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Economy & Income Guide

Build a thriving economic engine for your Mediterranean town. Learn about taxes, trade between towns, tourism revenue, and how citizen tiers drive your income.

Income Sources

Nova Roma provides multiple income channels: taxes from your citizens, profits from trade routes between towns, tourism revenue from visiting travelers, and passive income from special buildings and events. The key to a strong economy is diversifying across all channels rather than relying on any single source.

Tax Revenue

Primary early-game income. Each citizen tier pays taxes. Bourgeoisie generate the most tax income. Tax income is affected by citizen happiness and housing quality.

Trade Routes

Passive income from trade between towns. Establish routes between specialized towns — connect your farming town to your main hub for ongoing trade income.

Tourism Revenue

Late-game income source. Tourism scales with Hotels, scenic routes, and attractions (Lighthouse, Art Atelier, Monumental Ruins). Dedicated tourist towns maximize returns.

Passive Income

Income from special buildings, events, and donations. The Cathedral and other public service buildings may contribute passive income.

Tax System

Every citizen in your town pays taxes based on their tier. The three tiers — Worker, Artisan, and Bourgeoisie — generate different tax amounts, with Bourgeoisie paying the most. Citizen happiness impacts tax efficiency, and higher-quality housing typically generates more tax revenue.

Worker

Basic tax tier. Workers generate foundational income while staffing farms and basic production.

Artisan

Mid-tier taxpayers. Artisans pay higher rates than Workers and unlock more advanced economic buildings.

Bourgeoisie

Highest tax bracket. Bourgeoisie generate the most income but demand luxury goods and high-end services.

Tax strategy: Monitor tax pressure via the town management view. Over-taxed citizens become unhappy — balance tax collection with citizen satisfaction to maintain sustainable growth.

Trade Between Towns

Once you expand beyond your first town, you can establish trade and travel routes between settlements. Specialize different towns — farming in Fontebrac, tourism in Rocemarée, production in Belvau — and connect them with trade routes for mutual benefit.

Belvau

Main hub. Administrative center, housing, and research. Import crops from Fontebrac, export processed goods.

Fontebrac

Agriculture hub. Focus on farming, granaries, and crop production. Export raw and processed food to other towns.

Rocemarée

Tourism destination. Hotels, scenic routes, Lighthouse, and attractions. High beauty scores drive visitor income.

Tourism Revenue

Tourism is a late-game income source that scales with your town's beauty and attractions. Develop scenic routes, place Hotels for visiting travelers, and build landmarks (Lighthouse, Art Atelier, Monumental Ruins, Obelisk) to draw visitors. Tourism also includes beach-themed decorations and specialized tourist infrastructure.

Tourism tip: Build a dedicated tourist town with high beauty scores, hotels, and attractions. Connect it to your main hub via trade routes. Tourism revenue grows alongside your town's overall appeal — invest in decorations and landmarks consistently.

End of Economy Guide