A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Rome vs. Florence for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

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Should you visit Rome or Florence?

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 Florence 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 popular, ancient, and archeological city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Many visitors also come here because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Florence

Florence is a artistic, iconic, and alluring city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

How is Rome different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Is Rome or Florence better for Museums and Historical Sights?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Rome or Florence.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Rome on the map. 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.

The museums and tourist attractions in Florence are world-renowned. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.


Is Rome or Florence better for Food?

Dining out in both Rome and Florence can be an enjoyable experience.

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.

Known for it's food scene, Florence is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

Is Rome or Florence better for Nightlife?

Rome has the better options when it comes to nightlife.

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 Florence has a few options to choose from. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Rome or Florence better for Shopping?

Shopping in a popular activity in both Florence and Rome.

Rome is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Florence is well-known for its shopping. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Is Rome or Florence better for Families?

Both Rome and Florence are fun to visit with kids.

Rome is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Florence offers lots of family activities. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.


Is Rome or Florence better for Couples?

Both Rome and Florence are good destinations for a couple's getaway.

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.

Florence has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

Is Rome or Florence better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome and Florence are comparable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Rome is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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).

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Florence. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

Is Rome or Florence better for Students?

Rome and Florence are comparable places to visit for 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.

Florence is a great destination for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

Is Rome or Florence better for Public Transit?

Rome provides more public transit options than Florence.

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 Florence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system.


Is Rome or Florence a more walkable city?

Rome and Florence both are comparable when exploring on foot.

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.

Florence is a very easy city to get around on foot. Most people explore the city on foot.

Rome and Florence: Pros and Cons

Rome
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Florence
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable


Should I spend more time in Florence or Rome?

How long in Rome or Florence?

Both Rome and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Rome is 3-7 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Florence is 2-7 days.


  • How many days in Rome or Florence? Ideal Length of Stay
    Rome 3-7 
    Florence 2-7

One day in Rome or Florence?

Rome is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Florence. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Rome or Florence?

Rome is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered around the area.

Florence is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to spend here. The entire area has lots to do.

Five days in Rome or Florence?

Rome is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rome, five days is sufficent for most. The entire area has lots to do.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the artistic destination of Florence. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days here when traveling. Five days is often enough time to spend here.


A week in Rome or Florence?

Rome is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rome has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the artistic city of Florence. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Which city is cheaper, Florence or Rome?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Rome is €131, while the average daily cost in Florence is €120. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Rome and Florence in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rome €67
    Florence €69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rome €134
    Florence €138

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rome €17
    Florence €18
Typical Local Transportation prices in Rome

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:


  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    €2.00
  • Train to the Airport
    €15
  • Taxi to Airport
    €45
  • Bicycle Rental (Full Day)
    €10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:

  • Private Transfer by Mercedes and private boat from Rome to Capri all included: $1,991
  • Private Transfer by Mercedes and private boat from Rome to Capri: $1,991
  • Private Transfer from Roma to Bologna (BLQ) Airport: $1,466
  • Transfer From Rome To Amalfi Coast Via Pompei: $1,365
  • Private Transfer from Roma to Rimini (RMI) Airport: $1,291
  • Assisi & Orvieto, one day, private transfer: $1,244
  • Direct Transfer from your Hotel in ROME to your Hotel in LUCCA: $1,138
  • Private Transfer from Roma to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $1,132
  • Private Transfer by luxury Mercedes and private boat from Rome to Capri: $1,120
  • Private Transfer from Rome to Florence: stops in Orvieto, Siena & Monteriggioni: $1,058
  • Private Transfer from Roma to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $1,043
  • Private Transfer From Rome Apt To Positano: $1,023

Typical Local Transportation prices in Florence

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Florence:


  • Taxi Ride Within City
    €8.00
  • Taxi from Airport
    €25
  • In City Parking (Full Day)
    €30
  • Bus Pass (Full Day)
    €5.00
  • Bus From Airport
    €5.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Florence

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

  • Airport Transfer to/from Florence and Sightseeing Stop: $794
  • Andrea Bocelli LAJATICO concert MERCEDES E with Professional Driver TRANSFERS: $846
  • Arrival Private Transfer La Spezia to Florence by Business or Luxury Vehicle: $280
  • Departure Private Transfer Florence to La Spezia by Business or Luxury Vehicle: $280
  • Direct Transfer from Florence Hotel To Rome Hotel: $967
  • Direct Transfer from Florence to 5 Terre (Riomaggiore,Manarola or Corniglia): $504
  • Direct Transfer from Florence to Bologna (city center or Airport) - Ultimate Trf: $199
  • Direct Transfer from Florence to Fiumicino Rome Airport (or vice versa): $464
  • Direct Transfer from Florence to Il Borro Loc. Il Borro Arezzo (or Vice versa): $252
  • Direct Transfer from Florence to Monterosso al Mare (5 Terre): $358
  • Direct Transfer from Florence to Rome city center (or vice versa): $415
  • Direct Transfer from Florence to Venice (or vice versa): $398

Is it cheaper to fly into Rome or Florence?

Prices for flights to both Florence 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Rome €37
    Florence €25
Typical Food prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    €14
  • 4 Ice Cream Sandwiches
    €2.99
  • Cafe e doce
    €4.00
  • Pizza (Fast Food)
    €2.65
  • Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
    €32
  • Cheese and bread
    €10
  • Espresso
    €2.00
  • Dinner
    €58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rome.

  • Tours from Home: Pizza Cooking Class with Italian Chefs: $15
  • Interactive Cooking Experiences with Renowned Chefs All Over the World (in EST): $22
  • Live from Tagliatelle & Chicken Fricassee Online Cooking Class: $23
  • Virtual Cooking Class: Carbonara, Amatriciana, Pesto & "pasta al dente": $40
  • Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $48
  • Private Italian dinner in Rome with a selection of local wines: $51
  • Bitemojo Self Guided Food Tour Artisian Rome: $55
  • Make Your Own Pizza Cooking Class & Dinner: $56
  • 1h Pizza Crash Course with a Chef in Rome: $61
  • 1-Hour Rome Pizza Cooking Class with Dinner: $61
  • Ravioli and Meatballs Cooking Class: $61
  • Pasta & Tiramisu Workshop with Dinner: $61

Typical Food prices in Florence

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Florence:


  • Panini Sandwich
    €6.50
  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    €17

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Florence

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

  • Italian Fresh Pasta Private Online Cooking Class: $27
  • Virtual Cooking Class: Bruschetta & Tiramisù: $40
  • Vegetarian pasta cooking class and dinner in Florence: $54
  • Cooking with Kids 3-Hour Experience: $60
  • Pasta Cooking Experience in Florence: $62
  • Handmade Pasta and Dessert Cooking Class with Dinner: $62
  • Handmade Tagliatelle cooking class in Florence: $72
  • Pizza Dinner and Opera Arias Concert: $74
  • Food Tour in 3-Hour Walking Tour: $76
  • 4-Course Cooking Experience in Florence: $78
  • Tuscan Cooking Course with Dinner: $78
  • Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class at a Farmhouse in Tuscany: $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rome €29
    Florence €24
Typical Entertainment prices in Rome

Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)
    €69
  • Coliseum Tickets (for Two)
    €33
  • Roma Pass
    €30
  • Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)
    €20
  • Segway Tour
    €75

Tours and Activities in Rome

Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1 Day in 10 Iconic Sights, Luxury Car, Skip the line, Lunch, 100% Private: $785
  • 1 hour Little Ancient Tour of Rome by Mini Vintage Cabriolet with Cappuccino: $156
  • 10-Night Italy Tour: Rome, Florence, Venice and Sorrento: $1,661
  • 2 Days Full Train Tour in Florence and Venice: $1,358
  • 2 Hour Private Tour Rome by Night by Car with an English speaking driver: $299
  • 2 in 1 Entire Vatican Tour & Fast Track Colosseum Ticket: $144
  • 2-Day Best of Rome and Vatican - Luxury Private Tour: $964
  • 2-Day Rome Highlights and Tivoli Private Tour with Pick Up: $1,369
  • 2-Day Venice trip from Rome - private tour: $908
  • 2.5-Hour Private Rome Catacombs Family Tour: $333
  • 2.5-Hours Illuminated Rome by Night Private Walking Tour: $280
  • 3 Hours Rome E-Bike Tour with the entrance to the Baths of Caracalla: $47

Typical Entertainment prices in Florence

For Florence, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Admission to Uffizi
    €11
  • Phone Booking Fee for Uffizi
    €4.00
  • Firenze Card (for Two)
    €100
  • Audioguides at Uffizi (for Two)
    €20
  • Giotto's Tower Entrance Fee
    €6.00
  • Boboli Gardens Entrance Fee
    €7.00

Tours and Activities in Florence

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Florence.

  • - Leonardo Interactive Museum® Entrance Ticket: $8.71
  • Leonardo Da Vinci Museum Entrance Ticket: $8.71
  • Florence Highlights Virtual Guided Tour (Times in EST): $11
  • Reserved Entry Ticket to the Boboli Gardens: $14
  • Florence Duomo Reserved Time Entrance Tickets: $14
  • Florence Animal Art Treasure Hunt Family Tour: $17
  • Skip the Line: Medici Chapels Ticket: $19
  • Skip the Line: Florence Accademia Gallery and Michelangelo's David Ticket: $24
  • Virtual Tour - Wine in Tuscany - History, art and curiosities... How to appreciate it: $25
  • Accademia Gallery Fast-Track Ticket: $26
  • Skip the Line: Palazzo Vecchio Museum Ticket with Tower & Battlement Access: $26
  • Medici-Themed Bike Tour: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rome €15
    Florence €15
Typical Alcohol prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:


  • Bottle of Wine
    €6.50
  • Pint of Beer
    €6.34
  • Beer
    €10

Sample the Local Flavors in Rome

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

  • From Food & Wine Tasting in a Medieval Cellar: $51
  • E-Bike Night Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $67
  • Private Rome Food & Wine Tour with Aperitif on Private Roof Top Terrance: $100
  • Wine Tour Experience from Rome factory Giglio: $123
  • Lunch, Diner and wine tasting in a shaby chic italian restaurant in Rome: $135
  • From Frascati 3-Hour Private Wine Tasting Tour: $147
  • Wine Tasting in Frascati from Rome: $160
  • Frascati 3-Hour Wine Tasting PrivateTour: $183
  • Rome Countryside Vineyards and Wine Tasting - Private Tour: $185
  • Rome Countryside Vineyards and Wine Tasting - Private Tour: $187
  • Private 3.5-Hour Castelli Romani Wine Tasting Tour from Rome: $191
  • Rome By Night & Wine Tasting: $195

Typical Alcohol prices in Florence

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Florence from other travelers:


  • Glass of Chianti
    €4.20
  • Bottle of Wine
    €7.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Florence

Also in Florence, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • 60-Minute Wine Tasting Tour: $45
  • Chianti: Authentic Wine Tasting Experience from Florence: $52
  • Sunset Sightseeing Tour and Wine Tasting: $62
  • Florence Sunset Wine Tour: $64
  • Pienza and Montepulciano Full-Day Wine Tour: $79
  • From Tuscany Wine Tasting Full-Day Trip: $87
  • From Small Group Wine Tasting Tour to Tuscany: $90
  • Florence in 3 Wines: Exclusive Wine Tasting with an Expert & Food Pairing: $136
  • From Tuscany by E-Bike with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $147
  • Private Ramble Through The Rolling Hills Of Chianti (6 h) + Lunch & Wine tasting: $174
  • Just a Taste but What a Taste - Half Day Wine Tour in Tuscany (Private Tour): $180
  • Florence Wine Tasting and Tuscan Lunch in a Vintage Fiat 500: $187

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Rome and Florence, we can see that Rome is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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Rome vs. Florence Travel Comparison

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