How Much Does It Cost to Stay in Florence for a Month?
The budget for a month in Florence depends on the level of luxury required. We believe traveling full-time requires a moderate level of comfort. Most people (us included) could not stay in a hostel month after month and continue to travel indefinitely. With that in mind, two people can stay a month in Florence comfortably for less than $4,000. On the other hand, if you require 4-star accommodations and white tablecloth meals, it will cost significantly more.
Where did this number come from? Well, we spent two months in Florence, and I kept a detailed spreadsheet with all our daily expenses. I used this spreadsheet to put together three budgets (low, mid, and high) depending on various requirements. The budgets include a breakdown that will allow you to put together your own estimate based on your needs.
Of course, these budgets assume you live like us and stay in one place for the entire month. If you move around during the month, your budget will go up for the increase in transportation and lodging (shorter stays cost more per day).
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Monthly Budget for Two People in Florence
There are substantial savings when traveling as a couple or with a friend compared to traveling alone. For example, there are savings on the grocery bill. It’s more than it would be for one person, but it’s not twice as much. On the other hand, some costs are twice as much. There are rarely discounts on museum tickets or other entertainment.
If you want to estimate how much it would cost to travel alone, you can make some deductions for Groceries and Dining, Entertainment, Transportation, and International Health Insurance. However, the Lodging and Miscellaneous costs will be about the same for one person as for two.
Lodging
Florence has a handful of apartment leasing companies that lease both on Airbnb and through their websites. Using their websites will reduce the cost by eliminating Airbnb fees. We have done this twice (for Siena and Florence) and were happy with the results. We booked our apartment with Acacia Firenze in Florence and had an excellent experience.
| Low Monthly Budget | Mid Monthly Budget | High Monthly Budget | |
| Airbnb in Old Town – Entire Home | $2,000 | $2,500 | $3,600 |
Groceries and Dining
The larger grocery stores in neighborhoods just outside the Old Town are much cheaper than those in tourist areas. On top of the lower prices, the selection is fantastic. My favorite grocery stores were two different Coop Fi locations. The larger of the two is located on Via Enrico Forlanini, 54. It can be reached by the light rail that starts in front of the Santa Maria Novella train station. The other Coop Fi is located on Via Cimabue, 58. This one is a bit of a walk from the Old Town, but it is a pleasant walk that helped me hit my 10k steps goal. Shopping at the Coop Fi and the Mercato Centrale together will allow you to create fantastic Tuscan meals and stay within budget at $900 per month.
You will need to know a few Italian words to successfully shop at the neighborhood grocery stores since employees rarely speak English. The first is how to count from one to nine. The second is the word “etto” and “etti” which means one hundred grams. So, when I request cured meat at the deli counter and want one hundred grams, I say uno etto per favore. When I want two hundred grams, I say due etti per favore….. and so on. When they give you your request, they will say “dopo,” which means “next or anything else.”
If you want to keep your wine budget down, check out the bulk wine shops called “Vini Sfusi.” See our article “How to Buy Wine Like a Local in Florence, Italy” for more information.
Finally, you can save money on sit-down restaurants by cooking Bistecca al Fiorentina in your apartment. We purchased excellent local steaks at the Mercato Centrale and the Coop Fi on Via Enrico Forlanini, 54.
| Low Monthly Budget | Mid Monthly Budget | High Monthly Budget | |
| $900 | $1,600 | $2,300 | |
| Groceries | Y – $30 per day | Y – $30 per day | Y – $30 per day |
| Wine | N | less than $15 per bottle wine | $15 to $20 per bottle wine |
| Street Food | N | Y | Y |
| Sit Down Restaurants | N | one $100 dinner | four $100 dinners |
Entertainment
One way to reduce your entertainment cost is to visit museums that participate in “Sunday at the Museum.” Not every museum participates, and some only offer it to local Florentines. We spent two months in Florence and made the first Sundays of the month heavy museum days. We got free admission to the Palazzo Pitti, Giardino di Boboli, Forte di Belvedere, Uffizi, L’ Accademia, and Museo Nazionale del Bargello. We discovered the Palazzo Vecchio and the Palazzo Medici Riccardi are only free for locals. Churches do not participate.
If you aren’t in Florence on the first Sunday of the month, the second way to save money on museum entrance tickets is to purchase the Firenzecard.
| Low Monthly Budget | Mid Monthly Budget | High Monthly Budget | |
| $300 | $400 | $500 | |
| Weekly Budget for Tickets and Experiences | $75 | $100 | $125 |
Transportation
The transportation budget assumes you’re coming from Florence Airport. There is a tram that goes to/from Florence Airport to/from the Florence Santa Maria Novella Train Station. If you’re within walking distance of that station, the tram is the cheapest way to get to/from Florence Airport.
If the tram is too far or walking with your luggage on cobblestones is not your thing, a taxi to the airport is about $30 each way. To book a taxi or private transfer in advance, we recommend GetTransfer.
| Low Monthly Budget | Mid Monthly Budget | High Monthly Budget | |
| $10 | $200 | $300 | |
| To and from airport via tram | Y, $10 | N | N |
| To and from airport via taxi | N | Y, $60 | Y, $60 |
| One Day Trip via train | N | Y | Y |
| Two Day Trips via train | N | N | Y |
International Health Insurance
This fixed cost does not vary from month to month or location to location.
| Low Monthly Budget | Mid Monthly Budget | High Monthly Budget | |
| $300 | $350 | $400 | |
| Worldwide Coverage (except the USA) | Y | Y | Y |
| Inpatient Coverage | Y – $10,000 deductible | Y – $10,000 deductible | Y – $10,000 deductible |
| Outpatient Coverage | Y – $1,500 deductible | Y – $1,500 deductible | Y – $1,500 deductible |
| Wellbeing Coverage | N | Y | Y |
| Vision & Dental Coverage | N | Y | Y |
| International Evacuation | N | N | Y |
Miscellaneous
The miscellaneous expense budget is a catch-all for everything else. This includes toiletries, clothing, and technology costs. We only need one VPN subscription, one eSIM plan, one Netflix subscription, and one Traveling Mailbox.
| Low Monthly Budget | Mid Monthly Budget | High Monthly Budget | |
| $400 | $500 | $600 | |
| VPN | $5 | $5 | $5 |
| eSIM | $7 for 3GB | $10.50 for 5GB | $16 for 10GB |
| Streaming Subscriptions | $15 budget | $30 budget | $50 budget |
| Traveling Mailbox | $21 | $21 | $21 |
Total
The monthly budget varies significantly based on the level of accommodation required, how often you eat at restaurants and the quantity and quality of wine you drink.
| Low Monthly Budget | Mid Monthly Budget | High Monthly Budget | |
| $3,910 | $5,550 | $7,700 |
Because Florence is a very popular destination for tourists from all over the world, lodging prices are significantly higher during the summer than in the winter. While you can visit any time of year on these budgets, you will get much nicer accommodations for your money in the off-season than in the peak summer months.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Florence Italy expensive for tourists?
Florence, Italy can be considered a moderately expensive city for tourists. The cost of accommodations, dining, and attractions in Florence can vary depending on the season and location within the city. Generally, the historic center of Florence tends to be more expensive compared to areas outside the city center. However, there are also plenty of budget-friendly options available for travelers, such as affordable guesthouses and trattorias that offer reasonably priced meals. It is always a good idea to plan your budget ahead of time and research different options to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience while visiting Florence.
How much money would I need to live in Italy for a month?
To live comfortably in Italy for a month, the amount of money you would need depends on various factors such as your accommodation preferences, lifestyle choices, and location within Italy. Generally, it is recommended to budget a minimum of $2,000 per person ($4,000 for two people) per month for living expenses. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, entertainment, and other daily expenses. Keep in mind that larger cities like Rome or Milan tend to be more expensive than smaller towns or rural areas. It’s also worth considering any additional costs such as visa fees or travel insurance. It’s always a good idea to research and plan ahead to ensure you have a realistic budget based on your specific needs and preferences.
How much does a week in Florence cost?
Florence is generally considered to be a moderately priced destination in Italy. On average, you can expect to spend between $1,000 to $1,500 per person for a week in Florence. This estimate includes accommodations (which can range from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels), meals at restaurants or self-catering options, transportation within the city (including public transportation or taxis), entrance fees for attractions and museums, and any additional activities.
Remember that these are rough estimates; costs can vary depending on the time of year you visit, exchange rates, and personal spending habits. It’s always a good idea to research prices and plan your budget to ensure an enjoyable and stress-free trip to Florence.
How much money should I bring to Florence Italy?
The amount of money you should bring to Florence, Italy depends on your personal spending habits and the duration of your stay. It is always a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases or in case of emergencies. Additionally, you may want to bring a debit or credit card that can be used internationally for larger expenses or to withdraw cash from ATMs. It is recommended to notify your bank before traveling to ensure that your card will work abroad and to inquire about any foreign transaction fees. Overall, it is important to have enough money to cover accommodation, meals, transportation, attractions, and any other expenses you anticipate during your time in Florence.