Exploring Austria: Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations

Austria is a moderately priced destination to visit. It is about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.

Within Europe, Austria is moderately priced compared to other countries. The overall cost of travel is comparable to Ireland or Spain.

In Austria, you'll find accommodation and activities that cater to both budget travellers and those seeking a more lavish experience. Budget accommodation options are available, such as hostels in Vienna, Innsbruck, and Salzburg, but there are also luxury hotels that cater to more affluent customers, along with mid-range hotels for families or couples.

Austria doesn't have to break the bank if you follow simple tips like eating at less expensive restaurants, taking public transit, and enjoying free activities.

Is Austria cheap for tourists?

Austria is a moderately priced destination for tourists to visit. While it may not be a budget-friendly location, there are still plenty of ways to save money. The country offers a range of experiences to suit various budgets, from food and accommodation to transportation and sightseeing.

Food

Austrian cuisine offers something for every budget. Local eateries serve traditional meals, such as Wiener Schnitzel, for around €10-€15, while gourmet dining in high-end restaurants can cost upwards of €50 per person. Street food is also a great option, with meals costing around €3-€5.

Accommodation

Accommodation costs vary depending on your budget and preferences. Budget hotels start from €50 per night, while luxury hotels can cost over €200. For a more affordable option, consider a hostel, with dorm beds available from €30.

Transportation

Austria boasts an efficient and affordable public transportation system. A one-way ticket typically costs around €2.40, while city cards offering unlimited travel within the capital range from €17.10 (48-hour pass) to €24.90 (72-hour pass).

Sightseeing

Austria has a wealth of free or low-cost attractions, including the Mirabell Garden, the Vienna State Opera, and various museums. Entrance fees typically range from €8 to €15, and many museums offer free entry on certain days.

Seasonal Variations

The cost of visiting Austria fluctuates depending on the season. Peak seasons, such as summer and Christmas, tend to be more expensive, with accommodation prices increasing by up to 50%. Travelling during the shoulder season can result in more affordable options and fewer crowds, with potential discounts of up to 30%.

Overall, while Austria may not be the cheapest destination, careful planning and a few money-saving strategies can make your trip both enjoyable and budget-friendly.

How does it compare to other European countries?

Austria is a moderately-priced destination to visit. It is about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable. Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Austria is moderately priced compared to other countries. The overall cost of travel in Austria is comparable to Ireland or Spain.

In terms of accommodation, Austria is more than 10% cheaper than neighbouring Germany, and on average nearly 30% cheaper than France. Vienna and Innsbruck are consistently ranked as the most expensive cities in Austria, while Graz and Klagenfurt are the cheapest.

Austria has a free public education system, and around 90% of Austrian children attend these schools. However, private secondary schools can cost as much as €55,000 per year if the child is boarding, and €35,000 if they are only attending from Monday to Friday.

A year at an international primary school can cost €13,000 per year, but there are schools that charge as little as €5,000. Boarding at an international school can cost €64,000 for a year.

The average net salary in Austria is around €2,996 per month, which makes the cost of living in Austria quite affordable, especially for full-time workers.

Compared to other European countries with a similar population size, Austrians travel a lot on public transportation. Austrian residents travel an average of 3,405km each year with the Öffis system. Some 38% of general transportation use in Vienna is public transportation. This is much higher than in Berlin, Germany, for example.

Public transportation in Austria is extensive and modern. The cost of public transportation in Austria is reasonable, especially as certain passes can be shared with friends and family, and some tickets allow you to ride several forms of transport.

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.

What are some money-saving tips for visitors?

Austria may not be the cheapest destination, but with some careful planning, you can certainly make your money go further. Here are some tips to help you save money on your trip:

• Fly into Vienna International Airport: This airport is Austria's biggest, serving more flights from budget airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air and Eurowings.
• Travel in the shoulder seasons: The winter ski season (December to April) and summer (June to August) are the busiest times to visit Austria, so you'll find cheaper room rates in spring and autumn (May, and September to November).
• Book train tickets in advance: The cheapest way to get around Austria is by purchasing advance train tickets. Save money by booking a bargain fixed-departure-time Sparschiene ticket with national rail operator ÖBB. Also, consider comparing prices with private rail operator WESTbahn, which offers supersaver and flexible tickets. Depending on your plans, a Eurail Austria pass, which starts at €144 for three days, might be a more cost-effective option.
• Get a 24-hour pass for unlimited public transportation: In big cities, a single ride on public transport might cost as little as €2.40, but you can save money by purchasing a 24-hour pass for less than €10.
• Get a city tourist pass: City tourist passes in 24-, 48- or 72-hour variations include public transportation and discounts for attractions. For example, the Vienna City Card includes a 20% discount on participating hotels and restaurants, while the Salzburg Card offers one night of accommodation and free admission to every city tourist attraction and museum.
• Seek out free attractions: UNESCO-protected old towns, the landscaped gardens of opulent palaces, and several film and music events across the country don't require a ticket. For example, Vienna's Summer Night Concert in Schönbrunn Palace (June) and the Vienna Film Festival (June to September) are free to attend.
• Visit museums for free: More than one million objects are showcased for free at the Wien Museum Karlsplatz. There's also free admission every first Sunday of the month at the Hermesvilla, the Römermuseum, and the former homes of composers Beethoven, Haydn, Schubert, and Strauss.
• Look out for discounts: From transport to theatre shows, museums to mountain lift passes, showing a student or senior ID can get you free or discounted admission.
• Join free walking tours: Join walking tours with locals who will introduce you to their city on a "for-tips" basis. Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck all offer free walking tours.
• Eat breakfast at a bakery: Swap pricey hotel breakfasts for fresh bread, pastries and coffee at bakeries such as Ströck, Anker, and Der Mann.
• Shop at supermarkets: Whether you're in a village or a city, supermarkets like Billa, Spar, Hofer or MPREIS offer budget-friendly options. For farm-fresh produce, try markets like Naschmarkt and Brunnenmarkt in Vienna, Kaiser Josef Markt in Graz, and the Market Hall in Innsbruck.
• Download the Too Good to Go app: Grab last-minute food bundles from grocery stores, supermarkets, bakeries and takeaways for under €5.
• Snack on street food: Try a Käsekrainer (a sausage stuffed with cheese) and a beer from a Würstelstand (sausage stand) for less than €10. Kebab, shawarma, Balkan street food and more are also widely available.
• Bring a reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated with fresh mountain spring water from one of Vienna's 1300 drinking fountains, or one of Salzburg's 49 water fountains. All tap water in Austria is safe to drink.

What are the costs of food and accommodation?

The costs of food and accommodation in Austria can vary depending on location, lifestyle, and type of housing. Here is a breakdown of what to expect:

Accommodation

Austria may not be a budget-friendly destination, but with careful planning, you can make your money go further. The cost of accommodation can be expensive, especially in cities like Vienna and Innsbruck, which are consistently ranked as the most expensive in the country. On the other hand, Graz and Klagenfurt are known for being more affordable.

For a seven-day trip to Austria for two people, you can expect to pay around €2,450, which includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. A basic hotel room for two typically costs around €100 per night, while a dorm bed in a hostel can be found for about €30. If you're looking for a more luxurious experience, a one-bedroom apartment in Vienna can range from €59 in the low season to €280 during peak season.

Food

When it comes to food, you should budget for approximately €330 per month for groceries. While this may seem expensive, there are ways to save money. Stores like Aldi, Lidl, Penny, and Eurospar offer budget-friendly options. Additionally, eating at bakeries instead of hotels for breakfast and taking advantage of street food and supermarkets for other meals can help stretch your budget.

A typical meal in Austria might include Wiener Schnitzel, Apfelstrudel, or Tafelspitz, and will cost on average between €26 and €158 per day. A cup of coffee will set you back about €4.50, while a glass of Austrian wine or a pint of beer will cost around €4 each.

Transportation

Austria has a well-developed public transportation system, which is relatively inexpensive. A single trip on public transportation ranges from €1.80 to €2.20, and a daily pass can be purchased for €8. If you plan to use public transportation multiple times a day, this can be a more cost-effective option.

Other Costs

Other costs to consider when planning your trip to Austria include leisure activities, which will likely fall between €180 and €320 for the month. This includes dining out, cultural activities, entertainment, and sports or leisure club memberships. Additionally, if you plan to visit museums or other attractions, factor in the cost of admission, which can be offset by purchasing tourist cards that bundle discounts.

Money-Saving Tips

To save money during your stay in Austria, consider the following tips:

• Choose a smaller or more affordable city, or stay in the suburbs and commute.
• Share a room in a hostel or apartment to split the costs.
• Walk or cycle to reduce transportation expenses.
• Take advantage of free attractions, such as wandering through the UNESCO-protected old towns or exploring nature.
• Look for discounts and deals at supermarkets, and consider eating at bakeries instead of restaurants for all your meals.

What are the costs of transport?

Transport Costs in Austria

Austria has a well-developed public transport system, with an extensive bus and rail network that criss-crosses the country. The capital, Vienna, has an excellent public transport infrastructure, including buses, trams, trains, and a metro. The country also has several smaller airports near Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, Linz, and Klagenfurt.

Train Costs

The cheapest way to get around Austria is by purchasing advance train tickets. The national rail operator, ÖBB, offers Sparschiene tickets with discounted prices for fixed-departure times. Alternatively, you can compare prices with the private rail operator, WESTbahn, which offers supersaver and flexible tickets. For frequent travellers, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a ticket valid for a longer period, such as a month or a year. There are also various discount options available for students, seniors, and children.

The cost of train tickets depends on the distance travelled and the type of train. A single subway or train ticket typically costs around $2 to $5, while a long-distance bullet train ticket can range from $50 to $100. A ticket from Vienna to Salzburg, for example, costs around $30.

Bus Costs

Buses are another affordable mode of transportation in Austria. A one-way bus ticket can cost anywhere between $2 and $10, depending on the distance. For instance, a bus ride from Innsbruck to Hallstatt might cost around $8. In rural areas, buses and rail services are the primary means of public transport, with tickets for shorter distances averaging at €2.00.

Taxi Costs

Taxis are readily available in Austria but are generally more expensive compared to public transportation. The starting fare is usually around $4, with an additional $2 per kilometre. Prices may vary depending on the city and time of day.

Car Rental Costs

If you prefer the freedom of driving yourself, renting a car is an option. Rental car prices in Austria start at around $30 per day, but costs can increase depending on the type of car and the rental duration. Keep in mind that parking costs may also apply, especially in larger cities.

Public Transport Passes

To save money on public transportation, you can purchase daily, weekly, monthly, or annual passes. In big cities, a 24-hour pass for unlimited public transportation typically costs less than €10. Additionally, many cities offer tourist cards that include discounts or free admission to attractions and public transportation. For example, the Vienna City Card includes a 20% discount on participating hotels and restaurants, while the Salzburg Card offers free admission to all city tourist attractions and museums.

Flight Costs

When it comes to air travel, Vienna International Airport is Austria's biggest airport, serving flights from budget airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Eurowings. Flying during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) can often result in cheaper airfares, as these are less busy times to visit the country.

Frequently asked questions