Rome can accommodate different travel styles, from hostel stays and inexpensive meals to luxury hotels and fine dining. Your total cost will depend heavily on accommodation, travel season, attraction tickets and how frequently you eat in central tourist areas.
A practical Rome travel budget should include accommodation, food, local transportation, sightseeing and a small allowance for unexpected expenses. International flights are not included in the estimates below.
Before calculating your costs, read our Rome travel guide for advice about attractions, transport and accommodation areas.
Price note: All prices in this article are approximate and were checked at the time of publication. Prices may change.
Rome Travel Budget at a Glance
Estimated daily costs per person:
- Budget traveller: €80–€130 per day
- Mid-range traveller: €170–€300 per day
- Luxury traveller: €350 or more per day
These are planning estimates rather than fixed prices. Accommodation costs can rise considerably during spring, autumn, Easter, Christmas and major events.
Travellers sharing a hotel room can often reduce their per-person accommodation expense.
Accommodation Costs in Rome
Accommodation will usually be the largest part of your Rome travel budget.
Budget Accommodation
Hostel beds and simple guesthouses may cost approximately €35–€80 per person per night. Prices depend on location, room type, season and booking date.
Properties near Termini sometimes provide better value than accommodation around the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain or Spanish Steps. Always check recent reviews and the precise location before booking.
Mid-Range Accommodation
A comfortable double room commonly costs around €120–€250 per night. Centrally located properties and highly rated boutique hotels may charge more during popular periods.
Couples sharing a room can divide this expense, making mid-range accommodation more manageable on a per-person basis.
Luxury Accommodation
Luxury hotels can begin around €300 per night and rise substantially for premium rooms, landmark views and five-star service.
Prices are particularly high in the Historic Centre and near celebrated shopping streets.
Read our guide to where to stay in Rome before selecting your neighbourhood.
Food Costs in Rome
Rome offers options for almost every food budget. Visitors can combine bakery breakfasts, pizza by the slice and casual trattorias with occasional restaurant meals.
Typical planning estimates include:
- Coffee and pastry: €3–€7
- Pizza, sandwich or simple takeaway meal: €6–€15
- Casual restaurant meal: €15–€30
- Three-course dinner: €30–€60 or more
- Gelato: €3–€6
- Bottled drink in a tourist area: €2–€5
Prices are often higher immediately beside famous landmarks. Walking a few streets away can provide better value and a less crowded atmosphere.
Check whether service or a cover charge is listed on the menu before ordering. Tipping is appreciated for good service but is not normally calculated in the same way as in countries where large percentage-based tips are expected.
Public Transport Costs
Central Rome is highly walkable, but buses, trams and metro services are useful for longer journeys.
At the time of writing, official ATAC prices include:
- 100-minute ticket: €1.50
- 24-hour ticket: €8.50
- 48-hour ticket: €15
- 72-hour ticket: €22
- Weekly CIS ticket: €29
Select a pass based on how often you expect to use public transport. Walking between nearby attractions may make individual tickets more economical.
Ticket prices and conditions can change, so confirm them on the official ATAC website before travelling.
Attraction Costs
Many of Rome’s churches, squares and neighbourhoods are free to explore, but major museums and archaeological sites require paid tickets.
Current examples include:
- Vatican Museums standard admission: €20 without online booking
- Official Vatican Museums online reservation charge: €5
- Selected full-experience Colosseum tickets: approximately €24
- St Peter’s Basilica: general basilica entry is normally free, while optional experiences cost extra
- Borghese Gallery: paid timed reservation required
- Pantheon: paid admission applies to many visitors
Ticket types, concessions and booking charges vary. Use official attraction websites to confirm the correct price and avoid expensive unofficial sellers.
A sightseeing allowance of approximately €15–€35 per day is reasonable if you combine ticketed attractions with free places.
Sample 3-Day Rome Budget
Budget Trip
An estimated three-day budget trip may include:
- Accommodation: €120–€210
- Food: €75–€120
- Transport: €15–€22
- Attractions: €45–€80
- Additional expenses: €25–€50
Estimated total: €280–€480 per person
Mid-Range Trip
A mid-range three-day visit may include:
- Shared accommodation: €225–€450 per person
- Food: €150–€240
- Transport and occasional taxi: €30–€70
- Attractions: €70–€130
- Additional expenses: €50–€100
Estimated total: €525–€990 per person
These totals exclude flights and depend on season, accommodation choices and room sharing.
Use our 3 days in Rome itinerary to organise your sightseeing efficiently.
Free and Low-Cost Things to Do
Rome contains numerous attractions that can be enjoyed without a large budget:
- Walk through Piazza Navona
- See the Trevi Fountain
- Explore the Spanish Steps area
- Visit public areas of Villa Borghese
- Wander through Trastevere
- Walk beside the River Tiber
- Explore Monti
- Visit churches that offer free general entry
- Enjoy viewpoints from Rome’s public hills and terraces
Entry conditions can change, particularly at major monuments, so verify the latest information before visiting.
Ways to Save Money in Rome
Book Accommodation Early
Hotels with good locations and flexible cancellation policies often sell quickly. Booking early provides a wider range of prices and room types.
Travel Outside Peak Periods
January, February and November may offer better accommodation value than spring and early autumn. Read our guide to the best time to visit Rome before choosing your dates.
Walk Between Nearby Attractions
The Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps can be combined into a walking route, reducing transport expenses.
Eat Away from Famous Landmarks
Restaurants directly overlooking major attractions often charge higher prices. Explore nearby side streets and check menus before sitting down.
Use Public Drinking Fountains
Rome has public drinking fountains throughout the city. Carry a refillable bottle where appropriate and follow any posted notices.
Prioritise Paid Attractions
Choose the museums and archaeological sites that matter most to you, then balance them with Rome’s free squares, churches, parks and neighbourhoods.
Purchase Tickets from Official Websites
Official portals normally provide clear prices and reduce the risk of paying unnecessary reseller charges.
Is Rome Expensive?
Rome can be expensive, particularly for centrally located accommodation during popular travel periods. However, much of the city’s atmosphere can be experienced through walking, public squares, neighbourhoods and free religious sites.
Budget travellers can control expenses by booking early, eating simple local meals, walking between attractions and limiting paid tours. Mid-range travellers should plan carefully for accommodation, as room prices will have the greatest effect on the total trip cost.
A realistic budget with some flexibility will make it easier to enjoy Rome without constantly worrying about expenses.