Italy costs €50-80/day on a budget, €120-200/day mid-range, and €300+/day luxury. These numbers include accommodation, food, transport, and activities. The variable that changes everything: WHERE you eat (€3 pizza al taglio vs €25 tourist-trap pasta) and WHEN you book (€19 train vs €70 last-minute). Italy is NOT expensive if you know the local system. Full budget guide →
Accommodation: €20-35 — Hostels (€20-35 dorm), B&Bs outside centro (€40-60 double/split). Food: €15-25 — Espresso standing €1 + cornetto €1.50 (breakfast €2.50). Pizza al taglio or panino €3-5 (lunch). Trattoria pranzo del giorno €10-12 or aperitivo buffet dinner €8-10. Supermarket snacks €3-5. Transport: €3-7 — Walking (free) + metro/bus pass €7/day. Trains booked ahead €19. Activities: €5-10 — Free churches, free first-Sunday museums, €10-15 paid museums.
Accommodation: €60-120 — 3-star hotel or quality B&B in good location. Food: €35-50 — Café breakfast €5-8. Trattoria lunch €15-20. Restaurant dinner €25-35 with wine. Transport: €10-20 — Trains Economy class + occasional taxi. Activities: €20-40 — 1-2 museums/day + 1 guided tour/experience.
Accommodation: €150-400+ — 4-5 star hotel, boutique palazzo, luxury masseria. Food: €80-150+ — Hotel breakfast, Michelin lunch, fine dining dinner with curated wines. Transport: €30-50 — Frecciarossa Business class, private transfers, rental car. Activities: €50-100+ — Private guides, exclusive access tours, Ferrari driving experience, private wine tastings.
Espresso: €1-1.30 (standing) / €2.50-4 (sitting). Pizza margherita: €5-8 (pizzeria) / €2-3 (al taglio slice). Gelato: €2.50-3.50 (small). Pasta at trattoria: €10-14 (primo). House wine (glass): €3-5. Water (tap): FREE (ask for "acqua del rubinetto"). Water (bottled): €2-3. Metro single ride: €1.50-2. Colosseum: €18. Uffizi: €25. Vatican Museums: €17.