Quick answer: Rome runs about EUR 120 per day mid-range - noticeably less if you eat local and walk. Cheapest window: April-May and September-October - warm but not scorching, and thinner crowds than midsummer.
What things actually cost
| espresso at a bar (standing) | 1.20 EUR |
| pizza margherita in a trattoria | 9 EUR |
| metro or bus single ticket | 1.50 EUR |
| Colosseum standard entry | 18 EUR |
| glass of house wine | 5 EUR |
| gelato (two flavors) | 3 EUR |
Eat well for little
- Cacio e pepe in Trasteverepecorino and black pepper perfection, about 12 EUR a plate
- Pizza al taglio at Bonci Pizzarium near the Vaticansold by weight, about 5 EUR for a filling slice
- Suppli (fried rice balls) from a friggitoriathe classic Roman street snack, about 2 EUR each
- Carbonara in Testacciothe neighborhood that claims to do it best, 12-14 EUR
- Gelato at a shop that covers its tubs (a quality sign)about 3 EUR for two flavors
Money mistakes to avoid
- Not booking the Colosseum, Vatican and Borghese Gallery in advance - same-day tickets often sell out or mean 2-hour lines
- Eating at restaurants with photo menus next to major sightswalk 5 minutes into a side street and prices drop by a third
- Cramming the Vatican and the Colosseum into one daythey are on opposite sides of the city and each takes half a day
- Forgetting to validate paper transit tickets in the yellow machines - inspectors fine on the spot, around 50 EUR
Transport without the tourist tax
From Fiumicino, the Leonardo Express train reaches Termini in 32 minutes for 14 EUR. The center is best on foot; the metro (single ticket 1.50 EUR) covers the gaps to the Vatican and Colosseum.
Planning the full trip? Start with the 4-day Rome itinerary.