Should I Visit Varenna or Rome for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Varenna or Rome?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Varenna and Rome. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Varenna or Rome?

Varenna

A golden light cascades from the heavens, bathing the misty blue mountains in a honey haze. The shivering waters of Lake Como blend the gentle blues and yellows of the sky to a tea rose pink that sits under white sailboats. A quaint village hustled around lush gardens, Varenna, Italy is an attractive fishing village that dates back to the eleventh century. Founded in 769 AD by fisherman, the town was originally destroyed in 1126 AD by the rival town Como, only to be restored refugees from the Isola Comacina whose town was also destroyed. Located on the eastern shore of the lake in the province of Lecco, Varenna is filled with a romantic air from its old Italian fisherman houses to the picturesque lanes. Unlike the towns of Bellagio or Milan, Varenna holds a particular authenticity to Italian culture without the burdens of tourist-ridden streets and hotel-packed areas. As Lake Como works as the main attraction of Varenna, the village provides its visitors with a wide array of entertainment on its pebbly beaches. Besides this, Varenna is also known for its exquisite gardens of two villas, Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi. Besides this, Varenna also has museums just waiting to be explored. Take a tranquil retreat to Varenna!

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.

Which city is cheaper, Rome or Varenna?

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

Varenna Prices
Italy Prices

Rome Prices
Italy Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Varenna €131

Rome €135

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

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Varenna €69

Rome €70
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Varenna €138

Rome €140

Compare Hotels in Varenna and Rome

Looking for a hotel in Varenna or Rome? 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: Varenna Hotel Prices and Rome Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Varenna €27

Rome €17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varenna

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

Varenna/Bellano/Lierna to/from Milan Malpensa Apt (private transfer): $243

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 from Rome to Positano with stop in Pompeii (2hours): $783
private transfer from Rome to Amalfi coast: $342
private transfer Roma to Positano: $335
private transfer Roma to Amalfi: $296
civitavecchia port transfer and tours: $212
With CivitavecchiaTransfers Your Experience in Rome will be Magic!: $149
Wine Tasting and Lunch on the Vesuvius during Rome to Amalfi Coast Transfer: $506
Walking plazas & fountains tour, private transfer: $398
Visit Rome Highlights in 1 Day: VIP Colosseum and Vatican Tour, luch & transfers: $547
Vatican Museums and St. Peter Basilica, private transfer: $398
Vatican Friday Night Private Tour - Transfers included: $266
Van transfer service from / to airports in Rome: $93

Is it cheaper to fly into Varenna or Rome?

Prices for flights to both Rome and Varenna 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

Varenna €42

Rome €38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varenna

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

Lunch or dinner and cooking demo at a local home in Varenna: $106
Small-group Street food tour in Varenna: $111
Small Group Market tour and Cooking class in Varenna: $162
Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Varenna: $180
Private cooking class at a local's home with lunch or dinner in Varenna: $180
Cruise and Dinner on Lake Como from Varenna: $184
Market Tour and Home Cooking Class with Meal: $214

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
Private Italian dinner in Rome with a selection of local wines: $51
Bitemojo Self Guided Food Tour Artisian Rome: $55
Italian Pizza Cooking Class: $59
1h Pizza Crash Course with a Chef in Rome: $61
1-Hour Rome Pizza Cooking Class with Dinner: $61
Pasta Perfection Cooking Class: $63
Ravioli and Meatballs Cooking Class: $64
Pasta & Tiramisu Workshop with Dinner: $64

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Varenna €27

Rome €29

Tours and Activities in Varenna

For Varenna, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

HIKING TOUR: VARENNA, Castle of VEZIO Villa MONASTERO, FIUMELATTE: $74
Dining Experience at a Local's Home: $96
Small Group Market tour and Dining Experience at a Cesarina's home in Varenna: $136
E-Bike Experience on Lake Como East Bank: $138
LA DOLCE VITA - BELLAGIO: Cruise & Lunch + Villa Melzi: $243
From Milan: Semi-Private Lake Como Day Trip with Cruise: $271
Romantic Tour: $322
Villa Balbianello and Flavors of Lake Como Walking and Boating Full-Day Tour: $325
LA DOLCE VITA - BELLAGIO: Cruise & Lunch + Villa Melzi (Guided Tour): $330

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-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
3 Ports Private Tours - Florence Rome Naples - in English: $3,370

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Varenna €18

Rome €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:

Food and Wine Tour with Market Visit: $86
From Food & Wine Tasting in a Medieval Cellar: $95
Private Rome Food & Wine Tour with Aperitif on Private Roof Top Terrance: $100
Wine Tour Experience from Rome factory Giglio: $123
From Tuscany Day Trip with Lunch and Wine Tasting: $125
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

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Varenna and Rome, 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.

When is the best time to visit Varenna or Rome?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Varenna or Rome in the Summer?

Both Rome and Varenna during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rome because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Varenna is around the same temperature as Rome. Typically, the summer temperatures in Varenna in July are around 23°C (73°F), and Rome is about 25°C (77°F).

In Rome, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Varenna. In the summer, Varenna often gets less sunshine than Rome. Varenna gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. Varenna usually gets more rain in July than Rome. Varenna gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Summer Average Temperatures July

Varenna 23°C (73°F)

Rome 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Varenna or Rome in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Varenna and Rome. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

In October, Varenna is generally cooler than Rome. Temperatures in Varenna average around 15°C (58°F), and Rome stays around 17°C (63°F).

Varenna usually receives less sunshine than Rome during autumn. Varenna gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Varenna gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Varenna usually receives more rain than Rome. Varenna gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Autumn Average Temperatures October

Varenna 15°C (58°F)

Rome 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Varenna or Rome in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Varenna as well as Rome. Also, many travelers come to Rome for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Varenna in the winter. Varenna is much colder than Rome in the winter. The temperature in Varenna is usually 5°C (41°F) in January, and Rome stays around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Varenna often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rome. Varenna gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun.

Varenna usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Rome. Varenna gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Winter Average Temperatures January

Varenna 5°C (41°F)

Rome 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Varenna or Rome in the Spring?

Both Rome and Varenna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Rome in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Varenna is around the same temperature as Rome. Typically, the spring temperatures in Varenna in April are around 13°C (55°F), and Rome is about 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Rome. Varenna usually receives less sunshine than Rome during spring. Varenna gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. In April, Varenna usually receives more rain than Rome. Varenna gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Spring Average Temperatures April

Varenna 13°C (55°F)

Rome 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Rome and Varenna

	Varenna		Rome
	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)	Temp (°C)	Rain (mm)
Jan	5°C (41°F)	76 mm (3 in)	8°C (47°F)	81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb	6°C (44°F)	71 mm (2.8 in)	9°C (49°F)	76 mm (3 in)
Mar	10°C (49°F)	106 mm (4.2 in)	11°C (52°F)	64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr	13°C (55°F)	152 mm (6 in)	14°C (57°F)	50 mm (2 in)
May	17°C (62°F)	194 mm (7.6 in)	18°C (64°F)	42 mm (1.6 in)
Jun	20°C (69°F)	171 mm (6.7 in)	22°C (71°F)	21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul	23°C (73°F)	133 mm (5.2 in)	25°C (77°F)	19 mm (0.7 in)
Aug	22°C (72°F)	166 mm (6.5 in)	25°C (77°F)	36 mm (1.4 in)
Sep	19°C (67°F)	153 mm (6 in)	22°C (71°F)	74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct	15°C (58°F)	140 mm (5.5 in)	17°C (63°F)	94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov	9°C (49°F)	120 mm (4.7 in)	12°C (54°F)	105 mm (4.1 in)
Dec	6°C (42°F)	63 mm (2.5 in)	9°C (49°F)	94 mm (3.7 in)

A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Varenna vs. Rome for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Varenna or Rome?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Varenna or Rome?

Varenna

Rome

Which city is cheaper, Rome or Varenna?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Varenna and Rome

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varenna

Typical Local Transportation prices in Rome

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome

Is it cheaper to fly into Varenna or Rome?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varenna

Typical Food prices in Rome

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Varenna

Typical Entertainment prices in Rome

Tours and Activities in Rome

Alcohol

Typical Alcohol prices in Rome

Sample the Local Flavors in Rome

When is the best time to visit Varenna or Rome?

Should I visit Varenna or Rome in the Summer?

Should I visit Varenna or Rome in the Autumn?

Should I visit Varenna or Rome in the Winter?

Should I visit Varenna or Rome in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Rome and Varenna

Related Articles for Varenna

Related Articles for Rome

Budget Your Trip

More City Comparisons

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A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Varenna vs. Rome for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Varenna or Rome?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Where Should I go: Varenna or Rome?

Varenna

Rome

Which city is cheaper, Rome or Varenna?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Varenna and Rome

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varenna

Typical Local Transportation prices in Rome

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome

Is it cheaper to fly into Varenna or Rome?

Food

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Varenna

Typical Food prices in Rome

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Varenna

Typical Entertainment prices in Rome

Tours and Activities in Rome

Alcohol

Typical Alcohol prices in Rome

Sample the Local Flavors in Rome

When is the best time to visit Varenna or Rome?

Should I visit Varenna or Rome in the Summer?

Should I visit Varenna or Rome in the Autumn?

Should I visit Varenna or Rome in the Winter?

Should I visit Varenna or Rome in the Spring?

Typical Weather for Rome and Varenna

Related Articles for Varenna

Related Articles for Rome

Budget Your Trip

More City Comparisons

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