Exploring Spain And Austria: A Budget-Friendly Vacation?

When comparing the cost of living in Austria and Spain, it is evident that Spain is the cheaper option. According to Expatistan, Spain is 20% cheaper than Austria. This is further supported by Numbeo, which states that the cost of living in Spain is 28.5% lower than in Austria when rent is excluded and 22.8% lower when rent is included. MyLifeElsewhere also suggests that Spain is 21.4% cheaper than Austria.

A breakdown of the cost of living in both countries reveals that Spain has lower prices for food, housing, restaurants, groceries, transportation, entertainment, clothing, and personal care. Notably, groceries in Spain are 30.9% cheaper than in Austria, according to Numbeo. Additionally, MyLifeElsewhere indicates that restaurant prices in Spain are 22.2% lower, and housing costs are 17.8% less expensive.

While Spain generally offers more affordable options, it is worth noting that the local purchasing power in Spain is 7.2% lower than in Austria, as per Numbeo. This suggests that, despite the lower prices in Spain, residents may have relatively less purchasing power compared to those in Austria.

Cost of Living

According to Expatistan, Spain is 20% cheaper than Austria. Numbeo reports that the cost of living in Spain is 28.5% lower than in Austria without rent, and 22.8% lower when rent is included. Budget Your Trip, however, states that the average daily cost per person is the same in both countries at €151.

Food:

Food in Spain is 29% cheaper than in Austria, according to Expatistan. Numbeo reports that restaurant prices in Spain are 22.9% lower than in Austria, while Budget Your Trip states that food prices are the same in both countries.

Housing:

Housing in Spain is 14% cheaper than in Austria, according to Expatistan. Numbeo reports that rent prices in Spain are 3.2% lower than in Austria, while Budget Your Trip states that accommodation costs are the same in both countries.

Groceries:

Groceries in Spain are 30.9% lower than in Austria, according to Numbeo. Expatistan reports that groceries in Spain are 27% cheaper than in Austria.

Transportation:

Transportation in Spain is 17% cheaper than in Austria, according to Expatistan. Numbeo reports that transportation prices in Spain are 7.7% lower than in Austria.

Entertainment:

Entertainment in Spain is 7% cheaper than in Austria, according to Expatistan. Numbeo reports that entertainment prices in Spain are 27.2% lower than in Austria.

Clothing:

Clothing in Spain is 32% cheaper than in Austria, according to Expatistan. Numbeo reports that clothing prices in Spain are 18.1% lower than in Austria.

Transportation

If you're looking for the cheapest way to get around Spain, taking the bus is likely your best option. Buses are generally very affordable in Spain, with most smaller centres like Nerja being well-served by public long-distance bus routes. However, bus routes can be much slower than other forms of transport.

If you're looking for speed, flying may be the fastest way to get around the country. Spain is well-served by discount and regular-fare airlines, and it can often be the quickest and even the cheapest way of getting around.

If you want to travel by train, Spain has an excellent high-speed train system, the AVE, which runs between major cities. Trains in Spain can reach speeds of 300 kilometres per hour (186 miles per hour). Tickets are generally cheaper if you buy them as a return, rather than two separate singles.

If you want to drive in Spain, you'll find the roads to be well-maintained. Freeways (autovias) are plentiful, and the highways in Southern Spain are smoothly paved, with recently painted lines. However, you'll encounter a lot of roundabouts, especially in larger cities like Madrid.

If you're looking to travel between Spain and Austria, you can take a train, but it will be a long journey. For example, it takes around 17 hours to travel from Barcelona to Innsbruck. You can also fly, but flights often have long stopovers.

Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation, Spain is the more affordable option compared to Austria. According to Expatistan, housing in Spain is 14% cheaper than in Austria. This includes both monthly rent for furnished accommodation in expensive and normal areas, as well as utilities for two people in an 85m2 flat or one person in a 45m2 studio.

Numbeo reports that rent prices in Spain are 3.2% lower than in Austria, but this difference may not be significant enough to be a deciding factor.

When looking at specific cities, Madrid and Barcelona in Spain tend to be more expensive, with rent prices in Barcelona reaching €500-700 per month. In contrast, the southern region of Spain, including cities like Malaga, Sevilla, and Granada, offers more affordable options, with the possibility of finding rentals for as low as €300 per month in the surrounding areas.

In Austria, the capital city of Vienna and other popular destinations like Salzburg and Innsbruck may have higher accommodation costs, but it is still possible to find cheaper options outside the main tourist areas.

Overall, if you are looking for more affordable accommodation options, Spain has a slight edge over Austria, especially when considering the overall cost of living and rent prices in major cities.

Food & Beverage

Spain

In Spain, the average daily cost of food is around $70 (€67) per person. The country is known for its tapas culture, which means you can enjoy small plates of delicious food for a reasonable price. A typical meal in Spain consists of three courses, starting with cold meats and cheeses, followed by a small bowl of soup, and then a main course of chicken, pork, or seafood with rice or potatoes. A typical Spanish dinner is served late and can include tapas, paella, croquettes, oxtail stew, gambas (shrimp cooked in garlic), salted cod, and Iberian pork.

• 0.5l of draught beer: €3
• A bottle of house wine in a small restaurant: €8
• Coffee in a hipster area: €2
• 1-litre milk: €0.80
• Loaf of bread: €1
• Dozen eggs: €1.50
• 1kg of tomatoes: €1.50
• 1kg of potatoes: €1
• 1.5l bottle of water: €0.50

In addition to tapas, other popular Spanish dishes include tortilla de patatas (potato omelette), fabada Asturiana (bean stew), and paella. Churros and chocolate are a popular breakfast option, but you can also find tostada con tomate, aceite, y jamón (bread topped with tomatoes, olive oil, and ham) or a jamón sandwich.

• Madrid: $71 (€67) per person, per day
• Valencia: $71 (€67) per person, per day
• San Sebastian: Michelin-starred restaurants and pintxo bars
• Almeria: Local, fresh ingredients with traditional recipes

Austria

Austria's food scene is similar to German and Swiss cuisine, featuring sausage, heavy meats, and stews with vegetables and potatoes. Some traditional Austrian dishes include apple strudel, Salzburger Nockerl (a fluffy and sweet meringue-like dessert), Wiener Schnitzel (a classic pork dish from Vienna), Knödel dumplings, and Käsespätzle.

• Leberkäse (sausage loaf)
• Lunch from the market (for 2): €10
• Kebabs for dinner (for 2): €10
• Pizza supper (for 2): €10

The average daily cost of food in Austria is around $70 (€67) per person.

Comparison

Overall, food in Spain is around 29% cheaper than in Austria. While both countries offer delicious local cuisine, Spain is known for its tapas culture, which provides a variety of small plates at reasonable prices. Additionally, Spain has a wider range of affordable dining options, with meals costing between €7-€20 per person. In contrast, meals in Austria typically range from €10-€40 per person.

Both countries have their unique culinary specialties, so it ultimately depends on your personal preferences and budget. However, if you're looking for a wider variety of affordable options, Spain may be the better choice.

Entertainment & Activities

When it comes to entertainment and activities, there are plenty of options in both Austria and Spain. Here is a detailed comparison of what each country has to offer:

Austria

Austria is a beautiful country with a lot of scenic attractions. The country is known for its mountains, including the famous Alps, and offers various outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and paragliding. The country also has many charming small towns, such as Hallstatt and Zell am See, which are surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.

When it comes to cultural attractions, Austria has beautiful historic cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, which offer grand palaces, castles, and museums. Vienna, in particular, is known for its musical heritage, with various musical performances and events throughout the year.

For those looking for a more relaxed vacation, Austria also offers many resorts, especially ski resorts in the winter. Additionally, the country has a vibrant food culture, with traditional dishes like apple strudel and Wiener Schnitzel.

Spain

Spain, on the other hand, is known for its vibrant culture, diverse landscapes, and lively cities. The country has several popular cities, including Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and Granada, each with its unique attractions, world-class museums, and historical sites. Barcelona, for instance, is known for its unique architecture, while Madrid offers a mix of cultural and historical sites.

Spain also boasts beautiful coastlines and beaches, especially along the Mediterranean coast, making it a popular destination for beach vacations. The country has a rich culinary tradition, with famous dishes like paella, tapas, and chorizo.

Cost Comparison

In terms of cost, both countries offer a range of options for entertainment and activities to fit different budgets. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Spain, including rent, is 22.8% lower than in Austria. When it comes to specific entertainment expenses, restaurant prices in Spain are 22.9% lower than in Austria, and a basic dinner for two in a neighborhood pub in Spain is 7% cheaper than in Austria.

Additionally, Austria may not be considered a budget destination, but with careful planning, it can be more affordable. For example, public transportation is inexpensive, and there are various discounts available through city tourism cards and guest cards.

Both Austria and Spain offer a plethora of entertainment and activity options to suit different interests and budgets. While Spain may be slightly more affordable, especially for dining out, both countries provide a range of choices, from cultural and historical attractions to outdoor adventures and culinary delights.

Frequently asked questions