Rome is a fun-filled city known for the Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica, and Trevi Fountain. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Rome and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife.
How much does it cost to travel to Rome?
You should plan to spend around $222 (€204) per day on your vacation in Rome. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $90 (€83) on meals
- $23 (€21) on local transportation
- $193 (€177) on hotels
A one week trip to Rome for two people costs, on average, $3,112 (€2,856). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Is Rome expensive to visit?
Rome is a prominent city that has made a name for itself internationally with tourists. This attracts a wide variety of travelers, all bringing their unique budgets and travel preferences. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Rome can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $85 (€78) per day, mid-range travelers spend $223 (€204) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $610 (€558) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Rome.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Rome is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Leipzig or Beaune.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Rome Expensive?
The Spanish Steps, Rome, Italy
How much money do I need for a trip to Rome?
The average Rome trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Rome travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Rome cost?
Rome on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$35
(€32)
|
$96
(€88)
|
$284
(€261)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$9
(€7.85)
|
$23
(€21)
|
$66
(€60)
|
|
Food 2
|
$36
(€33)
|
$90
(€83)
|
$224
(€206)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$14
(€13)
|
$39
(€36)
|
$119
(€109)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-12
(€4-11)
|
$10-30
(€9-27)
|
$22-66
(€20-60)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many assume they can get by cheaply in Rome, but most people don't enjoy traveling on a very tight budget. Think about how you like to travel, and whether you prefer resorts, hostels, or vacation rentals. Do activities like sightseeing and dining out matter to you? These factors will help shape your travel budget.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $85 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Thankfully, Rome is home to plenty of hostels, including YellowSquare Rome, Alessandro Palace & Bar, and Palladini Hostel Rome. In these hostels, you can find economical dorm accommodations and a fun social atmosphere, but amenities are typically limited. The city also includes a reliable public transportation system that helps budget travelers avoid overspending on taxis or rideshare services. While food is a highlight for every visitor in Rome, budget travelers often opt for street food or cook in their hostel, which can prevent them from enjoying the exquisite culinary offerings.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
For couples or families traveling for enjoyment, opting for a mid-range hotel, dining at popular restaurants, and exploring major museums and attractions with entry fees is likely. Most visitors to Rome will want to visit the Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica, or Trevi Fountain. Remember, many activities do come with costs. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $223 per person, per day.
The range of hotels and vacation rentals in Rome is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. Rarity Suites is a solid choice for families, while Vatica B&B Roma also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for Rome here.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you're looking for a complete getaway that features every luxury and a high level of service, plan on a cost of about $610 daily. To enjoy nicer hotels, dine at award-winning venues, indulge in extravagant experiences, and travel around the city with taxis or private drivers, you'll need to set aside a luxury budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Rome Hotel to Airport Private Transfer - offered by Viator.
The Vatican
Accommodation Budget in Rome
The hotel prices in Rome might surprise you. Some places charge much more for added luxury and amenities, especially during peak season. In the off-season, a room averages $99, but during peak summer season, expect to pay around $185. Prices vary from $61 to $338, but hostels are often cheaper. Booking in advance and traveling during the low season can help save you money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Rome for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $193 (€177). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $96 (€88) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Rome? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Rome include:
- Maison Tritone starting at $83
- Magnolia St Peter's Suites starting at $80
- The Fifteen Keys Hotel starting at $93
- Hotel Piranesi starting at $155
- Cardilli Luxury Rooms starting at $115
Rome is a large city that boasts a wide variety of places to stay. You can find everything from hostels like YellowSquare Rome to vacation rentals and high-end hotels. Staying closer to the city center generally means higher prices, but you'll be conveniently located near public transport and attractions.
Rome has an excellent public transit system lets you stay farther from the city, but remember that lower hotel costs could mean higher transportation expenses.
Rome is a great destination for families, and you'll want to find an apartment or larger accommodation when traveling with kids. Since it's a big city, rooms can be on the smaller side and may feel a bit cramped.
With many visitors staying up to a week in Rome, a vacation rental with a kitchen could be a great option for longer stays, allowing you to cook meals.
If you plan your trip for the shoulder or low season and avoid summer, you'll enjoy reduced accommodation costs and fewer tourists.
Walking is a popular way to explore Rome, so staying in a prime area is recommended. Just be prepared for potentially higher prices.
Transportation Budget in Rome
In Rome, a big city, transportation is key, and luckily, the public transit system is fantastic. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city. For a budget-friendly option, public transit is perfect, but taxis and rideshares are always there when you need them.
Walking enthusiasts will have a wonderful experience during their visit. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.
Public Transit: 
(excellent)
Walkability: (excellent)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $23 (€21) per person, per day, on local transportation in Rome. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Rome is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$23
€21
When planning to use public transit frequently, don't overlook the potential savings of multi-day transit passes.
Stay alert to pickpockets on buses, trains, and in stations. It's important to be cautious in a big city like Rome.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Transfer from Civitavecchia cruise port to Rome or FCO for $130 details
- Transfer from Rome Airports to Rome for $60 details
- Private VIP Airport Transfer from Rome City to Rome Airport for $107 details
How much does it cost to go to Rome? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Rome will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
The typical transit costs in Rome are outlined below, based on data from actual travelers. These figures provide an estimate of overall transportation expenses in the city. Remember, your personal costs will depend on how you choose to get around, as taxis and hired cars tend to be much pricier than using public transportation.
Food Budget in Rome
You definitely don't want to miss the incredible cuisine in Rome. Take some time to explore local dining options and enjoy their unique dishes. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Rome can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Rome is $90 (€83) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$90
€83
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Rome is around $90 (€83) per person, with previous travelers spending from $36 to $225. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Rome are as follows:
- Breakfast: $9 to $27
- Lunch: $14 to $36
- Dinner: $27 to $63
- Coffee: $7
- Fast Food or Street Food: $14
Food in Rome is excellent. Although it can be overpriced in the historic center, it is still hard to find a bad meal. For your best options though, head further out of the city center and eat where the locals eat. Ask for recommendations and find small restaurants and cafes that are hidden away in hard to reach areas. Another money saving option is to buy some ready made food and enjoy a picnic in a scenic location, of which there are many.
Do take note that the once common coperto and servizio charges are now illegal in Rome and the surrounding Lazio region. Specifically, the coperto charge is always illegal, while the servizio charge may be applied if it is clearly marked on the menu.
If you choose to eat at nicer restaurants for lunch instead of dinner, you can save some money. Many dining spots in tourist areas or business centers have lunch specials or a 'menu of the day.' These are usually just scaled-down and cheaper versions of their dinner offerings. You might even find a full multi-course gourmet meal at a great price if you know where to look. For dinner, just opt for something light.
If you're traveling with little ones, try to find restaurants that feature a children's menu. This can really cut costs since these meals are often cheaper. Remember, some places don't display kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask the waiter first.
Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.
Enjoying the scenery while saving money is easy with a picnic. Head to a local grocery store or market, pick up some fresh food, and find a charming park or picturesque location for your meal.
Take a water bottle along instead of purchasing drinks constantly. This is also an eco-conscious choice.
If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Rome, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Tivoli Day Trip: Villa D’Este & Cooking Class for $275 details
- Private Cooking Classes in Rome! For $158 details
- Budget-friendly Street Food Tour of Trastevere Quarter Smaller Group for $48 details
Typical prices for food in Rome are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the food prices in Rome. However, your individual costs will vary based on your travel style, selected restaurants, and the items that you order.
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)
€14
-
4 Ice Cream Sandwiches
€2.99
-
Cafe e doce
€4.00
-
Pizza (Fast Food)
€2.65
-
Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
€32
-
Cheese and bread
€10
-
Espresso
€2.00
-
Dinner
€58
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Rome
Tourists can't resist Rome, especially for its well-known museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and music.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Rome typically cost an average of $39 (€36) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$39
€36
Here are a few of the most popular sights with their prices:
- The Colosseum for €20
- St. Peter's Basilica (Free)
- Trevi Fountain (Free)
- The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel for €30
- The Spanish Steps (Free)
- MAXXI for €15
- Palatine Hill for €16
- Mercato di Campagna Amica (Free)
- The Roman Forum for €18
- Galleria Borghese for €13
- The Pantheon for €7
- Castel Sant'Angelo for €25
- Piazza Navona (Free)
It is impossible to list all of the major landmarks throughout Rome. You could easily spend days wandering through the city, taking in the sites and learning about the impressive history. If you happen to be in town during mid-May, you may overlap with the "Settimana dei Beni Culturali", when every landmark, archaeological site and museum that is run by the government is open, free of charge. Even if you're not in town during this time, most of the city's main attractions are always free. Museums may be the exception to the rule and it is possible to buy full day passes, or three day passes that include the Colosseum, Palatine hill, the Baths of Caracalla, and the catacombs among other things.
If you're looking for the best views of the city, head to the top of the Vittoriano. You can access it by climbing to the mid level terraces of the building and then paying 7 euros to reach the very top. It is worth the money for the breathtaking views though.
The Anniversary of the Founding of Rome is held in late April. Some museums have free admission and there are many historical parades and reenactments. Republic Day in June is the Italian National Holiday. There's a military parade that travels from via dei Fori Imperiali to piazza Venezia. Other public holidays are the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul and Labour Day in May.
Museums and Attractions:
Rome is famous for its world-class museums and historic sites. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.
Music:
The lively music scene in Rome is a big draw for many. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.
Shopping:
You'll find shopping here to be an experience worth having. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Rome. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Unique Private Rome by Night, Photo Tour and Workshop Under the Stars for $236 details
- Tivoli Italian Gardens Tour from Rome for $269 details
- Private Tour - Capitoline Museums for $129 details
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in Rome, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.
-
Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)
€69
-
Coliseum Tickets (for Two)
€33
-
Roma Pass
€30
-
Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)
€20
-
Segway Tour
€75
Nightlife Budget in Rome
Visitors flock to Rome for its exceptional nightlife, which is famous around the world. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $20 (€18) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Rome per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$20
€18
While nightlife can be a blast, skipping a few rounds can significantly lower your travel expenses.
Drinking at night can be fun, but make sure you're aware of your surroundings. You could attract pickpockets, so it's best to stick with people you trust and stay in a group.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Rome. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Local Wine Tasting for $59 details
- From Wine tasting at the oldest winery in Castelli Romani for $95 details
- Small-Group Exclusive Winery and Wine Tasting Tour in Frascati for $59 details
Below are some common prices for alcohol and nightlife in Rome, based on actual traveler experiences. While these numbers offer an idea of what you might spend, your costs will vary depending on how often you drink and the amount you order. If you're aiming to save money, cutting back on alcohol is a great way to lower your travel expenses.
-
Bottle of Wine
€6.50
-
Pint of Beer
€6.34
-
Beer
€10
Travel cost data last updated: Jun 18, 2024
Traveling in Rome
Rome
Rome is the capital and largest city in Italy. It is also a common entry point for most visitors flying into the country. Rome has been a center of power, culture, and religion for the last millenium, making it one of the most famous and popular destinations in not only Europe, but the world. The influence of the Roman Empire can be seen across continents.
Today, the historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spread throughout the city you will find palaces, churches, ruins, monuments, fountains and more. Despite this rich and ubiquitous historical vibe, the city is also very cosmopolitan. It's a beautiful place with a vibrant atmosphere, excellent nightlife, world class shopping, and delicious food. It is not hard to see why Rome has attracted visitors from around the globe for so long.
Rome is a popular travel destination throughout the year, but crowds are most intense during the summer months. Spring and fall can be cooler in temperature and slightly less crowded, making them an ideal time to visit. It used to be that the city shut down for two weeks in the month of August while residents took their own vacations, but this tradition has changed. Shops, restaurants, and attractions are generally open throughout the entire summer. In the less touristy, more residential areas you may still encounter some closed doors.
Prices may show some seasonal variation, but for the most part, you won’t see prices dip too dramatically during the low season. The one exception to this is plane tickets, which tend to be the highest during the summer months. Part of the problem is that there really is no low season in Rome. It's a popular tourist destination year round. The fall, when many people think crowds will drop off, is actually one of the most popular times to visit. Winter may be a bit less crowded, but the holidays again bring the crowds.
Rome attracts all types of travelers and as a large city, it has something for every budget. You'll likely spend at least a few days in Rome if you plan to enter or leave from here. For budget travelers, there is no shortage of hostels in Rome, many of which are concentrated around the main train station (Termini). There are also plenty of cheap eateries where you can grab a sandwich or slice of pizza without paying too much. Rome does have a small subway system that is good for traveling across town, but buses may be a better option if you don't want to walk between sights. Fortunately, many sights can be visited on foot, so you'll really have little need to public transportation if you're up for a walking tour.
Neighborhoods & Around
Rome can be divided into several different districts. The historical center is only about 4% of the entire city, but is where most tourists spend the majority of their time. The Modern Center is where there are many hotels, shopping, and restaurant options. This is also where the Quirinal, Trevi fountain, and piazza Berberini are. In Old Rome there are many squares and cathedrals, as well as the Pantheon, Campo de' Fiori, and the former Jewish Ghetto. The Vatican is its own, independent area. Just south of the Vatican is Trastevere, with narrow, cobblestoned streets. Colosseo, where the famous Colosseum is located also has the Imperial Fora and the Capitoline Hill. The Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese are found in the North Center. Other districts include Aventino-Testaccio, Esquilino-San Giovanni, and Nomentano.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
The history is overwhelming here! I think it's not just about the major attractions like the Colosseum or the Trevi fountain, but actually about the neighborhoods with beautiful old buildings on every street. Just take some time to explore.