Budget & Costs
What does Sicily cost?
Sicily is one of the most affordable regions in Italy — significantly cheaper than Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, or Sardinia's Costa Smeralda. Prices are 20–30% below the German level, especially in food, accommodations, and transport. Sicily offers one of the best value-for-money ratios in the entire Mediterranean region.
Typical Prices (Guide Values 2025/2026)
| Item | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Espresso at the bar | 1.00–1.30 |
| Cappuccino | 1.30–2.00 |
| Arancino (street snack) | 1.50–3.00 |
| Granita con Brioche | 3.00–5.00 |
| Trattoria meal (Primo + Secondo) | 15–25 |
| Pizza Margherita | 5–9 |
| Fish dish at the harbor | 12–20 |
| Beer (0.33l in restaurant) | 2.50–4.00 |
| House wine (0.5l carafe) | 4–8 |
| Supermarket shopping (1 day) | 10–18 |
| B&B / simple hotel | 35–70 |
| Hotel (mid-range, double room) | 60–130 |
| Boutique hotel / luxury | 150–400 |
| Rental car (small car/day) | 20–50 |
| Gasoline (per liter) | 1.75–1.95 |
| Entry Valley of the Temples | 13 |
| Etna cable car + off-road bus | 66 |
| Entry Greek Theater Taormina | 13 |
Budget Levels
Backpacker / Budget (35–55€ per day)
Hostels (good options in Palermo and Catania), simple B&Bs (also cheap in the countryside), self-catering with market purchases and street food (an Arancino for 2€ is a complete meal!), public transport as the main mode of transport. Sicily is one of the cheapest travel destinations in Europe for backpackers — especially food is unbeatable cheap. Street food in Palermo and Catania is not only affordable but also of the highest culinary standard.
Mid-range (60–130€ per day)
Good B&Bs or agriturismi, rental car (share it!), trattoria meals for lunch and dinner, occasionally a boat trip or an Etna tour. The most comfortable way to experience Sicily: Flexibly explore the island by car, dine in authentic trattorias, and stay in charming old town accommodations. Agriturismi with half board also offer excellent value for money in Sicily (25–40€ per person for dinner including wine).
Comfort / Luxury (150–500€+ per day)
Boutique hotels in Taormina or Syracuse, upscale restaurants, private Etna tours with a wine guide, sailing trips to the Aeolian Islands, wine tastings. Taormina has some of Sicily's most exclusive hotels (Grand Hotel Timeo, Belmond Villa Sant'Andrea), but even in the luxury segment, Sicily is cheaper than the Amalfi Coast or Lake Como.
Tipp
Sicily's best savings tip: Street Food! In Palermo and Catania, you can eat a complete meal on the street for 5–8€ — Arancini, Panelle, Sfincione, Stigghiola — all fresh, all delicious. Add a rental car shared with 2–4 people, B&Bs inland instead of hotels on the coast, and you experience Sicily at the highest level for a fraction of the usual costs.
Savings Tips
Sicily is already affordable — with these tips, it gets even better:
- Travel in the off-season: In May, June, September, and October, accommodations and rental cars are 30–50% cheaper. Taormina in August can cost twice as much as in October — with better weather.
- Street food instead of restaurants: The street markets in Palermo and Catania are the best restaurants on the island. Breakfast: Granita con Brioche (3–4€). Lunch: 2 Arancini + Panelle (5€). No joke.
- Water from fountains: In many Sicilian cities, there are public drinking water fountains (Fontanelle). Bring a bottle and refill.
- Book rental cars early: In summer, rental cars in Sicily become scarce. Booking 2–3 months in advance saves up to 50%.
- Use morning hours: Many museums and archaeological sites offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month.
- Agriturismo with half board: In the interior, agriturismi offer multi-course dinners with local wine for 25–35€ — better and cheaper than any restaurant.
- Train instead of car: The train connection Palermo–Catania (3.5h, from 9€) and Catania–Syracuse (1.5h, from 7€) are cheap and convenient.
- Pasticceria instead of hotel breakfast: Cornetto and Cappuccino at the bar cost 2–3€ and are more authentic than any hotel buffet.
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