Which place is cheaper, Calgary or Rome?
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 Rome or Calgary?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Rome and Calgary 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.
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. The famous beauty of Rome is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food. See Rome travel costs.
Calgary
Calgary is a authentic, western, and local city. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Calgary travel costs.
Rome and Calgary: Pros and Cons
Rome
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Fun shopping
- Known for its beauty
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Colosseum
Calgary
Pros- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Less museums and historical sights
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular for shopping
- Less popular with backpackers
- Public transit not as usable
- Less walkable
Is there more to do in Rome or Calgary?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Rome than Calgary, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rome is more touristy than Calgary and is known 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. Calgary is popular for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.
The Colosseum
How is Rome different from Calgary?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Calgary and Rome. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Rome or Calgary?
Rome
Calgary
Rome is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
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 Calgary. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.
Is the Food Better in Rome or Calgary? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Rome
Calgary
Rome is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.
Many restaurants in Rome have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.
Calgary may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.
Is Rome or Calgary Better for Nightlife?
Rome
Calgary
Rome is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.
The nightlife in Rome is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.
If you're looking for night time activities Calgary has a few options to choose from. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.
Is Rome or Calgary Better for Music?
Rome
Calgary
Rome is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Calgary 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.
Calgary is not a live music destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Rome or Calgary?
Rome
Calgary
Rome is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.
The abundance of shops in Rome make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.
Calgary has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.
Is Rome or Calgary More Beautiful?
Rome
Calgary
Rome is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.
The famous beauty of Rome is one of the main draws. With its many beautiful landmarks and impressive architecture, this city has a lot of attractive places to visit. Don't miss Villa Borghese Park, Trastevere, Palazzo Madama, the Appian Way, and Piazza Navona.
Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.
Is Rome or Calgary Better for Families?
Rome
Calgary
Rome is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.
Calgary offers lots of family activities. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.
Is Rome or Calgary Better for Couples?
Rome
Calgary
Rome is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.
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.
Calgary is a good city for couples to visit. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.
Is Rome or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Rome
Calgary
Rome is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular 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).
Plenty of backpackers visit Calgary. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.
Is Rome or Calgary Better for Students?
Rome
Calgary
Rome is an unbeatable place for students. However, Calgary 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.
Calgary is not popular with students.
Is Rome or Calgary Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Rome
Calgary
Rome is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.
While Calgary offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.
Is Rome or Calgary a more walkable city?
Rome
Calgary
Rome is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.
Getting around Rome on foot is easy. 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.
Calgary is generally not a very walkable city. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.
For even more information, also check out Is Rome Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Calgary or Rome?
How long in Rome or Calgary?
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Rome or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Rome than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Rome, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.
Families should spend more time in Rome than Calgary. 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 Calgary. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Rome that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rome than Calgary 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 Rome or Calgary? Ideal Length of StayRome 3-7Calgary 1-2
One day in Rome or Calgary?
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.
Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Calgary. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.
A weekend in Rome or Calgary?
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.
Calgary is a fun place to experience. 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.
Five days in Rome or Calgary?
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.
You'll find shopping and museums around the western destination of Calgary. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
A week in Rome or Calgary?
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.
The western city of Calgary offers museums and nightlife. 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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.
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Rome Prices
Italy PricesCalgary Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRome €207Calgary €151
The average daily cost (per person) in Rome is €207, while the average daily cost in Calgary is €151. 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 Rome and Calgary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRome €90Calgary €62
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRome €180Calgary €124
Compare Hotels in Rome and Calgary
Looking for a hotel in Rome or Calgary? 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: Rome Hotel Prices and Calgary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rome €21Calgary €11
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:
- Private Airport Transfer in Rome: $135
- Private Airport Transfer to Rome City: $72
- Airport Transfer: Ciampino Airport CIA to Rome by Luxury Van: $112
- Airport Transfer: Fiumicino Airport FCO to Rome by Business Car: $126
- Airport Transfer: Fiumicino Airport FCO to Rome by Luxury Van: $143
- Airport Transfer: Rome to Ciampino Airport CIA by Luxury Van: $112
- Airport Transfer: Rome to Fiumicino Airport FCO by Business Car: $126
- Airport Transfer: Rome to Fiumicino Airport FCO by Luxury Van: $138
- Airport to Hotel in Rome Private Transfer: $252
- Arrival Private Transfer from Rome Train Station to Rome City: $57
- Arrival Transfer: Fiumicino Airport FCO to Rome by Luxury Van: $138
- Arrival in Airport Transfer & Exclusive City Introduction: $269
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:
- Arrival Private Transfer: Calgary Airport YYC to Calgary in Luxury SUV: $141
- Banff (Canmore) to Calgary Airport | Private Transfer: $215
- Banff Lake Louise or Canmore and Calgary Private Shuttle Transfer: $61
- Banff/Canmore to Calgary or YYC Airport Private Transfer: $212
- Banff: Private Transfer to Calgary Airport or Calgary: $126
- Black Car Airport Transfers in Bow Valley: $295
- Calgary Airport (YYC) to Calgary hotel or address - Arrival Private Transfer: $101
- Calgary Airport (YYC) to Calgary hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $202
- Calgary Airport (YYC) to Lake Louise - Arrival Private Transfer: $208
- Calgary Airport Transfer to/from Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise: $45
- Calgary Airport to Banff (Canmore) | Private Transfer: $215
- Calgary Airport to Banff and Beyond Transfer Service: $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Rome or Calgary?
Prices for flights to both Calgary and Rome 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 dayRome €84Calgary €46
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.
- Pizzas and Piazzas: A Self-Guided Walk of Rome’s Culinary Culture: $20
- Hard Rock Cafe Rome with Set Lunch or Dinner: $34
- Rome City Center Largest Farmers Market and Street Food Tour : $35
- Pizza and Tiramisu Cooking Class near the Colosseum: $35
- Pizza Making Class with Spritz & Mixology: $35
- Tasty Trionfale Farmers Market Food Tour and Local Wines Tasting: $42
- Pasta Making & Wine Tasting with Dinner in Frascati from Rome: $46
- Gnocchi Cooking Class in Rome - Piazza Navona: $46
- Vatican Street Food Tour and Wine Experience with Local Guide: $47
- Rome Food Tour : Street Food Testings with Local Guide: $47
- Rome Food Tour by the Vatican : $52
- Pizza Cooking Class in Rome City Center - Piazza Navona: $52
Typical Food Prices in Calgary
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Calgary:
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Bread, Chips, Cheese€6.89
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Calgary
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Calgary.
- Sushi Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Calgary: $63
- Pasta Cooking Class at a Local Distillery in Calgary: $63
- Light Brunch & Food Tour at Calgary Farmers' Market WEST: $80
- Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $127
- Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $130
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rome €36Calgary €13
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:
- Self Guided Audio Tour with 100 Captivating Stories in Rome: $3.59
- Rome and Tuscany Secret Treasures Self Guided Walking Tour: $4.20
- Piazza del Popolo and Historical Sights Walking Tour in Rome: $4.21
- Twilight Treasures: An Evening Tour Through Rome's Rich History: $4.57
- Rome Art Walking Tour Who Killed Caravaggio: $4.81
- Ghosts Legends and Mysteries of Rome Walking Tour: $4.81
- Colosseum and Roman Forum Sightseeing Area Night Walking Tour: $4.81
- Rome Timeless Trail Self Guided Walking Tour with App: $5.78
- Rome Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $5.88
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Rome: $5.88
- What Emperor Hadrian Lost: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Ancient Rome: $5.99
- Rome Empress Mystery: Self-Guided Adventure Game: $6.00
Typical Entertainment Prices in Calgary
Here are a few typical costs in Calgary for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Stampede Admission (for 2)€19
Tours and Activities in Calgary
Here are a few actual costs in Calgary for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Tips-Based City Highlights Walking Tour | 3-Hour: $4.02
- Calgary City Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based : $5.00
- Downtown Calgary a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour: $6.63
- Sam Centre Calgary Stampede Museum Ticket: $7.18
- Discover Calgary with 3 Smartphone Audio Walking Tours: $15
- Calgary Downtown: 2-Hour Introductory Walking Tour: $21
- Shared Tour from Calgary to Moraine, Lake Louise and Emerald Lake: $28
- Calgary Flames Ice Hockey Game Ticket: $28
- Heritage Park Historical Village Admission Ticket: $29
- Victoria Park Mural Tour of Calgary: $37
- Calgary Self Guided Walking Tour and Scavenger Hunt: $42
- Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Half Day Tour: $44
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRome €18Calgary €9.33
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:
- Wine Tasting and Food Pairing Small Group Experience: $19
- Rome Pub Crawl in the Old Town: $19
- Trionfale Farmers Market and Vatican Quarter Food and Wine Tour: $35
- Vatican Food and Wine Tasting Tour next to the Sistine Chapel: $35
- Rome’s Exclusive Wine Tasting: Sip Near the Colosseum!: $39
- Experience Rome Exclusive Wine Tasting in City Center: $47
- Tour of Rome with wine tasting: $54
- Guided Wine Tasting Experience in a Roman Vineyard: $59
- Wine Tour in Historic Center of Rome: $60
- Small-Group Exclusive Winery and Wine Tasting Tour in Frascati: $66
- Wine Tasting Cold cuts and Rare Cheeses in Grotta a Testaccio: $72
- Trastevere Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $77
Sample the Local Flavors in Calgary
Also in Calgary, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Brewery Tours at Award Winning Venues: $82
- Calgary Brewery Tour: $88
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rome and Calgary, we can see that Rome is more expensive. And not only is Calgary much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rome is in Europe and Calgary is in North America, 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 Calgary would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Calgary 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 Calgary.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rome Expensive? and Is Calgary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rome or Calgary?
Rome has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Calgary. When comparing the sizes of Rome and Calgary, 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.