A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kos vs. Rome for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Kos 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 Kos 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.

Kos

Kos is a ancient, cultural, and party-hard island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Rome

Rome is a ancient, archeological, and bustling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Kos and Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kos or Rome?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Rome than Kos, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Rome is better known for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Kos is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Rome is more touristy than Kos 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. Also, Rome is famous for The Colosseum. Kos is well known for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water.

The Colosseum

How is Kos different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rome and Kos. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kos or Rome?

Spend time exploring the world-class sights and museums in either Kos or Rome.

Travelers visit Kos from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The small island is packed with archaeological sites and interesting history. Famous places worth visiting include the ruins of Asklepion, the ancient Agora, Roman Odeon, Neratzia Castle, and so many more!

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Rome are among the most recognizable in the world. 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 Kos or Rome? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Kos and Rome offer world-class local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Kos have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The cuisine relies heavily on locally harvested ingredients with many dishes featuring cheese, seafood, vegetables, olive oil, and potatoes. The dishes are influenced by Italian and Turkish cuisines and common dishes include moussaka, souvlaki and tzatziki. Popular seafood options are prawns, squid, lobster and octopus. A great way to enjoy a sampling of local dishes is to visit an ouzeri, which is a Greek taverna that serves mezza style meals with small dishes that you can share.

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 Kos or Rome Better for Nightlife?

Rome is very popular for nightlife. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Rome is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

The people in Kos know how to have a good time. For such a small island you'll find a huge party scene during the peak summer months. There are almost nightly parties, beach raves, and late night clubs throughout the summer months. The bars and clubs are mostly concentrated around a couple of streets in the center of Kos Town, but Kardamena is also a lively party area. It's popular with British tourists who head here for the all-night clubs.

Is Kos or Rome Better for Music?

Rome is very popular for live music. However, Kos is not a live music destination.

Rome is known as a music capital around the world. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Kos is not a live music destination.

Is Kos or Rome Better for Resorts?

Kos is a island with good options for its resorts. However, Rome is not a resort destination.

Kos has a few great resort options. It's a smaller island and there aren't as many resorts here as there are on some of the larger Greek islands. Some of the best resort areas include Lamp and Psalidi to the northwest, Tigaki on the west coast (a good option for families), as well as Mastihari and Marmari which both have relaxed atmospheres. The younger crowd often hangs out around Kardemena on the east coast.

Rome is not a resort destination.

Is Kos or Rome Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rome is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Kos is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are countless snorkeling sports around the island where you can immerse yourself in the undersea world. Popular snorkeling areas include Camel Beach and Limnionas Beach. Make sure you understand the water conditions before heading into the water.

Rome is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or Rome Better for Beaches?

Kos is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Rome is not a beach destination.

Kos is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches, many of which are sandy with various shades of color. There are touristy beaches with plenty of amenities as well as less frequented beaches that offer a quieter and more remote atmosphere. Some of the most visited beaches on the island include Agios Stefanos, Kardamena, Kefalos and Lambi while some of the more peaceful areas are Cavo Paradiso and Helona Beach.

Rome is not a beach destination.

Is Kos or Rome Better for Hiking?

Kos is a island with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Rome is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Kos. This is a great walking island with a number of easy walks or hikes that take you along the coastline or through interesting landscapes.

Rome is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kos or Rome?

Rome is very popular for shopping. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Rome. 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.

Kos offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of traditional items that you can pick up while you're in town. Fun souvenirs include jewelry, leather items, and perfumes.

Is Kos or Rome Better for Families?

Rome is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Rome is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Kos. It's comparable to other Greek islands when it comes to kids' activities. Kos Town can get a bit lively at night so if you want to avoid the party crowds, then those areas are easily avoided. Popular activities include exploring ancient ruins, going to the Kos Archaeological Museum, visiting The Castle of the Knights, and of course, hanging out at the beach. One of the best family-friendly resort areas is Tigaki along the west coast.

Is Kos or Rome Better for Couples?

Both Kos and Rome are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Kos makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This small island offers beautiful beaches and plenty of ancient ruins to explore. Kos Town is where you'll find the liveliest atmosphere but for some of the best resorts you'll want to stay in one of the resort suburbs like Lampi or Psalidi.

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 Kos or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Rome. 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).

Kos is a great island to visit for backpackers. It's a small island but has a few hostels and a variety of apartments available for rent. Despite its small size, there are areas where you'll want to have a car if you wish to explore, but if you stay in town you'll find getting around fairly easy. The island attracts its share of young travelers and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with.

Is Kos or Rome Better for Students?

Rome is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Kos 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.

Kos is not popular with students.

Is Kos or Rome Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rome is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Rome has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

The public transit in Kos can get you around easily. Buses connect many of the tourist destinations including beaches, cultural sights, are resort areas.

Is Kos or Rome a more walkable city?

Rome is very popular for its walkability. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

Kos is a very walkable island. It's small size means it's possible to explore parts of the island on foot or bicycle. There are some beautiful walks on the island, but some areas will require a car or bus.

For even more information, also check out Is Kos Worth Visiting? and Is Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Kos?

How long in Kos or Rome?

Both Kos 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 Kos. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Kos, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

Families should spend more time in Rome than Kos. 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 Kos. 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 Kos 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.

One day in Kos or Rome?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Kos. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

When visiting Rome, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 Kos or Rome?

Kos is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people visit Rome for a weekend. When visiting Rome, people usually allow for lots of time. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Kos or Rome?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Kos. This island offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

When visiting Rome, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 Kos or Rome?

The ancient island of Kos offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 2-Week Tours from Athens, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kos Expensive? and Is Rome Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kos or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Kos. When comparing the sizes of Kos 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.