Exploring Austria: A Budget-Friendly Adventure?

Austria is a relatively affordable place to live, cheaper than other Western European countries. With living costs of €1,900 monthly, Austria has lower living expenses than Germany, the Netherlands and the UK. However, the cost of living in Austria varies from city to city. Vienna and Innsbruck are consistently ranked as the country's most expensive cities, while Graz and Klagenfurt are among the cheapest.

The average net salary in Austria is around €2,996 per month, making the country quite affordable, especially for full-time workers. The average cost of living for one person is roughly €1,900, while couples can anticipate monthly expenses of approximately €3,100, and a family of four would typically have total monthly living costs of around €4,903.

The cost of accommodation in Austria can be expensive, especially when it comes to buying property. However, there are budget-friendly options available, such as hostels and budget hotel chains. Public transportation is also inexpensive, with various ticket options available, and guest cards that bundle together discounts on attractions and transportation.

Groceries in Austria are generally slightly expensive, but there are budget-friendly options available at supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, Penny, or Eurospar. Eating out normally costs around €12 to €50, depending on the restaurant.

Overall, while Austria may not be the cheapest destination, with some savvy planning, it is possible to make your money go further.

Transport

Austria has an excellent public transport system, which is also very reasonably priced. The country has an outstanding train system, with prices that are quite reasonable, and the rides are both fast and comfortable. In addition, there are buses and trams in the major cities, and Vienna even has a metro.

The cheapest way to get around Austria is by purchasing advance train tickets. Save half or more on the cost of a standard ticket by booking a bargain fixed-departure-time Sparschiene ticket with national rail operator ÖBB. Before you book, compare prices with private rail operator WESTbahn, which connects Vienna to Salzburg, Innsbruck and Bregenz with supersaver and flexible tickets. Depending on your plans, consider whether a Eurail Austria pass – which starts at €144 for three days – might be more cost-effective.

In big cities, a single ride on public transport might cost as little as €2.40, but don’t pay as you go if you plan to travel several times over the course of a day; you’ll save money with a 24-hour pass, which costs less than €10.

In larger urban areas like Vienna and Salzburg, it's a good idea to invest in a multi-day pass if you expect to rely on public transit frequently. Depending on your travel patterns, this could save you a lot compared to individual ticket purchases.

If you're travelling to the countryside, you'll probably want to rent a car. Remember that the usual vehicle in Europe is equipped with a manual transmission, and choosing an automatic will likely increase the cost. Be sure to book in advance, as the more economical choices can disappear quickly.

If you have a car while staying in a larger city, it's wise to confirm the parking arrangements with your hotel before arrival. You may incur parking fees at the hotel or in a nearby garage. Sometimes, parking further from the city centre can be a more cost-effective option.

A single trip on public transportation in Austria costs between €1.80 and €2.20. Journeys on buses and trains in rural areas cost an average of €2 every five kilometres.

If you're driving, you will have to pay a toll to use the motorways. You will also need a motorway sticker (Autobahnvignette). You can buy these at post offices, Trafik shops, border posts, and service stations.

Food and drink

Austria is a moderately priced destination for food and drink. The average daily cost of food in Austria is $65 (€62) per person, based on the spending habits of previous travellers. This includes $12 to $20 for breakfast, $10 for fast food or street food, and €13.90 for a typical main course of Wiener Schnitzel with potato salad.

Budgeting for Food and Drink

Budget travellers can expect to spend around $50 to $70 per day on food and drink, while mid-range travellers should budget for $100 to $150 per day. A meal in an inexpensive restaurant will cost between €9 and €15, and a meal for two in a mid-range restaurant will be between €40 and €60.

Where to Eat and Drink in Austria

Austria has a range of dining options to suit every budget, from budget restaurants offering meals for $10 to $15 per person to high-end or luxury restaurants where a meal can cost $40 or more. Street food and convenience store meals are also available for budget-conscious travellers.

For coffee and cake, head to one of Vienna's legendary coffee houses, such as Café Prückel, Café Landtmann, or Café Central. A single espresso will cost around €2.80, and a cappuccino will be around €4.50.

For a traditional Austrian meal, try Vienna's signature dishes: Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, or Gulasch. These can be sampled at restaurants such as Figlmüller, Plachutta, Griechenbeisl, or Würstelstand LEO.

If you're looking for Michelin-starred cuisine, Steirereck Meierei in Vienna and Glass Garden at Hotel Schloss Mönchstein in Salzburg are great options.

For wine lovers, a "Heuriger-hop" is a must. Sip on an Achterl (a 0.125L glass of wine) in Austria's hilltop vineyards, rustic Heurigen (wine taverns), or wine cellars in the country's three major wine-growing regions: Lower Austria, the Wachau Valley, and Burgenland.

Local Specialities

When in Austria, be sure to try the local specialities. In addition to Wiener Schnitzel, other traditional Austrian dishes include:

• Apfelstrudel: a pastry dessert filled with apples, sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon, and often served with cream.
• Kaiserschmarrn: a shredded fluffy pancake served with a fruit compote.
• Käsekrainer: a sausage filled with cheese cubes, found at a Würstelstand (sausage stand).
• Marillenknödel: apricot dumplings.
• Mohnnudeln: potato dough noodles with poppy seeds and sugar.
• Backhendlsalat: fried chicken with potato salad.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Austria's cuisine is heavy on meat, but vegetarian and vegan options are becoming more commonplace, especially in larger cities. Healthy fast-food chains like Veggiezz and Swing Kitchen offer affordable vegetarian and vegan meals.

Accommodation

Hotels

The average price of a hotel room in Austria depends on the location and the type of hotel. A basic hotel room for two people can cost around €100 per night, while a more luxurious option can cost upwards of €500. In Vienna, hotel prices can range from $59 in the low season to $280 during the peak season. Similarly, in Graz, the average hotel price is $83 in the low season and $155 in the busy season.

Hostels

For budget-conscious travellers, hostels are a more affordable option. A dorm bed in a hostel typically costs around €30 per night. In Vienna, a dorm bed can be found for as little as $22, while in Graz, the average price is $12.

Apartments

For longer stays or for those travelling in groups, renting an apartment can be a more economical choice. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Austria is €720, while a three-bedroom apartment costs around €1,330. It is worth noting that utility costs may or may not be included in the rent, so be sure to check beforehand.

Seasonal Variations

The cost of accommodation in Austria can vary significantly depending on the time of year. The winter ski season (December to April) and summer (June to August) are considered the high seasons, with room rates tending to be higher. Travelling during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn (May, and September to November) can offer better value, as room rates are often lower and there are fewer crowds.

Location-Specific Differences

The cost of accommodation also varies across different cities and provinces in Austria. Vienna and Innsbruck are generally the most expensive cities, while Graz and Klagenfurt are known for being more affordable.

Money-Saving Tips

• Consider staying in smaller cities or suburban areas and commuting to your desired destinations.
• Opt for shared housing or rent an apartment with friends to split the costs.
• Look for accommodation options that include utilities in the rent to avoid additional utility charges.
• Book accommodation in advance to take advantage of early bird discounts and secure the best deals.
• Compare prices across different websites and platforms to find the most suitable option for your budget.

Leisure activities

Austria is a country of stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. There is no shortage of leisure and entertainment options in this country.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Austria is famous for its world-class skiing and snowboarding resorts, with the Alps providing the perfect backdrop for winter sports enthusiasts. From St. Anton am Arlberg to Kitzbühel, there are endless opportunities to hit the slopes and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Hiking and Trekking

During spring and summer in Austria, the mountains are the perfect place for some hikes or multi-day treks. Austria offers many well-equipped campsites. Depending on where you are, there are numerous different types of hikes you can do.

Cycling

Leisure cycling in Austria allows you to experience the essence of Austrian life with all your senses. You can cycle through charming villages and past historic landmarks at your own pace. The numerous well-maintained and signposted bike paths let you choose your level of challenge, ranging from gentle to sporty.

Swimming

If you prefer to relax, there are plenty of lakes and swimming pools in Austria to cool off on a hot day.

Dining Out

Austrians love their food and drinks, and socializing often revolves around dining out and drinking. Austria has a rich culinary heritage, with a diverse range of regional specialties and traditional dishes. Austrians also enjoy their beer and wine, with local breweries and vineyards being popular destinations for weekend getaways.

Utilities

Utility costs in Austria can be included or excluded from your rental agreement. If they are not included, you should budget around €347 per month.

• Electricity: Austrian households pay an average of €20 per month.
• Internet: Prices range from €9 to €83 depending on the supplier and speed. Generally, the faster the internet, the more expensive it is.
• Natural gas: Costs most households an average of €19 per gigajoule. Households in Austria tend to use between 20 and 200 gigajoules per year.
• Water: Water is typically paid for alongside waste removal, land tax, and sewage charges. This bill will also include charges for maintenance, repairs, and building insurance. On average, residents can expect to pay between €1.80 and €3.50 per month.

In addition to the above, there may be other utility costs to consider, such as mobile phone plans, television services, and streaming subscriptions. These costs can vary depending on the specific plan or package chosen.

When it comes to saving on utility costs, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Choose the right provider: Compare prices and plans from different utility companies to find the best deal.
• Conserve energy: Turn off lights and appliances when not in use, and consider investing in energy-efficient appliances.
• Bundle services: You may be able to get a discount by bundling your internet, television, and mobile phone services with the same provider.
• Pay attention to usage: Keep track of your utility usage and try to reduce unnecessary consumption, especially during peak hours.
• Explore alternative options: Depending on your location and circumstances, you may be able to utilise solar power or other renewable energy sources to reduce your utility costs.

Frequently asked questions