Should you visit Siena or Genoa?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Siena and Genoa can help you decide which place is right for you.
Siena
Located in Tuscany, Siena is a medieval city that is about 70 kilometers south of Florence. One of its most famous events is the horse race, Il Palio, which occurs twice a year during the summer. The race puts a lot of emphasis on neighborhood pride and competition. It is a local tradition that is of great importance to the residence, so it is not an event that is held specifically for tourists. It dates back to the Medieval times and is associated with the area's religion, pageantry and rivalry. In addition to the city's strong neighborhood pride, rich history, and impressive architecture, Siena was also the home of many famous artists including Duccio, Simone Martini, and Ambrogio and Pietro Lorenzetti.
Genoa
Located on the coast of northwest Italy, Genoa is a port city and capital of the Liguria region. With a long history as a rich and powerful trade center, Genoa's past of many centuries is still visible in its old port, stunning architecture, and charming alleyways. A traveler can spend days walking along seaside villas, admiring towering churches, and shopping the boutiques of the city. Genoa is also the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, featuring what is thought to be his birth home and many other quaint abodes.
Which city is cheaper, Genoa or Siena?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Siena is €106, while the average daily cost in Genoa 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. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Siena and Genoa in more detail.
Accommodation
Siena's average price for two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room is €112. A typical place to stay for one person, per day is €56.
The prices for places to stay in Genoa can vary by date, location, and type. Generally, the average cost for accommodation per person is €71, while a typical double-occupancy hotel room for two people will cost around €142.
Food
While meal prices in Siena can vary, the average travelers spends about €41 per day on food. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out, an average meal in Siena should cost around €16 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Siena is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
Food in Genoa costs travelers about €41 per day on average. Restaurants can vary significantly in price, so choose wisely if you're trying to save money. Fast food and street stalls are typically your cheapest options, which sit down restaurants can be significantly more expensive.
-
Food
Meals for one day
Siena €41
Genoa €41
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Siena
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Siena.
-
Siena Food Tour:
$62
-
Tuscan dinner amongst ancient olive trees for private groups:
$77
-
Siena Food Tour:
$93
-
Dinner in the Vineyards from Siena:
$93
-
Dining experience at a local's home in Siena with show cooking:
$106
-
Tuscan Cooking Class in Siena:
$111
-
Small-group Street food tour in Siena:
$111
-
Tuscan Cooking Class in Central Siena:
$127
-
Siena Food tour:
$127
-
Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Siena:
$162
-
Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Siena:
$180
-
Private cooking class at a local's home with tasting in Siena:
$180
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Genoa
For Genoa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
-
Genoa Street Food Tour:
$93
-
Small-group Street food tour in Genoa:
$111
-
Italian Aperitivo Food Tour with a local in Genoa:
$131
-
Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Genoa:
$162
-
Private cooking class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Genoa:
$180
-
Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Genoa:
$180
-
Local Market Visit and Private Cooking Class in Genoa:
$267
Local Transportation
The cost of a taxi ride in Siena is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent €16 per person, per day, on local transportation in Siena.
Genoa's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend €6.95 per person, per day on transportation in Genoa.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Siena
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Siena:
-
Private Transfer from Siena to Rimini (RMI) Airport:
$962
-
Siena to Roma: Orvieto and Civita Bagnoregio Transfer Tour:
$933
-
Private Transfer to and from Lake Como:
$907
-
Direct Transfer from Hotel in SIENA to Hotel in ROME:
$778
-
Private Siena to Florence Chianti and San Gimignano Transfer Tour:
$746
-
Siena to Milan Malpensa Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer:
$721
-
Private Transfer from Accommodation in SIENA to Accommodation in ROME:
$717
-
Private Transfer from Siena to Bologna (BLQ) Airport:
$694
-
Transfer Siena to/from Fiumicino FCO Airport optional Orvieto Stop:
$610
-
Private One-Way Transfer between Siena and Portofino:
$563
-
Siena to Cinque Terre 1-Way Private Transfer:
$563
-
Private Departure Transfer: Siena Hotel to Milano Malpensa airport:
$532
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Genoa
Also for Genoa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
-
Transfers & Ground Transport:
$35
-
Private Departure Car Transfer: Hotel to Genoa Airport (GOA):
$52
-
Genoa - Santa Margerita Ligure / Private Van Transfer:
$56
-
Genoa – Portofino / Private Van Transfer:
$56
-
Genoa Transfer: Riviera or Genoa Hotel to Cruise Port:
$58
-
Private Departure Transfer: Genoa or Riviera Hotels to Genoa Airport:
$58
-
Private Arrival Transfer: Genoa Airport to City or Riviera Hotels:
$58
-
Genoa Transfer: Cruise Port to Genoa or Riviera Hotel:
$58
-
Genoa Airport Transfers : Genoa Airport GOA to Genoa City in Business Car:
$71
-
Genoa Private Transfers : Genoa Cruise Port to Genoa City in Business Car:
$71
-
Genoa Airport Transfers : Genoa Airport GOA to Genoa City in Minivan:
$75
-
Genoa - Santa Margerita Ligure / Private Car Transfer:
$100
Is it cheaper to fly into Siena or Genoa?
Prices for flights to both Genoa and Siena 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.
Entertainment
Entertainment and activities in Siena typically cost an average of €3.00 per person, per day. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Genoa can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around €16 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Tours and Activities in Siena
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Siena are as follows:
-
2-Hour Walking Tour of Siena with a local:
$50
-
A private tour to discover San Galgano Abbey and Siena:
$373
-
Best of Siena Guided Walking Tour:
$24
-
Brunello di Montalcino wine experience with a sommelier from Siena:
$336
-
Ceramic Experience Visit:
$6.39
-
Chianti and Castle Tour from Siena:
$87
-
Classic Walking Tour of Siena:
$187
-
Family tour: treasure hunt, Guccio and the long lost chalice:
$100
-
Ferrari Tour and Eataly World from Siena:
$143
-
Firenze Uffizi Museum Ponte Vecchio Ferragamo and Leather Shop PRIVATE TOUR from Siena:
$256
-
First Time Siena Medieval Tuscany Private Half Day Tour:
$320
-
From Chianti and Castle Tour by Minivan:
$73
Tours and Activities in Genoa
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Genoa.
-
Aquarium of Genoa Full-Day Entrance Ticket:
$30
-
Aquario Village Admission Ticket:
$57
-
From Full-Day Tour of Genoa and Portofino:
$100
-
Dining Experience at a local's Home in Genoa:
$106
-
Small Group Market tour and Dining Experience at a Cesarina's home in Genoa:
$136
-
Exclusive Historic Shops Tour in Genoa:
$143
-
Your first time in Genoa - private tour:
$152
-
Private 3-hour Walking Tour of Genoa with official tour guide:
$167
-
Local Market Tour and Dining experience at a local's home in Genoa:
$173
-
Vertical Genoa urban walking - private tour:
$185
-
Food Market Tour and Workshop with a Cesarina in Cinque Terre:
$193
-
Name your recipe: food market tour and workshop with a Cesarina in Genoa:
$193
Alcohol
The average person spends about €1.75 on alcoholic beverages in Siena per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Genoa, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is €8.29.
Sample the Local Flavors in Siena
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Siena:
-
Chianti Wine Tasting and San Gimignano Day Trip from Siena:
$52
-
Tuscany Hiking Tour from Siena Including Wine Tasting:
$56
-
From Pienza and Montepulciano Wine Tour:
$68
-
Educational Wine Tour & Tasting:
$78
-
Half-Day Brunello di Montalcino Wine Tour from Siena:
$87
-
Wine Tour with Wine Tasting in Siena:
$89
-
Brunello di Montalcino Wine Tasting with Tuscan appetizer in ancient residence:
$92
-
From San Gimignano, Montalcino & Wine Tasting:
$119
-
Siena in 3 Wines: Exclusive Wine Tasting with an Expert & Food Pairing:
$136
-
Ramble Through The Rolling Hills Of Chianti (6 Hrs) + Lunch & Wine Tasting:
$174
-
Small Group E-Bike Tour from Siena with Wine Tasting and Lunch:
$187
-
Chianti & Vernaccia wine tour from Siena:
$187
Sample the Local Flavors in Genoa
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Genoa:
-
San Gimignano Full-Day Private Tour with Wine Tasting:
$943
When comparing the travel costs between Siena and Genoa, we can see that Genoa 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.
Related Articles for Siena
Related Articles for Genoa
