What's the average trip to Italy cost?
A trip to Italy typically costs around $1,225 per person per day, covering accommodation, flights, food, activities, and transportation. However, costs can vary depending on preferences and budget-conscious choices, making it possible to spend less with careful planning.
So you’ve been thinking about taking a trip to Italy. Well, you’re not alone. The land of wine, roses, and song is one of the most visited countries in the world.
It offers the traveler a wonderful Mediterranean climate and breathtakingly beautiful countryside surrounded by white beaches and warm blue waters. Ancient ruins, timeless cities, and rural villages offer a glimpse into a past age.
On your trip to Italy, you’ll be able to sample exceptional regional wines and authentic Italian cuisine, enjoy romantic moonlit nights beside the fountains of Rome, and maybe even get one of those pictures taken where it looks like you’re holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
But, you sigh, you just don’t know how you can afford it. But think again! Your dream vacation in Italy can be a lot more affordable than you think.
With careful planning and preparation, a fun and exciting trip to Italy is well within the means of most people. You might be surprised at how easily it can be achieved when you analyze your budget and figure up just how much your trip will really cost.
By taking a close look at the average current costs of getting there and back, food and accommodations, transportation within the country, and entertainment and activities, you can get a pretty accurate estimate of your total expenditure for the trip.
And that’s where we come in. Our experienced travel experts have done all the hard work for you.
They’ve analyzed surveys and reports from tourists who have recently been on a trip to Italy and calculated average costs for the main expense categories involved so that you can easily plug the numbers into your personal budget.
You’ll also get valuable tips on saving money, staying safe, and avoiding hassles while you’re there. We strive to be your personal travel agent for your future trip to Italy. Let us be your guide!
Average Trip to Italy Cost in 2024
These are the latest average cost estimates by category per person per day on a trip to Italy:
- Average Accommodation Cost: $95
- Average Flight Cost: $750 (round trip)
- Food, Drink, & Activities: $50
- Transportation: $30
- Total Daily Cost: $1,225
Italy’s economy can be volatile but tourism is one of the biggest contributors to it, so you can be sure they do their best to welcome visitors of all kinds.
The cost of living and consumer goods in general are cheaper than in the U.S., so you’ll find amenities, accommodations, and activities that you’ll be able to enjoy no matter what your budget.
We’ll take a closer look at these expense categories below along with some helpful advice to smooth your journey.
Italy Trip Cost: Average by Item
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Accommodation Costs
As you might expect from a major tourist destination, Italy offers a wide variety of lodging options, from economy to the most lavish luxury, from the prosaic to the exotic.
In fact, Italy leads the EU nations in the number of public accommodations available. In the cities and surrounding regions, you’ll find plenty of hotels, B&Bs, and other types of short-term rentals, and out in the countryside, village inns, guesthouses, and Airbnbs of all kinds abound.
Prices can range from as low as $50 per night to $185 per night and more. Hotels in Italy follow the usual 5-star rating system, and standards of cleanliness and service are kept to a high level generally.
If you’re sightseeing on a student budget, a quick search will show you many roadside hostels and traveler’s shelters where you can stay the night for a small fee or even for free.
No matter your itinerary within Italy, you’ll always have a place to rest your head near at hand.
If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous and unusual, you can find opportunities to spend the night in an ancient ruin or a medieval castle, in a small peasant cottage on a lonely hillside, or in a former fisherman’s house on the craggy coast.
Flight Costs
Commercial flight costs depend on your point of departure, but flights to Italy are in general pretty reasonable. Budget airline seats from the U.S. can sometimes be found for as little as $250, but the worldwide average is from $300 to $1,050 for economy class and $2,100 to $3,200 for a first-class seat.
Every major airline and many budget operators offer flights to Italy, but prices can vary widely, so as always, you should do your research to find the best deals and easiest routes.
Italy boasts over a dozen major airports located all over the country, with the largest and busiest being in Rome, Venice, Milan, Naples, and Bologna.
The cheapest flights to Italy will be found in the off-season from around September to mid-April, except for flights to those cities that cater to skiing tourists. It’s generally good practice to book your travel well in advance and to be flexible in your arrival and departure dates to find the best deals.
Before you leave on your trip to Italy, it’s best to check the Italian government’s website for the latest information on travel restrictions, advisories, and visa requirements.
Food, Drink, & Activity Costs
If there’s ever been a tourist destination where it’s an absolute must to budget a considerable amount for food and drink expenses, it’s Italy.
Who could go there without sampling the many different varieties of traditional cuisine and the large assortment of fabulous locally-produced wines, not to mention the to-die-for desserts and pastries?
The reported average per person daily cost is $50, but keep in mind that food, drink, and activity expenses can add up quickly, especially in Italy, so moderation is advised for the sake of your wallet and your waistline.
There are, of course, the usual assortment of fast food restaurants all over the country, but who wants to eat McDonalds when you’re in Italy? Dining on a budget in Italy doesn’t mean you have to skip enjoying delicious authentic foods.
Small, family-operated restaurants, known as trattorias and osterias, are common in both the cities and villages and offer reasonably priced home-cooked traditional fare.
Then there’s the street food. Italy is famous for its street vendors serving up hot local specialties and snacks at a very affordable price and they’re a perfect option when you’re walking the town.
You can also hit the local farmer’s markets to find fresh vegetables, bread, cheese, and wine and head out into the countryside or find a place on the square and have a nice picnic.
Avoid dining in touristy areas where the prices can be considerably higher. The same can be said for activities and entertainment. Get off the beaten path to find treasures for cheap or free.
Transportation Costs
Italy has a very efficient and well-run system of public transportation that can get you pretty much anywhere you need to go at very reasonable rates. It is well-maintained, clean, and safe.
The country has an extensive network of railroads connecting all the major cities and most towns. The local and regional trains will usually offer better rates than the high-speed lines, so opt for them if you have the extra time.
The larger cities have modern metro bus lines, taxis, and ride shares that will take you anywhere in the city. Smaller local bus operators offer transportation to outlying areas and villages off the usual routes and, as small businesses, can be quite reasonable in their prices and offer group rates.
Of course, you can also rent a car in Italy and see the sights at your own speed. All the major rental companies can be found at the airports and in the cities.
They drive on the right side of the road there like most of Europe. Your current driver’s license will be legal for short visits. Around most of the major attractions and in the cities, you’ll have the opportunity to rent a bicycle or a scooter.
Donning your comfortable shoes and seeing the sights on foot is another great way to get up close and personal with the quaint streets and charming neighborhoods you’ll encounter, and, of course, it has the advantage of being free.
Most of the attractions and historic areas are designed to be pedestrian-friendly and safe with plenty of rest and refreshment areas. $30 per day per person is the average expenditure on transportation in Italy, but you can probably shave that considerably on many days of your trip.
Things to Consider
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Here are some other things besides costs to keep in mind to ensure that your trip to Italy is fun, safe, and trouble-free:
- Unlike the U.S., tipping is not really expected in Italy, although you might see a small service fee on your bill instead. However, if you’d like to leave a small tip for exceptional service, say 5-10% or just rounding up the bill, it will be appreciated.
- Courtesy and politeness are very important in Italian culture and they appreciate the little things like saying thank you, excuse me, and you’re welcome. It’s a good idea to learn how to say these phrases in Italian. When visiting churches and other sacred sites, you should dress modestly and be quiet and respectful.
- If you’re bringing along electronic devices, remember that Italy and the rest of the EU nations use 230 volts and either the Type C (Europlug) socket or the Type F (Schuko) socket. It’s a great idea to invest in a universal adaptor for your trip.
- If you need to call for police, fire, or medical assistance, be advised that the emergency number in Italy is 112. You might want to program that into your phone while you’re there.
- The Euro is the official currency in Italy. Check the exchange rates before you leave for your trip to Italy and have some cash with you for smaller businesses that might not accept a credit card.
- Italian is, of course, the official language of Italy, although you can usually get by with English in the popular tourist areas. It doesn’t hurt to learn a few of the most useful phrases though.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?
It depends on which country you live in. Italy is a member of the Schengen Area of the EU, so if you’re a resident of a country that has a no-visa agreement with the Schengen Area nations, and this includes visitors from the U.S., you can visit Italy as a tourist for 90 days without a visa.
What are the best cities to visit in Italy?
Rome is at the top of everyone’s list, followed by Venice, Milan, Naples, and Florence. They have the most popular ruins, historical and cultural sites, and museums and attract the bulk of tourism. Italy offers many other great things to see though, and the small towns and villages in the countryside shouldn’t be neglected.
How long should my trip to Italy be?
Italy has so many things to see and do that you could spend years there and not do it all. But the length of your vacation there is entirely dependent on what you want to see and the size of your budget. Most people plan for a week to ten days to start.
What are some of the must-see attractions?
Most people consider the Colosseum, Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica, all located in Rome, as must-see attractions, as well as the Ponte Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and the canals of Venice.
Is it safe to drink the water in Italy?
Yes, it is generally safe to drink water from the tap in Italy.
So, What Does an Italian Trip Cost?
| 🛎️ Average Accommodation Cost | $95 per night |
| ✈️ Average Flight Cost | $750 round-trip |
| 🍽️ Food, Drink & Activities | $50 per day |
| 🚕 Transportation | $30 per day |
| 💲 Total Cost | $1,225 |
Our estimate of $175 per day per person for a trip to Italy is pretty accurate for people enjoying the most popular tourist experiences.
You can certainly spend a lot more in Italy, but with careful planning and some resourcefulness, you can also spend quite a bit less. But one thing’s for sure, whatever your budget for your vacation in Italy, you’re bound to have an unforgettable time.