How Much Does a Trip to Italy Cost? A trip to Italy can be a lot of fun, but it can also be expensive.
If you’re willing to get creative, you might be able to find some good deals and travel cheap. One way is by renting a house or apartment, which can often be cheaper than traditional hotels.
This is only one of the endless tips to save money when traveling, and the cost of going to Italy is another factor to keep in mind. Cheap Italy vacations aren’t always an option, especially when traveling during the high season.
You see, planning a vacation budget certainly isn’t easy, that’s why you should read this complete guide about how much does a trip to Italy costs in 2024 and how you can save on your travel expenses and vacation package.
How Much Does a Trip to Italy Cost – Overview
Let’s start this guide with the essentials you should know when planning a trip to Italy,
Cheapest Months to Travel to Italy
The most affordable months to visit Italy and book a hotel are from January to February. However, the weather is usually cold and it won’t always be a pleasant experience.
Alternatively, I suggest traveling from February to April and from September to December. on average, the cost of accommodation and domestic flights significantly decreases.
It’s worth noting that the prices in Italy for tourists decrease in the wintertime and after the peak season, from September onward, so you’ll definitely spend less on accommodation.
Is Italy Expensive to Visit?
Italy is not exactly easy on the wallet. With the Euro being so strong, you may find that the U.S. Dollar, or your local currency, isn’t worth as much in Italy. On the other hand, Italy wouldn’t be as expensive if you’re coming from the Eurozone.
All things considered – day tours, food, drinks, and transportation, you should count at least $100 per day per person if you’re on a budget and willing to sacrifice restaurants for local stores. You see, day tours can be expensive, as well as accommodations.
To save some money, I’d recommend coming to Italy from November to April, as it’s the low season, and you’ll definitely save some cash on hotels and transportation compared to the summer months.
How Much Does it Cost to Get to Italy?
If you’re traveling from another European country, plane trips to Italy cost around $100 round-trip with EasyJet or Ryanair, which are cheap getaways to Italy.
From the United States or Canada, round-trip flight tickets will cost you $600 on average. You can find cheap trips to Italy from the states online using Skyscanner or Agoda, to name only a couple.
On the other hand, if you’re coming from neighboring countries (Switzerland, France, Slovenia, Austria), you can get a bus with FlixBus for as little as 5 Euros. This is the most convenient alternative to flying, and it will definitely save you some money.
Note that Italy is a pretty big country, and your destination will also impact your budget. For instance, if you fly from London, it will probably cost you more to travel to Matera rather than Florence, for example.
Needless to say, this will impact your budget for a month in Florence or other parts of the country.
All in all, when planning your Italy itinerary, you should budget at least a few hundred dollars for the flight prices (direct flights are always a little more expensive).
Italy Travel Budget – How Much to Plan for a One-week Holiday in Italy?
Without including the round trip ticket for flights, $130 per day per person for a couple should be enough to cover your 7 day trip to Italy cost.
On the other hand, planning about $150 per day as a solo traveler is reasonable – so $1050 including hotels rooms, private tours, and train travel. This is a broad example budget.
Of course, your specific budget may vary depending on your travel style and spending habits, but this should give you a general idea of what to expect. For instance, a gondola ride in Venice will cost you $80 alone, and the Amalfi Coast will cost you much more than a day in Bologna.
It also depends on how long you’ll spend in each city. Spending 48 hours in Venice or Florence will cost you more than staying in Bologna or La Spezia, to name only a couple of cities.
So don’t expect a luxury Italy trip for only $100 to $150 per day; however, I’m sure you can have a fantastic time with this amount.
For 12 days in Italy cost, I recommend planning between $1500 and $1800, including hotels, Italian food, private tours, and everything else. You can find affordable Italy vacation deals for a little more than that, but making your own itinerary is always cooler.
How Much Does a Trip to Italy Cost – Full Breakdown
Traveling to Italy is a dream for many people. Whether you plan on spending months exploring or just a few days backpacking around Italy, there are some things you need to know about the cost of traveling.
Let’s go deep into the topic and cover all the areas you must consider when planning your couple or family tour to Italy, from the hotels in historical towns to booking your group tour and the tourist attractions you can’t miss.
Hotels on Your Italy Trip
When planning a holiday to Italy, one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is where to stay. There are many different types of hotels available and prices vary depending on the area – let’s say that you choose a medium-range hotel price for the shoulder season – it will cost you between $70 and $100 per night.
But let me elaborate and go through the details of each popular travel destination.
Hotels in Rome
Rome is a popular tourist destination, and with good reason – it’s home to some of the most beautiful sights in the world. Hotels in Rome can be expensive with the perfect properties for a luxury trip or cheaper hotel rooms for those traveling on a budget.
Firstly, like in other major cities, try to avoid staying in the city center. The closer you are to the popular landmarks, the more you’ll pay for your room. For instance, expect to pay about $150 per night for a hotel room near the Colosseum.
A more budget-friendly option is to stay in one of the suburbs, such as Trastevere or Testaccio. These areas are cheaper, you can find an entire apartment rather than hotel rooms, and have a great local atmosphere.
When it comes to choosing a hotel, there are a lot of options to choose from. The average cost of mid-range hotels in Rome is around $100 per night, but you can find deals for as little as $50 if you’re willing to compromise a little on quality.
Rome is a great city to visit any time of year, but it can be particularly busy during the summer months. If you’re looking to save money, consider traveling in the spring or fall. Whatever time of year you choose to go, make sure you book your hotel quickly – properties in Rome can fill up quickly, especially during peak season!
Hotels in Venice
In Venice, there is a lot of variety regarding average cost and the quality of facilities. To start with, one of the best hotel areas in Venice is near the Rialto Bridge, where most gondola ride drivers are located.
When staying in Venice, you’ll find a wide variety of hotels, from budget-friendly options to more luxurious establishments. Additionally, many of the restaurants, attractions, and opportunities to jump on a gondola ride are within walking distance, making it a convenient location to stay in. The average cost for a hotel in this area is around $250 per night.
The Cannaregio district is a great alternative if you are looking for a more affordable option. This area is slightly further away from the main tourist areas, but it still has plenty to offer in terms of sights and restaurants. You can find hotels here for as little as $70 per night.
Lastly, if you want to spend less but not sacrifice the quality, you may look into the hotels in Mestre, where I stayed on my trip to Italy. Mestre is only a few minutes away from Venice by train travel and you can find great hotels for less than $100 a night.
Overall, Venice offers a wide variety of hotels to choose from, and no matter what your budget is, you will be able to find something that fits your needs. Just be sure to book well in advance, as the city tends to fill up quickly during peak tourist season.
Hotels in Florence
There are many hotels in Florence, and the cost varies depending on the area of the city and the level of luxury. The best areas to stay are close to the Duomo or the Oltrarno district. In terms of facilities, most hotels and vacation rentals have air conditioning, and televisions, and breakfast is generally included in the price, which is great to save money on your trip budget.
In terms of average cost, a room in a four-star hotel in the city center will run you between $150 to $200 per night. If you are looking for a more affordable option, there are many three-star hotels around that will cost you as low as $100.
Alternatively, the outskirts of Florence are cheaper and you can find great properties for around $80 per night. Keep in mind that prices tend to be higher during the peak season (May-September).
Hotels in Matera
Matera is a wonderful city to explore and you should know the average cost of a night’s stay when planning your Italy trip cost.
There are many different hotels in Matera, and the cost can vary depending on the quality of the accommodation. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay around $100 per night for a 3-star hotel room.
However, if you plan to stay in the historic center near the Sassi, be prepared to spend more, from $150 onward.
All of the hotels in Matera offer a range of facilities, including Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and breakfast to save some money on your trip budget. I’m sure you’ll have an amazing trip when adding Matera to your Southern Italy trip!
Tours and Activities – Italy Trip Budget
There’s no question that a trip to Italy and its major cities is on just about everyone’s bucket list. With its stunning coastline, picturesque villages, and delicious food, it’s easy to see why. But what are the best places to visit in Italy? And what is the average price of a private tour?
Well, let’s start with the basics. In Florence, one of the most beautiful Italian cities, you can’t miss the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most iconic museums in the world. Make sure to also check out Michelangelo’s David statue and the Ponte Vecchio bridge. The average price of a small group tour or a food tour in Florence will cost you between $30 and $50 per person.
On the other hand, a group tour around Tuscany will cost you about $65 per person – pricier, but it will easily be the highlight of your Italy itinerary.
In other major Italian cities, such as Rome, you can wander through the Colosseum and Roman Forum, visit the Sistine Chapel, and climb to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica.
What I love about visiting Rome is its strategic location in Italy and you can jump on a train to either Northern Italy or Southern Italy to Pompei.
In Matera, on the other hand, you can explore the ancient cave dwellings that have been inhabited for centuries for a reasonable price and that will certainly save you some money on your total Italy trip cost.
And finally, in Cinque Terre, you can walk along the jaw-droppingly beautiful coastline, stopping at villages like Riomaggiore and Vernazza.
Food and Drinks
A full sit-down meal for one person may cost anywhere from $20 to $30, depending on the restaurant and food. On the other hand, a two-person dinner at a mid-range venue with drinks will generally set you back around $70 to $80.
According to Numbeo, the average cost of a meal in an inexpensive restaurant is 15EUR, or $17, and a meal in a mid-range restaurant is 60EUR, or $65, for 2 people, which is a pretty realistic figure.
Breakfast prices vary and you can either have it at your hotel for $10 to $20, or have a pastry with coffee at a bar for a few euros, which is great if you’re on a shoestring budget.
All in all, the cost of eating out isn’t excessive and you can find great restaurants for a decent price.
Public Transport in Italy
Getting around in Italy is as easy as hopping on a train, taking a ferry, or even catching a ride with friends. To give you an idea, a bus trip from Venice to Florence will cost you around $20 per person with FlixBus.
On the other hand, trains are affordable and are very convenient. For example, a train from Rome to Milan will cost you between $80 and $100 per person.
Lastly, car rentals in Italy will cost you from $50 to $90 per day for a medium-sized vehicle. While it’s a bit pricier than public transportation, it’s the best way for traveling Italy. Getting a car rental is a pricier but more enjoyable too.
Is it Worth Getting the Rail Pass for Your Italian Vacation?
If you plan to take local transportation to get from one place to another, the Italian Rail pass will save decrease your transport costs and add a layer of convenience.
Generally speaking, the main train station in cities like Rome and Florence is located downtown, allowing you to travel conveniently.
Random Expenses On Your Trip to Italy Cost
When traveling to Italy, one thing to consider in the trip costs is the random expenses like unexpected events and souvenirs. Also, you’ll probably go shopping when visiting cities like Florence or Milan.
Even if you aren’t usually much of a shopper, save a little money just in case. They have fresh olive oil and limoncello bottles, which make excellent souvenirs.
Venetian masks, Murano Glass, and high-end leather are all great presents to take on your trip. I’d set aside at least $100 for shopping purposes alone. You may use it to get either gelato or Aperol Spritz on the patios, regardless of whether or not you go shopping.
How to Save Money on a Trip to Italy?
One of the questions that budget travelers often ask is how to travel cheaply in Italy.
Naturally, the most obvious answer to avoid any extra cost is to find cheap flights to Italy. But there’s so much more to consider, let me tell you more about it.
To lower your food expenses when visiting Italy, go outside the tourist areas in big cities like Venice and Florence and, instead, go to local restaurants or grocery stores. Preparing your own meals from time to time will save you lots of money!
Alternatively, booking affordable Italy vacation packages is a great way to save some cash.
Also, drinking at night at bars is cool but that will definitely add to your tight budget trip to Italy. As an alternative, booking a food tour in the evening will save you some money while making you entertained!
Apart from that, to avoid having to pay more for tickets, purchase your train tickets ahead of time. If you want to save on your upcoming holiday trip to Italy, consider booking early and traveling during the low season.
And if you’re looking for Italy backpacking tours, then you can easily stay in hostels to save some cash.
More Italy Travel Guides
- 10 Best Day Trips from Florence
- Florence to Pisa Tour Complete Guide
- Best Time to Visit Matera in Southern Italy
Final Thoughts – How Much for a Trip to Italy
This was everything you needed to know about the trip to Italy cost. Obviously, Europe isn’t the cheapest place on Earth but I’m sure you can save money pretty easily by choosing cheaper vacation rentals and paying attention to your Italy costs.
Also, join a day trip from time to time to experience everything Italy has to offer but consider public transportation every so often. Whether you want to reduce your actual costs or enjoy life in luxury hotels, Italy has something for everyone and for all budgets!
