Where To Stay On A Budget In Rome - 5 Affordable Options
Wondering where to stay on a budget in Rome?
Rome is a city full of history, culture, and unforgettable sights – and the good news is, you don’t have to break the bank to experience its best.
As a frequent traveler to Rome, I can confidently say that with a bit of planning, you can easily enjoy the iconic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and delicious cuisine without burning a hole in your wallet.
The key is knowing where to stay, as Rome offers several budget-friendly neighborhoods that provide a perfect base for exploring the city.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to discover more, there are areas within easy reach of major attractions that also offer affordable accommodation options.
From charming guesthouses to cozy hostels, you’ll find plenty of choices that don’t skimp on comfort.
And when it comes to food, Rome’s casual trattorias, pizzerias, and street food spots will allow you to indulge in the local flavors without the hefty price tags often found near tourist hotspots.
What’s more, Rome’s excellent metro system makes it easy to get around the city, connecting you to many of the most popular attractions.
In this guide, I’ll share my personal recommendations on where to stay in Rome on a budget, helping you make the most of your trip without overspending.
Ready to explore the Eternal City affordably?
Let’s dive in! convenience.
What are the best areas to stay in Rome on a budget?
The best areas to stay in Rome on a budget are San Giovanni, Pigneto, Testaccio, Monti, and Trastevere.
Out of these, San Giovanni is the most budget-friendly. While it’s slightly outside the city center, it offers excellent transport links that will have you in the heart of Rome in no time.
Trastevere, with its vibrant charm, is always in high demand. To keep your costs down, it’s best to opt for a stay on the outskirts of the neighborhood, where you’ll still enjoy its lively atmosphere at a more affordable price.
Pigneto and Testaccio are both solid options, thanks to their convenient metro connections, which make getting around the city a breeze.
Monti, a favorite among locals, offers a more affordable experience compared to Rome’s tourist hotspots, yet still keeps you close to major attractions. However, it’s more challenging to find something affordable during high season, but definitely doable if you book in advance.
No matter where you choose to stay, Rome’s metro system will play a vital role in helping you explore the city without overspending. A short ride from these neighborhoods will have you discovering the best of Rome’s iconic landmarks in no time!
In the following paragraph, you can find an overview of each recommended neighborhood with a brief description. Click on the neighborhood and you will go directly to that part of the article.
- San Giovanni: Just south of the historic center, San Giovanni offers affordable accommodation and easy access to the city’s main attractions via the Re di Roma and San Giovanni metro stations. The area is lively with local cafes, the impressive Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, and budget-friendly restaurants along Via Appia Nuova.
- Pigneto: A trendy, bohemian neighborhood with vibrant street art, affordable bars, and eateries. Once industrial, Pigneto is now popular with locals and students. It’s a bit further from the center but well-connected by trams, buses, and metro line C, making it easy to get to the main sights.
- Testaccio: Known for its authentic Roman vibe and excellent food scene, Testaccio is a quieter neighborhood with fewer tourists. You’ll find budget accommodations, great local markets, and a lively nightlife. It’s well-connected by buses and a short ride to the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
- Monti: Close to the Colosseum and Roman Forum, Monti offers a charming, bohemian atmosphere with narrow streets, cafes, and artisanal shops. It’s more affordable than tourist-heavy areas like the Spanish Steps, and the metro provides easy access to other parts of the city.
- Trastevere: Famous for its picturesque streets and lively nightlife, Trastevere has budget options just outside the main area. You can enjoy its charm and affordable dining while being a short tram or bus ride away from Rome’s top attractions.
The best areas to stay in Rome on a budget are:
1. San Giovanni
San Giovanni offers a more affordable stay compared to Rome’s central neighborhoods, though it’s located a bit further from the main tourist attractions.
While it’s not in the heart of the action, it’s still well-connected by the metro, making it easy to reach the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and other key sights.
However, staying outside the typical tourist zones allows you to experience a more authentic Roman atmosphere.
One of the highlights of San Giovanni is Via Appia Nuova, a lively shopping street lined with boutiques, cafes, and local restaurants.
Here, prices are much lower than in the city center, and you can enjoy traditional Roman dishes at affordable prices.
Whether you’re craving pizza or pasta, the area is full of options catering to every budget.
San Giovanni is also home to the magnificent Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, one of Rome’s oldest and most important churches.
Nearby, you’ll find historic treasures like the Scala Sancta (Holy Stairs), which add a sense of historical depth to your visit.
While San Giovanni is further from the main tourist attractions, it’s well-served by multiple metro stations, including Re di Roma and San Giovanni.
Metro line A offers quick access to central destinations such as Termini Station, the Spanish Steps, and the Vatican, making it a convenient base for exploring the city.
The main downside is its distance from the city center, which may make it less ideal if you’re relying on walking to most attractions.
However, if you’re traveling light, or even by car, staying near a metro station in this local area can be a great way to save money without sacrificing convenience.
On our last trip, we opted for a place near a metro station, which turned out to be a more affordable option compared to staying close to Termini Station or other central locations.
2. Pigneto
Pigneto, once an industrial hub, has transformed into one of Rome’s most vibrant and trendy neighborhoods, attracting students, locals, and creative types.
If you’re looking for an artsy, alternative area to stay, Pigneto is definitely the place.
Known for its street art and bohemian vibe, it stands in stark contrast to the more traditional Roman neighborhoods, offering a unique and budget-friendly experience.
Affordable accommodations and dining options are easy to come by, and the area’s eclectic cafes and restaurants serve up great value.
What truly sets Pigneto apart, however, is its lively atmosphere.
As it’s primarily frequented by young people, it comes with a great nightlife scene with plenty of bars and clubs to explore.
And since it’s not a major tourist hub, you’ll find the area much more local and authentic, without the usual crowds.
Located southeast of Termini Station, Pigneto is well-connected to the rest of the city, making it an excellent choice for travelers exploring Italy by train.
With metro line C nearby, you can easily navigate Rome and reach key attractions across the city.
However, it’s important to note that Pigneto is becoming more popular, and affordable options are harder to come by as it gains attention.
Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially if you’re traveling on a budget.
Also, this isn’t the most family-friendly area, as its avant-garde vibe may not be ideal for those seeking a quieter, more traditional Roman experience.
But for young travelers or backpackers, Pigneto is a fantastic choice, offering a mix of culture, affordability, and accessibility.
3. Testaccio
Testaccio is a traditional, working-class neighborhood that has managed to preserve its authentic Roman charm and strong local identity.
Often referred to as the culinary heart of Rome, Testaccio is famous for its rich food culture. Here, you’ll find a wealth of family-run trattorias serving classic Roman dishes like cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and saltimbocca, all at reasonable prices.
Although it’s relatively close to the historic center, Testaccio’s accommodation prices tend to be slightly higher than those in neighborhoods like San Giovanni and Pigneto.
It’s still more affordable than staying in the heart of Rome, but keep in mind that hotel rates can increase during peak seasons.
The area has a fascinating history, once serving as an ancient port for Rome where products like olive oil were stored and traded.
You can still see remnants of this past, especially on Monte dei Cocci, a hill made entirely of fragments of ancient Roman pottery.
When night falls, Testaccio transforms into a lively yet low-key destination, offering a local nightlife scene with bars and clubs that cater mainly to Romans.
You can explore the area on foot, and it’s even possible to walk to the Colosseum, though, in the summer heat, it’s much more comfortable to take the metro from the nearby Piramide station.
Overall, Testaccio offers an excellent balance of affordability and proximity to key attractions.
It’s a great option for budget travelers, though finding affordable accommodation can be a bit more challenging during the high season.
Booking in advance is highly recommended, and staying on the outskirts of the neighborhood can save you some money while still offering easy access to everything Testaccio has to offer.
4. Monti
Monti is a charming neighborhood located near the Colosseum and Roman Forum, making it a perfect base for first-time visitors to Rome.
This area offers a balance between a bohemian vibe and Roman authenticity, with narrow cobblestone streets, quaint cafes, and a mix of trendy boutiques and artisanal shops.
Monti is a favorite among locals, offering a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling tourist hotspots.
Though it’s popular, Monti remains relatively affordable compared to more tourist-heavy areas like the Spanish Steps or the Vatican.
You can find a good variety of budget accommodations, from hostels to small hotels.
Monti’s location makes it easy to explore the city on foot, with major sites like the Colosseum and Roman Forum just a short walk away.
In fact, out of all the recommended areas in this article, Monti offers the best location.
However, finding something affordable is more challenging than the others, but definitely doable.
The neighborhood is also well-connected by metro, with the Cavour station conveniently located at the edge of the area, providing quick access to other parts of the city.
Despite its growing popularity, Monti retains a local charm, with traditional trattorias serving Roman classics, cozy wine bars, and unique spots to shop for handmade goods.
If you’re looking for a mix of affordability, authenticity, and convenience, Monti is a fantastic choice for your stay in Rome.
Just be sure to book in advance, as its popularity can make it harder to find budget-friendly options during peak seasons.
5. Trastevere
The last area we recommend is Trastevere, one of Rome’s most picturesque neighborhoods, renowned for its narrow cobblestone streets, ivy-covered buildings, and vibrant atmosphere that captures the essence of traditional Roman life.
Trastevere’s charm makes it a popular spot for both locals and visitors alike, and its location is incredibly convenient—just cross one of the nearby bridges, and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Rome’s historic center, something that the other recommended areas can’t quite offer.
While Trastevere is more popular and often pricier than other neighborhoods, you can still find budget-friendly accommodation, especially in its quieter areas.
If you’re traveling with family, Trastevere is a great option with its local vibe, plenty of family-friendly restaurants, and a relaxed atmosphere.
You’ll also find small markets and artisanal shops, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs to take home.
However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.
First, Trastevere doesn’t have direct access to the metro, which can be a bit inconvenient for those relying on public transportation.
While it’s well-connected by the tram system, it’s not as efficient for exploring all parts of the city.
Lastly, the more central parts of Trastevere can be expensive, so it’s recommended to stay on the outskirts, which will save you some money.
Choose accommodation near one of the tram stations along Viale di Trastevere, which provides easy access to the historic center while still offering a more affordable stay.