Should you visit Amsterdam or Rome?
Should I visit Amsterdam or Rome? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital, and most popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. There are over one million residents in the metro area. Amsterdam is most famous for its canals that criss cross across the city, but it also has a rich history, interesting culture, and liberal vibe that appeal to all types of travelers. The architecture, bridges, and cycling culture help this metropolitan area maintain its small town vibe, despite being the largest city in the country as well as the financial center.
Rome
Rome is the capital and largest city in Italy. It is also a common entry point for most visitors flying into the country. Rome has been a center of power, culture, and religion for the last millenium, making it one of the most famous and popular destinations in not only Europe, but the world. The influence of the Roman Empire can be seen across continents.
Which city is cheaper, Rome or Amsterdam?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Amsterdam is €127, while the average daily cost in Rome is €131. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Amsterdam and Rome in more detail.
Accommodation
If you're traveling alone, you may be able to find a budget hotel or hostel for around €76. But for two people in a standard two-person hotel room in Amsterdam the cost is €152 on average.
Accommodation prices vary by location and style, but travelers pay on average about €134 for a double occupancy room in Rome.
Food
Food in Amsterdam costs travelers about €31 per day on average. Restaurants can vary significantly in price, so choose wisely if you're trying to save money. Fast food and street stalls are typically your cheapest options, which sit down restaurants can be significantly more expensive.
While meal prices in Rome can vary, the average travelers spends about €37 per day on food. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out, an average meal in Rome should cost around €15 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Rome is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
-
Food
Meals for one day
Amsterdam
€31
Rome
€37
Typical Food prices in Amsterdam
Some typical examples of dining costs in Amsterdam are as follows:
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Amsterdam
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Amsterdam.
-
Live online cooking class from Classic European 2-course meal:
$23
-
Three course lunch/dinner voucher:
$42
-
Withlocals the 10 Tastings: Amsterdam's Favourite Private Food Tour with a Local:
$50
-
Private Pizza Canal Cruise Amsterdam:
$62
-
Dinner with an Amsterdam artist on the river:
$62
-
Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket & VIP Dinner at Hard Rock Café:
$63
-
Amsterdam Small Group Food Tour:
$69
-
Food Tour in the Albert Cuyp Market Amsterdam:
$73
-
Delicious Dutch Dinner in an Amsterdam Canalhouse:
$75
-
The Pizzaboat Amsterdam Min. 8 pax:
$75
Typical Food prices in Rome
Some typical examples of dining costs in Rome are as follows:
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)
€14
-
4 Ice Cream Sandwiches
€2.99
-
Cafe e doce
€4.00
-
Pizza (Fast Food)
€2.65
-
Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
€32
-
Cheese and bread
€10
-
Espresso
€2.00
-
Dinner
€58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rome.
-
Illuminated Rome Tour for Kids with Gelato & Pizza:
$56
-
Gourmet Pizza at Sunset Near the Colosseum:
$63
-
3-in-1 Fettuccine, Ravioli and Tiramisu Cooking Class:
$73
-
Rome 3-Hour Pizza-Themed Food & Colosseum Tour:
$78
-
Traditional Cooking Class in the Jewish Ghetto:
$82
-
From Market to Table: 4-Hour Cooking Class in Rome:
$118
-
Rome Cooking Class & Gourmet Lunch:
$137
-
Vineyard Visit by Minibus with Lakeside Dinner:
$142
-
Authentic Cooking Class:
$154
-
Rome Trastevere: Semi-Private Food Tour:
$79
Local Transportation
The cost of a taxi ride in Amsterdam is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent €19 per person, per day, on local transportation in Amsterdam.
The cost of a taxi ride in Rome is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent €17 per person, per day, on local transportation in Rome.
Typical Local Transportation prices in Amsterdam
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Amsterdam are as follows:
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Amsterdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Amsterdam:
-
Private Transfer from Schiphol Airport (AMS):
$50
-
Ultra - Amsterdam Private Transfer from City Centre to Amsterdam Cruise Port:
$9.55
-
Ultra - Amsterdam Private Transfer from Cruise Port to Amsterdam City Centre:
$9.55
-
Private Transfer from Cruise Port to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol:
$9.55
-
Private Departure Transfer from Amsterdam City Center to Airport Schiphol (AMS):
$32
-
Private Airport Transfer from Amsterdam to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS):
$32
-
Private Transfer from PTA Cruise Terminal to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS):
$32
-
Transfer in Private Vehicle from Amsterdam City to Airport:
$34
-
Premium Private Transfer from Amsterdam Hotels to Airport:
$35
-
Private Amsterdam Airport departure Transfer:
$38
Typical Local Transportation prices in Rome
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Rome are as follows:
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:
-
Private Transfer from Airport or Cruise Ship Port:
$38
-
Transfer from Fiumicino Airport With a Guided Tour of Rome:
$49
-
Pre-Cruise Rome Tour & Transfer:
$56
-
Fiumicino Airport – Civitavecchia Cruise Port Transfer:
$74
-
Private Transfer between Rome Ciampino and City Hotels:
$80
-
Rome Ciampino Airport: Private Luxury Limo Transfer:
$95
-
Transfer between Rome Fiumicino and Civitavecchia Port:
$181
-
Rome Airport: Positano Private Transfer:
$391
-
The Ruins of Pompeii: Round-Trip Transfer from Rome:
$503
-
Private Transfer from Sorrento to Rome and Vice Versa:
$513
Entertainment
Entertainment and activities in Amsterdam typically cost an average of €16 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Entertainment and activities in Rome typically cost an average of €29 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Typical Entertainment prices in Amsterdam
Below are a few samples prices from actual travelers for Amsterdam's activities, tours, and tickets:
Tours and Activities in Amsterdam
For Amsterdam, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
-
From Private Giethoorn Tour by Car:
$108
-
Amsterdam 3-Hour Bike Tour: Backstreets and Hidden Gems:
$41
-
Giethoorn & Volendam Tour and 1-Hour Amsterdam Canal Cruise:
$108
-
Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken Spanish Tour:
$41
-
Giethoorn & the New Polders: Small Group Tour from Amsterdam:
$97
-
Amsterdam Combo: Madame Tussauds and Canal Cruise:
$37
-
Zaanse Schans, Volendam and Marken Full-Day Tour:
$37
-
Amsterdam Stedelijk Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket:
$22
-
From Giethoorn & Enclosing Dike Full-Day Tour:
$101
-
Skip The Line: Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam:
$29
Typical Entertainment prices in Rome
Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)
€69
-
Coliseum Tickets (for Two)
€33
-
Roma Pass
€30
-
Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)
€20
-
Segway Tour
€75
Tours and Activities in Rome
Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
-
90-Minute Kickstart Tour with a Local:
$17
-
Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo Guided Tour:
$18
-
Guided Evening Walking Tour in French:
$40
-
Best of Squares & Fountains Walking City Tour:
$40
-
Rome Center: 4-Hour Bike Tour:
$42
-
Kid-Friendly Skip-the-Line Colosseum and History Tour:
$44
-
Early-Bird Streets, Piazzas and Fountains City Tour:
$44
-
1-hour Colosseum Guided Tour with Fast-Track Entry:
$45
-
Unusual Sights Bicycle Tour with Optional E-bike:
$47
-
Heart of Trevi Fountain & More Guided Tour:
$47
Alcohol
The average person spends about €13 on alcoholic beverages in Amsterdam per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
The average person spends about €15 on alcoholic beverages in Rome per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Sample the Local Flavors in Amsterdam
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Amsterdam:
-
Distillery Tour & Tasting:
$22
-
Amsterdam Bar Crawl:
$27
-
Amsterdam Shared Bar Crawl:
$31
-
Private Amsterdam Red Light District and pub tour:
$61
-
4 hour Amsterdam Brewery Tour:
$81
-
High Class Culinary Lunch in Amsterdam - Self-Guided Food & Wine Tour:
$102
-
Drew's 3-Hour Amsterdam Brewery and Bar Tour to Top Rated Bars:
$106
-
Discover 3 gastronomic restaurants in Amsterdam - self-guided food & wine tour:
$129
-
Experience 4 Culinary Restaurants in Amsterdam Self-Guided Food & Wine Tour:
$152
-
Amsterdam Bachelor Party Bar Crawl:
$488
Typical Alcohol prices in Rome
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Rome are as follows:
-
Bottle of Wine
€6.50
-
Pint of Beer
€6.34
-
Beer
€10
Sample the Local Flavors in Rome
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Rome:
-
Colosseum Fast Track and Wine Tasting Day Tour:
$119
-
Vintage Fiat 500 Driving Tour and Wine Tasting:
$204
-
4-Hour Food and Wine Tasting Tour:
$69
-
4-Hour Food and Wine Tasting Tour:
$91
-
Roman Countryside Vineyards and Wine Tasting:
$67
-
3.5-Hour Castelli Romani Wine Tasting Tour:
$50
-
Campo De' Fiori Market and Trevi Food & Wine Tour:
$90
-
Small-Group Food and Wine Tour with Pickup:
$131
-
San Gimignano & Siena: Small Group Wine Tour from Rome:
$177
-
Siena & San Gimignano Day Tour & Wine Tasting from Rome:
$215
When comparing the travel costs between Amsterdam and Rome, we can see that Rome is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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