Which place is cheaper, Rome or Phnom Penh?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Phnom Penh 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 Phnom Penh 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.
Where Should I go: Phnom Penh or Rome?
Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city in the country of Cambodia. It is located at the edge of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap rivers and is the nation's center of economics and industry. The metropolitan area has a population of about 2.2 million.
Phnom Penh was once called the "Pearl of Asia." In the 1920s it was one of the most impressive French built cities in the region and was an important tourist destination. During the Vietnam War, refugees fled to the city and by 1975 the city's population was between 2 and 3 million, most of them being refugees. The city fell to the Khmer Rouge in 1975 and they cut off supplies to the population for over a year. Journalists reported torture and mutilation of the trapped civilians and the Khmer Rouge forcibly evacuated the city in what is known as the death march. The Khmer Rouge was driven from the city by the Vietnamese in 1979 and reconstruction began.
Today, tourism continues to grow in the city and those who visit are greeted by a welcoming and friendly population, a rich culture, and truly rewarding travel experience.
Phnom Penh has a tropical wet and dry climate. It is hot year around with very little temperature variation. Lows are usually in the low 70s Fahrenheit and highs are in the mid to high 90s Fahrenheit. The southwest monsoon brings rains between May and October and the northeast monsoon brings the dry season from November to March.
Rome
Rome is the kind of city that refuses to stay in the past, even though history is everywhere you look. Ancient ruins rise beside buzzing cafes, scooters zip past Renaissance palaces, and quiet cobblestone lanes suddenly open onto grand piazzas filled with fountains, churches, and street performers. It is a city of layers: the Colosseum and Roman Forum, the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica, neighborhood trattorias, stylish boutiques, and late-night gelato walks all woven together into one unforgettable experience. Whether you come for the art, the food, the history, or the simple pleasure of wandering without a plan, Rome has a way of making every day feel like a discovery.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Cambodia, The Best 2-Week Tours in Cambodia, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.
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Phnom Penh Prices
Cambodia PricesRome Prices
Italy Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPhnom Penh $51Rome $240
The average daily cost (per person) in Phnom Penh is $51, while the average daily cost in Rome is $240. 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 Phnom Penh and Rome in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPhnom Penh $12Rome $104
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPhnom Penh $24Rome $208
Compare Hotels in Phnom Penh and Rome
Looking for a hotel in Phnom Penh 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: Phnom Penh Hotel Prices and Rome Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Phnom Penh $7.90Rome $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Phnom Penh
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Phnom Penh:
- A Day Trip Transfer Sightseeing Phnom Penh Battambang: $99
- Battambang: Transfer From/To Sihanoukville & Hidden Gems: $50
- From Private Transfer To/From Siem Reap: $58
- From Sihanouk: Private Taxi Transfer to Phnom Penh City: $73
- Ground Transfer/ Minivan/ Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $150
- Ground Transfer/SUV/ Phnom Penh to Siem Reap: $110
- Intercity Transfer Siem Reap-Phnom Penh/Phnom Penh-Siem Reap: $95
- Overland Taxi Transfer From Phnom Penh - Sihanoukville: $59
- PHN Airport Transfer Plus Killing Field, Toul Sleng Museum: $65
- Phnom Penh - Battambang Transfer Plus Stop Sightseeing: $118
- Phnom Penh - Battambang Transfer Sightseeing Day Trip: $89
- Phnom Penh - Siem Reap One-Way Private Transfer: $120
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)$2.32
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Train to the Airport$17
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Taxi to Airport$52
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Bicycle Rental (Full Day)$12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:
- Airport Transfer: Ciampino Airport CIA to Rome by Business Car: $101
- Airport Transfer: Rome to Fiumicino Airport FCO by Business Car: $122
- Airport Transfers Rome Centre to and from Fiumicino and Ciampino: $64
- Airport to Hotel in Rome Private Transfer: $243
- Airport to Rome Private Transfer: $243
- Ancient Ostia Private Guided Tour for Kids with Optional Transfer: $196
- Appian Catacombs Guided Tour with Transfere: $73
- Arrival Transfer: Fiumicino Airport FCO to Rome by Business Car: $122
- Arrival Transfer: Fiumicino Airport FCO to Rome by Luxury Van: $133
- Arrival in Airport Transfer & Exclusive City Introduction: $260
- Arrival in Seamless Private Hotel Transfer: $56
- Catacombs Tour with Transfer – Optional Capuchin Crypt or Trevi: $57
Is it cheaper to fly into Phnom Penh or Rome?
Prices for flights to both Rome and Phnom Penh 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 dayPhnom Penh $23Rome $97
Typical Food Prices in Phnom Penh
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Phnom Penh:
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Dinner for Two$10
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Breakfast for Two$4.86
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Phnom Penh
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Phnom Penh.
- Sunset & Evening Dinner Cruise With One Way Free Pick Up: $9.90
- Mekong Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $9.90
- Sunset Dinner Cruise with English Speaking Guide: $10
- Dinner 4-course Mekong River cruise with Kanika Boat: $27
- Nightlife three hours food tours: $27
- Evening City Tour by Tuk Tuk with 1 Dinner: $29
- Cooking Class in Phnom Penh: $31
- Street Art & Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $35
- Phnom Penh’s Hands-On Khmer Cooking Class in the Countryside: $35
- Phnom Penh Evening Food Tour - Inclusive 5 stops local Tastings: $35
- Street Art and Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: $35
- Khmer Cooking Class Half Day (AM or PM): $36
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)$16
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4 Ice Cream Sandwiches$3.47
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Cafe e doce$4.64
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Pizza (Fast Food)$3.08
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Sitdown Lunch (for Two)$37
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Cheese and bread$12
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Espresso$2.32
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Dinner$67
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rome.
- Pizzas and Piazzas: A Self-Guided Walk of Rome’s Culinary Culture: $20
- Hard Rock Cafe Rome with Set Lunch or Dinner: $34
- Rome Food Tour for Breakfast Lovers: $41
- Milan Street Food Tour and City Guided Sightseeing: $45
- Rome Food Tour: Tastings in the Jewish Ghetto & Campo de' Fiori: $45
- Rome Pizza Making Class for Families in Trastevere: $45
- Rome Top Food Tour: Trastevere, Tiber Island & Campo dè Fiori: $45
- Pasta and Tiramisu Cooking Class with Prosecco in Rome: $45
- Pizza & Tiramisu or Gelato Class with Flowing Fine Wine: $45
- Fettuccine Pasta Cooking Class in Rome City Center: $46
- Cooking Class in the Heart of Pizza and Tiramisu Making: $51
- Rome Street Food Tour Eat Like a Local: $51
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Phnom Penh $7.68Rome $42
Tours and Activities in Phnom Penh
Here are a few actual costs in Phnom Penh for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Riverside Walking Tour with Snack, Drinks & Local Ferry Ride: $7.20
- Sunset Cruise-Unlimited BBQ Buffet-Beers, Sodas & Fruit Platter**: $7.45
- Sunset Cruise on the Mekong with Kanika Boat: $8.00
- Sunset Cruise on Kanika Boat: $8.60
- Phnom Penh Sunset Cruise with Unlimited Beer & BBQ Buffet: $9.00
- Sunset Cruise-Unlimited Beers-Sodas-BBQ buffet-Fruit platter: $9.00
- Sunset Cruise with Unlimited Beers & BBQ Buffet: $9.16
- Sunset Cruise with freeflow beers & BBQ buffet: $9.16
- Sunset Cruise: Your Cruise You Choose, 3 wonderful options: $9.16
- Sunset Cruise with Unlimited Beer &Fruit platter: $9.35
- Phnom Penh Bus with Free Boat Cruise 1 Day Pass: $10
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket Free Mekong Cruise: $12
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)$80
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Coliseum Tickets (for Two)$38
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Roma Pass$35
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Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)$23
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Segway Tour$87
Tours and Activities in Rome
Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hidden Treasures — A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $2.26
- Ghosts Legends and Mysteries of Rome Walking Tour: $4.64
- Experience Rome Trevi Fountain with Ticket: $4.64
- Tour of Rome to Visit the Most Iconic Monuments: $5.00
- Rome Timeless Trail Self Guided Walking Tour with App: $5.50
- Pantheon Rome Entry Ticket: $5.79
- Rome Essential : Self-Guided Tour created by local Official Guide: $5.79
- Rome Pantheon Entry Ticket: $5.79
- Rome Pantheon Entry Experience With Audio: $5.79
- Rome:Pantheon Entry Ticket with Hosted Experience and Audio Guide: $5.79
- Pantheon Admission Ticket : Audio Guide or Guided Tour: $5.79
- What Emperor Hadrian Lost: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ancient Rome: $5.99
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPhnom Penh $4.35Rome $21
Sample the Local Flavors in Phnom Penh
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Phnom Penh:
- Phnom Penh Pub Crawl with Free Mad Monkey Singlet: $12
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$7.54
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Pint of Beer$7.36
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Beer$12
Sample the Local Flavors in Rome
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rome:
- Rome’s Exclusive Wine Tasting: Sip Near the Colosseum!: $38
- Rome's Ultimate Party aka the Spanish Steps Pub Crawl: $39
- Winery Tour, Wine Tasting near Rome with Optional Lunch: $45
- Art, Wine & Food Experience–The Ultimate Roman Wine Tasting: $47
- Wine Tasting in Trastevere with Food and Gelato: $49
- Rome Premium Wine Tasting: 3, 4, 5 or 6 Wines with Expert Guide: $52
- Guided Wine Tasting Experience in a Roman Vineyard: $57
- Frascati Wine Tasting Experience in the Old Town: $61
- Wine Tasting and Food Pairing in Underground Cellar in Rome: $63
- Small-Group Exclusive Winery and Wine Tasting Tour in Frascati: $64
- Rome Night Tipsy Tour & Bar Crawl with Forbidden History: $68
- Wine Tasting Cold cuts and Rare Cheeses in Grotta a Testaccio: $70
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Phnom Penh and Rome, we can see that Rome is more expensive. And not only is Phnom Penh much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Phnom Penh is in Asia 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 Phnom Penh would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Phnom Penh 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 Phnom Penh.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Phnom Penh Expensive? and Is Rome Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Phnom Penh or Rome?
Rome has a larger population, and is about 63% larger than the population of Phnom Penh. When comparing the sizes of Phnom Penh 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.