Information

How Much Is a Trip to Italy: Complete 2025 Cost Breakdown & Planning Guide

portofino view: how much is a trip to italy?

Planning a trip to Italy? You’re probably wondering about how much is a trip to Italy. A trip to Italy costs between $1,200-$1,800 per person for a budget 1-week vacation, $2,500-$3,500 for mid-range travelers, and $5,000+ for luxury experiences.

Italy captivates travelers with its rich history, world-famous art, mouthwatering cuisine, and stunning landscapes—from the canals of Venice to the cliffs of the Amalfi Coast. This comprehensive guide breaks down all potential expenses for Italian vacations across various budgets and durations. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway for two, a family adventure, or a solo exploration, you’ll learn exactly how much to budget for your dream Italian vacation.

Italy Trip Cost Summary: What to Budget in 2025

tourist enjoying the view of riomaggiore in italy

Before diving into specific expenses, here’s a snapshot of what you can expect to spend on your Italian adventure:

Trip DurationBudget TravelerMid-range TravelerLuxury Traveler
1 Week$1,200-1,800$2,500-3,500$5,000+
2 Weeks$2,200-3,200$4,500-6,000$9,000+

All prices in this article are in USD unless otherwise noted.

How Much Is a Round Trip Ticket to Italy?

Flight costs typically represent the largest single expense of your Italy trip. Prices vary significantly based on your departure location, travel season, and booking timeframe.

Average Round-Trip Flight Costs to Italy:

Departure LocationFlight Cost Range (USD)
East Coast USA$600 – $1,000
West Coast USA$800 – $1,300
Central USA$700 – $1,200
Canada$800 – $1,300
United Kingdom$150 – $300
Australia$1,200 – $1,800

Seasonal Flight Price Variations:

  • Peak Season (June-August): Add 25-40%
  • Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): Base rates
  • Off-Season (November-March, excluding holidays): Deduct 20-30%

Money-saving tip: Book flights 4-6 months in advance and use fare comparison websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights. Being flexible with your travel dates can save hundreds of dollars, especially if you can avoid weekends for your departure and return.

How Much is a Trip to Italy: Accommodation Expenses

hotel on adriatic sea

Italy offers lodging options for every budget—from hostels and budget hotels to luxury villas and historic palazzos. Location dramatically impacts prices, with major cities and popular coastal areas commanding premium rates.

Average Nightly Rates by Accommodation Type:

Accommodation TypeNightly Rate (USD)
Hostels$20 – $40 per bed
Budget hotels / B&Bs$60 – $120
Mid-range hotels$120 – $250
Luxury hotels$250 – $500+
Apartment rentals$80 – $300 (location dependent)
Agriturismo (farm stays)$90 – $200

Price Variations by Location:

  • Rome, Florence, Venice (city centers): Add 20-40%
  • Milan: Add 15-30% (more during fashion weeks)
  • Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre (high season): Add 30-50%
  • Tuscany countryside: Comparable to mid-range city prices
  • Southern Italy (excluding coastal hotspots): Deduct 20-30%

Money-saving tip: Stay slightly outside city centers near good public transportation. For example, accommodations just 2-3 metro stops from Rome’s center can be 30% cheaper while still being convenient. When exploring multiple cities, consider using Radical Storage to safely store your luggage between destinations, giving you the freedom to sightsee without dragging your bags around.

How Much are Transportation Costs Within Italy

Italy has an excellent transportation network that makes getting around relatively easy and affordable.

Daily Transportation Expenses:

Transportation TypeCost (EUR)Cost (USD)
City metro/bus single ticket€1.50 – €2.50$1.65 – $2.75
Regional train (e.g., Rome to Florence)€25 – €50$27 – $55
High-speed train (e.g., Rome to Florence)€45 – €90$50 – $100
Rental car (per day, excl. fuel)€40 – €80$44 – $88
Taxi start fare + per km€3 – €5 + €1 – €2/km$3.30 – $5.50 + $1.10 – $2.20/km
Private transfer (airport to city center)€50 – €100$55 – $110

Rail Pass Options:

  • Eurail Italy Pass (3 days in 1 month): Starting at $185
  • Eurail Italy Pass (7 days in 1 month): Starting at $290

Money-saving tip: Book high-speed trains through Trenitalia in advance (up to 120 days) for discounts of 50-70%. Regional trains have fixed prices so can be purchased the day of travel. Consider whether a rail pass makes economic sense based on your specific itinerary.

Food and Dining Budget for Italy Travel

italian pizza

Italian cuisine is a highlight for many travelers, and you can enjoy amazing food across all budget levels.

Daily Food Budget Per Person:

  • Budget: €30-50 ($33-55) – breakfast at accommodations, quick-service lunch, affordable trattoria for dinner
  • Mid-range: €50-80 ($55-88) – café breakfast, nice lunch, good restaurant for dinner
  • High-end: €100+ ($110+) – upscale dining and specialty restaurants

Typical Food Costs in Italy:

ItemPrice (EUR)Price (USD)
Espresso at counter€1 – €1.50$1.10 – $1.65
Cappuccino€1.50 – €2.50$1.65 – $2.75
Pizza Margherita€6 – €10$6.60 – $11
Pasta dish€9 – €16$10 – $17.60
Full restaurant dinner€25 – €40 (per person)$27.50 – $44
Glass of house wine€3 – €6$3.30 – $6.60
Bottle of water€1 – €3$1.10 – $3.30
Gelato (per scoop)€2 – €4$2.20 – $4.40

Money-saving tip: Embrace the Italian practice of “aperitivo” in cities like Milan and Rome, where ordering a drink (€8-12) during happy hour gives you access to generous buffets that can substitute for dinner.

Activities and Sightseeing Expenses

pompei archeological park in italy

Italy’s wealth of cultural and historical attractions means entrance fees can add up quickly.

Common Activity Costs:

  • Major museums (Uffizi, Vatican Museums): €15-25 ($16.50-27.50)
  • Colosseum & Roman Forum combined ticket: €16 ($17.60)
  • Minor museums and churches: €5-15 ($5.50-16.50)
  • Guided walking tours: €15-35 ($16.50-38.50)
  • Day trips from major cities: €60-150 ($66-165)
  • Cooking classes: €60-120 ($66-132)
  • Wine tasting tours: €50-200 ($55-220)

Money-saving tip: Research city passes like the Roma Pass or Firenze Card that combine multiple attractions at discounted rates. Many museums offer free entry on specific days (often the first Sunday of the month). Check the Italian State Museums website for updated information.

How Much Is a Trip to Italy for 1 Week?

Let’s break down the total costs for a 1-week Italian vacation:

1-Week Trip Total Budget (Per Person, Double Occupancy):

CategoryBudget TravelerMid-Range TravelerLuxury Traveler
Flights$700$800$1,200–$3,500+
Accommodation$300$1,000$2,100+
Transportation$100$200$400
Food$250$400$800+
Activities$100$200$400+
Miscellaneous$50$100$200+
Total$1,500$2,700$5,100–$7,600+

How Much Is a Trip to Italy for 2 Weeks?

For travelers with more time to explore this beautiful country:

2-Week Trip Total Budget (Per Person, Double Occupancy):

  • Budget Traveler: $2,200-3,200 ($160-230/day)
  • Mid-range Traveler: $4,500-6,000 ($320-430/day)
  • Luxury Traveler: $9,000+ ($640+/day)

Note: Per-day costs often decrease for longer trips as transportation costs are spread out over more days and weekly accommodation discounts may apply.

How Much Is a Trip to Italy for a Family of 4?

Family travel in Italy requires additional considerations. Here’s what a vacation costs for a family with two adults and two children:

1-Week Family Trip in Italy (2 Adults, 2 Children):

Trip TypeEstimated Total CostAccommodationTransportationActivities
Budget$4,000 – $5,500Apartment rentals or family roomsPublic transit and occasional taxisMix of paid and free attractions
Mid-range$8,000 – $10,000Family rooms at 3-star hotels or nice apartmentsMix of trains and private transfersMuseum passes and occasional guided tours
Luxury$15,000+Connected rooms at 4–5 star hotels or luxury villasPrivate drivers and first-class train travelPrivate family-friendly tours and premium experiences

Money-saving tip for families: Book apartments with kitchens to prepare some meals, especially breakfasts and occasional dinners. Look for family tickets at attractions, which often offer significant discounts. When exploring cities, use Radical Storage to store your luggage for just €5 per bag per day, making city transitions much easier with children.

How Much Is a Trip to Italy for 2?

For couples wondering about costs, expenses essentially double the per-person rates, though some economies of scale exist:

Trip Length & TypeEstimated Total Cost (for 2 people)
1-Week Budget Trip$2,400 – $3,600
1-Week Mid-Range Trip$5,000 – $7,000
1-Week Luxury Trip$10,000+
2-Week Budget Trip$4,400 – $6,400
2-Week Mid-Range Trip$9,000 – $12,000
2-Week Luxury Trip$18,000+

Romantic Additions for Couples:

  • Private wine tasting: €100-200 ($110-220)
  • Special dinner with wine: €80-150 ($88-165)
  • Couples spa treatment: €150-300 ($165-330)
  • Private gondola ride in Venice: €80-100 ($88-110)

Money-saving tip for couples: Travel during shoulder season (May or September) to enjoy beautiful weather with lower prices and fewer crowds, creating a more intimate atmosphere.

Trip to Italy: Cost Variations by Italian Region

Italy’s diverse regions come with varying price tags:

Italy Regional Cost Index (Rome = 100)

DestinationCost Index RangeNotes
Milan105 – 110Slightly more expensive than Rome
Venice105 – 115Higher due to tourism costs
Florence95 – 105Comparable to Rome
Amalfi Coast/Capri110 – 125Peak summer prices inflate costs
Tuscany90 – 110Varies between towns and countryside
Sicily75 – 85Generally more affordable
Puglia70 – 80Among the lowest cost regions
Umbria80 – 90Quiet and budget-friendly

Money-saving tip: Consider basing part of your Italian vacation in less expensive regions like Puglia, Sicily, or Umbria where you’ll find fewer crowds, authentic experiences, and lower prices.

Best Value Seasons for Italian Travel

The timing of your trip significantly impacts how much your trip to Italy will cost:

Value by Season:

  • Best Value: Late October to mid-December, January to March (excluding Carnival in Venice)
  • Good Value: April, May, September, early October
  • Premium Pricing: June through August, Easter week, Christmas/New Year’s period

Money-saving tip: May and September offer nearly perfect weather throughout Italy with fewer crowds and more reasonable prices than the peak summer months.

How Much Is a Week Trip to Italy: Sample Itinerary with Costs

For a practical example, here’s a sample Rome-Florence-Venice itinerary with costs:

7-Day Italy Highlights Tour (Per Person, Mid-range):

  • Flights: $800 (from US East Coast)
  • Accommodation: $1,050 ($150/night × 7 nights)
  • Inter-city trains: $120 (Rome to Florence to Venice)
  • Local transportation: $80
  • Food: $420 ($60/day)
  • Activities/Sightseeing: $200
  • Shopping/souvenirs: $150
  • Miscellaneous: $80
  • Total: $2,900

Money-Saving Tips for Italian Vacations

Maximize your Italian experience while minimizing costs:

  • Visit free attractions like churches, piazzas, and markets
  • Drink coffee standing at the bar (sitting at tables often costs 2-3× more)
  • Carry a reusable water bottle and refill at Rome’s public fountains
  • Have picnic lunches with fresh market ingredients
  • Use regional trains instead of high-speed services for shorter journeys
  • Get off the beaten path to discover authentic restaurants with local prices
  • Consider city tourist cards that include public transportation and museum entries
  • Travel during shoulder seasons (May, September, October)
  • Book accommodations with kitchen facilities to prepare some meals

Often Overlooked Italy Travel Expenses

When budgeting for Italy, don’t forget these commonly overlooked costs:

ExpenseEstimated Cost
City tourist taxes€1–7 ($1.10–7.70) per person per night
Airport transfers€15–50 ($16.50–55) each way, depending on the city
Tips for guided tours€5–20 ($5.50–22), based on tour length
Public restroom fees€0.50–1 ($0.55–1.10)
Baggage storage€5–10 ($5.50–11) per piece, per day
Travel insurance$50–200 depending on coverage and trip duration
International transaction fees1–3% on credit card purchases

FAQs About Italy Trip Costs

What’s the cheapest time to visit Italy?

The winter months (November through February, excluding Christmas and New Year’s) offer the lowest prices on accommodation and flights. However, many coastal destinations have limited services during this time, and some mountain areas may be expensive due to ski season. Late January through mid-March typically offers the best overall value.

Is a round trip ticket to Italy expensive?

Round trip tickets to Italy from the US typically range from $600–1,300 in economy class, depending on your departure city, the season, and how far in advance you book. From Europe, budget airlines offer fares as low as $100–300 round trip. Booking 4–6 months in advance generally secures the best rates.

How much spending money do I need per day in Italy?

For comfortable travel without excessive splurging, budget €70–120 ($77–132) per person per day for food, local transportation, and minor attractions. This excludes accommodation and major transportation costs (flights, inter-city trains). Budget travelers can manage on €40–60 ($44–66) daily, while luxury travelers might spend €200+ ($220+) per day.

How much is a 2-week trip to Italy for 2?

A comfortable mid-range 2-week trip to Italy for a couple typically costs $9,000–12,000 total, including flights from the US, good 3–4 star hotels, some special meals, train travel between cities, and daily sightseeing. Budget travelers could do the same trip for $4,500–6,500, while a luxury experience might cost $18,000+.

Which is less expensive: Italy or France?

Overall, Italy tends to be slightly less expensive than France, particularly for dining and accommodation outside major tourist centers. Wine, coffee, and food generally offer better value in Italy than in comparable locations in France. However, the most popular Italian destinations (Venice, Capri, etc.) can be just as expensive as top French tourist spots.

What’s the best way to handle luggage when traveling between Italian cities?

When traveling between cities, use a service like Radical Storage to store your luggage for €5 per bag per day. This allows you to maximize your sightseeing time during transition days without dragging your bags around.

Planning Your Perfect Italian Vacation

Now that you understand how much a trip to Italy costs, you can plan your Italian adventure with confidence. While Italy can be experienced across a wide range of budgets, what makes it special is that its most magnificent assets—the atmosphere of ancient piazzas, breathtaking landscapes, and the Italian way of life—are available to all travelers regardless of what they spend.

The key to a satisfying Italian vacation isn’t necessarily spending more, but rather aligning your expenditure with your personal priorities. Perhaps you’ll choose to splurge on accommodations with spectacular views in the Amalfi Coast but economize on meals by enjoying local street food. Or maybe you’ll invest in skip-the-line tickets and guided tours at major attractions while staying in modest accommodations.

Remember that in Italy, some of the most memorable experiences—strolling through medieval villages, watching the sunset over Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo, or savoring a perfect gelato—cost little or nothing at all.

Whether your budget is modest or magnificent, Italy rewards travelers with unforgettable experiences that justify every euro spent. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the ancient ruins of Rome, the country’s diversity ensures that every traveler can create their own perfect Italian journey.

Ready to start planning? Begin by determining your travel dates to take advantage of the best flight prices, and don’t forget to book your Radical Storage spots in advance for hassle-free luggage solutions throughout your Italian adventure.

Related Articles

Victoria P.

Copywriter and traveler - always curious, always on the move.