trip to italy cost

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How much does a trip to Italy cost? [Updated for 2024]

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Are you dreaming of Italy? The cobbled streets, historic towns and jaw dropping landscapes… One of the questions you likely have is, how much does a trip to Italy cost?

Of course, there are several variables including whether you are traveling in peak periods and when you book certain items including accommodation but in this article we’ll take you step by step through the main costs you need to budget for when planning a trip to Italy.

If you’d like a quick way to work this out, we created an Italy trip cost calculator that will give you an estimate based on your travel style and preferences in USD, Euro, GBP and Australian dollars. You can access this calculator for free by signing up to our Italy travel planning updates >> here .

The details in this article are based on independent travel to Italy but it is a useful baseline if you later decide you want to join a group tour or hire a travel agent to assist you. You will have costs to compare any quotes or tour prices you have against.

How much is a trip to Italy?

Perhaps a better question is, how much is YOUR trip to Italy going to be? Here at Untold Italy we are all about creating your own ideal trip to Italy that takes into account YOUR travel style, YOUR interests and what you are willing to spend. The good news is that whether you’re a budget traveler or you’re first class all the way, you can find a way to travel bella Italia that suits you.

There are several main components and variables to consider when planning a budget for your Italy trip. It can be overwhelming so let’s take it one step at a time.

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Usually the biggest single item of your trip if you are traveling from outside Europe to Italy are your flights.

To get a rough idea of how much your flights will cost use the handy monthly price view and price tracker features provided by Skyscanner and Google flights . You simply put in your place of departure and add Italy in as the destination. You can get up to six months of average prices to destinations throughout Italy at the click of a button.

Even if you’re only at the budgeting stage of planning your trip it’s a good idea to delve a bit deeper into flight costs as you can make considerable savings depending on the class, time of day and week you travel. You’ll also find prices vary depending on your destination in Italy, the departure point from your home country (particularly the USA), airline and how many stops the plane makes on its way.

In general, the shorter and more convenient the flight in terms of departure / arrival time plus airline and class of travel are the key drivers of your flight cost to Italy.

Accommodation is the next major Italy trip cost. Fortunately, you can find excellent lodging across Italy at prices to suit all types of traveler. From grand palazzi with canal views in Venice to charming B&Bs in Rome and farm stays in Tuscany there are many different options to choose from.

Here is a guide to the cost per room per night for each style of travel. Hotel rooms are generally on the small side so families and groups should consider renting apartments on Booking.com , the Plum Guide or Airbnb in the major cities. This style of accommodation is much better value in terms of space than traditional hotels.

Please note that hotel prices surge during the peak season between May and October. In some cases we have seen rates double or triple in the major cities and tourist areas during this period. Travelers looking for better value should consider traveling to Italy in months that are less busy. 

Midrange / Boutique : €250-350 per night

Italian properties in this price range offer lots of value. You’ll find rooms at charming small boutique hotels and larger apartments in the central historic districts of the main cities. In the countryside you’ll find historic properties and upscale farm stays in this price range and they are a great way to immerse yourself in Italian culture.

Budget / B&B : €100-150 per night

Typically three star accommodations, hotels and apartments in this price bracket are usually traditionally decorated and may not have modern amenities such as elevators or air conditioning. They may be located a little further away from town centers meaning you can explore outside the main tourist zones. You can also find great value at small bed and breakfasts and classic farm stays or agriturismos with friendly owners happy to chat and offer advice for enjoying their town or city.

Upscale / Luxury : €500+ per night

If you want to stay at the chicest hotels with designer amenities or a converted castle or villa there are many luxury accommodation  options to tempt you in Italy. From the divine Le Sirenuse in Positano to elegant Hassler Roma near the Spanish Steps in Rome, or a luxury villa in Tuscany, the options are only bounded by your imagination.

Ultra budget / Hostel or shared room in AirBnB : €30-60 per night

Backpackers will be glad to know that there are hostel options in central Rome for around €15 per night. Some like Legend R.G. offer a simple breakfast that will help you manage food costs. You will also find shared AirBnB accommodation outside the historic centers.

READ: Our Italy accommodation guide

Transportation

Transportation costs will depend on the number of destinations you visit and how you plan to get around.

Renting a car in Italy is useful if you want to explore the countryside outside of the main tourist zones. Otherwise you are better off taking the fast intercity trains that get you into and out of the heart of the cities in just a few hours.

Intercity trains and buses

Tickets for trains can be bought 60-90 days in advance for significant savings. You can check prices on Omio for the routes you want to travel. A high-speed train ticket from Rome to Florence will cost from €15 if purchased in advance for a set date and time or from €50 if bought on the day of travel.

READ: Our Italy train travel guide

A slower and cheaper method of intercity travel is by Flixbus which costs from €8 in advance or €10 on the day to take you from Rome to Florence.

You can rent a car from as little as € per day but remember to factor the cost of highway tolls, parking, insurance (mandatory in Italy) and gas or petrol into your budget. These costs can quickly add up so it’s usually a much faster, more convenient and cost effective to take the train. Parking costs can be up to €40 per day and bear in mind that driving in the historic zones is strictly regulated.

READ: Our Italy car rental guide

Private drivers and transfers

A private driver can be useful in several places in Italy such as the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, and Sicily where getting from place to place is sometimes much quicker and more convenient with a driver. Expect to pay at least €90 per hour for this kind of service. You can check detailed pricing on Suntransfers .  A transfer from Rome’s Fiumicino airport to the city center is around €70. 

If you’re traveling in a larger group you will probably find the transfer is not only convenient but cost-effective too when compared to taxis and public transportation for shorter journeys.

Local transportation and taxis

Getting around the major cities – Rome, Florence, and Venice – is best done on foot. The central districts are all compact and easy to walk around. And unless you’re staying outside the historic zones you will probably only need the odd taxi to get you to and from the airport or across town. If you do need to catch a bus, metro or tram they are reasonably inexpensive at around €1.50 for 100 minutes.

Taxis are relatively cheap and can be a useful mode of transport if you need to get across cities in a hurry. An average Rome taxi ride in the city center costs around €7 to €10. Uber is only available in Rome and Milan but it is not commonly used and is generally more expensive than taxis as is the premium Uber Black service.

READ: Our transport in Italy guide

Food is an important part of any trip budget for Italy. After all, I’m guessing it’s a big part of the reason you’re going to Italy in the first place.  You can eat very well in Italy for very little and there is also the opportunity to splurge on Michelin starred fine dining dinners. Here are some costs per person so you get an idea of what to expect

• your daily gelato – around €3.50 for a small cone
• espresso / capuccino coffee – €2
• take out panini sandwich – €5
• pizza restaurant dinner – €20 – €25
• dinner at casual trattoria with wine – €25 – €40
• fancy dinner – €70+

Some ways to maximize your food budget include – making the most of hotel breakfasts, choosing AirBnBs with a kitchen so you can prepare some of your own meals (delicious meats and cheeses plus a bottle of wine for under €10!) and combining your sightseeing activities with eating on a food tour.

Street food is your best friend in Italy when it comes to eating. We had amazing buffalo mozzarella and tomatoes for €3 in Naples recently and the latest stuffed pizza trend – trapizzino (a meal in itself) – costs just €5.

Tickets, Tours and Activities

You’re visiting a country rich in history and blessed with beautiful landscapes. Yes, you can wander the sights and admire them from afar but to get the most out of your trip you’ll want to get up close to some of the most amazing sights in the world. And learn about them from an expert.

Some of the places you will likely want to visit include the Colosseum and Vatican Museums in Rome, the Uffizi and Accademia galleries in Florence, Palazzo Ducale in Venice and the Duomo and Last Supper painting in Milan. Many people also like to include wine tours, cooking classes and boat trips in their itineraries.

Below there is a guide to indicative costs for tickets and tours.

• €20 – €25 per adult for museum and attraction tickets
• €25 per adult for a basic audioguide tour
• €45 – €60 per adult for a large group tour
• €80+ per adult for a small group tour
• €120+ per hour for an experienced private guide

Always factor insurance into your trip budget. Apart from trip cancelations and coverage for theft of items, the main reason to get insurance is to cover medical emergencies. Italy’s healthcare system is excellent but you will not be covered for many medical expenses or if you need to be flown home. These costs can quickly escalate to tens of thousands of dollars which would make for an even more miserable end to your vacation.

Policy costs vary by your country of residence, what is covered, age, existing conditions and the insurer. You can visit Worldnomads for a quick quote. We use this company for our family travels and find the cost, coverage and claims process to be good to excellent. Another option if you are in the United States is Safety Wing’s Nomad Insurance . Unfortunately, neither option provides policies for those aged over 69. In this case, you can try Travel Insurance Master – a service that allows you to compare quotes and insurance policies.

READ: Our full Guide to Travel Insurance for Italy .

Book in for a trip consultation with our expert Italy travel planners ready to help you build your dream vacation in Italy whether that be a classic first timer trip or an off-the-beaten-path adventure

Incidentals

Sometimes it is the little things that add up. We factor in around €20 a day for those small items that you may not have thought of. We’ve included the following items in this category:

• Wifi and internet costs – from €8 per day depending on the option you choose >> more info on internet access in Italy 
• Tipping large amounts is not required or expected in Italy. Generally, people round up the check or bill or leave a few Euros
• If you want to use public restrooms at train stations you need to pay 50c to €1
• Luggage storage will cost around €5 per piece

READ: Our complete guide to Tipping In Italy .

Shopping and souvenirs

If you are tempted by well made artisan quality leather goods, custom perfumes, ceramics and unique jewelry then you should probably factor this into your budget. You’ll find gorgeous hand made goods everywhere you go in Italy and you’ll likely want to bring some home with you.

Expect to pay upwards of €250 for a quality leather jacket in Florence and around €40 for an off-the-shelf perfume or over €100 for something more bespoke. Food, especially chocolate, makes a less expensive gift and you can find very good quality for around €5 a box.

Other variables in the cost to go to Italy

Everyone is different and has different expectations and interpretations of the words “luxury” and “budget”. We’ve given you indicative costs so you know what to expect when you get to Italy. If you have luxury tastes with a smaller budget then here are some quick ways to reign in the cost of your trip.

Seasonality

Generally speaking, peak season runs from May to September so expect prices to be higher for flights and accommodation during these months. Travel during winter and you’ll find better value on these critical components of your trip. Accommodation and tour prices drop by 20-30% at this time. Yes, the weather may be a bit chillier but you’ll also have fewer crowds to contend with.

Keep an eye out for free museum days where you can enter major attractions such as the Colosseum and Uffizi Gallery for free. These are usually held on the 1st Sunday of each month except in summer and other random days throughout the year.

Go to lesser-known towns and regions – prices are much higher for everything in the bigger cities compared to regional areas. We ate like kings and queens in Sicily for a pittance and fondly remember a €10 seafood platter that fed our family of four.

In the big tourist areas, stay one district out of the city centers for better value accommodation eg Testaccio or Monti in Rome. Just make sure you are close to a bus or tram stop as you don’t want to offset your accommodation savings with transport costs.

A great way to save money is to pool your resources and share the cost of transportation and tours. In Venice, the cost of a gondola ride is €80 for up to 6 people. So find a gondola stop and make some friends who can split the cost with you and the experience immediately becomes much more accessible.

You can apply this principle to renting a charter boat in Capri or along the Amalfi Coast or these fantastic private tours by Withlocals .

Travel deals and discounts

If you’re looking to save money on tours and attractions, the Black Friday sales usually offer some excellent deals. Our subscribers also have access to exclusive deals and discounts throughout the year offered by our partners such as Liv Tours and Take Walks – you can join us by clicking here .

Final thoughts

As we’ve shown, the average cost of a trip to Italy really depends on your preferences and choices. You should now have a good idea of what a trip to Bella Italia costs for your travel style. If you’re wondering if your manual calculations add up, why not check them against our cost calculator for Italy? You’ll know in seconds what your final budget for Italy should be.

Italy is a country waiting to be explored by you. Are you ready to take the next steps and book your flights?

Katy is the founder of Untold Italy and host of our eponymous podcast . Passionate about helping travelers planning their dream trips to Italy full of unforgettable experiences and memories, she has produced this site since 2018 – more info .

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Is Italy Expensive? An Italy Trip Cost Guide for 2024

Last Updated on December 12, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Italy is a country that inspires thousands of people across the globe to travel here each year. But is Italy expensive to visit? And how much will an Italy trip cost?

Renowned the world over for its fascinating history, beautiful landscapes, amazing cuisine, and hospitable people, it is also essential to be aware of average prices in Italy before you travel.

You’ll likely find Italy to be less expensive than many other European countries. On average, you can expect a trip to Italy to cost roughly €70-305 per person per day (around $75-328 USD).

However, these prices will be heavily influenced by how you choose to spend your money across accommodation, transportation, food, activities, and entertainment and what region of the country you are visiting.

Table of Contents

Accommodation Prices

The first thing you need to consider in your Italy travel budget is the cost of accommodation as this is likely going be the biggest portion of your overall trip cost.

Because the whole country is so popular amongst travellers, there are several different accommodation options to choose from pretty much anywhere you wish to go. These range from backpacker hostels to rural B&Bs to boutique hotels to large international hotel chains.

The most budget-friendly option for accommodation would be to get a dorm bed at a hostel. There is usually at least one hostel in most major Italian cities, however, the prices actually don’t really differ all that much depending on where you are.

On the whole, you can expect the price of a bed in a hostel to start somewhere around €25-30 for the cheapest option. If you are in Venice or Rome, this might mean a bed in a 15+ person dorm, but in smaller cities, you can expect to pay the same for a dorm with a smaller capacity.

Another fantastic budget option, especially for those travelling as a couple or with a friend, is to opt for a private room on Airbnb.

Along with being a great way to see how locals live in the city you’re visiting, Airbnb tends to be significantly less expensive than a traditional hotel. A private room can also work out to be less expensive per person than a bed in a hostel dorm if you’re not travelling solo.

Though you can generally expect prices to be higher in bigger cities that have a higher cost of living, like Venice , Florence, or Rome, on average a price for a private room on Airbnb costs about €50-60 per night. If you split this between two people, this can be an extremely cost-effective accommodation option in Italy.

If you’re interested in renting an entire, one-bedroom apartment in a major urban area then expect prices to start at around €60-90 per night. Once again, expect to pay more in Rome and keep in mind that prices can be higher in Milan , Florence and Venice.

Seasonality has a lot to do with prices, as well. For instance, the Amalfi Coast is going to have a lot higher accommodation costs in the summer months.

If neither hostels nor Airbnb appeals to you as accommodation options, you can find some decent budget and mid-range hotels that won’t take a huge proportion out of your total Italy trip cost.

A good thing to keep in mind is that it is almost always less expensive to stay in a locally run establishment than a well-known chain. Expect a mid-range hotel room to start at around €70-100 per night.

Keep in mind that this can vary drastically depending on where you are in the country and the season, as well. For instance, if you’re travelling on the Amalfi Coast, you can safely assume that these prices could double.

If you’re looking for a higher-end or luxury stay in Italy, expect, on average, prices to start at around €300-350 and to go up from there. Prices will be more expensive in places like Venice, Lake Como , the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre than they will be in lesser-visited areas.

Overall, if you’re smart about your choices, accommodation in Italy doesn’t have to break the bank.

Transportation Prices

The second biggest thing that needs to be considered in your total trip cost are the transportation prices in Italy.

Unless you’re planning on only visiting one place and walking absolutely everywhere (make sure to pack good shoes if so!) while you’re in Italy, then you’re going to be spending at least some money on both local and intercity transport.

In the big cities like Rome or Naples , there are multiple public transport options — buses, trams, and metro — and you will probably end up taking a few of them, as places and sites are spread out from one another.

If you want to cover a lot of ground while visiting this city and plan on using the public transport network frequently (ie, more than once or twice per day) then it can oftentimes work out to be more cost-effective to buy a daily travel card rather than purchasing individual, single-journey tickets.

In other, smaller cities such as Modena , public transport is often just limited to the bus. If the city is walkable, which is most cities besides the bigger ones, then it is rarely necessary to buy more than one or two bus tickets that will get you to and from the train station. Expect single tickets to be around €2, though it can definitely vary from locality to locality.

The other thing you need to consider when it comes to transport in Italy are longer journeys, ie. intercity trains and buses. These can range in price significantly depending on the distance you plan on travelling and the type of train you are travelling on.

If you know of your general Italy itinerary beforehand, then take the time to research the travel options available to you as there can be many different ways to get from point A to point B.

To give you a general idea, the high-speed intercity trains tend to cost a bit more than the regional, commuter trains.

While taking one of the high-speed options can be great if you’re travelling long distances, it’s not needed if you’re only travelling a short distance in the same or neighbouring region. A high-speed train is about three times the price of a regional train and the journey time will not be much longer.

Depending on how long you’ve planned for your Italy itinerary, it may work out to be a better bet to take the high-speed train and pay a bit more so as to properly maximise your time in your destinations. If you have a number of weeks that you’re planning to spend in Italy, longer train journeys may not matter as much.

Another tip that can help you save a fair amount on your total trip to Italy cost is to book your longer train journeys in advance. It is much less expensive to do this rather than to purchase tickets on the day.

While we’re always advocates of not over-planning and letting the wind take you where it will, it can sometimes save you a good amount of money to have a few things planned ahead of time. We suggest booking on Omio to find deals on train tickets in Italy.

If you’re planning on taking a number of trains during your time in Italy, then a train pass can be good value. If you’re from outside of Europe, you can view Eurail Italy Passes here . Alternatively, if you’re from the EU, you can view Interrail Italy Passes here .

If you want to get a bit off the beaten path in Italy and explore on your own terms, renting a car is an excellent option. Prices for a hire car can vary, but you’re looking at a price starting at about €25-30 per day for a basic car without any additional insurance. Note that prices are often lower for a manual transmission.

If you do rent a car, you need to also factor in the cost of petrol and likely parking into your daily costs. The average fuel price in Italy is about €1.80 per litre in December of 2023. Prices for parking can vary depending on where you are and which kind of place you are parking in. Toll road pricing can also vary and it depends on the road and the distance you’re travelling.

If you want to find great deals for renting a car, we recommend using  Rentalcars.com . This is particularly important if travelling to places with limited public transport options such as Lake Garda or Lake Como or if you’re spending time exploring Sicily the Puglia region.

On average, plan to spend about €10-30 per person per day on transportation taking all of the above-mentioned things into account.

Food Prices

So let’s talk about the cost of one of the main things that attract thousands to visit Italy: food. Food in Italy is delicious, diverse and, surprisingly, doesn’t have to be that expensive. Sure, it is possible to splash out a small fortune on a high-end meal but in my experience, this is more of an exception rather than the rule.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to only eat kebabs or cook your own meals in order to eat on a budget while in Italy. Sure, if you’re really trying to pinch pennies and make your budget stretch as far as possible, then it can be beneficial to cook some of your meals from time to time. However, eating out at a decent restaurant actually isn’t all that expensive.

The biggest tip that I can give when it comes to saving money while dining out in Italy is to always avoid tourist-centric restaurants. This means not eating at places a stone’s throw from big attractions and sites, and avoiding places that have a photo-laden menu published outside with every type of food under the sun.

Learn about the foods that are typical for the region of Italy that you are travelling in and if a restaurant doesn’t have many of them on the menu, it generally means that locals don’t eat there.

If you walk just a few streets over from the main tourist centre, you will probably find about a 10-15% decrease in the prices on menus. This is because these restaurants are meant for locals who don’t typically hang out around the Colosseum every day. Eat in these places — you will not only save money but the food will almost always be better.

Food in Italy can be affordable and you can eat exceptionally well on only a small budget, but like elsewhere, prices can vary by region. For instance, it’s much cheaper to eat out in Sicily than it is dine at an equivalent restaurant in Venice.

Keeping that in mind, plan for a main meal at a restaurant to average around €15. And if you’re eating out with another person, each getting a main dish, sharing an appetiser and splitting a half-litre of house wine, expect this to average about €30-40 for the entire bill, depending on where you are.

All in all, plan to budget around €20-40 per person per day on food. On the low end, this allows one restaurant meal out and on the upper end, a couple of meals out each day at a mid-range establishment.

Activity Prices

Now that we’ve covered the basic costs of the most necessary things on your Italy vacation, let’s talk about how much daily activities are going to set you back. Well, like most anything else, this really depends on what it is you plan to do.

If you’re travelling to Italy in order to take advantage of all of the fantastic history, art and culture there is in this country, then you’re most likely going to be visiting a lot of museums.

Museum entry prices can vary depending on if they are state-run or privately funded. But it’s generally safe to assume that a museum visit will set you back somewhere around €5-15.

When it comes to entry into any museum or historical site, be aware if you qualify for any discounts as well. Almost everywhere in Italy offer significant (up to 50%) discounts if you have a valid student ID and you also won’t have to pay as much if you are under the age of 26 or over the age of 65. Do your research beforehand to see if you qualify for these.

Also, if you plan to visit several historical sites and museums in any given city, it can often work out to be more cost-effective to purchase the city’s tourism card rather than pay the full price of every individual site you want to visit. Take the time to work out the sums before you go to see if it’s worth it for you.

If you’re curious about going on any food tours or wine tastings, it’s normally always cheaper to look for individual places to visit independently rather than paying for an organised tour.

Also, it can be a better bang for your buck to seek out smaller, locally-run businesses rather than bigger corporations. For instance, we went on a balsamic vinegar tour in Modena that was completely free. We just contacted the acetaia  directly.

However, if you’d like to go on something like an organised food tour of Palermo or even a day tour to Capri from Naples, you’re going to have to pay a bit more for this. Expect tours to land around €40-100 per person depending on where it is and what is offered.

If you are on an extreme budget, then you actually don’t need to spend anything on daily activities. Italian cities just beg to be wandered through and explored and this doesn’t cost a dime!

All in all, however, expect to spend an average of about €10-30 per person per day to account for museum entry or the occasional tour.

Entertainment Prices

The last thing you need to consider in your total Italy trip cost is the price of entertainment. How much money you spend on this really depends on your habits.

If you’re looking to grab a coffee at a classic Italian cafe, you’re not going to have to pay a lot for the privilege. On average, something like a macchiato or a cappuccino will be under €2. It’s worth keeping in mind that it’s often cheaper to drink your coffee standing at the bar rather than being served at a table, though this practice does vary by region.

While there are certainly places to party into the wee hours of the night in almost every Italian city, it can be expensive to drink a lot and it also isn’t what Italians typically do every day. If you do, however, enjoy the occasional cocktail or glass of wine in the evening, you are in luck.

Italians have an excellent happy hour culture, called  aperitivo . During the few hours before one would typically go out for dinner, usually between around 6 PM-8 PM, cafes and bars will typically offer discounted wine and cocktails that come with either snacks or access to a buffet of charcuterie, cheese, bread, olives, etc.

You can normally get a drink along with a few snacks (the amount really depends on the establishment) for a good price – usually between €5-12 depending on where you are.

These kinds of things are especially prevalent in cities that have a large student population, like Bologna, but can be found throughout the country and we’ve experienced this culture everywhere from Bergamo to Palermo. This can be a great way to save money while still enjoying the drinking culture of Italy.

All in all, however, you can expect the average cost of a pint of local draft beer in Italy to land somewhere around €4-5 depending on where you are. A glass of wine will start around the same. If you’re after a basic cocktail like an Aperol spritz or a gin and tonic, expect to pay around €5-10 for this. Again, it really depends on the region or city you’re in and who the bar is catering to.

Italy Trip Cost Estimator

With the above aspects taken into consideration, this is the average daily amount you should expect to spend per person on your trip to Italy.

This is assuming that you stay in budget to mid-range accommodation, travel long distances every three or four days, cook some meals or take advantage of included breakfasts, don’t eat at high-end restaurants every night and are splitting costs like accommodation and potential car hire between two people.

Accommodation:  €25-175 / night

Transportation:  €10-40 / day

Food:  €20-40 / day

Activities:  €10-30 / day

Entertainment:  €5-20 / day

All in all, you can expect your average total cost of a trip to Italy to set you back roughly €70-305 per person per day. Obviously, this can also be cut down or increased depending on your travel habits and preferences.

Finally, make sure that you factor in the cost of a travel insurance policy. World Nomads   offers flexible and simple travel insurance policies with coverage for more than 150 activities that you can buy or extend while on the road.

Travelling to Italy doesn’t have to cost you a lot of money. While the country does have a reputation for being expensive, if you are smart about where and how you spend, it is completely possible to have a fun and fulfilling trip to Italy while on a budget.

Are you planning a trip to Italy? Have any questions about the prices? Let us know in the comments!

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About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Thank you again for your informative information…. My wife & I did travel to Italy this pass May 2023 for 3-wks to Florence, Venice, Bellagio & Milan, loved the different cities & sights & had a wonderful time…We are traveling back to Italy this May for 2-wks…Flying into Naples, having a driver pick us up & drive to Amalfi for 1-wk. & while there explore Positano, Sorrento & Capri, then taking a flight from Naples to Genoa, having a driver pick us up & drive to Portofino for 1-wk. & explore the 5-towns of Cinque Terre as well….Love Italy…Wishing you a happy, healthy & safe traveling 2024…

Thanks for sharing your insights, Elliot! Happy New Year 🙂

My wife and I are beginnig to plan our 50th wedding anniverary in 2025. We plan to travel to Italy for this experience. Paris was our 25th. This was very helpful start for us. Thanks

Happy you found this helpful!

Hi, a girlfriend and I are going to Rome for 2 weeks in April. I have travelled Europe using Airbnb and driving in a very low key but fun way. My husband has had Parkinson for 15 years and can longer do long hall flights and I only have minders for him for 3 weeks. So I chose Rome, have never been there. Booked a room for us on Airbnb and have a map and lots of ideas and good walking shoes. Will report back on our return.

How was your travel to Italy can you help in letting me know the cost of stay in an Air BNB Did you find it costly and how much did you pay I am a family of 4 with wife and 2 kids plan to travel and stay in such places Thanks for your help Alex

Very helpful! Thanks Maggie. I’m travelling to Italy in late August till the end of October 2023 and was wondering if it’s worthwhile getting the Eurail Pass. I’ll check out the train prices online to see what the best option is. Your articles are very helpfull for a first time, solo traveller to Italy… thank you.

My sister and I and our two adult daughters are planning a trip to Italy in June. This was very helpful information. Thank you!

Wishing you very best and a safe travel share some thoughts on travel and stay for us as we 4 of a family are also planning to travel this December Thanks

My son and I are going on a school trip in summer 2024. Basic travel and services are included, minus tips and it includes 2 meals per day. Can you help recommend a budget for us and what the best way to travel with our money might be? Thanks!

very helpful thanks I will be going October 2022 and I had so much questions and you really helped me

Very informative! I will be cruising to the Mediterranean this summer and this is very good information!

Happy this could help! Hope you have a great trip 🙂

Wonderful read. So very helpful thank you.

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Cost of a Trip to Italy & the Cheapest Time to Visit Italy

The average price of a 7-day trip to Italy is $1,170 for a solo traveler, $1,859 for a couple, and $2,034 for a family of 4 . Italy hotels range from $50 to $232 per night with an average of $80, while most vacation rentals will cost $150 to $420 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to Italy (from all airports) are between $673 and $1,036 per person for economy flights and $2,113 to $3,253 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $37 to $76 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.

The Cheapest Times to Visit Italy

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to Italy and stay in a Italy hotel:

• January 1st to April 1st
• September 10th to December 16th

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in Italy is usually late January and early February .

Average Italy Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

The average cost for one person to visit Italy for a week is $1,011-$2,061 ($144-$294 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $37 to $76 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $374 to $971 for economy

Lodging : $63 to $80 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room

or $76 to $93 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Average Couple’s Trip

The average cost for a couple to visit Italy for a week is $1,644-$3,570 ($235-$510 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $74 to $153 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $748 to $1,941 for economy

Average Family Vacation

The average cost for 4 people to visit Italy for a week is $3,229-$6,977 ($461-$997 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $149 to $305 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,496 to $3,882 for economy

Lodging : $126 to $160 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms

or $115 to $140 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Traveling Cheap to Italy

How cheap can you make a vacation to Italy? The cheapest trip to Italy is about $109 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 1% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $16 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $43.

Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.

Budget Solo Traveler

The lowest cost for one person to visit Italy for a week is $765-$1,734 ($109-$248 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $19 to $37 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Lodging : $43 to $50 per night for one 1-star hotel room

or $54 to $84 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Budget Couple’s Trip

The lowest cost for a couple to visit Italy for a week is $1,265-$2,963 ($181-$423 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $37 to $74 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Budget Family Vacation

The lowest cost for 4 people to visit Italy for a week is $2,494-$5,675 ($356-$811 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $74 to $149 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Lodging : $86 to $100 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms

or $80 to $125 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Overall it is very possible to travel to Italy cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury Italy Trip

There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in Italy.

Luxury Solo Traveler

The high-end price for one person to visit Italy for a week is $2,107-$8,540 ($301-$1,220 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $75 to $153 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $934 to $2,417 for first class

Lodging : $108 to $232 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room

or $421 to $842 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Luxury Couple’s Trip

The high-end price for a couple to visit Italy for a week is $3,560-$12,021 ($509-$1,717 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $149 to $305 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,869 to $4,834 for first class

Luxury Family Vacation

The high-end price for 4 people to visit Italy for a week is $7,126-$21,517 ($1,018-$3,074 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $299 to $611 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $3,737 to $9,668 for first class

Lodging : $216 to $464 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms

or $632 to $1,262 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Italy Hotel Prices

The cost of staying in Italy is slightly lower than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in Italy due to very high property costs. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

Italy Lodging Cost by Star Status

The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.

Prices are based on Italy hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.

Vacation Rental Prices

The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.

There are a healthy amount of vacation rentals serving all budgets in Italy.

Flight Costs to Italy

Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $1,036 average in mid December to a low of $673 in late January and early February. Median flight price is $688. These prices are based on millions of flights. For Italy our data includes thousands of originating airports, and hundreds of airlines. The area has more variance in price compared with other locations.

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

The cheapest day to fly in is typically Tuesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Tuesday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In Italy, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $363, so you can easily save about 54% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.

Daily Expenses Budget

Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around Italy can easily cost $279 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $19 per person. Private tours can cost $558 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.

Other Italy Guides

Travel costs nearby.

• Pienza, Italy
• Montepulciano, Italy
• Chianciano Terme, Italy
• Torrita di Siena, Italy
• Sarteano, Italy
• Castiglione d’Orcia, Italy
• Castiglione dOrcia, Italy
• Radicofani, Italy
• Trequanda, Italy
• San Quirico d’Orcia, Italy

Travel Costs in Popular Places

• San Diego, CA, US
• Byron Bay, NW, AU
• Sandton, South Africa

• Travel Planning Guide

How much does a trip to Italy Cost?

How much money should you budget for your trip to Italy?

• How much does a one-week trip to Italy cost?
• How much does a two-week trip to Italy cost?
• How much does a one-month trip to Italy cost?
• Hostel Prices
• Hotel Prices

The Cost of a Trip to Italy

For a trip to Italy, you should plan for daily costs anywhere between $86 to $544. If there's two of you traveling, your daily expenses could range from $172 to $1,089. These price ranges are based on the average daily spending of $217 (€198) per person which comes from the travel expenses of other visitors. These costs include food, accommodation, sightseeing activities, and getting around locally. Keep in mind, though, these figures can vary somewhat based on your individual travel style, level of luxury, and chosen activities. Destinations across the country, such as Rome, Florence, and Venice, might might vary somewhat from the overall average price, but they usually stick close to this range. Read on for a breakdown of travel typical expenses as well as a comparison of tour prices versus Independent travel.

If you're planning an Independent trip to Italy, budget travelers should plan to spend around $86 (€79) per day for their trip. This average includes hostels and budget hotels, affordable meal options, local transportation, and activities. If you're on a mid-range budget, plan for around $217 (€198) a day which covers the cost of typical hotels, normal restaurants, and a variety of popular attractions. Luxury travelers should allow for $544 (€498) a day, which would cover higher-end hotels, nicer restaurants, and more private tour options. All of these price ranges are based on our extensive travel cost data for Italy from other travelers, along with hotel and tour data from travel companies.

How much does a one week trip to Italy cost?

On average, visitors to Italy spend between $602 and $3,811 for their week-long adventure, with the average being $1,518. This covers sightseeing, local transportation, food, and accommodations. With a duration of one week, you'll have the opportunity to explore one, two, or even three locations within Italy, depending on the level of depth you desire for your visit. Some of the most popular places to consider exploring are Rome , Florence , and Venice . It's important to note that these figures are averages and can vary based on personal preferences and choices. Ultimately, the goal is to create a memorable and enjoyable experience tailored to your specific interests.

How much does a two week trip to Italy cost?

With two weeks, you should budget between $1,203 and $7,623 for your trip to Italy. The average price for a two week trip is $3,036. Two weeks will allow you enough time to visit between three and five places. If you're on a budget, you might want to consider some of the more affordable places such as Palermo, Piazza Armerina, and Caltagirone.

How much does a one month trip to Italy cost?

When embarking on a month-long trip to Italy, expenses can range from $2,578 to $16,334, with an average cost falling around $6,505. For those fortunate enough to have a full month, considering a vacation rental with a kitchen for at least a portion of your stay can help save money with meals. Backpackers often opt for hostels due to their affordability and the added benefit of a social vibe.

Hostel Prices in Italy

With more than 260 hostels in Italy, the average price is $28 per night for a dorm bed. Hostels are a terrific option for younger independent travelers looking to save money while staying social during their trip. With many types of hostels, it can be overwhelming to sort out the best places, though. Our analysis of the hostels in Italy not only found the average price, but also uncovered some surprises about the overall quality, amenities, and atmosphere of hostels in the region. You can see more details from our analysis about typical hostel prices in Italy here .

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Italy.

• $37 for a dorm bed at YellowSquare Rome in Rome more details
• $37 for a dorm bed at Ostello Bello Grande in Milan more details
• $25 for a dorm bed at Hostel of the Sun in Naples more details

Hotel Prices in Italy

You'll find a wide range of hotel options across Italy. Below are prices for some of the destinations, and for more details see our analysis of hotel costs in Italy .

Maison Tritone

Eco urban b&b.

Should you do an organized tour or travel independently in Italy?

Organized tours and independent travel are essentially the two main ways to plan a trip to Italy. Organized tours offer a convenient and hassle-free experience, with travel experts handling all the logistical details and the added benefit of an expert guide imparting valuable insights. This option is favored by those who appreciate the convenience and ease provided by tours that often include transportation and expert guides.

On the other hand, independent travel provides a different set of advantages, allowing for greater freedom and flexibility in customizing itineraries and exploring at one's own pace. This option appeals to individuals who value spontaneity and control, enabling them to immerse themselves in local culture on a deeper level.

Ultimately, the choice between organized tours and independent travel depends on personal preferences and travel style, considering factors such as convenience, guidance, and flexibility.

Comparing Trip Costs in Italy

When we compare the prices of organized tours to the average costs of independent travelers, we can see that sometimes the prices are fairly even.

Tours vs. independent Travel: Pros & Cons

Organized tours.

• An expert guide familiar with the culture
• Convenient transportation
• Fellow travelers to socialize with
• Well researched activities
• Efficient and thought out itinerary
• The security of have a trip leader if something goes wrong
• Limited options
• Usually not customizable
• The fast pace often means you can’t visit one place in depth
• Usually more expensive than independent travel
• There may be limited time to interact with the local culture and community

Independent Travel

• Completely customizable
• Opportunity to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations
• Can fully immerse yourself in the local culture
• Freedom to move at your own pace
• Flexibility to change your itinerary at any time
• More affordable
• Challenging to plan an efficient itinerary
• Transportation may be challenging or inefficient
• Booking and trip planning can be a hassle
• Popular sights may sell out well in advance
• If something goes wrong, you're on your own

Are organized tours more expensive than independent travel in Italy?

Organized tours typically average around $294 per day and provide the convenience of an all-inclusive package with one comprehensive payment. On the other hand, independent trips usually average around $217 (€198) per day and involve individual payments for accommodations, local transportation, meals, and sightseeing. Both organized tours and independent trips have their own unique challenges and benefits, so it's crucial to thoroughly understand the aspects of each to make a fair comparison. For a detailed analysis of tour prices in Italy, check out our comprehensive guide on tour prices in Italy here .

Here are a few sample tours in Italy:

• Italy Explorer ($4,130) 16 days, 19 destinations more details
• Italian Indulgence ($4,539) 13 days, 21 destinations more details
• Ultimate Italy (Standard, 22 Days, Air Price Rome To Catania) ($5,753) 22 days, 21 destinations more details
• Geluxe: Italy: Tuscany and Umbria Vineyard Walks ($3,999) 8 days, 15 destinations more details
• Grand Cycling Tour of Sicily ($6,850) 14 days, 15 destinations more details

More for Italy

If you're planning a trip to Italy, check out these other informative travel guides.

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 .

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