One of the first questions travelers ask when planning a trip to Italy is simple but important: how much does it cost to go to Rome? The honest answer is that Rome can fit many budgets, but costs depend on how you travel, where you stay, and how you spend your days. Rome is not a cheap city, but it is also not only for luxury travelers. With smart planning, it can be very affordable while still offering an incredible experience. This guide breaks down real costs in a clear and realistic way so you can build a budget that works for you without stress or surprises.
To make this guide practical, prices are grouped by category and explained in plain language. You will see what to expect for transportation, accommodation, food, attractions, and daily expenses. Instead of one vague number, you will find ranges that reflect how people actually travel. Early in your planning, it helps to map out how many days you have and how active you want to be. If you are still shaping your itinerary, this Rome in Three Days itinerary is a great starting point to understand pacing and realistic daily plans.
Rome rewards travelers who plan just enough but stay flexible. Many of the city’s highlights are free, like walking through historic neighborhoods, seeing famous piazzas, or visiting churches. At the same time, some major sights require tickets, and transportation and food costs add up quickly if you do not plan ahead. By the end of this article, you will have a clear picture of what Rome really costs and how to control your budget without missing out.
Flights and Getting to Rome
Flights are often the biggest variable when calculating how much it costs to go to Rome. Prices depend on where you are flying from, the season, and how far in advance you book. Because flight prices change constantly, it is better to think of them as a separate line item rather than part of your daily Rome budget. Travelers from Europe usually spend much less on flights than those coming from North America or Australia. Booking early and being flexible with dates can make a large difference.
Once you land at Rome’s main airport, Fiumicino, you still need to reach the city center. This is a cost many travelers forget to include. The two most common options are the Leonardo Express train and official city taxis. The Leonardo Express is a direct train to Roma Termini and is the most budget-friendly option for most travelers. Tickets can be purchased on the official Trenitalia website at https://www.trenitalia.com. Taxis operate with a fixed fare from the airport to the historic center, which can be convenient if you are traveling with luggage or in a group.
Here is a simple comparison to help you plan:
| Option | One-way cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Leonardo Express train | €14 per person | Solo travelers, couples, budget planning |
| Official taxi | €55 per car | Families, late arrivals, heavy luggage |
Choosing the right airport transfer can save or cost you over €80 round trip, so it is worth deciding in advance.
Accommodation Costs in Rome
Accommodation is the biggest expense for most travelers visiting Rome. Prices vary widely depending on location, comfort level, and season. Staying near major landmarks like the Colosseum, Vatican, or Pantheon usually costs more, while neighborhoods just outside the historic center offer better value. Rome has everything from shared hostel dorms to luxury hotels, so it works for many travel styles.
Budget travelers can find hostel beds or basic guesthouses at lower prices, especially if they book early. Mid-range hotels and short-term apartments are very popular and offer comfort without extreme prices. High-end hotels and boutique stays come at a premium, particularly during busy travel periods. In addition to the nightly rate, Rome charges a city tax that is paid at the accommodation. This tax is per person, per night and depends on the category of the property.
Typical accommodation price ranges per night:
| Type | Price range |
|---|---|
| Hostel bed | €15 to €45 |
| Budget double room | €90 to €160 |
| Mid-range hotel or apartment | €160 to €280 |
| Luxury hotel | €300 and up |
When calculating your total cost, remember to add the city tax, usually between €4 and €10 per person per night. It is often not included in online booking totals and is paid on arrival or departure.
Getting Around Rome
Rome is a large city, but many attractions are within walking distance if you stay centrally. Walking is often the best way to experience Rome, but public transportation helps save time and energy. Rome’s metro, buses, and trams use a unified ticket system, making it easy to plan transportation costs.
A single ticket is affordable, but multi-day passes are often better value if you plan to move around a lot. Public transportation tickets are valid across the metro, buses, and trams within the city. Tickets can be purchased at metro stations, tobacco shops, and official vending machines. Taxis are available but should be used selectively, as they can add up quickly.
Common transport ticket options:
| Ticket type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Single ticket | €1.50 |
| 48-hour pass | €15 |
| 72-hour pass | €22 |
| 7-day pass | €29 |
For many visitors, a 72-hour or 7-day pass offers peace of mind and predictable costs, especially if you are sightseeing across multiple areas of the city.
Food and Drink Costs
Food is one of the most enjoyable parts of visiting Rome, and costs can be very reasonable if you eat like a local. Rome has everything from quick street food to long, relaxed restaurant meals. The key to managing food costs is balance. Mixing casual meals with occasional sit-down dinners keeps your budget under control while still letting you enjoy Roman cuisine.
Breakfast is often simple and inexpensive, usually a coffee and pastry at a bar. Lunch can be a pizza slice, sandwich, or pasta dish, while dinner ranges from casual trattorias to more refined restaurants. Drinks, especially wine and cocktails, can quickly raise the total, so it helps to plan where you splurge.
Typical food costs per person:
| Item | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Coffee at a bar | €1.50 to €2 |
| Casual meal | €12 to €18 |
| Mid-range restaurant dinner | €30 to €40 |
| Gelato | €3 to €4 |
A realistic daily food budget ranges from €25 to €40 for budget travelers, €40 to €70 for comfortable travel, and more for food-focused trips.
Attractions and Sightseeing Costs
Rome offers a mix of free and paid attractions. Many famous sights like piazzas, fountains, and churches cost nothing to visit, which helps balance out ticketed attractions. Planning which paid sights matter most to you is one of the easiest ways to control your budget.
Major attractions like the Colosseum and Vatican Museums require tickets. Buying tickets from official websites is important to avoid inflated prices. For the Colosseum, tickets should be purchased through the official site at https://colosseo.it/. Vatican Museums tickets are available on the official Vatican website at https://www.museivaticani.va.
Common attraction prices:
| Attraction | Price |
|---|---|
| Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill | €18 |
| Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel | €20 plus booking fee |
| Pantheon | €5 |
Most travelers spend between €50 and €150 on attractions during a typical short stay, depending on interests.
Daily Budget Examples
Putting everything together helps answer the big question clearly. These examples exclude flights but include daily costs in Rome.
| Travel style | Daily cost per person |
|---|---|
| Budget | €90 to €160 |
| Mid-range | €180 to €320 |
| Comfort and luxury | €350 and up |
These ranges include accommodation, food, local transport, and attractions. Adjusting one category, such as staying farther from the center or eating more casually, can lower the total significantly.
Extra Costs to Plan For
Beyond the main expenses, there are smaller costs that can add up if you do not plan for them. These include the city tax, occasional taxi rides, souvenirs, and guided tours. Guided tours can be valuable for complex sites, but they increase costs. Buying tickets and planning visits in advance helps avoid last-minute spending.
Rome is a city where planning saves money. Knowing what things cost before you go helps you enjoy the city without constantly checking your wallet. With realistic expectations and a clear plan, Rome can be both affordable and unforgettable.