Priced Out of Rome

According to real estate agents at Tecnocasa, a real estate agency, sale prices in Zagarolo vary from 2,100 euros ($2,870) per square meter, or $267 per square foot in the historic center to 1,700 euros ($2,325) per square meter, or $216 per square foot outside of town. But even relatively wealthy people have thought twice about buying in the city in recent years as prices for luxury properties in the historic center now average 9,000 euros ($12,300) per square meter, or $1,143 per square foot, while a luxury home near the Spanish Steps can cost as much as 18,000 euros ($24,625) per square meter, or $2,289 per square foot.