Rome Travel Cost Explained: Is Rome Expensive To Visit?

Is Rome expensive? Rome can be as budget-friendly or as lavish as you want. As tourists, your costs depend on where you choose to eat, stay, and explore. You can explore iconic landmarks, eat incredible pasta in local neighborhoods, and get around the city without spending a small fortune, or you can easily pay premium prices.

In this guide, I’m breaking down the real costs of travel in Rome, so you know what to expect before you go.

From hotels and food to transportation, activities, and everyday expenses, you’ll get a clear picture of how much things actually cost in Rome and where your money will likely go.

If you’re trying to figure out where Rome fits in your budget, start here.

Is Rome Expensive?

The short answer: Rome can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be.

Compared to other popular cities like Paris, Reykjavik, and London, Rome falls somewhere in the middle.

It’s certainly not the cheapest European city to visit, but it’s also not the most expensive either.

You can visit Rome on a budget, travel comfortably, or splurge on a luxury experience – it all depends on your travel style.

Average Rome Travel Costs (Per Day)

• Budget traveler: 90 € – 140 € or $105 – $165 USD per day
• Mid-range traveler: 180 € – 300 € or $210 – $355 USD per day
• Luxury traveler: 400 € – 500 € or $470 – $590 USD per day

Suggested Daily Rome Budget (Mid-Range Traveler)

For mid-range travelers, a daily budget of 180 € – 300 € or $210 – $355 USD per day assumes you’re staying in a comfortable Airbnb, eating out for most meals, and using public transportation. Note airfare is not included.

If you’re on a tighter budget, just scale back and adjust.

This breakdown includes:

Transportation: 8 € – 12 € (two round-trip Metro rides)

Lodging (Airbnb): 120 € – 220 € per room per night

Attractions: 20 € – 35 € (one attraction + free sightseeing)

Food: 80 € – 100 €

• Breakfast: 10 €
• Lunch: 20 €
• Dinner: 40 €

Dessert, beer, or wine: 15 €

How Much Do Things Cost in Rome

Transportation from Fiumicino Airport to Termini Station

One-way Leonardo Express non-stop: 14 €

Local Train: 8 €

Transportation within Rome

One-way Metro ride only (BIT): 1,50 €

24-hour ticket (CIS): 7 €

48-hour ticket: 12,50 €

72-hour ticket: 18 €

Most tourists use single tickets or walk.

Metered Parking

0,20 € for 15 minutes

1 € for 1 hour

4 € for 8 hours

70 € for one month

Rome Accommodation

Hostel (Frugal Travel)

Night at hostel in shared room: 50 € – 90 €

Rome City Tax: 3,50 € per night for ten consecutive nights

Hostel Food

Breakfast buffet at Generator Hostel Rome: 5 €

• Some hostels offer simple breakfasts that include cereal, bread, slices of meat, coffee, milk, juices, and tea.

Veggie Burger at Generator Hostel Rome: 10 €

Beer at Generator Hostel Rome (Happy Hour Special): 4 €

Baggage Storage: 3 €

Airbnb (Mid-Range Travel)

The average Airbnb in Rome costs 140 € – 220 € or $165 – $260 USD per night.

Food From Supermarket

5-pack of bananas: 0.90 €

4-pack of Activia yogurt: 1,80 €

6-pack of organic eggs: 1,75 €

10-pack of organic eggs: 2,50 €

Bar of Lindt Chocolate: 1,70 €

Container of tomatoes: 1,93 €

Bag of lettuce and other greens: 1,38 € – 1,68 €

Beverages From Supermarket

Orange juice: 1,59 €

1.5L Coca-Cola bottle: 1,55 €

3-pack of Guinness Original: 3,16 €

Pinot Grigio: 6,24 €

• In Rome supermarkets, a bottle of wine costs as low as 2,50 €

Dining in Rome

Cappuccino: 1,20 € – 3,50 €

Croissant: 1 €

Mushroom Calzone: 5,50 €

Gelato: 3 -6 €

Small gelato from Gelato di San Crispino: 2,70 €

Pasta dish (non-meat): 15 € – 30 €

Pre-fixe lunch special: 12 €

House wine: 6 € – 10 €

Rome Attractions

Spanish Steps: Free

Trevi Fountain: Free

Pantheon: Free

La Terrazza del Gianicolo: Free

Villa Borghese: Free

Running in Rome: Free

Touramisu Rome Centro Storico Self-Guided Food Tour: $24.95 USD

Hop On, Hop-Off Rome Bus Tour: 27 €

Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill: 18 € – 24 € standard entry (depending on access type)

➡️ Ready to explore the highlights of Rome without spending a euro? Discover my recommendations for the best free things to do in Rome and start planning an unforgettable vacation!

Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with some important Rome travel costs, plug these figures into your budget. Next, create the perfect Rome itinerary knowing that at least you have your finances covered. Ciao!

These Rome travel costs were accurate when published.

Danielle Desir Corbett

Danielle Desir Corbett is an award-winning and 6x grant-funded travel writer and podcast host who went from financial struggle to visiting 27+ countries all without waiting until retirement. Her story is proof that budget doesn’t limit adventure. Tune into The Thought Card Podcast for practical strategies to travel smarter and live on your terms. Say hello: thethoughtcard (at) gmail (dot) com.

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