Italy vacation: costs at a glance

Flight prices from the East Coast of the United States to Italy can vary depending on your departure city, airline, and season. For example, a direct roundtrip flight from New York City (JFK) to Rome (FCO) typically starts around $600 to $800 in Economy Class, including one checked bag (up to 50 pounds) and one carry-on.

Expect higher prices during the summer peak season and around major holidays. If you travel during the shoulder seasons—spring and fall—you can often find significantly lower fares.

Accommodation prices in Italy typically start around $95 per night for a double room in a 2- to 3-star hotel. If you prefer a 4-star hotel, you should plan to spend at least $150 per person, per night. Stays in 5-star hotels usually begin at around $245 per night. Prices can vary significantly by region—for example, a 3-star hotel in Venice will often cost at least $190 per night.

Italy offers a wide range of accommodations, from large hotel chains to small, family-run B&Bs. Boutique hotels are particularly recommended for their local charm and personalized atmosphere. If you're traveling during the high season, it's best to book well in advance, as availability can be limited. Some accommodations—especially vacation rentals—may also require a minimum stay of one week. Booking in the low season often leads to substantial savings.

Excursions and private tours in Italy—such as a gondola ride in Venice—typically cost around $90 to $110. In many destinations, you can also join cooking classes or wine tastings, with prices starting at approximately $53 per person.

If you're interested in culture, history, and art, visiting Italy’s major museums is a must. Entrance fees generally start at about $21. Many famous sights, such as the Duomo in Florence, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Trevi Fountain in Rome, can still be admired free of charge.

The cost of renting a car in Italy typically starts around $55 per day, plus about $7.50 per gallon of gasoline. Renting a car can be essential if you want to explore smaller towns or the rolling hills of Tuscany at your own pace. However, parking in major cities can be expensive, often costing around $5.50 per hour.

In large cities like Rome, it's easier to rely on public transportation such as the metro or city buses. One-way tickets generally start at about $1.75. Taxi fares start around $6.50 per mile, and taxis are widely available in most cities, alongside popular car-sharing apps in major metropolitan areas.

Traveling by train is also a very popular and convenient option, with Italy’s extensive rail network connecting the country’s major cities. For example, a train ticket from Rome to Venice can start at approximately $25 when booked in advance.

Food and drink prices in Italy typically start around $10 for a simple meal, whether it's fast food or classic Italian dishes like pizza, pasta, or risotto. A three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant starts around $56, offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy Italy’s culinary traditions to the fullest.

Both the prices and the dishes vary widely by region, as Italian cuisine is highly local. Be sure to try ragù in Bologna, risotto in Lombardy, pizza in Naples, limoncello in Sorrento, and cannoli in Sicily for an authentic taste of Italy.