Cost Of Living In Salzburg, Austria: Expensive?

Salzburg is a city in Austria known for its high quality of life, safety, and dynamic job market. The cost of living in the city is relatively high compared to other parts of the world, but it is still more affordable than some other European cities.

The average monthly cost of living in Salzburg for a single person is around €1,556, excluding rent. This includes expenses such as utilities, food, transportation, and entertainment. Rent in Salzburg is, on average, 72.6% lower than in New York.

For students, the average monthly living expenses are approximately €1,200, including accommodation, food, studies, and personal requirements.

Overall, while Salzburg is an expensive city to live in, it offers a high standard of living and a range of career and academic opportunities.

Rent and utilities

The cost of living in Salzburg, Austria, varies from €1,843 for a single person to €3,574 for a family of four per month. These estimates are based on data from November 2024 and may have some inconsistencies.

Renting a furnished 85-square-metre (900-square-foot) accommodation in an expensive area of Salzburg can cost €1,300 per month. The same accommodation in a normal area would be around €900 per month. For a smaller space, a 45-square-metre (480-square-foot) furnished studio in an expensive area can cost €750 per month, while in a normal area, it would be around €550 per month.

Utilities for two people in an 85-square-metre flat, including heating, electricity, and gas, are estimated at €250 per month. For a single person in a 45-square-metre studio, utilities are estimated at €150 per month.

Internet costs in Salzburg range from €9 to €83 per month, depending on the supplier and speed. Faster internet connections tend to be more expensive.

Basic utilities for a 915-square-foot apartment, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, are estimated at €150 per month.

Overall, rent and utility costs in Salzburg can vary significantly depending on the size and location of the accommodation, as well as the specific utility packages and internet speeds chosen.

Food and groceries

The cost of living in Salzburg is 34.7% less expensive than in New York, and rent is, on average, 72.6% lower. For a family of four, the estimated monthly costs are $4,111.90 (or €3,987.70) without rent, and for a single person, the estimated monthly costs are $1,200.90 (or €1,164.60) without rent.

The cost of living in Austria varies from city to city, but in general, Vienna and Innsbruck are the most expensive cities, while Graz and Klagenfurt are the cheapest. As the capital city, Vienna has an excellent cultural offering and the cost of living is still cheaper than other major cities in Europe.

Salzburg is the fourth-largest city in Austria, with a population of 155,000. It is quintessentially Austrian, with spectacular Alpine views, the Salzach River, and the nearby Mondsee Lake.

• Loaf of bread: €1.80
• Chicken (1kg): €10.50
• Apples (1kg): €2.20
• Bananas (1kg): €1.70
• Potatoes (1kg): €1.30
• Water (1.5L bottle): €0.60
• Wine (1.5L): €7.00
• Beer (0.5L bottle): €1.10
• Cigarettes (20): €5.50

Eating out in a restaurant in Salzburg typically costs around €12 to €50, depending on the restaurant.

There is a range of supermarkets in Austria, including Spar, Lidl, and Merkur, where you can do your grocery shopping.

Eating out

It is worth noting that there are no tourist traps or places with seriously low-quality food in Salzburg. Most restaurants frequented by tourists are also popular among locals. Additionally, many restaurants offer reduced prices for lunch specials, so taking advantage of lunch menus can be a great way to save money when eating out.

When it comes to drinks, a cappuccino in an expat area of the city will cost you around €4, while a beer in a neighbourhood pub is approximately €5 for 500ml. A bottle of mid-range wine costs around €7 for 1.5 litres, and a cocktail in a downtown club is about €11.

Overall, while eating out in Salzburg may be slightly more expensive than in other parts of Austria, it is still relatively affordable, especially when compared to cities like Munich or Paris.

Transportation

Salzburg has an efficient, eco-friendly public transportation system, including electrically powered trolleys and buses. The city's bus network covers all areas, with buses running every 10, 15, or 20 minutes during the day. The Salzburg Card includes rides on public buses and provides free or discounted admission to attractions.

Single tickets for public transportation are cheaper if bought in advance from kiosks or ticket machines. A 24-hour ticket for the central zone is also available, and a weekly pass is recommended if you plan to stay longer than four days.

Public transportation in Salzburg is considered expensive by some, with single tickets costing €2.10 from the driver or €1.90 from a ticket machine. A 24-hour ticket costs €5 for adults and €2.50 for children.

For late-night travel, the NachtStern and Bustaxi shuttle bus services operate after midnight. Bus taxis cost €3 per trip and run nightly along 12 fixed routes.

Due to the compact size of the city, walking is a recommended mode of transportation. Salzburg is also Austria's cycling capital, with well-developed cycling paths, and bikes can be rented for around €7 from hotels.

Taxis are readily available in Salzburg, with meters starting at €3.60 and charging €0.90 per kilometre.

The cost of a monthly public transportation pass in Salzburg is approximately €51, while a single trip ranges from €1.80 to €2.20.

Entertainment

Salzburg is a relatively expensive place to live, with high rents and limited availability of reasonably priced apartments. The city is a tourist hotspot, with hotels and hostels booking up days in advance, and prices rising to astronomical amounts in the summer.

The average hotel room price is €150 per night, with higher-end hotels starting at around €150 and going up to several hundred euros. Budget hostels are available from €25 in high season. A meal at a restaurant will cost around €15, and a day trip or tour will cost between €30 and €60.

For those on a budget, it is possible to get by on €80 a day, including accommodation, food, and sightseeing. There are plenty of free things to do in Salzburg, such as visiting Mirabell Palace and Garden, hiking the city mountains, and exploring Hellbrunn Palace and surrounding areas. The Free Walking Tour is a great option for those on a budget, as it operates on a "pay-what-you-want" basis.

The Salzburg Card is also a great way to save money, as it includes public transport in the city centre and entry to many attractions for a fixed price. The card can save individuals between €100 and €200.

The cost of food in Salzburg is moderate, with prices for a meal at a restaurant starting at €12 and ranging up to €25, including drinks. There are no tourist traps or low-quality food options, and most restaurants are frequented by locals.

For entertainment and leisure activities, individuals can expect to budget between €180 and €320 per month. This includes dining out, cultural activities, entertainment, and sports or leisure club memberships.

Overall, while Salzburg is an expensive place to live, there are ways to save money and keep costs down, especially when it comes to entertainment and leisure activities.

Frequently asked questions