A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Rome vs. Havana for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Rome or Havana?

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 Havana 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.

Where Should I go: Rome or Havana?

Rome

Rome is the capital and largest city in Italy. It is also a common entry point for most visitors flying into the country. Rome has been a center of power, culture, and religion for the last millenium, making it one of the most famous and popular destinations in not only Europe, but the world. The influence of the Roman Empire can be seen across continents.

Havana

The city of Havana is at the top of most peoples' bucket list - mostly because of the allure of a forbidden land. Before the Communist revolution, Cuba was a popular tourist destination. Since it has reopened in the 1990s, it has drawn tourists from all over the world (except the US).

This capital city is a land trapped in the past. With 50 years of neglect, when you step off the plane, prepare to step back in time. A trip to Havana is meant for those with truly open minds - and when they arrive they'll be swept away.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Havana or Rome?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Rome is €170, while the average daily cost in Havana is €61. 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 Havana in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Rome 89
    Havana 38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Rome 178
    Havana 76
Compare Hotels in Rome and Havana

Looking for a hotel in Rome or Havana? 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 Rome


Hotels in Havana


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Rome 21
    Havana 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:

  • Transfer from Civitavecchia port to Fco Rome airport or Rome : $251
  • Transfer from and to Airport - from and to Port - from and to hotel: $165
  • All Italy: Private Premium Transfers in Rome: $77
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Ciampino Airport CIA to Rome City in Business Car: $95
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Ciampino Airport CIA to Rome City in Luxury Van: $102
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Fiumicino Airport FCO to Rome in Business Car: $115
  • Arrival in Airport Transfer & Exclusive City Introduction: $245
  • Arrival in Seamless Private Hotel Transfer: $81
  • Catacombs Rome Tour with Private Transfer and Tickets: $175
  • Catacombs guided tour and Capuchin Crypt with Transfer: $85
  • Catacombs in Rome Tour with Private Transfer : $218
  • Catacombs in Rome with private transfer: $104

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Havana

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


  • Short Taxi Ride
    0.63

Is it cheaper to fly into Rome or Havana?

Prices for flights to both Havana 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 47
    Havana 9.53
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.

  • 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 Havana

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


  • Pizza
    0.03

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Rome 36
    Havana 10
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:

  • Cambridge: Discovery Walk & Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Bergamo Old Town: Discovery Walk & Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
  • Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Self-Guided Audio Tour: $3.26
  • Shared 4 Hours Guided tour of the House of the Emperor Hadrian: $5.11
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Rome: $5.34
  • Bergamo Old Town: City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.38
  • Rome Walking Tour Including the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain: $5.45
  • Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere Tour Rome: $5.45
  • Vatican Night Tour - Rome: $5.45
  • Twilight Treasures: An Evening Tour Through Rome's Rich History: $5.45
  • Civitavecchia's Stories and Secrets: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.50
  • An insider's look at A Self-Guided Audio Tour : $5.61

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Rome 18
    Havana 5.37
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:

  • 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

Typical Alcohol Prices in Havana

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


  • Mojito
    0.14


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

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


Which is Bigger, Rome or Havana?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Havana. When comparing the sizes of Rome and Havana, 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.


When is the best time to visit Rome or Havana?

Rome has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Havana experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Rome or Havana in the Summer?

Both Havana and Rome are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Rome in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Plenty of visitors come to Havana because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Rome is around the same temperature as Havana in the summer. The daily temperature in Rome averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Havana fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In July, Rome usually receives less rain than Havana. Rome gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Havana receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Rome 25°C (77°F) 
    Havana 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Rome or Havana in the Autumn?

Both Havana and Rome during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Rome for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Havana year-round.

In the autumn, Rome is cooler than Havana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rome in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Havana averages at about 25°C (77°F).

Rome usually gets more rain in October than Havana. Rome gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Havana receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Rome 17°C (63°F) 
    Havana 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Rome or Havana in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Rome and Havana. The winter months attract visitors to Rome because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Havana attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In January, Rome is generally much colder than Havana. Daily temperatures in Rome average around 8°C (47°F), and Havana fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In January, Rome usually receives more rain than Havana. Rome gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Havana receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Rome 8°C (47°F) 
    Havana 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Rome or Havana in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Rome as well as Havana. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Rome this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Havana throughout the year.

Rome is much colder than Havana in the spring. The daily temperature in Rome averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Havana fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Rome usually gets more rain in April than Havana. Rome gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Havana receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Rome 14°C (57°F) 
    Havana 24°C (75°F)

Typical Weather for Havana and Rome

Rome Havana
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in) 24°C (75°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 42 mm (1.6 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 27°C (81°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 26°C (79°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Dec 9°C (49°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)