As of November 12, 2026, the cheaper of the two for travelers is Germany: a mid-range day costs about $152 there, against $157 in the other (Italy), a gap of 3.4%. Over the past year the one that moved more in the US-dollar traveler's favor is Germany (+5.4% after inflation, against +4.9%). Both sit at US advisory Level 2.
| Measure | Germany | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-range day | $152 | $157 |
| Lean day | $71 | $76 |
| Comfortable day | $334 | $344 |
| Real change, 12 months | +5.4% | +4.9% |
| Exchange rate alone, 12 months | +4.5% | +4.5% |
| Versus 5-year average | +0.7% | +1.6% |
| US advisory | Level 2 · Increased caution | Level 2 · Increased caution |
| Ease of travel | 4.9 · Effortless | 4.8 · Effortless |
| Index score | 56 | 55 |
| Best months | May, Jun, Sep | May, Jun, Sep |
| Shoulder months | Apr, Oct, Dec | Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov |
The better figure in each row is in bold. Costs are modeled estimates per person, excluding international flights.
Europe's largest economy, and cheaper to travel than its neighbors to the west and south.
The catchLong-distance trains run late often enough to plan around, cash is still expected in many places, and Munich prices triple during Oktoberfest.
The country everyone wants to visit, priced accordingly in four cities and reasonably everywhere else.
The catchVenice, Florence, Rome and the Amalfi Coast are expensive and overwhelmed from May to September. City tourist taxes add up.
Source: Trip Arbitrage (triparbitrage.com), reading of November 12, 2026. How this is calculated.