I think Divine tends to travel at a tier or two upwards from us. We went into a 'bar' for coffees, for 1-2€, bought sandwiches for lunch 4-5€, got our beer (for the fridge) at the grocery store... dinners a little more, we ate for 25-35€ per person most evenings. We don't like fancier, starchier places. The only thing I had trouble 'adjusting' to were the hotel rates. Once you try going under 140€/double, the reviews start reflecting problems.

we got back from Rome a month ago.
It is , as many said, as expensive as one wants to make it!
We had nice meals with wine for 50 -60 euros , one time we went to an upscale restaurant and spent 130 euros.
Right on Via Corso there is a great self-service place for a cheap lunch or snack.
We were in an apt, so it was easy to have breakfast at home( saves a bit of money too).
Most people don't like to worry about every penny when on holidays but it is possible enjoy Rome without spending a fortune.

Same goes for Paris!

>Wondering if shelly_m link is the actual apartments she stayed in or the service.<

Pamo:

Yep, that is the exact apartment we stayed in. It was right off the Campo dei Fiori, which I loved. We walked to all the sights, and never took a single bus.

I will be happy to answer any questions about that apartment, or about the agency, RealRome.

I have to say I think we spent less money in Rome then Florence.

I think it had to do with being at the end of our holiday and me being sick of eating out...we did have an apartment.

The cheap self-service place is at via del Corso 181 and it is the AutoGrill.

It's probably been mentioned, but if you don't sit down at cafes, your espressos or cappucinos or whatever will be much cheaper.

Always order the house wine to save money!

It is what you make it. As someone else said, it can be as expensive or inexpensive as you want it to be.

In March 2008 we went to Italy for 10 days. The trip was cheaper than a trip of the same length in February 2004, even though the dollar weakened from the high $1.20s to the mid $1.50s per euro. The difference was that we stayed in B&Bs outside of the large cities. The lodging and food were much less expensive.