Two of Europe’s most well-known cities, Rome and London, have their own distinct history, culture, and allure.
They both draw millions of tourists each year and have a lot to offer both locals and visitors.
These two cities will be compared and contrasted in this article based on five major factors: size, cost of living, climate, transportation, and employment.
Contents
Size: Which City Is Bigger?
London is bigger than Rome in terms of both population and size.
- Population:
London is expected to have a population greater than 8 million as of 2021, while Rome has a population of about 2.8 million. This means London has a population that is more than three times that of Rome.
- Size:
In terms of total land area, London is also larger than Rome. Greater London has a total area of roughly 1,572 square kilometers, while Rome has a total area of about 1,285 square kilometers.
This indicates that London is almost 22% larger than Rome.
Rome, which has a more condensed and contiguous city center, is considerably more contiguous and sprawling than London.
Rome has a smaller urban area and is bordered by primarily rural countryside, whereas London has a much larger metropolitan area and is home to several sizable suburbs and nearby towns.
Both towns provide a variety of well-known sites and tourist attractions that draw people from all over the world.
While Rome is recognized for its historic ruins like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon, London is famous for its historical landmarks like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and Big Ben.
Cost Of Living: Which City Is More Affordable?
Living expenses in London and Rome can differ dramatically based on a number of variables, including lodging, dining, transit, entertainment, and more.
But generally speaking, Rome is less expensive than London.
- Housing:
Rents in London are among the highest in the world, and lodging is typically pricey.
Depending on the region, the typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in London ranges from $1,500 to $2,700 or more.
On the other hand, in Rome, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically costs between €800 and €1,200 ($950 and $1,450) per month.
- Food and Drinks:
Rome is cheaper than London in terms of food and drink. Rome offers top-notch Italian food at affordable pricing.
For instance, a supper at a mid range restaurant for two people in Rome costs about €50 ($60), whereas in London, you might pay between £60 and £80 ($80 and $110, respectively).
In addition, supermarket prices in Rome are often lower than in London. For instance, a liter of milk costs approximately €1 ($1.20) in Rome, whereas it costs approximately £0.90-£1.20 ($1.20-$1.60) in London.
- Transportation:
Both cities provide a robust public transit infrastructure for travel. However, Rome’s transit options are less expensive than those in London.
One-way public transit tickets in Rome cost €1.50 ($1.80), while they range from £2.90 to £5 ($4 to $7) in London, depending on the mode of transportation.
- Entertainment:
Both cities offer a wide range of entertainment options, but in general, Rome’s entertainment scene is more affordable than London’s.
For instance, a movie ticket in Rome costs around €8 ($9.50), while in London, it costs around £12-£15 ($16-$20). Also, museums and historical sites are generally less expensive in Rome than in London.
Overall, Rome tends to be more affordable than London in terms of accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment.
However, it’s worth noting that both cities are cosmopolitan hubs, with a wide range of living costs depending on the specific neighborhood and lifestyle preferences.
Weather: Which City Has A Better Climate?
When it comes to comparing the climate of London and Rome, it is important to note that both cities experience four distinct seasons, with variations in temperature, precipitation, and sunshine throughout the year.
But there are some notable differences in the climate of the two cities.
The UK’s metropolis, London, enjoys a moderate marine climate. This indicates that the city has relatively constant precipitation throughout the year, with moderate winters and temperate summers.
In London, summer temperatures typically range from 18 to 20 degrees Celsius (64 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit), whereas winter temperatures often range from 2 to 6 degrees Celsius (35 to 43 degrees Fahrenheit).
The wettest months in London are October and November, with an average annual rainfall of 23 inches.
In contrast, Rome, the capital of Italy, has a Mediterranean climate. This means that the city experiences hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.
The average temperature in Rome during the summer months is around 28-32°C (82-90°F), while the average temperature in winter is around 7-12°C (45-54°F).
Rome receives an average of 30 inches of rainfall per year, with the wettest months being October and November.
With an average of 2,749 hours of sunshine per year compared to London’s 1,481 hours, Rome receives more sunshine than that city all year long.
Rome’s location further south and closer to the equator, which permits more daylight hours, is the reason for this.
Transportation: Which City Is More Accessible?
Both London and Rome are well connected and provide their citizens and visitors with a variety of transit alternatives when it comes to accessibility.
However, there are some distinctions between the two cities’ transportation infrastructures and accessibility in general.
A substantial public transit system, including the renowned London Underground (commonly known as the Tube), buses, trains, and taxis, is available throughout the large metropolis of London.
With 11 lines and 270 stations, the London Underground is the world’s first underground train system.
Trains run frequently during rush hours, making it a convenient and economical option to get around the city.
With more than 8,000 buses operating on more than 700 routes around the city, London’s buses are also a well-liked and practical mode of transportation.
In addition to public transportation, London has a well-developed network of bike lanes and bike-sharing schemes, making cycling a viable option for getting around.
London also has a number of airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton, making it easy to travel to other parts of the UK or Europe.
Rome, on the other hand, has a more condensed downtown area with a transportation network that is dominated by buses, trams, and the Metro.
Rome’s Metro system only includes three lines and 73 stations, which is a major reduction from London’s Underground system.
Rome, however, has a vast bus network that connects the city’s neighborhoods and suburbs via more than 350 bus routes.
Both London and Rome have made attempts to increase accessibility on their public transportation systems for people with impairments.
With step-free access at more than 70% of its stations, London’s Underground network is generally more accessible than Rome’s Metro system.
Rome has also worked to make its buses more accessible, including low-floor buses and special seating for those with impairments.
Jobs: Which City Has Better Job Opportunities?
Both Rome and London are well-known European destinations that draw tourists from all over the world. However, London might be a better option than Rome in terms of employment prospects.
With a varied economy that encompasses banking, finance, technology, media, and tourism, London is a major center for international money.
The city has a large number of global firms and provides a variety of career opportunities in many industries.
Given its highly qualified workforce and hospitable business environment, London is actually among the best cities in the world for business and finance.
It also has a vibrant startup scene, with lots of IT companies and business owners settling there.
Rome’s economy, on the other hand, is heavily reliant on tourism and the service industry.
Even though there are undoubtedly career prospects in the hospitality and tourist sectors, there may not be as many in other businesses.
The Italian economy has also been having trouble recently due to high unemployment rates and a lack of investment in several sectors.
Rome does, however, present some distinctive chances, particularly in the disciplines of art, history, and archaeology.
There may be employment opportunities for people with specific knowledge and abilities in these fields because the city is home to numerous museums, galleries, and cultural organizations.
In terms of compensation, London often offers better wages than Rome, especially in lucrative fields like finance and technology.
When evaluating career options, it’s crucial to take into account living expenses because London has a higher cost of living as well.