Exploring Austria: An Affordable Vacation Destination?

Austria is a moderately priced destination for travellers. The overall cost of travel is comparable to that of Belgium, Germany, Ireland, and Spain. The average daily price for a trip to Austria is $192 per day, according to calculations based on the expenses of previous visitors. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. The cost of living in Austria varies from city to city, with Vienna and Innsbruck being the most expensive, and Graz and Klagenfurt among the most affordable.

Cost of accommodation

The cost of accommodation in Austria varies depending on location, lifestyle, and type of housing.

On average, a one-bedroom apartment in Austria costs $720 (EUR 650-720) per month to rent, while a three-bedroom apartment costs $1,330 (EUR 1,200-1,300) per month.

The average hotel room for two people costs $170 (€162) per night, with prices ranging from $85 (€81) to $235 depending on the season and location. For example, hotel rooms in Vienna can cost anywhere from $59 to $280 per night, while in Graz, prices range from $83 to $155 per night.

For those travelling on a budget, hostels are also available in Austria, with dorm beds costing an average of $28 per night. Vienna typically has the most expensive hostels, with an average price of $22 per night, while Innsbruck has the cheapest at $12 per night.

When it comes to buying property, Austria is considered expensive, with costs that are 10% cheaper than in neighbouring Germany and nearly 30% cheaper than in France.

Cost of food

The cost of food in Austria varies depending on the type of food and the location. Here is a breakdown of the expected food costs in Austria:

Street Food or Fast Food:

Street food or fast food options in Austria typically range from $5 to $10 per meal. This includes popular choices such as burgers, fries, and other quick bites.

Casual Dining or Local Restaurants:

For a more casual dining experience at local restaurants, you can expect to pay around $10 to $20 per meal. This price range offers a variety of options, including traditional Austrian dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, Apfelstrudel, and Tafelspitz.

Mid-Range Restaurants:

If you're looking for a slightly more upscale dining experience, mid-range restaurants in Austria typically charge between $20 and $40 per person. These restaurants often offer a wider selection of dishes, finer ingredients, and improved ambiance.

High-End or Luxury Restaurants:

For a truly luxurious dining experience, be prepared to spend $40 or more per person. These restaurants feature gourmet cuisine, exceptional service, and elegant surroundings.

Groceries and Supermarkets:

Austria also offers a range of grocery options for those who prefer to cook their own meals or are on a tighter budget. A loaf of bread typically costs around $1.80, while fruits and vegetables are generally affordable, with apples costing around $2.20 per kilogram and bananas at $1.70 per kilogram. Chicken is priced at approximately $10.50 per kilogram, and beef can be more expensive, with prices reaching $17.50 per kilogram.

Drinks:

When it comes to drinks, a cup of coffee or a bottle of water typically costs around $2 to $5, while alcoholic beverages can range from $5 to $10.

In summary, Austria offers a variety of dining options to suit different budgets. Whether you're looking for quick bites, casual meals, or luxurious dining experiences, Austria has something for everyone. However, it's important to note that prices may vary depending on the specific location and type of cuisine.

Cost of transportation

Austria has an excellent public transport system, with well-developed communications and a range of options for getting around. The country is known for its well-maintained roads, and driving is relatively easy. However, public transportation is also readily available and reasonably priced.

Public Transport Costs

A single trip on public transportation in Austria typically costs between €1.80 and €2.20. In cities like Vienna, you can purchase a daily, weekly, or monthly pass to save money if you plan to use public transport frequently. For example, a weekly ticket in Vienna costs €17.10 and is valid for seven days on the underground, trams, and buses. An annual ticket costs €365 and can be used on all forms of public transportation.

Taxi Costs

Taxi prices in Austria are meter-controlled. The minimum price is approximately €3.80 between 6 am and 11 pm, Monday to Saturday, and €4.30 at other times. In addition to this base fare, you must also pay €1.40 per kilometre. Calling to reserve a taxi incurs an extra charge of €2.80, and it is customary to tip taxi drivers around 10%.

Car Rental and Tolls

If you plan to rent a car in Austria, remember that most vehicles have manual transmissions, and automatic cars may be more expensive. When driving, you will need to pay tolls to use the motorways, and you must have a motorway sticker (Autobahnvignette), which can be purchased at post offices, Trafik shops, border posts, and service stations.

Train Costs

Austria's train system is outstanding, with reasonable prices and comfortable rides. For longer distances, it is generally more cost-effective to choose trains or long-distance buses over air travel.

Bicycle Costs

Cyclists will enjoy Austria's high-quality roads and stunning scenery. The country also has cycle to work campaigns, and some cities, like Vienna and Graz, are known for their excellent public transportation systems, making them ideal for exploring by foot.

Flight Costs

Although not mentioned specifically, as a landlocked country, it is likely that internal flights within Austria are rare, if they exist at all.

Cost Comparison

According to Budget Your Trip, past travellers to Austria have spent, on average, $27 (€25) per person, per day, on local transportation. This figure is based on the spending habits of previous travellers and can vary depending on individual travel patterns and choices.

Overall, transportation costs in Austria are comparable to those in other Western European countries and are considered reasonably priced.

Cost of utilities

The cost of utilities in Austria varies depending on the size of the home and the city in which one lives. Utility costs in Austria can be included or excluded from one's rental agreement. If they are not included, one should budget around €347 per month for utilities.

• Electricity: Austrian households pay an average of €21 per month.
• Internet: Prices range from €10 to €91 depending on the supplier and speed.
• Natural gas: Most households pay an average of €20 per GJ. Households tend to use between 20 and 200 GJ of natural gas per year.
• Water: Paid together with waste removal, land tax, and sewage charges. This bill typically includes charges for maintenance, repairs, and building insurance. On average, residents pay between €2 and €3.90 per month.

Cost of leisure

The cost of leisure in Austria varies depending on the type of activity, its length, and the location. On average, previous travellers have spent around $24 (€22) per day on sightseeing and entertainment. A monthly gym pass is 32 EUR (35 USD), while a cinema ticket costs approximately 10 EUR (11 USD).

For dining out, the average daily cost for food in Austria is about $65 (€62) per person. Previous travellers have typically spent from $26 to $158 per day. Generally, breakfast and lunch will cost less than dinner, but that will vary based on the type of restaurant and what you order.

For nightlife, the average person spends about $18 (€17) on alcoholic beverages in Austria per day.

• Guided e-bike tour of the alpine pastures in the Salzkammergut: $158
• Guided Walking Tour of Vienna City Centre Highlights: $24
• Jewish Vienna Walking Tour: $140
• Kickbike Tour: $39
• Scenic Innsbruck City and Mountain eBike Tour: $122
• Private World War II Walking Tour in Vienna: $277
• 4-Hour Private Alpine Hiking Tour 'In the footsteps of king Lionheart': $256
• Exclusive VIP Top 10 Tour Vienna in Tuk Tuk: $143
• Sound of Music Tour with Edelweiss Cooking Class in Salzburg: $133
• Tastes of Vienna Food Tour inc. lunch, street food, 3 drinks: $157
• Austrian Apple Strudel Cooking Class including Lunch in Salzburg: $61
• Dinner Cooking Class - Pretzels, Dumplings, Apple Strudel & Music: $88
• Best of Mozart Concert and GOLDEN VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $136

Frequently asked questions