Which place is cheaper, Rome or Fez?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Fez or Rome?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Fez and Rome can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Fez
Fez is a ancient, winding, and busy city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.
Rome
Rome is a ancient, archeological, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.
Fez and Rome: Pros and Cons
Fez
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for nightlife
- Public transit not as usable
Rome
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Colosseum
Is there more to do in Fez or Rome?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Rome than Fez, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rome is more popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Fez is known for its historical sights. Rome is more touristy than Fez and is popular for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also home to The Colosseum. Fez is popular for its ancient medina, gorgeous riads, and amazing local dishes.
The Colosseum
How is Fez different from Rome?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rome and Fez. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Fez or Rome?
Fez
Rome
Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Fez and Rome.
The museums and tourist attractions in Fez are world-renowned. Tucked into the medina are ancient mosques, historic universities, and beautiful gardens. Highlights of the city include Al Quaraouiyine Mosque, Dar Batha (a palace and museum), and Medersa Bou Inania (a former theological college). Another not to be missed sight is the tanneries. You'll likely smell them before you see them, but the history is truly impressive.
You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Rome on the map. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.
Is the Food Better in Fez or Rome? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Fez
Rome
Both Fez and Rome offer a number of world-class restaurants to choose from.
Many restaurants in Fez have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Some of the best food in Morocco can be found in Fez. Head away from the main gates and the major tourist routes to find more local restaurants. Every visitor must try tagine. It's not actually a recipe but instead a cooking pot and technique. If you order a tagine, you'll enjoy a stew like dish that's slow cooked and usually made with lamb or chicken although vegetarian options are often available. Other dishes to try include couscous and pastilla. Pastilla is a pastry covered chicken dish that is seasoned with cinnamon and sugar.
Eat your way through Rome, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.
Is Fez or Rome Better for Nightlife?
Fez
Rome
Rome is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Fez is lacking in options for its evening party scene.
Rome is a world class party destination. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.
Things get quiet in the evenings in Fez. It's a conservative city and the nightlife reflects that. You'll find some bars in the major hotel chains and you can often find alcohol at the more expensive restaurants.
Is Fez or Rome Better for Music?
Fez
Rome
Rome is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Fez is not a live music destination.
With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Rome. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.
Fez is not a live music destination.
Is Fez or Rome Better for its Old Town?
Fez
Rome
Fez is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Rome does not have a historic old town.
With a famous historical old-town, Fez offers plenty to see. The walled medina offers a maze of streets that are lined with shops selling perfume, spices, street food, and trinkets.
Rome does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Fez or Rome?
Fez
Rome
Shoppers can find a variety of world-class stores in both Fez and Rome.
Known for shopping, Fez draws large crowds to its stores. Head to the medina and try your hand at negotiating. There are impressive art shops and hidden gems spread between more touristy shops selling souvenir trinkets.
Rome is a world class destination for shoppers. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.
Is Fez or Rome Better for Families?
Fez
Rome
Rome is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fez is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.
Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Rome is very family-friendly. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.
You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Fez. Kids will enjoy wandering the medina, sampling Moroccan dishes, and trying their hand at bartering for a good price. There are several gardens that offer a quiet oasis from the chaotic streets. There's also baklava and other sweet treats that kids can taste. Many kids enjoy taking a tour to the nearby countryside where they can feed monkeys, hike, and visit local villages.
Is Fez or Rome Better for Couples?
Fez
Rome
Both Fez and Rome are great destinations for a couple's getaway.
Fez makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who like an adventure will enjoy soaking up the medina, visiting the gardens, and taking a trip into the countryside.
Couples visit Rome frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.
Is Fez or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Fez
Rome
Fez and Rome are both world-class destinations for backpackers.
With so many budget-friendly offerings, Fez is extremely popular for backpackers. Prices are very affordable and there are riads that range in price and style. Many restaurants cater to different budgets and most of the entertainment involves wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere.
Rome is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).
Is Fez or Rome Better for Students?
Fez
Rome
Rome is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Fez is not popular with students.
Rome is a very popular city for students. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.
Fez is not popular with students.
Is Fez or Rome Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Fez
Rome
Rome is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Fez is lacking in options for its public transit.
Rome has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.
Public transit is generally limited in Fez. There's a basic public transportation system with buses and a train station, but you'll likely need to take taxis if you can't walk to a destination. Taxis are affordable and abundant.
Is Fez or Rome a more walkable city?
Fez
Rome
Rome is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Fez is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.
It's very easy to get around on foot in Rome. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.
Fez is a very walkable destination. The medina can be explored on foot, but it's easy to get lost so allow a lot of time. There are several walking routes through the medina that are marked with colors but you'll likely find yourself wandering on and off the routes as you explore. Outside of the medina, you'll likely want to take a taxi.
For even more information, also check out Is Fez Worth Visiting? and Is Rome Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Rome or Fez?
How long in Fez or Rome?
Both Fez and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than in Fez. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Fez, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.
Families should spend more time in Rome than Fez. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Rome, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Rome than Fez. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Rome that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rome than Fez if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Rome.
-
How many days in Fez or Rome? Ideal Length of StayFez 3-5Rome 3-7
One day in Fez or Rome?
Fez is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
With museums and nightlife around the fun-filled big city of Rome, there's plenty to do. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.
A weekend in Fez or Rome?
Fez is a fun place to experience. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Many people visit Rome for a weekend. With nightlife and live music around the fun-filled city of Rome, there's plenty to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
Five days in Fez or Rome?
Fez is a winding big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.
With live music and food around the big city destination of Rome, there's plenty to do. Many people spend five days here. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.
A week in Fez or Rome?
The ancient city of Fez offers museums and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.
Rome, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Morocco, The Best 10-Day Tours in Morocco, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayFez $53Rome $182
The average daily cost (per person) in Fez is $53, while the average daily cost in Rome is $182. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Fez and Rome in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personFez $28Rome $95
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomFez $56Rome $190
Compare Hotels in Fez and Rome
Looking for a hotel in Fez or Rome? 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.
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: Fez Hotel Prices and Rome Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Fez $4.95Rome $23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Fez
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Fez:
-
Taxi Ride$1.99
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Fez
Also for Fez, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Arrival Transfer Fez Sais Airport : $12
- Private Transfer From Chefchaouen To Fez: $109
- 2-Day Transfer to Chefchaouen from Fez: $55
- Airport Transfers FES Airport - Hotel - Airport: $38
- Airport Transfers in Fes (private service): $12
- Airport transfers in Fez (Door to Door): $14
- Fes Airport (FEZ) to Fes City Private Transfer (FREE SIM Card): $64
- Fes Airport Transfer and vice Versa: $18
- Fes City to Fes Airport (FEZ) Private Transfer: $64
- Fes Saiss Private airport transfer with arrival and departure: $43
- Fes to Chefchaouen Private Transfer: $102
- Fes to Chefchaouen Private Transfer: $125
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:
-
Metro Ride (for Two)$2.14
-
Train to the Airport$16
-
Taxi to Airport$48
-
Bicycle Rental (Full Day)$11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:
- private transfer from Rome to Fiumicino airport: $55
- Welcome in airport Transfer with welcome box: $89
- Verona Airport (VRN) : One-Way Private Transfer to Ravenna: $706
- Van transfer service from / to airports in Rome: $131
- VIP Transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Rome or Vice Versa: $51
- VIP Experience Private Transfer from the Civitavecchia Port to Rome: $191
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Rome HTL-APT (FCO): $160
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Rome HTL-APT (CIA): $61
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Rome APT-HTL (CIA): $61
- Trieste Port: One-Way Private Transfer to/from Rome Hotels: $2,535
- Transfers from Airports to Rome city or Rome city to Airports: $63
- Transfers From Fiumicino to Terracina: $154
Is it cheaper to fly into Fez or Rome?
Prices for flights to both Rome and Fez 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 dayFez $18Rome $51
Typical Food Prices in Fez
For Fez, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
-
Yogurt$0.60
-
Dinner for 2$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Fez
For Fez, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lunch/Dinner with Moroccan family : $27
- Moroccan Romantic Dinner in Fez: $33
- Baking Workshops at Fez Cooking School at Palais Amani: $41
- Private Home hosted Experience in Morocco with Dinner Included: $43
- cooking classe in fes with ouliya: $44
- Cooking Class with Bread Workshop and Pastry in Fes: $44
- Cooking Class - Moroccan cuisine: $49
- Fes Family Cooking Class: $50
- Tour to Fez Morocco with Lunch or Dinner: $52
- The Best Cooking Class in Fez: $55
- Private 5 h Fez Cooking Class with a local family: $55
- fez cooking tour: $57
Typical Food Prices in Rome
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:
-
Casual Lunch (for Two)$15
-
4 Ice Cream Sandwiches$3.20
-
Cafe e doce$4.29
-
Pizza (Fast Food)$2.84
-
Sitdown Lunch (for Two)$34
-
Cheese and bread$11
-
Espresso$2.14
-
Dinner$62
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rome.
- Award-Winning Roman Food Tours: $16
- Tipsy Food Crawl Walking Tour with Dinner: $31
- Vatican and Trionfale Farmers Market Food tour and Wine tasting : $32
- Food Tour of the Vatican with Farmers Market and Wine Tasting: $32
- Rome Food Tour with Wine Tasting and Farmers Market in Prati Area: $32
- Guided Food Tour with Food and Drink Tastings: $33
- Roman Master Chef Cooking Class with Wine: $36
- Roman Dinner & History Tour: An Epic Journey Through Time: $37
- Painting & Pizza Party with Unlimited Wine: $40
- Campo dei Fiori & Jewish Ghetto area Street Food Tour: $42
- Rome Food Tour : Street Food Testings with Local Guide: $43
- Wine Tasting and Food Tour at Vatican and Trionfale Farmers: $43
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Fez $6.21Rome $39
Typical Entertainment Prices in Fez
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Fez's activities, tours, and tickets:
-
Granary Fee$1.99
Tours and Activities in Fez
For Fez, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Fes Shared Full-Day Guided Tour : $13
- Shared Group Day Tour to Ourika Valley from Marrakech: $15
- Cultural tour in Fez: $15
- Fez guided Tour Group Tour Half Day: $16
- Private Shopping Tour in the Souks of the Old Medina: $16
- Half Day Private Guided Fes Tour with Local Guide: $17
- Fez Rampart Tour Including Chouara Tannery: $18
- Half-Day Guided Tour in Fes : $19
- Fes Guided tours, Cultural tour: $20
- A FEScinating group tour : $20
- Fez Medina Discoveries private Tours : $20
- A group walking tour in Fes, Morocco : $21
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)$74
-
Coliseum Tickets (for Two)$35
-
Roma Pass$32
-
Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)$21
-
Segway Tour$80
Tours and Activities in Rome
Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Appian Way and Aqueducts Electric Bike Tour: $82
- Castel Sant Angelo Skip the Line Tickets: $39
- Colosseum Arena Floor Guided Tour with Ancient Rome Access : $195
- Colosseum Gladiator Arena Floor Complete Guided Tour : $206
- Colosseum Tour With Kids: $195
- Colosseum and Ancient Rome Tour with Circus Maximus and Forums: $16
- Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill Professional Guided Tour: $161
- Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Tour: $184
- Complete St Peters Basilica Tour with Dome Climb and Crypt: $43
- Cruise into Rome?! Full-Day Rome Discovery from Civitavecchia : $96
- Fast Track Colosseum with Arena and afternoon Vatican Museums Tour: $191
- Golf Cart Driving Tour: Rome City Highlights in 2.5 hrs: $104
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayFez -Rome $19
Sample the Local Flavors in Fez
Also in Fez, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Full-Day Boutique Winery and Wine Tasting Tour from Fez: $251
Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:
-
Bottle of Wine$6.96
-
Pint of Beer$6.79
-
Beer$11
Sample the Local Flavors in Rome
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rome:
- Trionfale and Prati Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $31
- Trionfale Farmers Market and Vatican Quarter Food and Wine Tour: $32
- Vatican Food and Wine Tasting Tour next to the Sistine Chapel: $32
- Cabaret & Burlesque Show: $32
- Vatican Quarter and Trionfale Farmers Market Food and Wine Tour: $43
- Bar Crawl with Local Guide & Drinks: $52
- Tipsy Tour: Fun Bar Crawl In Rome With Local Guide : $53
- Wine Tour in Historic Center of Rome: $55
- Frascati Wine Tasting Experience & Vineyards Tour : $61
- Pasta Making Class & Wine Tasting in a Trasteve Villa: $68
- E-Bike Night Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $68
- Private Wine Tasting in Trastevere: $71
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Fez and Rome, we can see that Rome is more expensive. And not only is Fez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Fez is in Africa and Rome is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Fez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Fez 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 Rome would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rome than you might in Fez.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Fez Expensive? and Is Rome Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Fez or Rome?
Rome has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Fez. When comparing the sizes of Fez and Rome, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.