Which place is cheaper, Queenstown or Rome?
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 Rome or Queenstown?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Rome and Queenstown 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.
Rome
Rome is a archeological, bustling, and fun-filled city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty in Rome as well. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping. See Rome travel costs.
Queenstown
Queenstown is a nature-oriented, spirited, and bustling city. With stunning beauty, Queenstown attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include skiing, nightlife, and food. See Queenstown travel costs.
Rome and Queenstown: Pros and Cons
Rome
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Colosseum
Queenstown
Pros- Popular for skiing
- Active nightlife
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Less museums and historical sights
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Rome or Queenstown?
Visitors will usually find more to do in Rome than Queenstown, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Rome is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Queenstown is more popular for its skiing and hiking. Rome is more touristy than Queenstown 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. Also, Rome is famous for The Colosseum. Queenstown is well known for its world class skiing, adrenaline-filled adventure sports, and stunning mountain scenery.
The Colosseum
How is Rome different from Queenstown?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Queenstown and Rome. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Is Rome or Queenstown Better for Skiing?
Rome
Queenstown
Queenstown is an unbeatable place for winter skiing. However, Rome is not a skiing destination.
Visitors will find world class skiing in Queenstown. There are four ski areas that are near the city, and many consider these among the best ski fields in New Zealand. The ski season runs from June until October and the skiing is world class.
Rome is not a skiing destination.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Rome or Queenstown?
Rome
Queenstown
Rome is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. However, Queenstown is not a good city for its museums and history.
Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Rome that are not to be missed. 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.
While most people don't head to Queenstown specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. People head to this city for its amazing outdoor activities, but you won't find much if you're looking for museums. You can check out the Lakes District Museum though.
Is the Food Better in Rome or Queenstown? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Rome
Queenstown
Dining out at restaurants in both Rome and Queenstown can be an enjoyable experience.
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.
Eat your way through Queenstown, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Located in the heart of the Otago wine region, this city has many award-winning restaurants. Local dishes, vegan cafes, and international flavors all make for a cosmopolitan and world class dining scene.
Is Rome or Queenstown Better for Nightlife?
Rome
Queenstown
Rome is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.
People head to Rome just to party. 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.
Queenstown has a large number of nightlife venues. This cosmopolitan town has some of the best nightlife in the country. There are laid back pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and live music venues that make for a fun night out.
Is Rome or Queenstown Better for Music?
Rome
Queenstown
Rome is a world-class destination for live music. However, Queenstown is not a live music destination.
Rome is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.
Queenstown is not a live music destination.
Is Rome or Queenstown Better for Hiking?
Rome
Queenstown
Queenstown is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Rome is not a hiking destination.
Around Queenstown visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city is ideally located near some of the country's best hiking. There are walks through beech forests, along rugged mountains, and to stunning views. Several of the Great Walks are in the area as well, but if you're looking for something a little simpler, then there are many options also.
Rome is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Rome or Queenstown?
Rome
Queenstown
Rome is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.
Rome is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.
Queenstown is well-known for its shopping. It's a bustling city with designer brands and boutique shopping. There are also souvenir shops and retail outlets.
Is Rome or Queenstown More Beautiful?
Rome
Queenstown
Rome is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.
You'll find world class beauty in Rome as well. 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.
The beauty of Queenstown is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. With its mountains and surrounding beauty, this is a breathtakingly beautiful city.
Is Rome or Queenstown Better for Families?
Rome
Queenstown
Both Rome and Queenstown are very good to visit with kids.
Rome is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.
Queenstown is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will enjoy the Queenstown cable car and the Skyline Gondola. After a ride on the gondola, you can even take the luge back down! The city also offers lake cruises, family-friendly farm tours, boat tours, and kayaking.
Is Rome or Queenstown Better for Couples?
Rome
Queenstown
Queenstown is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Rome is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.
Queenstown is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city is known for its adrenaline-filled adventure activities and couples who enjoy a thrill will appreciate the fun. There are also hot springs, boat cruises, and wine tours in the area. One of the most romantic activities is dinner at the Skyline.
Rome is a great city 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 Rome or Queenstown Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Rome
Queenstown
Rome and Queenstown are fantastic places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.
Rome is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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).
Many backpackers frequent Queenstown. With its thrill-seeking activities and nearby skiing, this is a great backpacker destination year round.
Is Rome or Queenstown Better for Students?
Rome
Queenstown
Rome is a world-class destination for students. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.
Rome is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.
Queenstown is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are excellent universities in the area as well as fun activities and a lively energy that students enjoy.
Is Rome or Queenstown Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Rome
Queenstown
Rome is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.
With a huge network, the transit system in Rome can get you around easily. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.
Queenstown has some public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around town.
Is Rome or Queenstown a more walkable city?
Rome
Queenstown
Rome is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Queenstown is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.
It is easy to get around Rome on foot. 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.
Queenstown is a very walkable city. In town, many of the sights and activities can be reached on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Rome Worth Visiting? and Is Queenstown Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Queenstown or Rome?
How long in Rome or Queenstown?
Both Rome and Queenstown have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Rome has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Rome than Queenstown. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Rome, and 2-7 days is enough time in Queenstown.
Families should spend more time in Rome than Queenstown. 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.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rome than Queenstown 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 Rome or Queenstown? Ideal Length of StayRome 3-7Queenstown 2-7
One day in Rome or Queenstown?
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.
Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Queenstown. 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.
A weekend in Rome or Queenstown?
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.
Queenstown is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.
Five days in Rome or Queenstown?
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.
Visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the bustling destination of Queenstown. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.
A week in Rome or Queenstown?
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.
Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the spirited city of Queenstown. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in New Zealand, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in New Zealand.
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Rome Prices
Italy PricesQueenstown Prices
New Zealand Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayRome €207Queenstown €110
The average daily cost (per person) in Rome is €207, while the average daily cost in Queenstown is €110. 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 Rome and Queenstown in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personRome €90Queenstown €47
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomRome €180Queenstown €94
Compare Hotels in Rome and Queenstown
Looking for a hotel in Rome or Queenstown? 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 and Queenstown Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Rome €21Queenstown €8.64
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)€2.00
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Train to the Airport€15
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Taxi to Airport€45
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Bicycle Rental (Full Day)€10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:
- Bus Transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Vatican City: $7.17
- Transfer Fiumicino Airport - Rome City Centre : $8.36
- Transfer Ciampino Airport - Rome center: $8.36
- Transfer Rome center - Ciampino Airport: $8.36
- Bus Transfer from Rome to Milan or Vice Versa: $9.30
- Fiumicino Airport from/to Vaticano Transfer: $9.56
- Rome from Civitavecchia Transfer with Optional Open Bus: $36
- Transfer from Civitavecchia by train with Rome HopOnHopOff Option: $39
- Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA) Private Departure transfer from Rome Hotels: $41
- Ciampino Transfer: $44
- Transfer between Rome and the Fiumicino Airport FCO: $45
- Rome’s Bone Chapel with Panoramic Transfer: $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Queenstown
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Queenstown:
- From Cardrona Ski/Snowboard Rentals & Transfer: $152
- One way transfer to Remarkable or Coronet Peak Ski Fields: $60
- Private Airport Transfer Vice Versa in Queenstown by SUV: $68
- Private Transfers from Queenstown Airport to Wanaka : $176
- QUEENSTOWN:Private 1 way Airport transfer to/from CBD Hotels: $52
- Queenstown Airport to/from Wanaka Hassle Free Private Transfer : $100
- Queenstown International Airport to City Hotels Transfer : $89
- Queenstown private transfer: $87
- Queenstown to Mt Cook One Way Scenic Transfer: $115
- Queenstown/Wanaka Airport Transfer: $267
- Milford Sound Cruise with Helicopter Transfer: $748
- Tasman Glacier Helihike with Flight Transfers: $982
Is it cheaper to fly into Rome or Queenstown?
Prices for flights to both Queenstown and Rome 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 dayRome €84Queenstown €52
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)€14
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4 Ice Cream Sandwiches€2.99
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Cafe e doce€4.00
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Pizza (Fast Food)€2.65
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Sitdown Lunch (for Two)€32
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Cheese and bread€10
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Espresso€2.00
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Dinner€58
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Queenstown
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Queenstown.
- Bar Crawl with 5 Free Shots and Pizza: $17
- Dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm and Cruise from Queenstown: $119
- Wine & Food Tour, Scenic Tastings & Paired Lunch: $138
- Queenstown Wine & Food Tour: Scenery, Tastings & Delicious Lunch!: $148
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Rome €36Queenstown €18
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)€69
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Coliseum Tickets (for Two)€33
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Roma Pass€30
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Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)€20
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Segway Tour€75
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
Typical Entertainment Prices in Queenstown
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Queenstown are as follows:
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Skyline Gondola (for 2)€25
Tours and Activities in Queenstown
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Queenstown are as follows:
- Underwater Theatre Experience Entry Ticket: $12
- Augmented Reality Escape Adventure: $20
- Fear Factory Haunted House Admission Ticket: $23
- Private Race Car Simulation Experience: $26
- Minus 5 Ice Bar Experience with Drink Options: $29
- Go Karts - Highlands Motorsport and Tourism Park: $32
- Kiwi Park Admission Ticket: $35
- Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise: $40
- Scenic Queenstown Lake Cruise : $41
- Lake Wakatipu Scenic Cruise (90 Minutes): $47
- Glenorchy Kiwi Special Tour : $53
- Self-Guided Gibbston Valley Wineries Bike Tour: $55
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayRome €18Queenstown €7.54
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€6.50
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Pint of Beer€6.34
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Beer€10
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
Sample the Local Flavors in Queenstown
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Queenstown:
- Ice Bar Crawl: $23
- Queenstown, Arrowtown, Gibbston: Join the Only Flexible Wine Tour: $59
- Queenstown & Gibbston Valley: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine Tours: $75
- Craft Beer Brewery Tour with Lunch: $107
- Queenstown's Original Wine Tour Celebrating 33 Years: $113
- Classic Wine Tour: $127
- Central Otago Wine Tour: $132
- Queenstown Wine Tour: $139
- Queenstown Classic Wine Tour: 3 Winery Visits, Cave Tour & Cheese: $142
- Wine Tasting Tour: $144
- Afternoon Boutique Wine Tour: $148
- Premium Wine Tasting Tour: $150
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Rome and Queenstown, we can see that Rome is more expensive. And not only is Queenstown much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Rome is in Europe and Queenstown is in Pacific, 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 Queenstown would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Queenstown 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 Queenstown.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Rome Expensive? and Is Queenstown Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Rome or Queenstown?
Rome has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Queenstown. When comparing the sizes of Rome and Queenstown, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
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.