Italy Travel Costs: How Much Does a Trip to Italy Cost?
Italy is not cheap. It is, however, flexible — the gap between budget and luxury travel is large, and with some planning it’s possible to travel well without spending excessive amounts. The main costs are accommodation (which varies enormously by city and season) and tourist attractions (which have become significantly more expensive since 2022).
Daily budget estimates
Budget traveller (€60–90/day): Hostel dorms or cheap private rooms (€25–45), cooking some meals yourself or eating at markets, public transport, free sights (parks, piazzas, free entry churches).
Mid-range (€120–200/day): Mid-range hotels or B&Bs (€80–130), eating out for most meals at genuine local restaurants (lunch €12–18, dinner €25–40), paid attractions.
Comfortable (€200–350/day): Boutique hotels (€150–250), eating well twice a day, tours and premium attractions, taxis where convenient.
City-by-city comparison
| City | Budget hotel | Mid-range meal | Espresso |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milan | €80–120 | €20–35 | €1.20–1.60 |
| Venice | €100–180 | €25–45 | €1.40–2.00 |
| Florence | €85–130 | €20–35 | €1.20–1.50 |
| Rome | €70–120 | €18–30 | €1.10–1.50 |
| Naples | €45–80 | €12–22 | €0.90–1.20 |
| Bologna | €65–100 | €18–28 | €1.20–1.40 |
| Palermo | €40–70 | €12–20 | €1.00–1.20 |
Attraction costs
- Colosseum + Forum + Palatine: €18 (book online)
- Uffizi Gallery: €20–25 (book online)
- Vatican Museums + Sistine Chapel: €17–20 (book online)
- Last Supper (Milan): €15 + booking fee
- Pantheon: €5 (registration required)
- Most churches: free
City taxes are charged per person per night by almost all Italian cities: typically €2–7 depending on hotel category.
Food costs
The key to affordable eating in Italy: eat at the counter (banco) in cafes rather than at tables (price doubles at table), have the pranzo fisso (fixed lunch menu, €10–15 including wine) at trattorias, use markets for breakfast and snacks, and avoid restaurants immediately adjacent to the main tourist sites.
Getting around
High-speed trains (Trenitalia/Italo) between cities are fast and efficient but booking-sensitive: Rome–Florence can cost €15 if booked a week ahead or €55 last minute. Regional trains are slower but much cheaper. Flying within Italy (Ryanair, easyJet) is an option for long distances (Rome to Palermo: from €30).