Travel Budget for Cagliari Visit Cagliari on a Budget or Travel in Style

Cagliari, Regione Autonoma della Sardegna, Italy

Cagliari is a relaxed city known for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Cagliari that stays within your budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Cagliari?

You should plan to spend around $158 (€145) per day on your vacation in Cagliari. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $65 (€60) on meals
  • $33 (€31) on local transportation
  • $144 (€132) on hotels

A one week trip to Cagliari for two people costs, on average, $2,212 (€2,030). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $158
    145
  • One Week Per person
    $1,106
    1,015
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $2,212
    2,030
  • One Month Per person
    $4,740
    4,350
  • One Week For a couple
    $2,212
    2,030
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $4,424
    4,060
  • One Month For a couple
    $9,481
    8,700
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Cagliari cost?

A one week trip to Cagliari usually costs around $1,106 (€1,015) for one person and $2,212 (€2,030) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Cagliari on average costs around $2,212 (€2,030) for one person and $4,424 (€4,060) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Cagliari will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Cagliari on average costs around $4,740 (€4,350) for one person and $9,481 (€8,700) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Cagliari expensive to visit?

Cagliari is a smaller destination that attracts travelers with diverse styles, spending habits, and budgetary preferences. Affordable hotel choices are available, but luxury hotels also cater to the more affluent clientele, along with mid-range accommodations that are perfect for families and couples.

You can find Cagliari to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit can help you save money.

On average, budget travelers spend $70 (€64) per day, mid-range travelers spend $159 (€145) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $304 (€278) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Cagliari.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Cagliari is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Chartres or Messina.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Cagliari Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Cagliari?

The average Cagliari trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Cagliari travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Cagliari cost?

Cagliari on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$31
(29)
$72
(66)
$137
(126)
Local Transportation 1 $15
(13)
$33
(31)
$64
(58)
Food 2 $29
(26)
$65
(60)
$125
(115)
Entertainment 1 $8
(7.28)
$18
(17)
$35
(32)
Alcohol 2 $2-5
(2-5)
$4-12
(4-11)
$8-24
(7-22)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people assume they can visit Cagliari on a minimal budget, but most find that style of travel to be uncomfortable. Think about what makes a vacation enjoyable for you. Do you like staying in budget hostels, regular hotels, or high-end resorts? Do you want to experience the local attractions? Do you enjoy dining out? Your budget and itinerary will be determined by your answers to these questions.

What is a budget traveler, anyway?

While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $70 per day that backpackers often spend.

Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.

Food is a key highlight for everyone who visits Cagliari, but budget travelers often stick to street food or cook in their hostel, which means they might not fully appreciate the local culinary offerings.

Are You Considered an Average Traveler?

If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. Most travelers to Cagliari will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $159 per person, per day.

Cagliari offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. B&B Elia's is an excellent option for kids, and Hotel Nautilus Cagliari is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Cagliari here.

Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?

If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $304. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the city means you'll need a more luxurious budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Cagliari : Private Custom Walking Tour with Local Guide - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Cagliari

Hotel prices in Cagliari can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $86, while in peak summer season it jumps to an average of $160. Budget accommodations range from $61 to $252, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Cagliari for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $144 (€132). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $72 (€66) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $72
    66
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $144
    132

Hotels in Cagliari

Looking for a hotel in Cagliari? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Cagliari

The average hotel room price in Cagliari based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $86 in the low season and $160 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Cagliari include:

  • Hotel Villa Fanny starting at $134
  • Hotel Regina Margherita Cagliari starting at $132
  • Cagliari Boutique Rooms starting at $92
  • T Hotel Cagliari starting at $118
  • Maison Miramare Boutique Hotel starting at $156
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Cagliari

The effecient public transportation in Cagliari allows for cheaper accommodations outside the city, but commuting might take a bite out of your travel budget and time.

Cagliari is family-friendly, so finding a larger apartment or more spacious accommodation is ideal when traveling with children.

If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and skip summer), you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists.

Many visitors prefer to discover Cagliari by walking, so it's best to find accommodations in a central location. However, this convenience may come with a higher cost.

The city's historic old town attracts a lot of visitors. While hotels in the area might be higher in price, they often have unique character and provide easy access to everything around.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Cagliari

Cagliari's public transit system connects to several major sights. There are buses that travel around town relatively efficiently. To save money and travel efficiently, public transport is a good option if it's near your location, but taxis and rideshares are always around for convenience.

Anyone who enjoys a good walk to discover their surroundings will love it here. While the city is very walkable, it is built on a large hill so come prepared for some steep climbs.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (good)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (great)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $33 (€31) per person, per day, on local transportation in Cagliari. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Cagliari is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $33
    31

Transportation Tips

If you're planning to drive, ensure that your hotel offers convenient parking.

A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Transfer / taxi Cagliari Airport - Cagliari city for $61 details
  • Private Transfer from Cagliari hotels to Cagliari Cruise Port for $27 details
  • Cagliari Elmas Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Cagliari for $75 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Cagliari
How much does it cost to go to Cagliari? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Cagliari
The price of renting a car in Cagliari will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Cagliari

You can't miss the fantastic food in Cagliari. Make sure you carve out some time to enjoy all the local tastes. The cuisine mixes the island's sea and mountain settings. You'll find many local pastas, breads, seafood dishes, and cheeses. There's a wealth of diversity in the food and you should definitely step away from the more traditional Italian flavors and try something uniquely Sardinian.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Cagliari can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Cagliari is $65 (€60) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $65
    60

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Cagliari is around $65 (€60) per person, with previous travelers spending from $29 to $125. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Cagliari are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $7 to $20
  • Lunch: $10 to $26
  • Dinner: $20 to $46
  • Coffee: $5
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $10

Local cuisine of Cagliari follows traditions of Sardinia as a whole, with more emphasis on the seafood. Food here is considered to be part of the Mediterranean diet, often featuring many courses from starters to main dishes. Cagliari itself focuses more on seafood dishes that are unique to the city. Visitors will find a wide array of pastas served with all kinds of sauces and many different varieties of seafood, both raw and cooked. Mussels marinara or octopus salad, for example, are popular starters, while a main meal can consist of something like spaghetti and sea urchin or seafood fregola. Other dishes specific to Cagliari include fregula cun còciula (fregula with clams), còciulas e cotzas a sa schiscionera (clams and mussels cooked in a pan), burrida a sa casteddaja (dogfish with vinegar and walnuts), cassòla (soup consisting of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks), and s’aligusta a sa casteddaja (Cagliaritan-style lobster). Meals can be accompanied by wines produced in the nearby vineyards of the Campidano plain, including varieties such as Cannonau, Nuragus, Nasco, Monica, Moscau, Girò, and Malvasia.

Food in Cagliari

Food & Dining Tips

When you're dining out with kids, seek out restaurants that offer a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since these meals are usually more affordable. Keep in mind that some restaurants might not showcase their kids' options, so be sure to ask your server before placing your order.

Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.

Take a water bottle along instead of purchasing drinks constantly. This is also an eco-conscious choice.

Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.

If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Cagliari, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:

  • Traditional Sardinian Lunch and Cooking Class In Cagliari for $120 details
  • Sardinia Cooking Class: Fresh Handmade Pasta for $76 details
  • Sardinian Cooking Class with Meal and Drinks for $97 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Cagliari

Tourists are naturally attracted to Cagliari due to its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and beaches.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Cagliari typically cost an average of $18 (€17) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $18
    17

Most of Cagliari's main attractions, which are largely historic and architectural, are concentrated closer to the coast within the city center and Marina district. One impressive example is the Roman Catholic Cagliari Cathedral, which dates to the 13th century and is home to royal tombs. The Torre dell’Elefante is another example of medieval workmanship, still standing as an imposing limestone tower adorned with a sculpted elephant. Nearby is also the Bastion de Saint Remy where visitors can see panoramic views of the city. Constructed with a limestone arch and pillars, the site's terrace and promenade are often used for cultural events.

Towards the outskirts of the city and traveling further back in time, visitors also have the chance to see 2nd-century Roman ruins at the Roman Amphitheatre of Cagliari. Traveling just a bit further up the hill will also allow visitors to experience the Castello di San Michele, a medieval castle built in the 12th century whose hill is now a large park. Other significant landmarks include the 14th-century church complex at the Santuario e Basilica di Bonaria, the historic gardens at the Orto Botanico dell’Universita di Cagliari, the 5th-century Basilica of San Saturnino, and many other beautiful churches.

The city also boasts a number of fascinating museums, such as the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, which explores Sardinia’s ancient history via archaeological exhibits, as well as the Cittadella dei Musei, which hosts art and other archaeological exhibits around a central courtyard. For an escape from the bustle of the city, there are also a number of outdoor parks including the hilltop Parco di Monte Urpinu and the natural area of Parco di Monte Claro.



Visitors can spend time sightseeing, admiring architecture, and exploring the age-old history represented in the city's layout and museums. Being a coastal city, however, Cagliari also has access to beaches that offer waterfront activities as well. Poetta Beach is about 8 kilometers long with easy access to amenities like restaurants and bars. Calamosca Beach is smaller, but also very beautiful for swimming and sunbathing.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
Attractions in CagliariThe museums and landmarks in Cagliari have earned worldwide fame. The Castello district is filled with ancient buildings including Bastione San Remy and the Duomo. Also make sure you check out the Archeology Museum.

Beaches:
Beaches in CagliariVisitors love to escape to Cagliari for some quality beach time. While you'll find some nice beaches in town, if you're willing to head to the surrounding areas just outside of town, you'll be rewarded with amazing beaches. The beaches are enjoyable any time of the year.

Historical Sights:
Old Town in CagliariThe historic old town attracts a large number of visitors. The Castello district is the city's old town. It's filled with narrow alleys, historic castles, and a truly unique atmosphere.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Cagliari. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Blu Zone Experience: fresh pasta workshop for $133 details
  • Brindisi dinghy cruise Gulf of Cagliari Snorkeling for $61 details
  • Chia beach tour for $111 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Cagliari

The nightlife in Cagliari is vibrant and lively, with visitors reveling in evenings spent at local bars, clubs, and parties. There's a thriving nightlife scene that is mostly centered around tourists. You'll find a number of the best bars in the Castello district and the atmosphere is usually relaxed and laid back, like the town itself.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $8.25 (€7.57) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Cagliari per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $8.25
    7.57

Nightlife in Cagliari

Nightlife Tips

Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.

When enjoying the nightlife, stay alert and cautious, as you may attract the attention of pickpockets or other criminals. It's best to stay with a group of people you trust.

Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Cagliari. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:

  • Small-Group Food and Wine Tour from Cagliari for $100 details
  • WINE TOUR with sommelier in a winery near Cagliari for $66 details
  • Wine tour aroud vineyards of Cagliari for $111 details

Recommended


Budgeting and Travel Tips for Cagliari

  • Prices usually spike during peak season in summer, and the city tends to be quite busy. To save some cash and steer clear of the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Traveling at a slower pace can help you save money and truly appreciate the beauty around you. Overloading your itinerary with activities can lead to excessive spending. However, taking it easy and enjoying the moment usually results in a lighter wallet.

Budgeting Challenges

  • When traveling with young kids, opting for a private vehicle or taxi is likely on your agenda. It's often easier to avoid the headaches of public transportation, though it may cost you a little extra.
  • You won't find many hostels in Cagliari, so if you're planning on saving money with a cheap dorm, it might be time to reconsider. A budget hotel or an apartment rental could be a better option.
Traveling in Cagliari
Cagliari Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy

Cagliari is the capital of the Italian island, Sardinia, located in the Mediterranean Sea. It is best known for its abundance of seafood, beach access, and an array of architecture that reflects both Roman and medieval history.



Neighborhoods & Around

The heart of the city is located at the Piazza Yenne, a pedestrian square that marks the city center as well as the center of the Marina district. The square can be recognized for the statue of King Carlo Felice, an important monarch of the mid-19th century. Especially in the summer evenings, this area becomes a hub for the younger crowd looking to enjoy local bars, gelaterie, and cafes. Another important part of the city center is the Via Roma, which serves as Cagliari's main street and runs along the sea-front. As a whole, the street is a unique promenade, lined with cafes, shops, and a high-end department store. On the one end is the more modern building of the Regional Parliament, while on the other sits the Town Hall (or Palazzo Comunale), which was initiated in the early 20th century and showcases Catalan-Gothic and Art Nouveau styles. Another part of the city worth mentioning is the hilltop Castello, a medieval walled quarter that is situated high above the rest of the town.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.