Rome - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
We employ a housecleaner to come every two weeks. I know a lot of people with nannies and more full time help. What most people don't realise is you have to pay 13th month and a holiday bonus. At the end of your tour, people are shocked how much 'extra' they owe for the help. One family who stayed here four years and employed a full time housekeeper/babysitter ended up paying well over $10k in severance fees for the help upon departure. Embassy HR is really excellent about informing incoming personnel, but most ignore it. - Jun 2026
Most people had housekeepers, and the expected rate was 10 euro an hour. Italy takes their employment laws very seriously, so housekeepers are expected to have holiday/sick time/etc. - Sep 2025
We higher a housekeeper for one day a week every two weeks. The cost is very reasonable. What will drive you batty is the contract for the household help and per Italian law the fees and costs at the end of employment are astronomical. Expect close to 2000 Euros per year for end of contract fees, social security payments, and 13th month and holiday pay. If you employ a babysitter/nanny expect to pay close to 4000 euros per year of employment at the end of your tour. - Aug 2024
No comment, I don't use household help here, but it does exist. Italian labor laws seem to make things a little more complicated than other posts. - Sep 2022
Cleaning help is readily available at 8-10 Euro/hour. Many people get someone to come in weekly or once every two weeks for 4-5 hours. - Oct 2014
Readily available at fairly high costs (€8-€10 per hour if hired without a contract, €700-€1200 per month if hired with a contract, including taxes, fees and other official contributions). - May 2013
Domestic help is available, but expensive. - Apr 2012
We have someone come in twice/week for about 10 euro/hour. - Aug 2010
Runs about 8 - 10 Euros an hour, very easy to find. - Apr 2009
About 10 euro/hour. Not cheap. - Feb 2008
8-10 euros per hour for babysitters and domestic help. - Feb 2008