Which place is cheaper, Cancun or Rome?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Rome or Cancun?
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 Cancun 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 fun-filled, popular, and ancient city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Cancun
Cancun is a adventurous, wild, and party-hard city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.
Rome and Cancun: Pros and Cons
Rome
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Fun shopping
- 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
Cancun
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Nice resorts
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for shopping
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Rome or Cancun?
Travelers will usually find more to do in Rome than Cancun, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rome is more popular for its museums, food, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cancun is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. 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. Cancun is popular for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins.
The Colosseum
How is Rome different from Cancun?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cancun 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 Cancun?
Rome
Cancun
Rome is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.
The museums and tourist attractions in Rome are world-renowned. 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.
With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cancun can be an interesting and educational experience. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.
Is the Food Better in Rome or Cancun? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Rome
Cancun
Rome is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
Rome has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.
There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cancun area. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.
Is Rome or Cancun Better for Nightlife?
Rome
Cancun
It's hard to distinguish whether Rome or Cancun has a better nightlife 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.
Cancun is a world class party destination. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.
Is Rome or Cancun Better for Music?
Rome
Cancun
Rome is renowned for its live music scene. However, Cancun is not a live music destination.
With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Rome. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.
Cancun is not a live music destination.
Is Rome or Cancun Better for Resorts?
Rome
Cancun
Cancun is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Rome is not a resort destination.
Cancun is a world class resort vacation destination. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.
Rome is not a resort destination.
Is Rome or Cancun Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Rome
Cancun
Cancun is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rome is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Cancun is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.
Rome is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Rome or Cancun Better for Beaches?
Rome
Cancun
Cancun is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Rome is not a beach destination.
Cancun is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.
Rome is not a beach destination.
Is Rome or Cancun Better for Hiking?
Rome
Cancun
Cancun is a city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Rome is not a hiking destination.
Plenty of visitors go hiking around Cancun. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.
Rome is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Rome or Cancun?
Rome
Cancun
Rome is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.
Known for shopping, Rome draws large crowds to its stores. 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.
Many visitors go to Cancun to go shopping. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.
Is Rome or Cancun Better for Families?
Rome
Cancun
Cancun is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Rome is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
Cancun is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.
Rome is a very family-friendly destination. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.
Is Rome or Cancun Better for Couples?
Rome
Cancun
Cancun is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Rome is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.
Cancun is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.
Rome is a great city 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 Rome or Cancun Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Rome
Cancun
Rome is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.
With so many budget-friendly offerings, Rome is extremely popular for backpackers. 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).
Cancun is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.
Is Rome or Cancun Better for Students?
Rome
Cancun
Rome is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Cancun is not popular with students.
Students come from all over the world to visit Rome. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.
Cancun is not popular with students.
Is Rome or Cancun Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Rome
Cancun
Rome is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.
Rome has a great public transit system. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.
You'll find some public transit in Cancun, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.
Is Rome or Cancun a more walkable city?
Rome
Cancun
Rome is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.
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.
Cancun is a very walkable destination. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.
For even more information, also check out Is Rome Worth Visiting? and Is Cancun Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Cancun or Rome?
How long in Rome or Cancun?
Both Rome and Cancun have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Rome has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Rome than Cancun. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Rome, and 4-7 days is enough time in Cancun.
Families should spend more time in Cancun than Rome. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cancun, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Cancun than Rome. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cancun that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rome than Cancun 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 Cancun? Ideal Length of StayRome 3-7Cancun 4-7
One day in Rome or Cancun?
Rome is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Cancun. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
A weekend in Rome or Cancun?
Rome is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
Cancun 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.
Five days in Rome or Cancun?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rome. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the tropical destination of Cancun. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.
A week in Rome or Cancun?
Rome is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.
Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the party-hard city of Cancun. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRome €170Cancun €135
The average daily cost (per person) in Rome is €170, while the average daily cost in Cancun is €135. 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 Cancun in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRome €89Cancun €89
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRome €178Cancun €178
Compare Hotels in Rome and Cancun
Looking for a hotel in Rome or Cancun? 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 Cancun Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rome €21Cancun €16
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 transfer from Rome to the Port of Civitavecchia Cruis terminal: $109
- private transfer from Rome to Fiumicino airport: $55
- Welcome Private Transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Hotel in Rome: $109
- Verona Airport (VRN) : One-Way Private Transfer to Ravenna: $710
- Van transfer service from / to airports in Rome: $131
- VIP Experience Private Transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Rome: $76
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Rome APT-HTL (CIA): $61
- Trieste Port: One-Way Private Transfer to/from Rome Hotels: $2,551
- Transfers from all Airports to ancient city of Rome: $63
- Transfers from Fiumicino airport: $76
- Transfers From Fiumicino to Terracina: $154
- Transfers Ciampino airport To Rome: $46
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cancun
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cancun:
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Taxi Around Town€1.53
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Airport Shuttle (for 2)€13
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Ferry to Isla de Mujeres (for 2)€15
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Local Bus (for 2)€1.86
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cancun
Also for Cancun, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Cancun Airport Private Transfer From & To Cancun Hotel Zone: $57
- Private Transfer to/From Cancun Airpor/Hotel zone: $44
- Airport Transfer Cancun: $60
- Airport Transfers to Costa Mujeres - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $231
- Airport Transfers to Puerto Juarez - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $180
- Airport transfers to Isla Mujeres: $175
- Amazing Combo - Horseback Riding, ATV (Single), Cenote & Ziplines with Transfer: $102
- Arrival Private Transfer from Cancun Airport CUN to Tulum by Minivan or Minibus: $117
- Atv Cancun (cenote, Ziplines, Lunch And Transfer Included) : $75
- Boat Adventure in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve with Transfer from Cancún: $192
- Buggy Trip in Cozumel Island with transfer from Riviera Maya: $176
- Cancún Airport (CUN) Cancun hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $55
Is it cheaper to fly into Rome or Cancun?
Prices for flights to both Cancun 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 €47Cancun €26
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
- Eat Pasta in Rome, Testaccio - Self-Guided Walking Food Tour: $17
- Vatican and Trionfale Farmers Market Food tour and Wine tasting : $32
- Vatican Street Food Tour around the Biggest Fresh Market in Rome: $32
- Roman Master Chef Cooking Class with Wine: $37
- Roman Dinner & History Tour: An Epic Journey Through Time: $37
- Tasty Trionfale Farmers Market Food Tour and Local Wines Tasting: $38
- Campo dei Fiori & Jewish Ghetto area Street Food Tour: $42
- Rome Food Tour : Street Food Testings with Local Guide: $43
- Painting and Pizza Party in Rome: $43
- Pub Crawl and Ultimate Party with Open Bar and Pizza: $43
- Tiber River Urban Rafting Tour with Roman Pizza: $43
Typical Food Prices in Cancun
For Cancun, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two€19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cancun
For Cancun, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Captain Hook: Pirate Show and Dinner Cruise in Cancun: $46
- Mayan Chichen Itza And Pirate Dinner Two Day Experience: $57
- The Ultimate Cancun Taco & Street Mexican Food Tour: $59
- Dinner Show with Pirates! (2x1 Price): $62
- (2x1 price) Dinner Show and Pirates Experience : $63
- (2x1 price) Pirate Night! Dinner, Fun and Show: $63
- (2x1 price)Pirate Adventure! Open Bar, Dinner and Show : $63
- Pirate Show and Dinner (2x1 price)! Best Promo : $64
- Cancun Street Food Tour with Food Stalls, Local Market and Murals: $64
- Private Ultimate Cancun Taco and Street Mexican Food Tour: $69
- Guided Cancun Local Mexican Food Tour: $77
- Cancun Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $78
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rome €36Cancun €32
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:
- Colosseum & Ancient Rome Tour: $89
- Colosseum and Ancient Rome Tour with Circus Maximus and Forums: $16
- Cruise into Rome?! Full-Day Rome Discovery from Civitavecchia : $97
- Doria Pamphilj Gallery Entry Ticket : $38
- Electric - Bike 3 hour Tour : $56
- Electric Bike Tour of City Centre with Gelato Highlights of Rome: $75
- Haunted Rome Walking Tour : $233
- Hidden Gems & Rome Catacomb Semi Private Tour 8 People Max. : $98
- Palatine Hill and Colosseum Tour in Rome: $86
- Premium Rome Walking Tour: from Colosseum to the Orange Gardens: $295
- Private Tour - Capuchin Crypt and Hidden Gems of Rome: $285
- Private Tour in Ferrari with Driver in Rome: $273
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cancun
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cancun's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Seasick Pills€0.55
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Whale Shark Tour (for 2)€93
Tours and Activities in Cancun
For Cancun, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- ATV Jungle Adventure with Ziplines, Cenote Transportation Included: $8.00
- Visit to 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen + Shopping Tour: $8.17
- Cancun Mayan Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket: $12
- Guided Walking Tour of the Punta Cancun Lighting Tower: $14
- Half Day National Reef Park Snorkel Adventure in Puerto Morelos: $15
- El Sol De Cancun : Panoramic Tour in Regular Cabin: $20
- Explore Tulum, Coba, Cenote, Playa del Carmen full day 4x1 tour: $22
- Day Tour to Isla Mujeres Catamarán with Unlimited Drinks: $22
- Chichén Itzá Marvels Day Trip:Cenote Oxman & Valladolid Adventure: $25
- ATV, Ziplines and Cenote swim full experience from Cancún : $25
- Adrenaline day in Cancun, Atvs, Ziplines and Cenote experience in the best park!: $25
- Zipline, Cenote and ATV Adventure with Pickup: $25
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRome €18Cancun €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€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:
- Cabaret & Burlesque Show: $32
- Vatican Street Food and Wine Tour with Farmers Market: $38
- The Best Wine Tasting in Trastevere with food pairing and Gelato: $49
- Bar Crawl with Local Guide & Drinks: $53
- Roman Night Life and Burlesque Show Tour: $54
- Wine Tour in Historic Center of Rome: $55
- Agricultural Brewery Tour in the Roman Countryside: $55
- Small-Group Exclusive Winery and Wine Tasting Tour in Frascati: $60
- Pasta Making Class & Wine Tasting in a Trasteve Villa: $68
- E-Bike Night Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $69
- Rome by Night-Ebike tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $70
- Taste of Tuscany: Food & Wine tour with Florentine Steak: $74
Sample the Local Flavors in Cancun
Also in Cancun, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Social Pub Crawl in Cancun: $37
- Small Group EkBalam Pink Lakes Cenote and Tequila Distillery Tour: $287
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rome and Cancun, we can see that Rome is more expensive. And not only is Cancun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rome is in Europe and Cancun 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 Cancun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cancun 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 Cancun.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rome Expensive? and Is Cancun Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rome or Cancun?
Rome has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cancun. When comparing the sizes of Rome and Cancun, 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.