Is Italy expensive to visit? A realistic guide to planning your budget

Italy is one of the world’s most iconic travel destinations – it will lure you in with its Renaissance cities, stunning coastlines, world-class cuisine, and old-world charm.

But when planning your dream trip, you might find yourself wondering: Is Italy expensive to visit?

The short answer: it can be, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. It’s entirely possible to spend less than €60 a day – or more than €600.

The key lies in where you go, how you travel, and when you visit.

In this guide, we detail everything you need to build a realistic budget for your Italian getaway, from transport costs and meal prices to practical tips to help you stretch your budget.

Quick answer: is Italy expensive to visit?

Let’s start with a ballpark overview of what you can expect to spend on a daily basis:

These figures include accommodation, meals, transport, and activities. Flights, insurance, and souvenirs are additional.

Is Italy more expensive than France or Spain?
On average, we found that Italy is comparable to Spain but slightly cheaper than France, especially when it comes to accommodation and food. However, popular Italian cities like Venice and Florence can be just as pricey as Paris if you travel during high season.

Tip: If you’re travelling on a budget, consider combining Italy with Slovenia or Croatia – both are more affordable and geographically close to northern Italy.

What makes Italy expensive (or affordable)?

Several key factors will make a big difference to how much you spend:

• Destination: Venice, Milan and the Amalfi Coast are among the most expensive; Sicily, Umbria, and Le Marche offer excellent value. But, where you visit might be a non-negotiable for you, especially if its your first time in Italy.
• Time of year: July, August and Christmas are peak months. Visit in spring or autumn for better prices and thinner crowds.
• Travel pace: Fewer destinations and longer stays = less spent on transport.
• Advance booking: Accommodation and trains are often significantly cheaper when booked early.

Cost breakdown: what you’ll spend in Italy

Accommodation: From Hostels to Hilltop Villas

Italy caters to all comfort levels, and prices swing massively depending on location and season.

• Budget: Dorm beds from €25–€35/night (cheapest in Naples, Bologna, Palermo)
• Mid-range: Double rooms in 3-star hotels or agriturismos range from €80–€150/night
• Luxury: Expect €200+ for 4-star hotels in cities like Florence or Venice, or private villas in the countryside

Tip: Consider agriturismi – rural farm stays that often include a home-cooked meal and local wine, from around €70–€100 per night.

Food and drink in Italy: eating well on any budget

You don’t need a huge budget to eat well in Italy – in fact, some of the best meals come from small trattorias or street vendors.

• Espresso (standing at the bar): €1–€1.30
• Panino or focaccia: €3–€6
• Pizza al taglio (by the slice): €2–€4
• Pasta dish at a local trattoria: €10–€15
• Dinner with wine at a mid-range restaurant: €25–€35 per person
• Michelin-starred tasting menu: €90–€200+

Tip: Look for the menu del giorno at lunch – fixed-price two or three-course menus for €12–€18, often including water or wine.

Our favourite budget street food

• Arancini (Sicily): rice balls stuffed with meat or cheese (€2–€3)
• Porchetta panini (Rome): roast pork sandwiches (€4–€6)
• Lampredotto (Florence): traditional tripe sandwich (€4–€5)
• Pizza al taglio (Rome and Naples): charged by weight (€2–€4)

Transport: getting around Italy

Italy has a well-connected rail system that makes travelling between cities affordable and scenic. You can easily visit a few cities or destinations during your time here, travelling by train.

Trains

• High-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Italo): €20–€70 between major cities like Rome, Florence, Venice
• Regional trains: €5–€15 for shorter routes (e.g., Pisa to Lucca or Bologna to Parma)
• Booking tip: Book high-speed routes early (2–3 months in advance) for the lowest fares.
• Regional passes: If you’re planning a lot of trael within one region, consider a regional pass such as the Toscana Regional Pass, which allows unlimited travel in Tuscany for €45 for 3 days, or the Campania Artecard, which combines transport with access to Pompeii, Herculaneum and Naples.

Public transport in cities

• Metro/tram/bus tickets: €1.50–€2 for 90–100 minutes (e.g., Rome, Milan)
• Day passes: €4.50–€7
• Venice vaporetto (water bus): €9.50 per ride or €25 for a day pass

Car hire

• From €30/day, ideal for Tuscany, Sicily, or the Dolomites. We use DiscoverCars to compare all providers and find the best deals.
• Watch out for ZTL zones (limited traffic areas) and tolls on motorways.

Tip: Italy has excellent low-cost airline routes. You can fly from Milan or Rome to Sicily or Sardinia for under €40 return with airlines like Ryanair or easyJet – just beware of luggage fees. Also consider your effect on the environment – train travel is far less environmentally damaging.

Attractions and sightseeing

Many of Italy’s greatest sights – piazzas, fountains, churches – are free to enjoy. But for top-tier attractions, you’ll want to budget accordingly.

Tip: Some museums are free on the first Sunday of each month (for the Vatican, it’s the last Sunday). Book tickets online in advance to skip queues and secure timed entry slots.

Other costs to consider

• Tourist tax: €1–€5 per person per night, paid directly to your hotel (this will normally be included in the price if booking online).
• Tipping: Not expected outside of tourist areas; rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated in restaurants
• eSIMs: £13 for 5GB or £33 for unlimited data. We find Yesim has the best deals on eSims.
• Travel insurance: Around €10–€50 for a week (we use Ekta, which starts from 75p per day).

How to save money while travelling in Italy

• Fly into a budget hub: Milan and Rome often have the cheapest flights from the UK
• Avoid restaurants near tourist landmarks: Walk a few streets away and look for places without English menus. They’ll be nicer too.
• Find decent, cheap wine: Great bottles start from €3–€7. In restaurants, house wine (vino della casa) is usually local and excellent, costing €3–€5 per glass.
• Travel off-season: Prices drop significantly from November to March (excluding Christmas)
• Stay longer in one place: you’ll avoid costly transport between destinations
• Use refillable water bottles: tap water is safe and fountains are plentiful
• Take advantage of free days: Many museums are free on the first Sunday of the month
• Have cheaper breakfasts and lunches: grab a coffee and a pastry to go, or a lunch from a supermarket, and find a bench with a nice view – far cheaper than a restaurant meal.
• Book combo tickets or passes: (e.g., Firenze Card, Roma Pass) to save on attractions, but check that they’re worth it (you’ll need to visit a certain number of attractions to even break even).
• Cashback: Book trains and hotels via cashback sites like TopCashback.
• Pay with a fee-free travel card: We use Starling, but Monzo and Wise also avoid foreign transaction fees

Is Italy worth the cost?

Absolutely.

Italy’s affordability is about value, not cheapness. With smart planning, you can:

• Travel slower, enjoy deeper experiences, and spend less
• Prioritise regions where your money goes further (e.g. Sicily, Puglia, Le Marche)
• Focus on immersive activities like cooking classes, walking tours, and markets that create lasting memories without high costs

Italy delivers incredible value. With a bit of planning, you can wander through ancient ruins, eat amazing food, and explore beautiful landscapes – all without overspending.

And where you do spend money – it’s worth it!