Planning a trip to Rome can be a costly endeavor. A solo traveler should expect to spend an average of €1100 for a 7-day stay, while a couple will pay an average of €1900, and a family of four can expect to spend around €3500. Rome’s hotels have an average rate of €110.
Well, at least there’s no need to worry about food! Rome offers plenty of options that cater to any budget. Whether you’re looking for a cheap street food fix, an affordable trattoria meal, a budget-friendly bistro or a luxurious gourmet experience, Rome has it all. Determining the cost of food per day in Rome is entirely up to you, and your wallet. To ensure you get the best bang for your buck, here are some tips on how to plan meals out in Rome no matter how much you have to spend.
Rome Food Prices
Breakfast in Rome is typically inexpensive if one opts to simply grab an espresso and pastry at the bar. On average, one can expect to pay €3, but this price can easily increase to €5-10 if opting for table service. This can range from €12-30 however, if selecting a more luxurious option such as a breakfast buffet or a la carte service in a hotel or restaurant. While this is an overall more expensive option, it may be worth it for the convenience, quality, and setting. It is important to note that typically the more central the bar, the greater the cost of table service.
If you’re looking for an affordable and enjoyable lunch in Rome, there are numerous options available. One of the quickest and most affordable options is to visit one of the city’s street food joints. For example, pizza al taglio is a popular option and usually costs around €6 for two slices. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a sit-down lunch without breaking the bank, lunch buffets can be found in areas such as Prati, offering great deals from as low as €13 per person. Or, if you’re looking for a more traditional Italian experience, trattorias and osterias offer a variety of pasta dishes and second courses ranging from €13-25 per person.
Dinnertime in Rome can offer a variety of options for any budget. Pizzerias are a great option for those with a tight budget. A round pizza will cost between €9-15, and a beer or glass of wine to accompany it is usually around €6. Trattorias and osterias are perfect for a sit-down dinner that won’t blow your budget. A three-course meal with house wine should cost around €25 or more. For a more local experience, a traditional meal at a neighborhood trattoria is a great way to keep the cost of food per day in Rome low. If you’re not on a budget and looking for a more upscale option, expect to pay around €50 per person. Seafood and meat options tend to be on the higher end, ranging from €60-100 per person, while Michelin-starred restaurants could cost up to €150 per person. It is important to note that many restaurants in Rome charge a cover fee of €2-3 per person, which usually includes bread but not water. This applies to both lunch and dinner.
Rome Transportation Prices
Those looking to explore the Eternal City will be pleased to know that Rome offers a comprehensive public transport system with subways, trams, and buses to get around the city. The BIT (single one-way ticket) costs €1.50, while the BIG (1-day pass) is available for €7, the BTI (3-day pass) for €18, and the CIS (week pass) for €24. For those arriving at the airport, the taxi fare from the airport to the city is €50 on average, while the bus is between €4-€5 and the Leonardo Express train is €14. With such an excellent network of transportation options, you can easily explore the Italian capital.
