Should you visit Como or Bergamo?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Como or Bergamo, this travel cost comparison can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.
Como
At the foot of the jagged cliffs of the Alps lies an expanse of shimmering waters made a golden white by the sun and pockmarked by sailors. Its blue waters beckon you to come forth and dive deep into the mystic body of Lago di Como, or Lake Como. With an area of 146 square kilometers, Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy, right after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. The lake was originally named by the Romans after the city of Comum, now presently called Como. Lake Como is shaped into an inverted "Y," with towns like Como, Lecco, Bellagio, Menaggio and Lierna situated around it.
Bergamo
The blue horizon, now flush with the pinks and purples of a waning day, cloaks the Alps in a mystic blush, only able to view its peaks through faded outlines. Proud, ancient Romanesque architecture surrounds you, and the city feels no more palpable than that of a summer dream. Bergamo, Italy is located in the Lombardy region, northeast of the Italian city Milan. Deemed a treasure in Northern Italy, Bergamo is divided into two centers: the Alta (upper) city and the Bassa (lower) cities, loosely connected by funicular and walking trails. From its cobblestone streets to its Venetian walls, Bergamo is an ancient Italian paradise with many historic sights to be explored, such as Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and the grand Cappella Colleoni. Breathtaking views, fine dining, high-tier boutiques and shops - it is no wonder that this beguiling city attracts tourists from all walks of life. Whether you look to explores it fine art museums or simply lounge languidly about a cafe, Bergamo is a city that can bring both divert and delight!
Which city is cheaper, Bergamo or Como?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Como is €171, while the average daily cost in Bergamo is €124. 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 Como and Bergamo in more detail.
Accommodation
The prices for places to stay in Como can vary by date, location, and type. Generally, the average cost for accommodation per person is €117, while a typical double-occupancy hotel room for two people will cost around €234.
A hotel room in Bergamo is about €134 This assumes double occupancy and modest accommodations.
Food
The price of a meal in Como can vary widely. However, the average price for food per day is €48 per person, and a typical meal will cost around €19 based on the spending of previous visitors. Less expensive dining options can be found by eating street food or at fast food restaurants.
On average, meal and food prices in Bergamo cost around €34 per person, per day. While this price can vary widely by location, the type of restaurant, and the amount of food ordered, a typical meal often costs around €14.
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Food
Meals for one day
Como €48
Bergamo €34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Como
For Como, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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Lake Como Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience:
$93
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Pasta Fresca Hands-on Cooking Class with a Local in Como:
$100
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Dining experience at a local's home at Lake Como with show cooking:
$106
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Dining experience at a local's home in Como with show cooking:
$106
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Small-group Street food tour in Como:
$111
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Como Food Tour:
$121
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Pizza making experience in Como:
$162
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Lake Italian Pasta Cooking Experience:
$162
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Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Lake Como:
$162
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Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Como:
$162
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Private cooking class at a Cesarina's home with tasting at Lake Como:
$180
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Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Como:
$180
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bergamo
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bergamo.
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Do Eat Better Experience - Bergamo Traditional food tour:
$96
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Cooking Class with a Local Chef in Bergamo:
$98
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Dining experience at a local's home in Bergamo with show cooking:
$106
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Small-group Street food tour in Bergamo:
$111
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Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Bergamo:
$162
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Market tour and lunch or dinner at a local's home in Bergamo:
$173
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Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at Cesarina's home with tasting in Bergamo:
$180
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Private cooking class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Bergamo:
$180
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Local market visit and private cooking class at a Cesarina's home in Bergamo:
$267
Local Transportation
Como's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend €11 per person, per day on transportation in Como.
The average price of local transportation around Bergamo is €26 per person, per day. As this average includes both taxis and public transport, keep in mind that the prices of private drivers and taxis are significantly more expensive than public transportation.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Como
Also for Como, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Como - Malpensa Airport Milan (MXP) / Private Departure Van Transfer:
$47
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Private Transfer from Como to Milan City Center:
$79
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Como - Malpensa Airport Milan (MXP) / Private Departure Car Transfer:
$89
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Private Departure Transfer from Como to Malpensa Airport:
$130
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Private Departure Transfer from Como to Linate Airport:
$152
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Como/Cernobbio/Moltrasio/Blevio to/from Milan Malpensa Apt (Private Transfer):
$156
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Private Transfer from Como to Milan Linate Airport:
$250
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Private Transfer from Como Hotels to Milan Malpensa Airport:
$250
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Private Transfer from Como to Rimini (RMI) Airport:
$1,319
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Private Transfer from Como to Firenze (FLR) Airport:
$1,493
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bergamo
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bergamo:
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Low Cost Private Transfer From Bergamo International Airport to the City - One Way:
$34
Is it cheaper to fly into Como or Bergamo?
Prices for flights to both Bergamo and Como change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Entertainment
Bergamo's costs for entertainment, tickets, attractions, and tours will often cost around €26 per person, per day. This cost can vary widely by the type of activity, however, as this includes admission tickets, day tours, museums, and other things to do.
Tours and Activities in Como
For Como, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
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Private Guided Walking Tour into the old streets of Como:
$35
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Lake Como 3-Hour Tour by Electric Bike:
$55
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Como and Bellagio Sightseeing Tour and Lake Cruise:
$61
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Lake Como Guided eBike and iPad Experience:
$62
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Como city and its History Private Walking Tour:
$81
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Lonely Planet Experience: Day Trip to Lake Como with a Local:
$98
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Lake Adventure day in Spina Verde Regional Park:
$100
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2 Hours Walking Tour Como:
$100
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Como Historical and Heritage Tour:
$100
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Lugano, Bellagio and Cruise Experience from Como:
$106
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Mountain Bike tour in Spina Verde natural park:
$108
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Road Bike tour in Lake Como & Bellagio:
$134
Tours and Activities in Bergamo
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bergamo are as follows:
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2.5-hour Private Bergamo Walking Tour:
$348
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Bergamo Upper Town Walking Tour and Funicolar Ride with Local Guide:
$48
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Bergamo the Lower Town: private walking tour with a guide:
$348
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2.5-hour private tour of the Lower Town:
$137
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2.5-hour private walking tour of the Upper Town:
$137
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Highlights of Bergamo Upper Town Private Walking Tour with Old "Funicolare" Ride:
$190
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Highlights of Bergamo Upper Town: Walking Tour with Local Guide & Funicular Ride:
$49
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Name your recipe: food market tour and workshop with a Cesarina in Bergamo:
$193
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Quick Overview: Bergamo Upper Town Small Group Walking Tour with Funicolar Ride:
$49
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Small Group Market tour and Dining Experience at a Cesarina's home in Bergamo:
$136
Alcohol
The average person spends about €18 on alcoholic beverages in Bergamo per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Sample the Local Flavors in Como
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Como:
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Champagne & Top Wine Tasting:
$175
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Sightseeing and Wine Tasting in Como:
$303
Sample the Local Flavors in Bergamo
Also in Bergamo, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
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Franciacorta Wine Tasting and Shopping Tour from Bergamo:
$73
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Como and Bergamo, we can see that Como is more expensive. And not only is Bergamo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bergamo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bergamo and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Como would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Como than you might in Bergamo.
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