A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Como vs. Bologna for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Como or Bologna?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Como or Bologna, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Como or Bologna?

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.

Bologna

Bologna is the capital city of the northern region of Italy, Emilia-Romagna, with a population of 380,000. It is a historical city known well by Italians, however, not as well known among foreigners. The locals of Bologna speak little to no English. The city is most known for having the oldest university in the West. Another reason many visit this city is because of its exquisite cuisine. Many Italians would consider it one of the most beautiful cities in the entire country because of its impeccably preserved historic centers. The best time to visit Bologna is usually between March and October, although bare in mind that July and August can get quite hot.

Which city is cheaper, Bologna 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 Bologna is €141. 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. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Como and Bologna in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Como €117
    Bologna €75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Como €234
    Bologna €150
Compare Hotels in Como and Bologna

Looking for a hotel in Como or Bologna? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Como


Hotels in Bologna


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Como Hotel Prices and Bologna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Como €11
    Bologna €16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Como

Also for Como, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Como - Malpensa Airport Milan (MXP) / Private Departure Van Transfer: $47
  • Private Transfer from Como to Milan City Center: $79
  • Como - Malpensa Airport Milan (MXP) / Private Departure Car Transfer: $89
  • Private Departure Transfer from Como to Malpensa Airport: $130
  • Private Departure Transfer from Como to Linate Airport: $152
  • Como/Cernobbio/Moltrasio/Blevio to/from Milan Malpensa Apt (Private Transfer): $156
  • Private Transfer from Como to Milan Linate Airport: $250
  • Private Transfer from Como Hotels to Milan Malpensa Airport: $250
  • Private Transfer from Como to Rimini (RMI) Airport: $1,319
  • Private Transfer from Como to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $1,493

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bologna

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Bologna:

  • Return Private Transfer from Bologna to Fico Eataly World: $149
  • Private transfer: Bologna to Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ): $52
  • Private transfer from Bologna to Ljubljana: $605
  • Private Transfer: Fiumicino Airport (FCO) to Bologna or vice versa: $574
  • Private Transfer: Civitavecchia Port to Bologna or vice versa: $561
  • Private Transfer: Ciampino Airport (CIA) to Bologna or vice versa: $556
  • Private Transfer from Bologna to Rimini (RMI) Airport: $523
  • Private Transfer from Bologna to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $626
  • Private Transfer from Bologna to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $514
  • Private Transfer from Bologna to Bologna Airport: $75
  • Private Departure Van Transfer: Hotel to Bologna Airport (BLQ): $31
  • Private Departure Transfer: Bologna City Center - Bologna Airport: $31

Is it cheaper to fly into Como or Bologna?

Prices for flights to both Bologna 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Como €48
    Bologna €32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Como

For Como, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Lake Como Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $93
  • Pasta Fresca Hands-on Cooking Class with a Local in Como: $100
  • Dining experience at a local's home at Lake Como with show cooking: $106
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Como with show cooking: $106
  • Small-group Street food tour in Como: $111
  • Como Food Tour: $121
  • Como Area: Pizza Training Experience: $159
  • Pizza making experience in Como: $162
  • Lake Italian Pasta Cooking Experience: $162
  • Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Lake Como: $162
  • Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Como: $162
  • Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $164

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bologna

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Bologna.

  • FICO with Gelato Cooking Class and Luna Farm Ticket: $22
  • FICO Eataly World, Pizza Making, & Luna Farm: $22
  • Virtual Cooking Class: Ravioli variations with classic tomato sauce: $40
  • Bologna Traditional Home Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner: $56
  • Traditional Home cooking class in Bologna: $67
  • Private Walking tour and Traditional Home Cooking Experience in Bologna: $73
  • Hands on Home Cooking Class: $78
  • Learn to Make Bolognese Pasta: Private Cooking Lesson in Bologna with Giovanna: $86
  • Bologna traditional food tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $95
  • Guided Traditional Food Tour: $95
  • Withlocals The 10 Tastings™: Bologna PRIVATE Food Tour: $103
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Bologna with cooking demo: $106

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Como -
    Bologna €31

Tours and Activities in Como

For Como, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Private Guided Walking Tour into the old streets of Como: $35
  • Como and Bellagio Sightseeing Tour and Lake Cruise: $61
  • Lake Como Guided eBike and iPad Experience: $62
  • Lake Como 3-Hour Tour by Electric Bike: $68
  • Farmers Market Tour: $68
  • Como city and its History Private Walking Tour: $81
  • Dining Experience at a Local Home: $96
  • Lonely Planet Experience: Day Trip to Lake Como with a Local: $98
  • Lake Adventure day in Spina Verde Regional Park: $100
  • Como Historical and Heritage Tour: $100
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour Como: $100
  • Lugano, Bellagio and Cruise Experience from Como: $106

Typical Entertainment prices in Bologna

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Bologna are as follows:


  • Food Tour (for 2)
    €31
  • Wine Tasting Tour (for 2)
    €115
  • Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour (for 2)
    €67
  • National Gallery Museum Bologna (for 2)
    €12
  • Archaeology Museum of Bologna (for 2)
    €12

Tours and Activities in Bologna

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Bologna are as follows:

  • 2-Hour Bike Tour of Bologna: $48
  • 2-hour Walking Tour of Bologna: $32
  • 2.5-Hour Bike Tour of Bologna with Food Tasting: $81
  • 2.5-hour Bologna City and University Walking Tour: $310
  • Art tour of Ravenna from Bologna: $137
  • BOLOGNA, City & Food Private Tour: $266
  • Best of BOLOGNA on a Private Tour: $208
  • Best of Private & Personalised Walking Experience: $68
  • Best walking tour of Bologna: $149
  • Bike Tour of Bologna for Instagram: $38
  • Bologna 3 hour walking tour: $343
  • Bologna By Run: Sightseeing Running Tours: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Como -
    Bologna €23

Sample the Local Flavors in Como

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Como:

  • Champagne & Top Wine Tasting: $175
  • Sightseeing and Wine Tasting in Como: $303

Sample the Local Flavors in Bologna

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bologna:

  • Wine Tasting Tour in One of the Oldest Inns: $62
  • Food & Wine Tasting Tour Bologna: $81
  • Amarone Classico Wine Tasting from Bologna by Train: $210
  • Bologna Food Experience: Factory Visits with Gourmet Lunch and Wine Tasting: $212
  • From Romagna Region Wine Tasting Tour: $286

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Como and Bologna, we can see that Como is more expensive. And not only is Bologna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bologna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bologna 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 Bologna.


When is the best time to visit Como or Bologna?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Como or Bologna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Como as well as Bologna.

Como is around the same temperature as Bologna in the summer. The temperature in Como is usually 23°C (73°F) in July, and Bologna stays around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bologna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Como this time of the year. In the summer, Como often gets less sunshine than Bologna. Como gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 316 hours of full sun.

Como usually gets more rain in July than Bologna. Como gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Como 23°C (73°F) 
    Bologna 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Como or Bologna in the Autumn?

Both Bologna and Como are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In the autumn, Como is around the same temperature as Bologna. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Como in October are around 15°C (58°F), and Bologna is about 16°C (61°F).

Como usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during autumn. Como gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bologna. It's quite rainy in Como. In October, Como usually receives less rain than Bologna. Como gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Como 15°C (58°F) 
    Bologna 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Como or Bologna in the Winter?

Both Bologna and Como during the winter are popular places to visit.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bologna. It's quite cold in Como in the winter. In January, Como is generally much warmer than Bologna. Temperatures in Como average around 5°C (41°F), and Bologna stays around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Como often gets more sunshine than Bologna. Como gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bologna receives 105 hours of full sun.

Como usually gets less rain in January than Bologna. Como gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Como 5°C (41°F) 
    Bologna 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Como or Bologna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Como and Bologna.

Como is around the same temperature as Bologna in the spring. The temperature in Como is usually 13°C (55°F) in April, and Bologna stays around 13°C (55°F).

Como usually receives less sunshine than Bologna during spring. Como gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Bologna receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Como usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bologna. Como gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Bologna receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Como 13°C (55°F) 
    Bologna 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Bologna and Como

Como Bologna
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 9°C (47°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 76 mm (3 in) 13°C (55°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 102 mm (4 in) 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 103 mm (4 in) 16°C (61°F) 123 mm (4.8 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 102 mm (4 in) 8°C (46°F) 124 mm (4.9 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)


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Como vs. Bologna Travel Comparison

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