Budget & Costs
What does Rome cost?
Rome is in the European mid-range — cheaper than London, Paris, or Switzerland, but more expensive than southern Italy. The value for money is excellent, especially when it comes to food. The biggest expenses: admissions and accommodations. Since 2024, Rome has been charging a tourist tax (contributo di soggiorno) depending on the hotel category.
Typical Prices (Guidelines 2025/2026)
| Item | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Espresso (at the counter) | 1.00–1.50 |
| Cappuccino | 1.50–2.50 |
| Pizza al taglio (slice) | 2.50–5.00 |
| Pasta in Trattoria | 10–16 |
| Dinner (Trattoria, 3 courses) | 25–45 |
| Gelato (2 scoops) | 3.00–4.50 |
| Beer (Birra) 0.4l | 4.00–7.00 |
| Water (bottle, 1.5l) | 0.30–0.50 |
| Hostel (dormitory) | 20–40 |
| Hotel (mid-range, double room) | 100–200 |
| B&B / Airbnb (central) | 70–150 |
| Metro single ride / day pass | 1.50 / 7.00 |
| Colosseum + Forum + Palatine | 16–24 (depending on tour) |
| Vatican Museums | 17 |
| St. Peter's Basilica (dome climb) | 8–10 |
| Galleria Borghese | 15 |
Budget Levels
Backpacker / Budget (40–70€ per day)
Hostel or cheap B&B, pizza al taglio and supplì as snacks, pasta in the Testaccio or Monti district (away from tourist paths), free churches with Caravaggio and Bernini, nasoni drinking fountains instead of bottled water, view the Roman Forum from outside (free view from the Capitoline). Many museums are free on the first Sunday of the month (Domenica al Museo).
Mid-range (80–160€ per day)
Hotel or good B&B in Monti or Trastevere, trattoria visits for lunch and dinner, 1–2 main attractions per day (book online in advance!), aperitivo in the evening, occasional taxi. The most comfortable way to experience Rome: enough budget for good food and major sights without having to limit yourself.
Comfort / Luxury (180–400€+ per day)
Boutique hotel near Piazza Navona or St. Peter's Square, Michelin-starred restaurants, VIP tours in the Vatican (before the crowds, from 60€), private tours of the Colosseum with underground access, chauffeur service, shopping on Via Condotti. Rome can do luxury — and the quality is exceptional.
Tipp
The biggest money-saving hack in Rome: Eat like the Romans. Pizza al taglio (slice pizza by weight) for 3–5€ is a feast. Supplì (fried rice balls) for 2€ are the perfect snack. And drink your coffee at the counter (al banco) — at the table, you often pay double (coperto + servizio).
Money-Saving Tips
Rome offers an astonishing amount for little money — if you know where to look:
- Domenica al Museo: On the first Sunday of the month, state museums are free: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Galleria Borghese, Baths of Caracalla, and more. Be there early!
- Churches instead of museums: Rome's 900+ churches are almost all free. Caravaggio in San Luigi dei Francesi, Michelangelo's Moses in San Pietro in Vincoli, Bernini's sculptures in Santa Maria della Vittoria — all for free.
- Nasoni: Rome's 2,500+ drinking fountains (nasoni — big noses) provide fresh spring water from ancient aqueducts. Bring a bottle and refill. Free and better than bottled water.
- Drink al banco: Espresso at the counter costs 1.00–1.50€. At a table (al tavolo) in a tourist café, the same espresso can cost 5€. Romans stand at the counter — do the same.
- Roma Pass: 48h (32€) or 72h (52€): Free entry to 1–2 museums, discounted entries thereafter, free use of public transport. Worth it for intensive sightseeing.
- Pizza al taglio: Roman slice pizza, paid by weight, is the best street food in the city. Queue at Bonci (Prati) or Roscioli (Centro) for 3–5€ per slice — better than many restaurants.
- Aperitivo: Many bars offer a buffet with the drink (7–12€) during aperitivo (from 6 pm). In Monti, San Lorenzo, and Trastevere, you get half a dinner for the price of a drink.
- Free viewpoints: Pincio Terrace, Gianicolo Hill, Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci), Capitoline Hill — the best panoramas of Rome cost nothing.
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