ## What each city asks you to trade Costs and scores help narrow the choice. These practical strengths and limitations finish the picture. [Rome](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/italy/rome.md) Italy → ### Strengths * Extraordinary history, art, and architecture * Highly walkable central neighborhoods * Strong café culture and excellent food * Reliable fiber internet is widely available * Good rail connections across Italy and Europe * Public healthcare and major hospitals are high quality ### Trade-offs * Central rents are expensive and competitive * Bureaucracy can be slow and paper-heavy * Summer heat and tourist crowds are intense * Petty theft is common around tourist hubs * English is less common outside international areas * Traffic, scooters, and transit disruptions can be frustrating ### Common visa routes * Italy Digital Nomad Visa * Schengen short-stay visa-free or tourist stay * Italian elective residence visa [Ghent](https://jobicy.com/cost-of-living/belgium/ghent.md) Belgium → ### Strengths * Exceptionally walkable and bicycle-friendly historic center * Fast, reliable fiber internet and strong mobile coverage * High English proficiency among students and young professionals * Excellent rail links to Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, and Europe * Inclusive, progressive atmosphere with a lively cultural calendar * Safe tap water and high-quality public healthcare ### Trade-offs * Housing is expensive and well-priced furnished flats move quickly * Rain, wind, and gray winter days can feel persistent * Belgian taxes and administrative procedures are complex * Restaurants, alcohol, and everyday services cost more than in southern Europe * There is no dedicated Belgian digital nomad visa * Cycling requires confidence around tram tracks and heavy bike traffic ### Common visa routes * Schengen short-stay visa * Belgian self-employed professional card route * EU Blue Card or local employment permit Reading the result ## Use this as a planning benchmark The headline score compares six directional signals. It does not weight personal priorities, visa eligibility, household size or individual lifestyle choices. Costs are monthly estimates, not guaranteed prices. Higher is better for quality scores and connectivity. Lower is better for budgets and individual expenses.