A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Pompeii vs. Como for Attractions, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Pompeii or Como?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pompeii and Como can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a famous, iconic, and one-of-a-kind archeological site. It's also popular because of the museums.

Como

Como is a trendy, fun, and vibrant lake area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Pompeii and Como: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Home to the Pompeii Archaeological Ruins
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Pompeii or Como?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Como. Although Pompeii and Como are popular destinations, Como has more sights and attractions for tourists. Como is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Pompeii attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Pompeii is famous for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Como is famous for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. It is also well known for the lakeside setting.

How is Pompeii different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pompeii or Como?

Pompeii
Como

Pompeii is renowned for its museums and history. However, Como is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Pompeii has many famous sights for visitors. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

Como offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.


Is the Food Better in Pompeii or Como? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pompeii
Como

Como is renowned for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Como has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Pompeii or Como Better for Nightlife?

Pompeii
Como

Como is very good for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Como. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Pompeii or Como Better for Beaches?

Pompeii
Como

Como is very good for the beach. However, Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Como to enjoy the beach. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.

Pompeii is not a beach destination.


Is Pompeii or Como Better for Hiking?

Pompeii
Como

Como is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Pompeii is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Como. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

Pompeii is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pompeii or Como?

Pompeii
Como

Como is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

Many people travel to Como specifically to go shopping. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Pompeii or Como Better for Families?

Pompeii
Como

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Pompeii or Como.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Pompeii. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

Como is a very family-friendly place to visit. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.


Is Pompeii or Como Better for Couples?

Pompeii
Como

Como is renowned for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Como has plenty to offer. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

Pompeii is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Pompeii or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pompeii
Como

Como is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Como. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

It's common for backpackers to visit Pompeii. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Is Pompeii or Como Better for Students?

Pompeii
Como

Pompeii is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Como is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Pompeii. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

Como is not popular with students.


Is Pompeii or Como Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pompeii
Como

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Pompeii and Como.

Pompeii has some public transit options. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

You'll find some public transit in Como, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Is Pompeii or Como a more walkable city?

Pompeii
Como

Pompeii is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Pompeii. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

Como is very walkable. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

For even more information, also check out Is Pompeii Worth Visiting? and Is Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Pompeii?

How long in Pompeii or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Pompeii or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Como due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Pompeii, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

Couples should spend more time in Como than Pompeii. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Como that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Como than Pompeii 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 Como.


  • How many days in Pompeii or Como? Ideal Length of Stay
    Pompeii 1-2 
    Como 2-4

One day in Pompeii or Como?

Visitors enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Pompeii. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Como, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This lake area offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Pompeii or Como?

Pompeii is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

In Como, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Como has to offer.

Five days in Pompeii or Como?

You'll find museums around the one-of-a-kind destination of Pompeii. This archeological site offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Como is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Pompeii or Como?

The iconic archeological site of Pompeii offers museums. 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 Como. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Como. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Como or Pompeii?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Pompeii is €151, while the average daily cost in Como is €214. 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 Pompeii and Como in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pompeii 70
    Como 146
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pompeii 140
    Como 292
Compare Hotels in Pompeii and Como

Looking for a hotel in Pompeii or Como? 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 Pompeii


Hotels in Como


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: Pompeii Hotel Prices and Como Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pompeii 54
    Como 14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pompeii

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

  • Transfers Ravello - Naples: $212
  • Transfer from Pompeii to Naples or viceversa: $67
  • Transfer from Naples to Amalfi or Ravello: $111
  • Transfer Ravello to Naples: $124
  • Private transfer from Ravello to Naples: $124
  • Organic Wine Tasting & Lunch on Vesuvius with Transfer from Pompeii: $134

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Como

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

  • Transfer from Cernobbio or Moltrasio or Carate Urio or Laglio: $173
  • Private transfer from Colico or Dervio or Piona or Corenno Plinio: $111
  • Private Transfer: Lake Como to Milan Airport MXP in Luxury Van: $254
  • Private Transfer from Como or Blevio or Torno: $161
  • Private Transfer from Bellagio or Oliveto Lario or Limonta: $128
  • Private Transfer From Tremezzo or Menaggio or Cadenabbia: $245
  • Private Transfer From Lecco or Malgrate: $67
  • Private Luxury transfer from Como Lake to Venice (or viceversa): $278
  • Pirvate transfer from Malpensa airport to Como and Cernobbio: $223
  • From Milan center : Private 1-Way Transfer to Como: $281
  • From Private 1-Way Transfer to Linate airport: $312
  • From Como : Private 1-Way Transfer to Malpensa airport: $344

Is it cheaper to fly into Pompeii or Como?

Prices for flights to both Como and Pompeii 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
    Pompeii 35
    Como 60

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pompeii

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

  • Private Food Tour in Ancient Pompeii: $37
  • Cooking Class with Italian Mamma in Pompeii: $67
  • Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Pompei: $95
  • Pompei tour with a 2000 years roman dinner: $115
  • Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Pompei: $145
  • Private market tour, lunch or dinner and cooking demo in Pompei: $155
  • Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Pompei: $161
  • Private Cooking Class with Lunch or Dinner in Pompei: $161

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Como

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

  • COOKING, EATING, LOVING - Lasagna cooking Class for everyone!: $65
  • Premium Pizza-Making Class at a Pizzeria: $108
  • Lake Como Food Tour - Eat like a real Local: $110
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cernobbio with Show Cooking: $122
  • Pizzoccheri food game with treasure hunt and cooking lesson: $134
  • Candlelight dinner on Lake Como: $134
  • Tour and historical dinner: Lake Como 1690: $134
  • Como Food Tour and the Farmers Market: $142
  • Cooking on Lake Como with an Amazing View: $143
  • Premium Pizza Making Class at a Pizzeria in Como: $144
  • Lecco Food Tour: $145
  • Como Food Tour and the Farmers Market: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pompeii 77
    Como -

Tours and Activities in Pompeii

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

  • Excavations of Pompeii. Tourist guide and skip-the-line ticket: $89
  • 2 Hour Private Walking Tour with Certified Guide in Pompeii: $256
  • 2 Hours Guided Pompeii Tour with Skip The Line Ticket Entry: $55
  • 2 Hours Private Tour of Pompeii for Journey Through Time: $200
  • 2 Hours of walking tour of Pompeii with an Archaeological guide : $28
  • 2 and a half hours exclusive guided tour of Pompeii ruins: $223
  • 2-hour Private Guided Tour of Pompeii: $278
  • 5-Hour Pompeii Ruins & Naples City Center Private Walking Tour: $288
  • Amalfi Coast Sightseeing Bus Tour from Pompeii: $89
  • Amalfi Hiking in Ferriere Valley Nature Reserve- private tour: $145
  • Best Of Naples Shore Tour In 1 Day: Pompei & Amalfi Coast & Limoncello Tasting: $239
  • Complete Pompeii Skip the Line Tour with Archaeologist Guide: $56

Tours and Activities in Como

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

  • “Public Tour” Lake Como By SuBacco: $134
  • 1 Hour Boat Tour of Lake Como from Tremezzo: $44
  • 1 hour Lake Como speedboat tour: $301
  • 1 or 2 Hours Private Boat Tour on Lake villas and more: $383
  • 1 or 2 hours Private Boat Tour on Lake Como with Prosecco: $383
  • 2 Hours Como Private Walking Tour: $183
  • 2 hour tour: Luxury motorboat for tours on Lake Como: $930
  • 2 hours Lake Como speedboat tour: $644
  • 2 hours Private Boat Tour Como Lake: $954
  • 2 hours Private Boat Tour on Como Lake Bellagio (Wood Boat): $1,094
  • 2 hours Private boat tour on lake of Como: $930
  • 3 Hour Private Kayaking Experience on Lake Como: $122

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pompeii 7.31
    Como -

Sample the Local Flavors in Pompeii

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

  • Visit to the Vivinatura and Wine Tasting Farm in Pompeii: $39
  • Private Pompeii Wine Tasting with Lunch: $56
  • Seafood Lunch with Wine Tasting & Tour on a golf cart: $89
  • Wine tasting in the Vesuvius national park: $96
  • Guided Tour of Pompeii Ruins with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $100
  • Full Day Tour to Pompeii, Vesuvius and Wine Tasting: $140
  • Horse Riding Experience on Vesuvius w/ Wine Tasting: $145
  • Pompeii Guided Tour & Horse Riding on Vesuvius with Wine Tasting: $189
  • Private tour of Pompeii Ruins, Organic Wine tasting and Lunch: $200

Sample the Local Flavors in Como

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

  • Italian Wine Tasting & Food Como Lake: $50
  • Domaso: Wine Tasting at the Winery on Como Lake: $61
  • Top Italian Wine Tasting & Food Como Lake: $145
  • Private Wine Tasting in Bellagio with Chef Luigi Gandola: $189


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

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



When is the best time to visit Pompeii or Como?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Pompeii or Como in the Summer?

Both Como and Pompeii are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pompeii this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Como for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Pompeii is around the same temperature as Como in the summer. The daily temperature in Pompeii averages around 23°C (74°F) in July, and Como fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Como. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. Pompeii usually receives more sunshine than Como during summer. Pompeii gets 313 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pompeii usually receives less rain than Como. Pompeii gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pompeii 23°C (74°F) 
    Como 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Pompeii or Como in the Autumn?

Both Como and Pompeii during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Como in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Pompeii is a little warmer than Como. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Pompeii in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Como averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Pompeii often gets more sunshine than Como. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.

Como gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. Pompeii usually gets more rain in October than Como. Pompeii gets 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pompeii 17°C (63°F) 
    Como 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Pompeii or Como in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pompeii and Como. Many visitors come to Pompeii in the winter for the museums. Also, most visitors come to Como for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Como can be very cold during winter. In January, Pompeii is generally much warmer than Como. Daily temperatures in Pompeii average around 8°C (47°F), and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Pompeii usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Como during winter. Pompeii gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Pompeii usually receives more rain than Como. Pompeii gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pompeii 8°C (47°F) 
    Como 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Pompeii or Como in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pompeii as well as Como. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Como because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Pompeii is around the same temperature as Como in the spring. The daily temperature in Pompeii averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Pompeii often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Como. Pompeii gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.

Pompeii usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Como. Pompeii gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Como and Pompeii

Pompeii Como
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 9°C (48°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 6°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 10°C (49°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 76 mm (3 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 23°C (74°F) 26 mm (1 in) 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 161 mm (6.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Dec 9°C (49°F) 118 mm (4.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)