Italy attracts millions of visitors each year with its extraordinary blend of history, art, culture and regional flavours. Whether you’re dreaming of Rome’s ancient wonders, Venice’s canals, Milan’s cosmopolitan style or Florence’s Renaissance beauty, understanding the cost of a trip is essential before setting off. The good news is that Italy is incredibly versatile: from low-budget city breaks to high-end luxury escapes, there’s a travel style for everyone.
In this guide, we explore three different budget levels — budget, mid-range and luxury — focusing on major destinations such as Rome, Milan, Florence, <a “Discover Venice”href=”https://www.forexchange.com/tour_destination/venice”>Venice, Naples and Turin. At the end, you’ll also find practical advice on how much cash to bring and why reserving your currency exchange in advance can make your arrival smoother.
Budget trip to Italy: affordable without sacrificing experience
A budget holiday in Italy can be surprisingly rich in atmosphere and culture. Accommodation in simple B&Bs, hostels or budget hotels usually costs between €30 and €70 per night, with Venice and Florence typically at the higher end. Despite the lower budget, you can still eat wonderfully: street food shops, markets and local bakeries offer hot meals, sandwiches and regional snacks for €6 to €12, while a basic lunch in a traditional trattoria often sits around €15 to €20.
Transport remains accessible, too. City buses, trams and metros cost roughly €1.50 to €2.20 per ride, and day passes make it easy to explore wider areas without spending too much. Many Italian attractions — piazzas, churches, viewpoints and historical districts — can be enjoyed for free, and museum entrance fees often range from €8 to €15.
Travellers on a tight budget typically spend €60 to €100 per day. This includes accommodation, regular meals, public transport and at least one paid cultural activity.
Mid-range trip to Italy: comfort, good food and cultural depth
Choosing a mid-range travel style means enjoying more comfortable hotels, greater restaurant variety and faster connections between cities. A well-located boutique guesthouse or a three-star hotel usually costs between €100 and €170 per night. These options offer better amenities and often place you within walking distance of key attractions in Rome, Florence or Milan.
Dining becomes a pleasure in itself at this level. A sit-down dinner in a mid-range restaurant often ranges from €25 to €40 per person, and many travellers enjoy the Italian aperitivo tradition, where a drink accompanied by small bites costs around €8 to €14. Mid-range travellers also tend to choose high-speed trains to move between major cities. Fares generally fall between €20 and €70, depending on distance and booking time. This allows quick, comfortable transfers between cities such as Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice, Naples and Turin.
Cultural experiences also expand. Entrance fees to popular museums are often between €12 and €25, and guided tours or audioguides typically cost €10 to €30. With these considerations, the daily budget for a mid-range trip usually ranges from €140 to €230.
Luxury trip to Italy: exclusive stays and unforgettable moments
Italy is exceptional for luxury travel. Five-star hotels in central areas — such as Rome’s historic centre, Milan’s fashion district or the Grand Canal in Venice — often start around €250 per night, rising well above €600 in peak season. These properties may include spa services, rooftop terraces, fine dining restaurants and personalised concierge assistance.
Food becomes a memorable part of the journey, too. Tasting menus, gourmet restaurants and Michelin-starred dining experiences typically range from €90 to €180 per person. Luxury travellers also favour first-class train tickets or private transfers. First-class fares often vary between €40 and €120, while private drivers depend on route and duration. Activities may include private museum tours, tailor-made itineraries or exclusive gondola rides, usually starting around €80 and going up to €200 or more for bespoke arrangements.
On average, a luxury traveller spends €350 to €800 per day, depending on the level of comfort and exclusivity desired.
Two useful overviews for planning your budget
To make planning easier, here are two quick comparisons summarizing the main differences between travel styles and average daily costs across major Italian cities.
1. Typical Daily Budget by Travel Style
- Budget travellers: €60–€100 per day
- Mid-range travellers: €140–€230 per day
- Luxury travellers: €350–€800 per day
2. Average Daily Costs in Key Italian Cities
- Rome: €70–€100 (budget), €140–€210 (mid-range), €320–€700 (luxury)
- Milan: €70–€110 (budget), €150–€230 (mid-range), €330–€750 (luxury)
- Florence: €60–€100 (budget), €150–€240 (mid-range), €350–€800 (luxury)
- Venice: €70–€110 (budget), €160–€260 (mid-range), €360–€850 (luxury)
- Naples: €55–€90 (budget), €130–€190 (mid-range), €250–€500 (luxury)
- Turin: €55–€90 (budget), €130–€180 (mid-range), €250–€450 (luxury)
How much cash should you bring to Italy?
Italy is increasingly card-friendly, especially in major cities and tourist centres, but it’s still practical to carry some cash for cafés, taxis, markets, small shops and tips. Many travellers feel comfortable carrying between €150 and €300 for a one-week holiday, adjusting the amount depending on their itinerary.
To avoid queues, last-minute fees and unfavourable exchange rates, it’s highly recommended to reserve your currency exchange online before leaving for Italy. This allows you to lock in the rate and then collect your euros at one of our locations across the country once you arrive. It’s a simple, secure and stress-free way to begin your trip with the cash you need already in hand.
Discover Italy at your own pace and enjoy every moment of your journey by taking advantage of the many services Forexchange offers. From convenient currency exchange to audioguides, unforgettable experiences, Trenitalia tickets, eSIM solutions and travel insurance, we provide everything you need for a smooth, stress-free holiday. Visit our website to discover all our services and start planning your Italian adventure with peace of mind.
