Which place is cheaper, Rome or Mykonos?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Mykonos or Rome?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Mykonos and Rome. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Mykonos
Mykonos is a ritzy, opulent, and picturesque Greek island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.
Rome
Rome is a archeological, bustling, and fun-filled city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.
Mykonos and Rome: Pros and Cons
Mykonos
Pros- Active nightlife
- Nice resorts
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Scenic old town
- Good for couples and romance
- Impressive beauty
- Quaint atmosphere
- Less museums and historical sights
- Less family-friendly
- Less popular with backpackers
- 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 Mykonos or Rome?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Rome than Mykonos, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rome is more popular for its museums, music, and big city activities, while Mykonos is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Mykonos is popular for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. Rome 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.
The Colosseum
How is Mykonos different from Rome?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rome and Mykonos. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mykonos or Rome?
Mykonos
Rome
Rome is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Mykonos is not as famous, but is still a good Greek island to visit for its museums and history.
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.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Mykonos. Visitors enjoy checking out the windmills and churches around the island. You can also hop over to Delos to see its archeological sites.
Is the Food Better in Mykonos or Rome? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Mykonos
Rome
Dining out at restaurants in both Mykonos and Rome can be an enjoyable experience.
Eat your way through Mykonos, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Like most things on the island, food is expensive, but its also very good. Make sure you try the louza sausage, kopanisti cheese, and melopita pie.
For foodies, Rome is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.
Is Mykonos or Rome Better for Nightlife?
Mykonos
Rome
Both Mykonos and Rome are fantastic when it comes to partying.
The nightlife in Mykonos is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. With many exclusive clubs and bars, this island is among the best for nightlife in Greece. Popular options include Tropicana Club, Scarpa, and Super Paradise Beach Club.
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.
Is Mykonos or Rome Better for Music?
Mykonos
Rome
Rome is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Mykonos is not a live music destination.
Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Rome Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.
Mykonos is not a live music destination.
Is Mykonos or Rome Better for Resorts?
Mykonos
Rome
Mykonos is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Rome is not a resort destination.
Mykonos is a world class resort vacation destination. There are many world class luxury resorts on the island that offer a variety of amenities including pools, restaurants, and spas. Popular options include Myconian Avaton Resort, Myconian Imperial Resort and Villas, and Myconian Utopia Resort.
Rome is not a resort destination.
Is Mykonos or Rome Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Mykonos
Rome
Mykonos is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rome is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Mykonos is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many good diving and snorkeling spots around the island include shipwrecks and reefs with good visibility.
Rome is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Mykonos or Rome Better for Beaches?
Mykonos
Rome
Mykonos is a great destination for the beach. However, Rome is not a beach destination.
The beaches at Mykonos attract visitors from all over. This island has become popular for its sandy beaches, but these days they come with a high price. Many are lined with umbrellas and sunbeds that you can rent. They often have bars that bring high energy and loud music. The water is often calm enough to enjoy swimming or water sports. Most of the best beaches are on the southern side of the island, but there are less crowds on the northern side, although the weather may not be as good.
Rome is not a beach destination.
Is Mykonos or Rome Better for its Old Town?
Mykonos
Rome
Mykonos 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, Mykonos offers plenty to see. Chora, the old town and largest town on the island, is filled with windmills, cafes, churches, and charming streets.
Rome does not have a historic old town.
Is Mykonos or Rome Better for Hiking?
Mykonos
Rome
Mykonos is not so good for its hiking experiences. However, Rome is not a hiking destination.
While not known for its hiking, Mykonos has a few options. This island doesn't have any real hiking but you can walk to the beach along the road. The island is mostly flat.
Rome is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Mykonos or Rome?
Mykonos
Rome
Both Mykonos and Rome are fantastic shopping destinations.
The abundance of shops in Mykonos make it a world-class shopping destination. This island has become the playground for celebrities and the wealthy, so there are plenty of shopping opportunities in town.
Many people travel to Rome specifically to go shopping. 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 Mykonos or Rome Better for Families?
Mykonos
Rome
Rome is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for its kid-friendly activities.
Rome is a very kid-friendly city. 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.
Mykonos is not always a place people visit with their families. This island is a bit of a party destination, so many people choose alternative islands when visiting Greece with their kids. If you do head to Mykonos, you'll find nice beaches and some good museums.
Is Mykonos or Rome Better for Couples?
Mykonos
Rome
Mykonos is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Rome is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.
Mykonos is a great Greek island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy beautiful coastal settings with a great party scene will love a vacation or honeymoon to this Greek island.
Rome is a great Greek island if you're traveling as a couple. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.
Is Mykonos or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Mykonos
Rome
Rome is an unbeatable place for backpackers. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for backpackers and budget travelers.
Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit 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).
Mykonos is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The island appeals to the wealthy and glamourous, but for backpackers and budget travelers, there are a few budget-friendly hotels. It'll be a bit harder to find affordable food though, as restaurants can be quite expensive.
Is Mykonos or Rome Better for Students?
Mykonos
Rome
Rome is an unbeatable place for students. However, Mykonos is not popular with students.
Rome is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.
Mykonos is not popular with students.
Is Mykonos or Rome Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Mykonos
Rome
Rome is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Mykonos is not as famous, but is still a good Greek island to visit for times when you don't have a car.
Visitors in Rome can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.
Mykonos has some public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the towns and beaches on the island. Both major bus stations are on the western side of the island.
Is Mykonos or Rome a more walkable city?
Mykonos
Rome
Mykonos and Rome both are fantastic when exploring on foot.
It is easy to get around Mykonos on foot. Walking is actually one of the only ways to get around town.
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.
For even more information, also check out Is Mykonos Worth Visiting? and Is Rome Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Rome or Mykonos?
How long in Mykonos or Rome?
Both Mykonos 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 Mykonos. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mykonos, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.
Families should spend more time in Rome than Mykonos. 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 Mykonos than Rome. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Mykonos that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rome than Mykonos 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.
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How many days in Mykonos or Rome? Ideal Length of StayMykonos 3-5Rome 3-7
One day in Mykonos or Rome?
Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Mykonos. 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.
Because Rome is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
A weekend in Mykonos or Rome?
Mykonos is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.
Because Rome is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.
Five days in Mykonos or Rome?
Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the postcard perfect destination of Mykonos. This Greek island 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.
Rome is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rome has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
A week in Mykonos or Rome?
The party-oriented Greek island of Mykonos offers shopping and museums. 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rome. Because Rome is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayMykonos €149Rome €170
The average daily cost (per person) in Mykonos is €149, while the average daily cost in Rome is €170. 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 Mykonos and Rome in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personMykonos €74Rome €89
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomMykonos €148Rome €178
Compare Hotels in Mykonos and Rome
Looking for a hotel in Mykonos 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: Mykonos Hotel Prices and Rome Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Mykonos €24Rome €21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mykonos
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Mykonos:
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Bus to Paradise Beach (for 2)€5.60
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Taxi to Kalafatis€13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mykonos
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Mykonos:
- 24 Hour Private Transfer Service All Around Mykonos Island: $27
- 24 Hours Mykonos Private Transfer: $87
- 24-hour Point-Point Mykonos Airport and Port Transfers Service: $20
- All Included Mykonos South Beaches, Rhenia and Delos Islands (free transfers): $120
- Boat Tour / Transfer in Mykonos: $1,069
- Delos Island: Roundtrip Boat Transfer from Mykonos Island: $31
- From Helicopter Transfer to Athens or Greek Island: $2,567
- Mykonos 6hrs sailing cruise: Delos Rhenia with lunch & transfer : $153
- Mykonos Airport (JMK) to Mykonos - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $72
- Mykonos Airport or Port from/to Point to Point Private Transfers: $213
- Mykonos Airport: Private Mykonos, Elia, or Kalafati Transfer: $81
- Mykonos Alternative Sunset Sail Aperitivo for Adults-only (free transfers): $71
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:
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Metro Ride (for Two)€2.00
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Train to the Airport€15
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Taxi to Airport€45
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Bicycle Rental (Full Day)€10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:
- Bus Transfer Between Airport and Rome Termini Station: $6.42
- Shuttle Bus Transfer to or from Ciampino Airport: $6.42
- Shuttle Bus Transfer to or from Fiumicino Airport: $7.49
- Transfer Ciampino Airport - Rome center: $7.64
- Transfer Fiumicino Airport - Rome center: $7.64
- Transfer Rome center - Ciampino Airport: $7.64
- Fiumicino Airport from/to Vaticano Transfer: $8.73
- Bus Transfer from Rome to Milan or Vice Versa: $11
- Transfer from Termini Station to the Maximo Shopping Center: $15
- Civitavecchia Port to/from Vatican City Bus Transfer: $16
- Transfer between Fiumicino Airport and Rome Termini: $17
- Ciampino Airport Rome (CIA) to Rome - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
Is it cheaper to fly into Mykonos or Rome?
Prices for flights to both Rome and Mykonos 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
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Food Meals for one dayMykonos €48Rome €47
Typical Food Prices in Mykonos
Some typical examples of dining costs in Mykonos are as follows:
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Two Ice cream Cones€4.50
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mykonos
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Mykonos.
- Traditional Lunch or Dinner at the Mykonian Spiti: $70
- Sunset Boat Cruise with Light Dinner & Drinks: $100
- Food Tour in Mykonos - 10 Tastings : $108
- Souvlaki Cooking Class in Mykonos: $109
- Cooking Class with Food and Wine: $160
- Cooking Classes in Mykonos Greece: $164
- Private Cooking Class on Naxos Island with Pick Up: $196
- Private Authentic Greek Brunch Cooking Class in Mykonos with a Local: $254
- Private Food Tour & Wine Tasting In Tinos Island with a Local: $284
- Private Cooking Class At The Home Of A Mykonian Family: $610
Typical Food Prices in Rome
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)€14
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4 Ice Cream Sandwiches€2.99
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Cafe e doce€4.00
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Pizza (Fast Food)€2.65
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Sitdown Lunch (for Two)€32
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Cheese and bread€10
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Espresso€2.00
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Dinner€58
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
- 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
- Vatican and Trionfale Farmers Market Food tour and Wine tasting : $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
- Leonardo Da Vini, Wine and Pizza Painting Class: $43
- Wine Tasting and Food Tour at Vatican and Trionfale Farmers: $43
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Mykonos €23Rome €36
Tours and Activities in Mykonos
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Mykonos are as follows:
- Old Town Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
- Mykonos Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
- Paddle Boat Experience: $16
- Cellar Tour & Beer Tasting at Mykonos Brewing Company : $30
- Sunset Party Boat Cruise with 1 Drink: $32
- Highlights Walking Tour with a Local: $37
- Walking Tour as a Local: $38
- 1-Hour Guided Snorkeling Adventure with Go Pro Pictures : $38
- Mykonos Walking Tour: $42
- Mykonos Old Town Walking Tour: $43
- Half-Day City Walking Tour and Island Bus Tour: $44
- Super Paradise Beach: Wakeboarding Experience: $48
Typical Entertainment Prices in Rome
Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)€69
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Coliseum Tickets (for Two)€33
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Roma Pass€30
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Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)€20
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Segway Tour€75
Tours and Activities in Rome
Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Cambridge: Discovery Walk & Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Bergamo Old Town: Discovery Walk & Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
- Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.26
- Piazza del Popolo and Historical Sights Walking Tour in Rome: $3.27
- Shared 4 Hours Guided tour of the House of the Emperor Hadrian: $5.11
- From 1-Way Bus Ticket to Naples or Vice Versa: $5.31
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Rome: $5.33
- Bergamo Old Town: City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
- Twilight Treasures: An Evening Tour Through Rome's Rich History: $5.44
- Civitavecchia's Stories and Secrets: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
- St. Peter's Basilica Rome Audio Tour Experience: $5.99
- PANTHEON Rome Audio Tour Experience: $5.99
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayMykonos €20Rome €18
Sample the Local Flavors in Mykonos
Also in Mykonos, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Winery Vineyard Experience with Food & Wine Tasting: $73
- Tour and Wine Tasting in Mykonian Land : $74
- Wine Tasting at a Mykonian Farm: $80
- Wine Tasting Tour at a traditional farm in Mykonos: $82
- Half-Day Wine Tasting and Snack at a Local House: $128
- Ancient Greek Wine Tasting on the Beach with a Sommelier: $128
- Luxurious All-in-One Mykonos Party Tour with Wine Tasting: $163
Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:
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Bottle of Wine€6.50
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Pint of Beer€6.34
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Beer€10
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 comparing the travel costs between Mykonos 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.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Mykonos Expensive? and Is Rome Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Mykonos or Rome?
Rome has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Mykonos. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos 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.