Which place is cheaper, Rome or Halong Bay?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Halong Bay or Rome?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Halong Bay and Rome can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Halong Bay
Halong Bay is a spectacular, breathtaking, and stunning bay. The famous beauty of Halong Bay is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking, museums, and food. See Halong Bay travel costs.
Rome
Rome is a ancient, archeological, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of Rome is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food. See Rome travel costs.
Halong Bay and Rome: Pros and Cons
Halong Bay
Pros- Popular beach
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Less museums and historical sights
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular for shopping
- Public transit not as usable
- Less walkable
Rome
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Fun shopping
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Very walkable
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Colosseum
Is there more to do in Halong Bay or Rome?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Rome. Although Halong Bay and Rome are both popular with visitors, Rome has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Rome is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Halong Bay is known for its beaches and hiking. Rome is more touristy than Halong Bay and is known for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also home to The Colosseum. Halong Bay is popular for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips.
The Colosseum
How is Halong Bay different from Rome?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rome and Halong Bay. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Halong Bay or Rome?
Halong Bay
Rome
Rome is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Rome are among the most recognizable in the world. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Halong Bay. While the bay is really about its stunning natural beauty, you can also visit the Quang Ninh Museum, which will give you some insight into the area. The Cai Bau Pagoda is also impressive, as is the Vung Vieng Floating Village.
Is the Food Better in Halong Bay or Rome? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Halong Bay
Rome
Rome is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.
Many restaurants in Rome have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.
Halong Bay is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Because most visitors travel to Halong Bay as part of an overnight boat tour, meals are usually included in the package. The dishes are usually local Vietnamese dishes, and the luxury level varies depending on the tour you book.
Is Halong Bay or Rome Better for Nightlife?
Halong Bay
Rome
Rome is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its evening party scene.
Rome has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.
The nightlife scene is quiet in Halong Bay Many tours, particularly those that cater to the backpacker crowd, have a social atmosphere, but there isn't a nightlife scene and this area isn't a trip that's known for its party atmosphere. Most tourists stay up in the evening swapping travel stories with their fellow boatmates.
Is Halong Bay or Rome Better for Music?
Halong Bay
Rome
Rome is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Halong Bay is not a live music destination.
Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Rome Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.
Halong Bay is not a live music destination.
Is Halong Bay or Rome Better for Beaches?
Halong Bay
Rome
Halong Bay is a great destination for the beach. However, Rome is not a beach destination.
The beaches at Halong Bay attract visitors from all over. Many boat tours spend a day or half day hanging out on a beach. The setting is stunning with emerald blue water and dramatic limestone karsts climbing out of the water.
Rome is not a beach destination.
Is Halong Bay or Rome Better for Hiking?
Halong Bay
Rome
Halong Bay is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Rome is not a hiking destination.
You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Halong Bay. Most tours stop off at Cat Ba Island and lead travelers through spectacular hikes. You'll take a guided walk through jungles and reach spectacular viewpoints.
Rome is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Halong Bay or Rome?
Halong Bay
Rome
Rome is an amazing city to visit for its shopping opportunities. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its shopping areas.
The abundance of shops in Rome make it a world-class shopping destination. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.
Shopping in Halong Bay can be found for those interested. Most people don't spend their time shopping while they're visiting the area. If you're looking for a local souvenir, there are a few places to pick things up during your trip.
Is Halong Bay or Rome More Beautiful?
Halong Bay
Rome
Halong Bay and Rome are somewhat similar when it comes to the world-class scenery.
The famous beauty of Halong Bay is one of the main draws. Halong Bay has been voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and it is regularly listed as one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Many visitors also come to Rome because of it's amazing beauty. With its many beautiful landmarks and impressive architecture, this city has a lot of attractive places to visit. Don't miss Villa Borghese Park, Trastevere, Palazzo Madama, the Appian Way, and Piazza Navona.
Is Halong Bay or Rome Better for Families?
Halong Bay
Rome
Both Halong Bay and Rome are great to visit with kids.
Halong Bay is a very kid-friendly bay. Most people visit the area on board an overnight boat from Hanoi. The boats range in style and luxury level, but whatever you choose, your kids will love the novelty of sleeping aboard a boat and exploring the truly stunning islands.
You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Rome. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.
Is Halong Bay or Rome Better for Couples?
Halong Bay
Rome
Halong Bay is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Rome is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.
Halong Bay is a great bay for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This truly world-class setting makes a perfect honeymoon or romantic destination. You'll likely want to book a luxury boat with plenty of amenities and delicious dining options. The setting is spectacular, and among the most unique in the world.
Rome is a great bay if you're traveling as a couple. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.
Is Halong Bay or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Halong Bay
Rome
Rome is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Halong Bay is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.
Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Rome. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).
Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Halong Bay. This is one of those places that you can't really visit independently, because you'll need to arrange a boat. There are countless travel agencies in Hanoi that you can book your trip through. The prices vary widely, as do the activities and amenities. Most backpackers enjoy exploring the bay aboard a Chinese Sail Boat or 'Junk'.
Is Halong Bay or Rome Better for Students?
Halong Bay
Rome
Rome is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Halong Bay is not popular with students.
Rome is a very popular city for students. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.
Halong Bay is not popular with students.
Is Halong Bay or Rome Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Halong Bay
Rome
Rome is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.
Public transit in Rome is top-notch. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.
Public transit is quite limited in Halong Bay. An organized tour is essential for exploring the bay. Most visitors arrange an overnight boat tour, often aboard a Chinese Sail Boat or 'Junk'.
Is Halong Bay or Rome a more walkable city?
Halong Bay
Rome
Rome is an amazing city to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Halong Bay is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.
Getting around Rome on foot is easy. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.
Halong Bay is not a very walkable bay. This is a place that requires an organized tour to visit, as you need a boat to explore.
For even more information, also check out Is Halong Bay Worth Visiting? and Is Rome Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Rome or Halong Bay?
How long in Halong Bay or Rome?
Both Halong Bay and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than in Halong Bay. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Halong Bay, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.
Families should spend more time in Rome than Halong Bay. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Rome, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Rome than Halong Bay. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Rome that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rome than Halong Bay if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Rome.
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How many days in Halong Bay or Rome? Ideal Length of StayHalong Bay 2-3Rome 3-7
One day in Halong Bay or Rome?
Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Halong Bay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
When visiting Rome, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.
A weekend in Halong Bay or Rome?
Halong Bay is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
When visiting Rome, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.
Five days in Halong Bay or Rome?
You'll find museums and food around the breathtaking destination of Halong Bay. This bay offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
Rome, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.
A week in Halong Bay or Rome?
The spectacular bay of Halong Bay offers food and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.
Rome is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Vietnam, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Vietnam, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.
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Halong Bay Prices
Vietnam PricesRome Prices
Italy Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHalong Bay $66Rome $243
The average daily cost (per person) in Halong Bay is $66, while the average daily cost in Rome is $243. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Halong Bay and Rome in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHalong Bay $27Rome $106
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHalong Bay $54Rome $212
Compare Hotels in Halong Bay and Rome
Looking for a hotel in Halong Bay 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: Rome Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Halong Bay $13Rome $25
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Halong Bay
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Halong Bay:
- 2D/1N at 5 STAR CRUISES: Transfer,Meals, Cave, Island & Beach: $185
- 2D/1N at AQUAMARINE CRUISES: Transfer,Meals, Cave, Island & Beach: $170
- Alova Premium Cruise Halong Deluxe Day Tour with Transfer & Meal: $55
- Alova Premium Cruise to Halong Bay 1 Day Trip by Highway Transfer: $50
- Best Seller Halong Full Day Tour All Included Expressway Transfer: $48
- Bus Transfer From Cat Ba Island To Ninh Binh/Ninh binh To Cat Ba: $19
- Dragon 5Star HaLong Cruise 2D1N Included Transfer from Hanoi : $176
- From Hanoi with Expessway Transfer to Halong Bay 1 Day Trip: $42
- Hai Phong airport transfer to Halong Bay with private car 4 seat from Hai Phong: $87
- Halong Bay 06 Hours Dragon King Cruise From Halong with Transfer: $60
- Halong Bay 1 Day Tour Included Limousine Bus Transfer from Hanoi: $48
- Halong Bay 2 Days Cruise from Hanoi with Transfer and Meals: $149
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:
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Metro Ride (for Two)$2.35
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Train to the Airport$18
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Taxi to Airport$53
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Bicycle Rental (Full Day)$12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:
- Private Airport Transfer in Rome: $134
- Private Transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Civitavecchia Cruise Port: $227
- Transfer from and to Airport - from and to Port - from and to hotel: $179
- Airport Transfer: Ciampino Airport CIA to Rome by Luxury Van: $112
- Airport Transfer: Fiumicino Airport FCO to Rome by Luxury Van: $142
- Airport Transfer: Rome to Ciampino Airport CIA by Luxury Van: $112
- Airport Transfer: Rome to Fiumicino Airport FCO by Business Car: $125
- Airport to Hotel in Rome Private Transfer: $251
- Appian Catacombs Guided Tour with Transfere: $75
- Arrival in Airport Transfer & Exclusive City Introduction: $268
- Arrival in Seamless Private Hotel Transfer: $88
- Bus Transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Vatican City: $7.17
Is it cheaper to fly into Halong Bay or Rome?
Prices for flights to both Rome and Halong Bay 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
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Food Meals for one dayHalong Bay $26Rome $98
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Halong Bay
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Halong Bay.
- Cat Ba Paradise Cave Experience with Dinner and Live Music: $41
- Paradise Cave Dinner with Live Music and Tasting in Cat Ba: $42
- Halong's Hidden Gem: Dragon Pearl Cave Tour with Dinner: $47
- Halong Bay Luxury Dinner Cruise - Ambassador: $51
- Best 2D1N Lan Ha Bay Cruise: BBQ dinner, Viet Hai Ancient Village: $210
Typical Food Prices in Rome
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:
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Casual Lunch (for Two)$16
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4 Ice Cream Sandwiches$3.51
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Cafe e doce$4.69
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Pizza (Fast Food)$3.11
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Sitdown Lunch (for Two)$37
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Cheese and bread$12
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Espresso$2.35
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Dinner$68
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rome.
- Pizzas and Piazzas: A Self-Guided Walk of Rome’s Culinary Culture: $20
- Hard Rock Cafe Rome with Set Lunch or Dinner: $34
- Food Tour of the Vatican with Farmers Market and Wine Tasting: $35
- Rome City Center Largest Farmers Market and Street Food Tour : $35
- Vatican Street Food Tour around the Biggest Fresh Market in Rome: $35
- Street Food tour : Eat like a real local: $40
- Tasty Trionfale Farmers Market Food Tour and Local Wines Tasting: $42
- Vatican Street Food Tour and Wine Experience with Local Guide: $47
- Fettuccine Pasta Cooking Class in Rome City Center: $52
- Trastevere Ultimate Food Tour by Do Eat Better: $52
- Trastevere & Campo de' Fiori Street Food Tour, Eat Like a Local: $53
- Rome Street Food Tour Eat Like a Local: $53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Halong Bay $16Rome $42
Tours and Activities in Halong Bay
Here are a few actual costs in Halong Bay for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- City Sightseeing Ha Long Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $19
- Shared 6 Hours boat Tour With Cave Kayak Beach From Halong City: $20
- JADESAILS CRUISE-The Most Luxurious Day Tour in Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay: $20
- Sun World Halong Admission Ticket: $20
- Breathtaking Sunset Boat Tours to Lan Ha Bay from Cat Ba Island : $27
- Majestic Sunset Boat Tour: Explore Lan Ha Bay’s Stunning Scenery: $27
- From Cat Ba Island: Majestic Sunset Boat Tour Explore Lan Ha Bay : $27
- Majestic Sunset Boat Tour Explore the Stunning Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba: $27
- From Cat Ba Island: Amazing Sunset Tour in Lan Ha Bay, Kayaking: $28
- Half-Day Lan Ha Bay Adventure: Boat Jumping, Kayaking, Sunset : $28
- Magical Sunset Tour: Kayaking & Swimming in Lan Ha Bay: $28
- From Cat Ba: Amazing Sunset Boat Tour in Lan Ha Bay: $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Rome
Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)$81
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Coliseum Tickets (for Two)$39
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Roma Pass$35
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Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)$23
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Segway Tour$88
Tours and Activities in Rome
Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Rome and Tuscany Secret Treasures Self Guided Walking Tour: $4.17
- Vatican Night Tour: $4.54
- Pantheon Entry Ticket or Guided Tour options: $4.78
- Colosseum and Roman Forum Sightseeing Area Night Walking Tour: $4.78
- Pantheon Entry Ticket and Optional Guided Tour: $4.78
- Pantheon Entry Ticket with Optional Guided Tour: $4.78
- Pantheon Entry Ticket and Optional Guided Tour: $4.78
- Tour of Rome to Visit the Most Iconic Monuments: $5.00
- Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere Tour Rome: $5.38
- Rome Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $5.84
- Rome Empress Mystery: Self-Guided Adventure Game: $5.96
- Rome Kid Quest Restore the Senses Self Guided Adventure: $5.96
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHalong Bay $12Rome $21
Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:
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Bottle of Wine$7.63
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Pint of Beer$7.44
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Beer$12
Sample the Local Flavors in Rome
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rome:
- Unique Wine Tasting in Enoteca in Rome San Pietro Area: $33
- Trionfale Farmers Market and Vatican Quarter Food and Wine Tour: $35
- Rome’s Exclusive Wine Tasting: Sip Near the Colosseum!: $39
- Tour of Rome with wine tasting: $54
- Wine Tasting in Trastevere with Food and Gelato: $54
- Guided Wine Tasting Experience in a Roman Vineyard: $59
- Wine Tour in Historic Center of Rome: $60
- Dolce Vita Burlesque show: $60
- EAT AND DRINK LIKE A LOCAL - Wine Tasting in Trastevere w/ Gelato: $72
- Wine Tour in Romes Historic center: $82
- Devour Rome Food & Wine Tour of Trastevere: $84
- The greatest wine tour of Rome: $84
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Halong Bay and Rome, we can see that Rome is more expensive. And not only is Halong Bay much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Halong Bay is in Asia and Rome is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Halong Bay would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Halong Bay and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Rome would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rome than you might in Halong Bay.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Halong Bay Expensive? and Is Rome Expensive?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.