Is Puglia Expensive? What We Spent (And What’s Worth It)

We get this question all the time: “Is Puglia expensive?” The short answer? No, especially compared to other parts of Italy. But like most trips, the total cost depends on your travel style, how long you’re staying, and whether you want to drink wine with every meal (spoiler: you do).

We just got back from a 10-day road trip through the region and kept track of everything we spent — from wine tastings to parking tickets. This is your honest breakdown of what a trip to Puglia actually costs, how much to budget per day, and what’s worth the splurge.

Spoiler: you can eat like royalty for under $100/day, but don’t park anywhere without lines unless you want to sweat it out in an Italian post office.

Sunset over the historic rooftops and stone buildings of Lecce, Italy, with warm golden light hitting a Baroque church and bell tower. The architecture glows in soft evening light, capturing the charm of southern Italy.

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Is Puglia Cheap Compared to the Rest of Italy?

YES. If you’ve been to Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, or even Rome, you’ll probably be shocked at how far your money goes in Puglia. Meals are cheaper, wine is ridiculously affordable, and accommodations — even beautiful trulli houses — are way more reasonable than in more famous regions.

That said, it’s not “super budget travel” unless you’re really trying. Think excellent value, not dirt cheap. We’d call it bougie-backpacker approved.

A rustic round focaccia topped with baked cherry tomatoes and green olives is sliced and laid out on parchment, set against stone pavement in an outdoor setting.

What We Spent Per Day as a Couple

Here’s a general breakdown of our average daily costs in Puglia for two people:

Food: $60–$100/day

We usually started with a bakery stop for focaccia or a cornetto, grabbed sandwiches or panzerotti for lunch, and then did a nicer “date night” dinner. Some nights we kept it super casual and came in closer to $60. We never felt deprived — the food was that good.

Personal fave: Our meal at Osteria Da Giuseppe in Ceglie Messapica was easily one of the best values of the whole trip. The chef came out to help us choose what to order, and it felt like a Michelin moment without the Michelin price.

Three glasses of rosé wine sit on a patterned tablecloth surrounded by water bottles, napkins, and cutlery in a cozy, warmly lit dining setting.

Alcohol: $15–$20/day

Mostly wine, because why wouldn’t you? Glasses were some of the best value in Italy, around $5–$7 and shockingly good. We each had about two per day, with the occasional cocktail thrown in ($12–$15 range — still cheaper than NYC). One of our wine tastings at Cantina Mir cost $120 total and felt like a full-blown date night.

A lush Mediterranean-style hotel garden with stone pathways, olive trees, and lounge chairs under the shade.

Accommodation: $80–$120/night

We lean toward “bougie backpacker” — not hostels, not luxury. Just clean, well-located places where we can drop our bags and pass out after a cheese coma. This range got us really solid stays all over Puglia. Of course, depending on where you stay as the cost will differ.

Worth it: Masseria LoJazzo outside Ceglie Messapica was our favorite. A little pricier than the others, but staying in a trulli house with a handmade breakfast in a garden? Absolutely worth it.

>>Click here to see photos, read reviews, and check prices and availability <<

An old stone structure with conical roofs, possibly traditional trulli or rural farm buildings, stands in an open field near the sea. A few people explore the ruins, with the blue horizon in the distance.

Rental Car: $35/day total (with gas)

That broke down to about $25/day for the car itself and $10/day for gas. It’s hands-down the best way to get around Puglia. Public transport is technically an option, but it’s unreliable and will keep you stuck in the most touristy towns.

🚗 We always use and LOVE Discover Cars to book rental cars. You can see the costs of ALL the dealers and compare prices on one screen!

PRO TIP: Don’t be like us. We parked on a road with no painted lines (assuming it was fair game) and got hit with a parking ticket. Cue: two hours sweating in a packed Italian post office, trying to explain ourselves with Google Translate. This is probably one of our most important Puglia tips!

A beautifully preserved old town street in Lecce, Italy, lined with historic baroque buildings, ornate balconies, and charming cafés.

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

Coperto (Cover Charge): €1–3 per person at sit-down restaurants. It’s for the bread and table setup, and it’s non-negotiable — even if you don’t touch the bread.
Tourist Tax: Usually €2 per person per night, paid in cash at your hotel or B&B. It’s not included in your online booking, and we were constantly scrambling to find change. At one point, we were pounding espressos just to break a bill.

The silver lining? It’s WAY cheaper than the steep tourist taxes you’d pay if you go to some of Italy’s “Iconic cities.” (Venice..looking at you!)

Cost of Activities In Puglia

There aren’t tons of pricey “attractions” like museums or entry fees, but you should budget for a few incredible local experiences.

Cheese-making tour at Masseria Fragnite: $80 total

We got a full tour of a working farm, watched mozzarella get made in front of us, and then ate our body weight in cheese with wine under the trees. 10/10 would do it again.

>>Click here to see photos, read reviews, and check prices and availability <<

Full-day cooking class with The Awaiting Table: $350 total

Definitely a splurge, but totally worth it. We visited local markets, cooked a multi-course meal, and drank all the wine. It was more than a class — it felt like a cultural deep dive (and also, a dinner party with new friends).

>>Click here to see photos, read reviews, and check prices and availability <<

A breathtaking aerial capture of Polignano a Mare, a cliffside town in Italy, with turquoise waters crashing against rugged limestone cliffs and traditional white buildings.

So, Is Puglia Expensive?

Not really. You can have an incredible trip here without blowing your budget — especially compared to other parts of Italy. For two people, $200–$250/day is a realistic mid-range estimate that lets you eat well, drink better, and do a few unforgettable experiences without stressing.

If you skip the cooking class, drive yourself, and stay in simpler guesthouses or in some of our favorite, under-the-radar towns, you can absolutely do it for less.

What Really Impacts the Cost Of Your Trip…

Puglia might not be as famous as Tuscany or Amalfi, but that’s part of what makes it such a great value. The food is better than most “bucket list” regions (yes, we said it), the wine is shockingly affordable, and the best experiences here don’t come with a ticket price — they come with olive oil and cheese.

The one thing that can really impact the price of your trip to Puglia? picking the wrong season.

Lucky for you we wrote and entire guide with the best times to visit Puglia and how long to stay so you can make your bucks STRETCH like mozzarella.

Got questions about your own trip? Drop them in the comments and we’ll help however we can — even if it’s just advice on how not to get fined over a parking spot.

Is Puglia Expensive? What We Spent (And What’s Worth the Money)

Is Puglia Cheap Compared to the Rest of Italy?