What this solves
You're spending 3 days in Naples, 4 days in Rome, 3 days in Milan. How much should you budget for meals? Knowing the per-city price level helps you allocate realistically. Naples is the cheapest major city; Venice and Milan are the most expensive.
Compare
Price index (2024-2026, Italy = 100)
| City | Espresso (banco) | Pizza | Pasta dish | Glass of wine | Hotel (mid-range) | Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milan | €1.30 | €8-12 | €14-18 | €6-9 | €150-220 | 120 |
| Rome | €1.10 | €7-10 | €11-15 | €5-8 | €130-180 | 110 |
| Florence | €1.20 | €7-10 | €11-15 | €5-8 | €120-180 | 108 |
| Venice | €1.50 | €8-12 | €13-18 | €6-10 | €140-220 | 125 |
| Naples | €1 | €4-7 | €8-12 | €4-6 | €90-140 | 80 |
| Turin | €1.10 | €6-9 | €10-14 | €4-7 | €100-150 | 95 |
| Bologna | €1.10 | €6-9 | €10-14 | €5-7 | €110-160 | 98 |
| Palermo | €0.90 | €5-7 | €8-11 | €3-5 | €80-130 | 75 |
| Verona | €1.10 | €7-10 | €11-14 | €5-7 | €110-160 | 100 |
| Bari | €0.90 | €4-6 | €8-11 | €4-6 | €90-130 | 78 |
| Catania | €0.90 | €4-6 | €8-11 | €3-5 | €80-120 | 72 |
| Siena | €1.20 | €7-10 | €11-15 | €5-7 | €110-160 | 100 |
Index: Italy average = 100. Tourist-zone prices can be 30-50% higher than the typical city rate.
How to read the result
- The per-day budget is the realistic spending for one person per day (mid-range).
- The total is for both cities combined.
- Value cities: Naples, Palermo, Bari, Catania. Southern Italy is 20-30% cheaper than northern.
- Premium cities: Milan, Venice, Rome. Especially Venice, where logistics add cost.
Limitations
- Tourist zones in any city are 30-50% more than the typical city rate.
- Hotel prices vary wildly by season. August is most expensive; January/February cheapest.
- Self-catering apartments save 30-50% on food costs.
- Restaurant "tourist menu" pricing in any city can hit Venice/Milan levels.
FAQ
Why is Venice so expensive?
Logistics. Everything arrives by boat. Limited supply, high demand. Hotels, restaurants, transport all reflect this.
Is southern Italy really that much cheaper?
Yes, generally 20-30% lower than northern Italy for food, accommodation, and services. Wages are lower; cost of living is lower. Tourists get the savings.
Sources
Italian hospitality price surveys; observation across Italian cities 2024-2026.