Is Florence Expensive? 2025 Cost Guide for Travelers

Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, draws millions of visitors each year with its stunning architecture, world-class museums, and delectable Tuscan cuisine. But before you book your flight, you might be wondering: is Florence expensive? The short answer is that Florence can be moderately expensive compared to other Italian destinations, but with proper planning, it’s entirely possible to enjoy this beautiful city without breaking the bank.

How Expensive is Florence in 2025?

Florence ranks as a mid-range European destination in terms of costs. While not as expensive as cities like Venice or Paris, it’s pricier than southern Italian cities and Eastern European destinations. A typical tourist can expect to spend between €70-150 per day in Florence, depending on their travel style and choices.

Daily Cost Breakdown for Florence

Expense Category	Budget	Mid-range	Luxury
Accommodation	€30-60	€80-130	€200+
Meals	€20-30	€40-60	€100+
Attractions	€15-25	€30-50	€70+
Transportation	€5-10	€15-25	€40+
Total Daily	€70-125	€165-265	€410+

Is Florence Expensive to Eat and Drink?

Florence offers a wide range of dining options to suit every budget. While dining in tourist-heavy areas near major attractions can be costly, venturing just a few blocks away can save you significantly.

Average Food Costs in Florence:

Coffee at a café: €1.50-2 standing at the bar; €3-4 sitting at a table
Breakfast pastry: €1.50-2.50
Pizza slice to go: €3-5
Panini sandwich: €4-7
Lunch at a trattoria: €15-25 per person
Dinner at a mid-range restaurant: €25-40 per person
Glass of house wine: €3-6
Gelato: €2.50-4 per scoop

Money-saving tip: Many restaurants charge a “coperto” (cover charge) of €2-3 per person. Look for places that don’t charge this fee if you’re on a tight budget.

Is Florence Expensive for Tourists?

tourist sitting on the bridge in florence

Tourism-related expenses in Florence can add up quickly if you don’t plan carefully. The main attractions that drive up costs include museum entries, guided tours, and shopping.

Major Attraction Costs:

Uffizi Gallery: €20 (standard ticket)
Accademia Gallery (home to Michelangelo’s David): €12
Duomo Complex (combined ticket): €20
Palazzo Pitti: €16
Boboli Gardens: €10

Budget tip: Consider purchasing the Firenze Card for €85, which includes entry to most major museums and allows you to skip long lines.

Accommodation: How Expensive is Florence for Lodging?

Accommodation represents the largest expense for most travelers visiting Florence. The city offers options ranging from hostels to luxury hotels.

Accommodation Price Ranges:

Hostel dorm bed: €25-40 per night
Budget hotel/guesthouse: €50-80 per night
Mid-range hotel: €90-160 per night
Luxury hotel: €200+ per night
Apartment rental: €70-150 per night for a one-bedroom

Saving strategy: Stay slightly outside the historic center in neighborhoods like Santa Croce, San Frediano, or San Marco for better deals while still being within walking distance of major sights.

Is It Expensive to Live in Florence Italy?

For those considering a longer stay or relocation, Florence is moderately expensive by Italian standards but more affordable than major global cities.

Monthly Living Expenses:

One-bedroom apartment rent: €700-1,000 in the center; €500-700 outside
Utilities: €100-200 per month
Groceries for one person: €200-300 per month
Monthly public transportation pass: €35
Internet: €25-40 per month

According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Florence is about 30% lower than in London and 20% lower than in New York.

Florence on a Budget: Money-Saving Tips

With some planning and flexibility, you can experience Florence’s beauty without emptying your wallet:

Sightseeing on a Budget:

Visit museums on the first Sunday of each month when many state museums offer free entry
Explore Florence’s many free attractions: Piazzale Michelangelo for stunning views, Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo exterior, and numerous beautiful churches
Take advantage of the free walking tours that operate on a tip basis

Dining on a Budget:

Eat your main meal at lunch when “menu del giorno” (fixed price menus) are offered at lower prices
Shop at local markets like Mercato Centrale for fresh, affordable food
Try aperitivo in the early evening where drink purchases include access to buffet food

Transportation on a Budget:

Florence’s historic center is compact and walkable—save on transportation by exploring on foot
Purchase a Firenze Card for free public transportation along with museum access
Consider renting a bike for €15-20 per day to cover more ground efficiently

Don’t forget to store your luggage securely while exploring the city with Radical Storage in Florence for just €5 per day per bag, allowing you to maximize your sightseeing time before check-in or after check-out.

When is the Most Affordable Time to Visit Florence?

Florence experiences significant seasonal price variations:

High season (April-June, September-October): Highest prices and largest crowds
Shoulder season (March, November): Good balance of decent weather and lower prices
Low season (December-February, except holidays): Lowest prices but colder weather

For the best value, visit during late February/early March or November when you’ll find reduced accommodation rates and fewer crowds while still enjoying relatively mild weather.

Is Florence Expensive? The Verdict

Wondering is Florence worth the expense? While Florence isn’t a budget destination, its unparalleled concentration of Renaissance art, architecture, and culture provide exceptional value for the cost. By implementing the budget strategies outlined above and prioritizing what matters most to you, Florence can be enjoyed without financial strain.

The memories of standing before Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus,” watching the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo, or savoring authentic bistecca alla fiorentina will far outweigh the temporary strain on your wallet. Florence isn’t just expensive—it’s invaluable.