Which place is cheaper, Lucca or Rome?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Rome vs. Lucca for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers
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Should you visit Rome or Lucca?
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 Lucca 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. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.
Lucca
Lucca is a quaint, popular, and historic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.
Rome and Lucca: Pros and Cons
Rome
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- 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
Lucca
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Scenic old town
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular for shopping
- Less popular with backpackers
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Rome or Lucca?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Rome than Lucca. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Rome is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Lucca attracts visitors for its historical sights. Rome is more touristy than Lucca 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 well known for The Colosseum. Lucca is famous for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings.
The Colosseum
How is Rome different from Lucca?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lucca 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 Lucca?
Rome
Lucca
Rome is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
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.
Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Lucca. There are many interesting historic sights and buildings around this charming town. You can climb to the top of the Guinigi Tower or visit the Roman Amphitheater. Many visitors enjoy walking or biking around the city walls as well. Also make sure you visit the cathedral.
Is the Food Better in Rome or Lucca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Rome
Lucca
Rome is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.
The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Lucca. There are many great Tuscan restaurants inside the city walls. Perhaps the most popular local dish is tordelli Lucchesi. Its a meat filled pasta that has a beef ragu sauce. There are also other Tuscan recipes that include steak, boar, or rabbit.
Is Rome or Lucca Better for Nightlife?
Rome
Lucca
Rome is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for 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 Lucca has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is most lively during the spring and summer months when tourists crowd into the city. For the highest concentration of bars, clubs, and lounges, head to Piazza Amfiteatro, Piazza San Michele and Via Fillungo.
Is Rome or Lucca Better for Music?
Rome
Lucca
Rome is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Lucca is not a live music destination.
In Rome you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.
Lucca is not a live music destination.
Is Rome or Lucca Better for its Old Town?
Rome
Lucca
Lucca is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Rome does not have a historic old town.
With a famous historical old-town, Lucca offers plenty to see. The historic city is surrounded by city walls, which you can walk around. Within the walls there are cobblestone streets and a charming atmosphere.
Rome does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Rome or Lucca?
Rome
Lucca
Rome is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.
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.
Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Lucca. The city is filled with a mix of tourist shops and more authentic local vendors. If you look hard, you can still find some interesting local items that make for a more unique and personal shopping experience.
Is Rome or Lucca Better for Families?
Rome
Lucca
Rome is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.
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.
Lucca offers lots of family activities. You can pass through town in a day or two, or stay longer and use it as a base for exploring Tuscany. There are playgrounds for the kids as well as some fun activities like cycling the city walls and climbing towers.
Is Rome or Lucca Better for Couples?
Rome
Lucca
Both Rome and Lucca are great 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.
Lucca is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's a beautiful city with good restaurants and access to nice countryside. Couples who want to explore Tuscany can use this town as a base to take in much of the region.
Is Rome or Lucca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Rome
Lucca
Rome is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Rome is a very popular city to visit 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).
Plenty of backpackers visit Lucca. While there aren't many traditional hostels around town, guesthouses are usually affordable.
Is Rome or Lucca Better for Students?
Rome
Lucca
Rome is an unbeatable place for students. However, Lucca 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.
Lucca is not popular with students.
Is Rome or Lucca Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Rome
Lucca
Rome is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Lucca is not particularly known 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.
Public transit is quite limited in Lucca. There's no public transit within the city so if you can't walk somewhere, you'll want to take a taxi. In general, walking is the best option though.
Is Rome or Lucca a more walkable city?
Rome
Lucca
Rome is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.
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.
Lucca is very walkable. Much of the city can be explored on foot.
Should I spend more time in Lucca or Rome?
How long in Rome or Lucca?
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Rome or Lucca to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Rome than Lucca 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 Lucca.
Families should spend more time in Rome than Lucca. 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 Lucca. 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 Lucca 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 Lucca? Ideal Length of StayRome 3-7Lucca 1-2
One day in Rome or Lucca?
Each neighborhood in Rome has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.
Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Lucca. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.
A weekend in Rome or Lucca?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rome. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.
Lucca 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 do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Five days in Rome or Lucca?
Rome is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Rome has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Lucca. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
A week in Rome or Lucca?
Each neighborhood in Rome has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
The popular city of Lucca offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRome €170Lucca €106
The average daily cost (per person) in Rome is €170, while the average daily cost in Lucca is €106. 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 Lucca in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRome €89Lucca €61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRome €178Lucca €122
Compare Hotels in Rome and Lucca
Looking for a hotel in Rome or Lucca? 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 Lucca Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rome €21Lucca €4.29
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:
- Fiumicino Airport Rome (FCO) to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $266
- Private Airport Transfer in Rome: $137
- Private Transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Civitavecchia Cruise Port: $208
- Private transfer to/from Civitavecchia port Mercedes V class : $241
- Rome Private Transfer: $60
- Rome hotels to Venice Cruise Port - Departure Private Transfer: $294
- Transfer Fiumicino Airport to Civitavecchia Port with 3 hours RomeTour: $492
- Transfer from Rome to Amalfi Coast with 2 hours stop at Pompeii or reverse: $1,038
- Transfer from and to Airport - from and to Port - from and to hotel: $164
- Airport Private Transfer with Orientation Tour before Hotel Drop Off: $290
- Airport Transfer Arrivals Plus Tour of Rome: $492
- Airport Transfers to/from Rome City Hotels - Private Car Service: $55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lucca
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lucca:
- Aperitif / Tasting in a Vineyard of Lucca with transfer: $86
- Carrara Marble Tour with transfer from Lucca: $164
- Direct Transfer from your Hotel in LUCCA to your Hotel in ROME: $1,258
- Private Transfer from Castelvecchio Pascoli to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $520
- Private Transfer from Castelvecchio Pascoli to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $321
- Private Transfer from Forte dei Marmi to Bologna (BLQ) Airport: $631
- Private Transfer from Forte dei Marmi to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $462
- Private Transfer from Forte dei Marmi to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $184
- Private Transfer from Forte dei Marmi to Rimini (RMI) Airport: $1,136
- Private Transfer from Lido di Camaiore to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $126
- Private Transfer from Lucca to Bologna (BLQ) Airport: $539
- Private Transfer from Lucca to Firenze (FLR) Airport: $347
Is it cheaper to fly into Rome or Lucca?
Prices for flights to both Lucca 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 €47Lucca €41
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.
- Taste the Best Italian Food & Wine, including Rome’s #1 pizza: $16
- Eat Pasta in Rome, Testaccio - Self-Guided Walking Food Tour: $17
- Tasty Trionfale Farmers Market Food Tour and Local Wines Tasting: $21
- Vatican Street Food Tour and Wine Experience with Local Guide: $22
- Vatican and Trionfale Farmers Market Food tour and Wine tasting : $24
- Food Tour of the Vatican with Farmers Market and Wine Tasting: $26
- Hard Rock Cafe Rome with Set Lunch or Dinner: $27
- Rome City Center Largest Farmers Market and Street Food Tour : $27
- Rome Food Tour with Wine Tasting and Farmers Market in Prati Area: $32
- Painting & Pizza Party with Unlimited Wine: $32
- Campo de'Fiori & Ghetto Street Food Tour with Tastings: $33
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Ticket with Pizza: $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lucca
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lucca.
- Flavors of Lucca Food Tour with Local Guide: $75
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Pistoia with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Capannori with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in San Miniato with Show Cooking: $93
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Gaiole in Chianti with Show Cooking: $93
- Lucca Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $97
- Cesarine: Typical Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in Lucca: $120
- Lucca:corso cucina tradizionale-traditional cooking class: $124
- Cesarine: Street Food Tour in Lucca: $130
- Cooking Class in Lucca's Historic Center: $148
- Pasta Cooking Class with a Local Chef: $150
- Lucca Private Home Cooking Class: $156
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rome €36Lucca €5.68
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:
- Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tour with Basilica Entry: $1.07
- Vatican Museums: Sistine Chapel and Basilica Tour and Ticket: $1.07
- From 1-Way Bus Ticket to Naples or Vice Versa: $3.20
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Rome: $4.37
- PANTHEON Rome Audio Tour Experience: $5.00
- Shared 4 Hours Guided tour of the House of the Emperor Hadrian: $5.11
- Rome Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $5.25
- Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Forum & Ancient Rome Tour: $5.38
- Evening Walking Tour in Rome: $5.46
- Secrets of Rome Tour: $5.46
- Vatican Night Tour - Rome: $5.46
- Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere Tour Rome: $5.46
Tours and Activities in Lucca
Here are a few actual costs in Lucca for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Walking tour of Lucca and its walls: $11
- Discover Lucca’s Secrets on a Guided Walking Tour: $11
- Guided City by Night Walking Tour: $16
- Walking Ramparts Tour in Lucca: $16
- Night Walking Tour in Lucca : $16
- Self-Guided Tour by Bike: $19
- Self-Guided Tour by Bike with MAP: $20
- Your Lucca Walking Tour: $20
- tour a piedi su storie e leggende della città!: $20
- Enjoyable music tour of the historical city of Lucca: $22
- Tour of the cellar and tasting of 6 wines: $27
- Self-Guided Bike Tour to Villa Reale: $31
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRome €18Lucca €13
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:
- 2 Hours Ellington Comedy Club & Burlesque: $11
- Vatican Street Food and Wine Tour with Farmers Market: $16
- Day Trip to Roman Castles Nemi Lake and Frascati Wine Tasting: $16
- Trionfale and Prati Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $20
- Vatican Quarter and Trionfale Farmers Market Food and Wine Tour: $21
- Vatican Food and Wine Tasting Tour next to the Sistine Chapel: $27
- Taste of Tuscany: Florence Food and Wine Tour: $31
- Rome's Ultimate Party aka the Spanish Steps Pub Crawl: $46
- The Best Wine Tasting in Trastevere with food pairing and Gelato: $49
- Wine Tasting Tour in a Frascati Vineyards : $51
- Wine, Legends, and Burlesque Extravaganza by Night: $53
- Roman Night Life and Burlesque Show Tour: $54
Sample the Local Flavors in Lucca
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lucca:
- Wine tasting in the historic Cantalici winery: $12
- Wine Tasting Experience - Tenuta Adamo Winery: $16
- Guided Winery Tour with Wine Tasting: $22
- Wine Tasting Guided by the Enologist on the Lucca Hills: $44
- Tuscany Wine Tours Podere Pellicciano : $44
- Private wine tasting in Lucca - 5 wines and a taste of local products: $66
- Aperitivo Evening Food and Wine Tour: $81
- Private wine tasting in Versilia - 5 wines and a taste of local products: $82
- Chianti Half-Day Wine Tour in the Tuscan Hills Small Group from Lucca: $97
- Guided E-Bike and Wine Tour: $117
- Guided E-Bike and Wine Tour: $119
- Bike Ride & WIne Tasting: $131
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rome and Lucca, we can see that Rome is more expensive. And not only is Lucca much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lucca would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lucca 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 Lucca.
Which is Bigger, Rome or Lucca?
Rome is bigger, and its population is about 31.3 times larger than the population of Lucca. When comparing the population of Rome vs. Lucca, 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 and the activities that interest you.
Related Articles for Rome
Related Articles for Lucca
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.
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