How Much Does a Trip to Rome Cost? Budget Breakdown

Planning a trip to Rome involves understanding how much you’ll spend, which largely depends on your travel style. The Eternal City can cater to every budget, from the savvy backpacker to the luxury seeker. Here’s a breakdown of estimated daily costs in Rome for 2025, keeping in mind that prices can fluctuate based on season (peak season like May/September will be higher, while off-season like January/November might be lower) and major events like the Jubilee Year in 2025.

Important Note on Tourist Tax: Rome charges a city tourist tax (tassa di soggiorno) per person, per night, which is usually not included in your accommodation booking price. This must be paid directly to your hotel/B&B upon check-out. It ranges from €3 to €7 per person per night, depending on the accommodation type.

Cost Breakdown by Traveler Type (Daily Estimates for 2025)

1. The Backpacker / Budget Traveler

• Total Daily Estimate: €55 – €120
• Best for: Solo travelers, students, or those who prioritize experiences over comfort and are willing to make sacrifices to stretch their budget.
  • Accommodation (€25 – €60):
    • Hostel dorm bed in a good location (e.g., near Termini, Monti, or a bit further out like EUR/Garbatella for cheaper options).
    • Very basic guesthouse or religious guesthouse for slightly more privacy.
    • Affiliate Angle: Look for budget hotel links on platforms like Booking.com, filtering for hostels or guesthouses under €60.
  • Meals (€25 – €35):
    • Breakfast: Espresso and cornetto standing at a local bar (€2-€3).
    • Lunch: Pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice), supplì (fried rice balls), or a panino from a bakery/deli (€5-€10).
    • Dinner: Casual trattoria for a simple pasta dish (like Cacio e Pepe or Amatriciana, €12-€15), or supermarket groceries for a DIY meal (€8-€12).
    • Affiliate Angle: Consider budget-friendly food tours that focus on street food or local markets.
  • Transport (€1.50 – €7):
    • Mostly walking.
    • Public transport (Metro, bus, tram) with single tickets (€1.50 per ride, valid 100 mins) or a 24-hour pass (€7) if making more than 4-5 rides.
    • Affiliate Angle: A Rome city pass (like the 24/48/72-hour ATAC pass) can be a good investment if you plan to use public transport extensively.
  • Attractions/Activities (€5 – €30):
    • Prioritize free sights (Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, St. Peter’s Basilica).
    • One major paid attraction like the Colosseum (€18 for standard entry) or Vatican Museums (€20+ for basic entry).
    • Look for free museum days (e.g., first Sunday of the month, though very crowded).

2. The Mid-Range Traveler

• Total Daily Estimate: €130 – €220
• Best for: Couples, families, or travelers who want a good balance of comfort and experiences without breaking the bank.
  • Accommodation (€80 – €180):
    • Well-rated 3-star hotel or comfortable B&B in central areas like Monti, Trastevere, or Prati.
    • Apartment rental (€70-€300/night depending on size/location) can be good value, especially for families or longer stays.
    • Affiliate Angle: Use hotel booking platforms to find mid-range options in your preferred neighborhood.
  • Meals (€40 – €70):
    • Breakfast: Cafe breakfast (seated cappuccino and pastry, €5-€8).
    • Lunch: Casual trattoria or a good pizzeria (€15-€25).
    • Dinner: Mid-range restaurant for a full meal with appetizer, main, dessert, and house wine (€30-€50).
  • Transport (€7 – €15):
    • Mix of walking and public transport using multi-day passes (€7 for 24h, €12.50 for 48h, €18 for 72h).
    • Occasional taxi for convenience (e.g., after a late dinner).
  • Attractions/Activities (€30 – €80):
    • Entry to key attractions like Colosseum (€18), Vatican Museums (€20+), Borghese Gallery (€15).
    • One or two guided tours (e.g., Colosseum + Forum tour, €40-€70).
    • Perhaps a cooking class or wine tasting (€100+ for the experience, but spread across days).
    • Affiliate Angle: Consider itinerary packages or combo passes (like the Roma Pass or Omnia Card) that combine public transport and museum entries.

3. The Luxury Traveler

• Total Daily Estimate: €275 – €1000+
• Best for: Those seeking premium comfort, exclusive experiences, and fine dining.
  • Accommodation (€250 – €1500+):
    • 5-star hotels in prime locations (e.g., Centro Storico, Spanish Steps, Via Veneto).
    • Luxury boutique hotels with unique charm and amenities.
    • High-end apartment or villa rentals.
    • Affiliate Angle: Book through luxury travel agencies or direct hotel websites for premium hotel bookings and exclusive deals.
  • Meals (€80 – €250+):
    • Breakfast: Full hotel breakfast or upscale café.
    • Lunch: High-end restaurant, fine dining.
    • Dinner: Michelin-starred restaurants or gourmet trattorias (easily €70-€150+ per person).
  • Transport (€20 – €100+):
    • Mostly taxis or private transfers (e.g., airport transfers, inter-city transport).
    • Occasional use of public transport for quick access or experience.
  • Attractions/Activities (€80 – €200+):
    • All major attractions with premium skip-the-line access.
    • Private guided tours (e.g., private Vatican tour, archaeologist-led Colosseum tour, €100-€300+ per tour).
    • Specialized experiences: private cooking classes, luxury wine tastings, opera tickets, spa treatments.
    • Affiliate Angle: Look for luxury itinerary packages or exclusive tour bundles that include private guides and special access.

General Money-Saving Tips for All Travelers:

• Travel Off-Season: Prices for flights and accommodation are significantly lower in the winter months (Jan, Feb, Nov) compared to peak spring/summer.
• Eat Smart: Grab espresso/cornetto at the bar, not seated. Opt for pizza al taglio or supplì for cheap lunches.
• Drink Tap Water: Rome’s public fountains (nasoni) provide free, fresh drinking water.
• Free Sights: Mix paid attractions with Rome’s many free historical sites and beautiful piazzas.
• Check for Deals: Look for hotel deals, travel card bundles, and tour discounts online before your trip.

By understanding these cost breakdowns and leveraging smart booking strategies, you can tailor your Rome adventure to perfectly fit your budget and travel style.