Is Rome Expensive?

Average Daily Cost in Rome (Quick Snapshot)

Daily costs in Rome depend heavily on accommodation choices and dining habits. While attractions and transportation are relatively predictable, hotels and meals can swing your budget dramatically in either direction. Understanding these daily averages helps set realistic expectations before diving into detailed categories.

• Budget traveler: €70–€110 per day
• Mid-range traveler: €130–€200 per day
• Comfortable traveler: €220+ per day

Compared to cities like Paris or London, Rome often offers better value for food and sightseeing, though peak-season accommodation prices can narrow that gap.

Accommodation Costs in Rome

Accommodation is typically the largest expense for travelers in Rome. Prices fluctuate significantly based on location, season, and booking timing. Staying just outside the historic center can dramatically reduce nightly rates while still offering easy access to major sights.

Budget Accommodation

Budget accommodation in Rome is widely available, particularly near Termini Station and in neighborhoods with strong public transit connections. While rooms are often smaller and more basic, they are generally clean, safe, and well-located for sightseeing.

• Hostels (shared rooms): €25–€45 per night
• Private budget rooms: €60–€100 per night
• Best budget neighborhoods: Termini, San Lorenzo, parts of Trastevere

Choosing budget accommodation often means trading space and amenities for location and savings.

Mid-Range Hotels & Boutique Stays

Rome excels in the mid-range category, where travelers can find charming boutique hotels and comfortable 3–4 star properties at reasonable prices. These hotels often combine character, walkability, and reliable comfort.

• Mid-range hotels: €120–€180 per night
• What’s typically included: Air conditioning, private bathrooms, strong locations
• Best value neighborhoods: Monti, Prati, Trastevere

Booking early and avoiding peak summer months significantly improves value in this category.

Luxury Hotels in Rome

Luxury accommodation in Rome often comes with historic architecture, rooftop terraces, and prime locations near major landmarks. Prices rise quickly during peak travel periods, but the experience can be memorable for special occasions.

• Luxury hotels: €250–€600+ per night
• Best for: Honeymoons, anniversaries, once-in-a-lifetime trips
• Best value months: January–February and August

Luxury travelers benefit most from flexible travel dates and early reservations.

Food & Drink Costs in Rome

Rome’s food scene offers some of the best value in Europe, particularly for casual dining. While fine dining can be expensive, everyday meals are often affordable, filling, and high quality.

Eating on a Budget

Budget eating in Rome doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. Street food, bakeries, and casual counters provide quick, inexpensive meals throughout the day.

• Pizza al taglio: €3–€6
• Supplì: €1.50–€3
• Espresso at the bar: €1–€1.50
• Simple breakfast: €3–€5

Eating this way allows budget travelers to keep food costs under €20 per day.

Mid-Range Dining

Mid-range dining is where Rome truly shines. Traditional trattorias offer generous portions, house wine, and classic dishes at reasonable prices.

• Pasta dishes: €10–€15
• Main courses: €15–€22
• Average sit-down meal: €18–€30 per person

Lunch menus are often cheaper than dinner, making midday meals ideal for saving money.

Splurge Dining & Drinks

Rome’s upscale dining and nightlife scene can quickly raise daily costs, particularly in tourist-heavy areas and rooftop bars. These experiences are best treated as occasional indulgences rather than daily habits.

• Rooftop cocktails: €15–€25
• Fine dining meals: €70–€150+ per person
• Michelin-star restaurants: Reservations required

Aperitivo culture can provide a social evening experience without committing to a full dinner.

Attraction & Sightseeing Costs

One of Rome’s biggest advantages is how much there is to see without paying an entry fee. That said, its most famous attractions do come with ticket costs.

Major Attractions

Rome’s headline attractions are among the most visited in Europe, and ticket prices reflect that demand.

• Colosseum & Roman Forum: €18–€24
• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: €17–€25
• Pantheon: Small entry fee

Skip-the-line tickets cost more but save time during busy seasons.

Free Things to Do in Rome

Many of Rome’s most memorable experiences cost nothing at all. Wandering historic neighborhoods often feels like walking through an open-air museum.

• St. Peter’s Basilica
• Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona
• Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto
• Gianicolo Hill viewpoints

Free activities can easily fill multiple days.

Passes & Tours

Passes and guided tours can add convenience, but they aren’t always cheaper. Their value depends on how aggressively you plan to sightsee.

• Roma Pass: Worthwhile only with multiple paid attractions
• Guided tours: €30–€80
• Self-guided tours: Free or app-based

Light sightseeing travelers often save more by paying individually.

Transportation Costs in Rome

Rome is a surprisingly walkable city, especially within the historic center. Many travelers find transportation costs lower than expected.

Getting Around the City

Public transit is affordable, but many visitors rely primarily on walking due to Rome’s compact core.

• Single ticket: ~€1.50
• Daily pass: ~€7
• Weekly pass: Good value for longer stays

Walking also allows you to discover quieter streets and hidden landmarks.

Airport Transfers

Getting from the airport to central Rome is straightforward, with options at multiple price points.

• Leonardo Express train: ~€14
• Taxi (flat rate): ~€50
• Budget option: Regional trains + metro

Solo travelers often find trains the best balance of cost and speed.

Extra Costs to Budget For

Small expenses can quietly add up in Rome if you don’t plan for them in advance. Accounting for these costs avoids surprises.

• City tourist tax: €3–€7 per night
• Tipping: Not required, but rounding up is common
• Souvenirs & shopping: Variable
• Bottled water: €1–€2 (or refill for free at fountains)

Rome’s public water fountains make staying hydrated inexpensive.

How to Save Money in Rome (Without Missing Out)

Saving money in Rome is less about cutting experiences and more about timing and choices. Smart planning makes a noticeable difference.

• Travel during shoulder seasons
• Stay just outside the historic center
• Eat where locals eat
• Book attractions early
• Walk whenever possible
• Use flight and hotel price tracking tools

Rome rewards informed travelers.

Sample Rome Budgets (Realistic Scenarios)

Seeing sample budgets helps translate abstract prices into real-world expectations.

Budget Traveler

• Accommodation: €35
• Food: €20
• Attractions: €10
• Transport: €5

Total: ~€70 per day

Mid-Range Traveler

• Accommodation: €140
• Food: €40
• Attractions: €25
• Transport: €5

Total: ~€210 per day (for two people sharing)

Comfortable Traveler

• Accommodation: €300
• Food: €80
• Attractions & tours: €50
• Drinks & extras: €40

Total: €470+ per day (for two people)

Rome can feel expensive when visited without a plan, but when viewed through the lens of value, history, and experience, it delivers more than most European capitals. Few cities allow you to explore world-class landmarks, eat exceptional food, and walk through thousands of years of history at such a wide range of price points.

Whether you travel on a budget or indulge in luxury, Rome offers experiences that justify its cost — making it one of Europe’s most rewarding destinations.