Millions of tourists visit London and Rome each year, two of Europe’s most popular cities.
Both cities have their own distinct appeal, but they also differ in a number of ways, including size, cost of living, weather, transportation, and job opportunities.
We will compare these cities in this article to assist you in selecting the best one for you.
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Size: Which City Is Bigger?
London is a larger city than Rome in terms of both population and land area.
- Population:
London is one of the biggest cities in Europe, with a projected population of over 8 million as of 2021.
Rome, in contrast, has a population of about 2.8 million, which is far less than London.
- Land Area:
London has a larger land area than Rome does. Rome has a total area of about 1,285 square kilometers, compared to London’s estimated 1580 square kilometers.
In terms of land area, this indicates that London is almost 22% larger than Rome.
London’s larger size can be attributed to its role as a major economic and cultural center, as well as its historical importance as the capital of the United Kingdom.
Rome, on the other hand, has a rich history dating back to ancient times and is known for its stunning architecture, art, and monuments.
Both London and Rome are important global cities, attracting millions of tourists each year and offering unique cultural experiences.
However, when it comes to size, London is clearly the larger of the two cities.
Cost Of Living: Which City Is More Affordable?
When it comes to the cost of living, both London and Rome are known to be relatively expensive cities, especially for tourists and expats.
However, in terms of affordability, there are some differences between the two cities that are worth exploring.
- Housing:
Particularly when it comes to property, London is renowned for having a high cost of living.
In the city center, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is roughly £1,800 ($2,470 USD), although in the suburbs, it can be as low as £1,200 ($1,650 USD).
On the other hand, Rome’s rental market is a little more inexpensive, with a one-bedroom apartment’s average monthly rent in the city center hovering at €1,100 ($1,290 USD) and as low as €800 ($940 USD) in the outskirts.
- Transportation:
It is well known that Rome’s public transit is less expensive than London’s.
Rome’s metro system costs €1.50 ($1.76 USD), while a single tube ride in London can cost as much as £2.90 ($3.98 USD).
London’s public transit system is significantly more comprehensive and offers greater links to various sections of the city, which may help some people justify the increased expense.
- Food and Drink:
In general, Rome is less expensive than London for food and drink. Lunch in a budget restaurant can cost about €15 ($18 USD) in Rome and about £12 ($16.50 USD) in London.
Rome’s grocery prices are also less expensive than London’s, with some items being as much as 30% less expensive.
However, London has a bigger selection of supermarkets and specialist shops if you like to prepare meals at home and are searching for more variety.
- Entertainment:
Both cities offer a plethora of entertainment options, but London tends to be more expensive.
A movie ticket in London can cost around £13 ($17.90 USD), while in Rome, it’s around €8 ($9.40 USD).
Similarly, entry fees for popular attractions like museums and galleries are also higher in London compared to Rome.
Weather: Which City Has A Better Climate?
Due to their respective geographic locations, London and Rome have different climates. Rome is located in central-western Italy, while London is in the southeast of England.
London has a marine climate, which implies that it experiences regular rainfall and mild annual temperatures.
The average low and high temperatures in London are 2°C (36°F) in January and 22°C (72°F), respectively.
However, London can occasionally endure extremely harsh weather, such as summer heatwaves and winter snowfall.
On the other hand, Rome has a Mediterranean climate, which means it has hot and dry summers and cool and wet winters.
The temperature in Rome ranges from an average low of 4°C (39°F) in January to an average high of 32°C (90°F) in July.
Unlike London, Rome has a much drier climate with most of its rainfall occurring in the winter months.
Given their stark differences, it might be challenging to compare the climates of London and Rome.
London might be a better option for you if you prefer a mild, humid environment. Rome would be a better choice, though, if you prefer a hotter, drier climate with lots of sunshine.
It actually depends on your interests and how comfortable you are in different climates.
Transportation: Which City Is More Accessible?
Both London and Rome are major cities and popular tourist destinations with well-developed transportation systems, but there are some differences in terms of accessibility.
The London Underground, often known as the Tube, as well as other trains, buses, and trams, are some of the city’s well-known and effective public transit options.
Due to its extensive coverage and regular service, the Tube is a favorite with both residents and visitors.
As well as several overground trains and trams that serve London’s suburbs, there are numerous bus routes that travel the entire city.
Santander Cycles, a bike-sharing program in the city, offers a different means of transportation for short distances.
In terms of accessibility for people with disabilities, London is considered one of the most accessible cities in the world.
Almost all Tube stations have step-free access, and buses and trains have designated spaces for wheelchair users.
Additionally, there are tactile paving and audio announcements in most stations to assist visually impaired travelers.
The city also has a dedicated service, TfL Dial-a-Ride, which provides door-to-door transport for people with disabilities.
Rome, however, has a more limited public transportation infrastructure than London, though it still serves the majority of the city.
There are buses, trams, and two metro lines in the city. Despite its limitations, the subway system is still helpful for getting to some of the most popular tourist attractions.
In Rome, there are numerous routes that cover the entire city, making buses a common form of transportation.
Additionally, there is a bike-sharing program called Roma Bike that charges a nominal price for tourists and locals to hire bicycles.
However, Rome is not as accessible for people with disabilities as London. Many of the city’s historic sites, including the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, have limited accessibility.
Similarly, the subway system has limited accessibility, with only a few stations offering step-free access.
Buses have designated spaces for wheelchair users, but getting on and off can be challenging due to the height of the bus.
Jobs: Which City Has Better Job Opportunities?
London and Rome are two of the most popular cities in Europe, attracting millions of visitors every year.
When it comes to job opportunities, both cities have their strengths and weaknesses.
- London:
The labor market in London, the capital of the United Kingdom, is diversified and active.
Given its prominence as a global financial hub, it presents a wide range of opportunities in the financial, banking, and insurance sectors.
With an increasing number of tech startups and well-established businesses working in the city, London also has a booming technology sector.
London has a strong creative sector with many opportunities in media, marketing, advertising, and design.
The diversity of its industry, which offers a wide choice of career prospects, is another benefit of London.
For instance, London has a substantial healthcare industry, as the city is home to numerous hospitals, clinics, and research organizations.
London has a robust education market, with several institutions and colleges providing career options.
The negative of London is that it can have a fiercely competitive job market and expensive living expenses.
Particularly in some industries, the rivalry for work can be intense, and paying for rent and other living expenses can be expensive.
- Rome:
Rome is the capital city of Italy and has a long and rich history. It is a popular tourist destination, but it also has a lot to offer in terms of job opportunities.
Rome has a strong tourism industry, with many hotels, restaurants, and other businesses catering to tourists.
There are also opportunities in the fashion and luxury goods industry, as well as in the arts and culture sector.
Rome also has a growing startup scene, with many entrepreneurs launching new businesses in the city.
The government and public administration sector is also a significant employer in Rome, with many international organizations, embassies, and NGOs based in the city.
Rome’s cheaper cost of living than London is one of its benefits. Housing and other living costs are typically less expensive, which can be a big consideration when looking at career options.
The work market in Rome can be difficult, especially for people who don’t speak Italian.
Fluency in Italian is sometimes a requirement for many positions, and employment possibilities in some industries may be scarce.