Exploring Austria: Budget-Friendly Or A Splurge?

Austria is a popular destination for travellers, known for its imperial palaces, Baroque architecture, sprawling vineyards, and alpine scenery. But is it expensive to visit?

Overall, Austria is a moderately priced destination, with fairly reasonable costs for food, accommodation, and transportation. Within Europe, it is priced similarly to Belgium or Germany.

The average daily cost per person is around $181 (€175), including $64 (€62) for meals, $26 (€25) for local transportation, and $167 (€162) for hotels. However, prices can vary depending on your travel style, speed, and other factors. For example, travelling as a family can reduce the price per person, and travelling slowly over a longer period can lower your daily budget.

When it comes to accommodation, there are options for every budget, from hostels to luxury hotels. A typical double-occupancy hotel room costs around $167 (€162), while a single room is approximately $84 (€81) per night. Food and drink can also vary in price, with supermarket options being more affordable than restaurants.

Transportation costs can be kept relatively low, with an excellent train system and affordable public transportation in cities like Vienna and Salzburg. However, renting a car or taking taxis can increase expenses.

To save money, consider travelling during the shoulder or low seasons, as prices tend to spike during the summer and winter months due to increased demand. Additionally, look for free activities, such as hiking or visiting free museums and churches.

So, while Austria may not be the cheapest destination, with some planning, it is possible to explore this beautiful country on a budget.

Vienna is cheaper than London and Paris

Vienna, the capital of Austria, is a beautiful city situated on the Danube River. It is known for its rich history of classical music, beautiful architecture, and palaces. Although it is the capital city of one of the world's richest nations, Vienna is surprisingly affordable compared to other European cities like London and Paris.

Cost of Living

According to recent data, the cost of living in Vienna is about 46% cheaper than in London and 29% cheaper than in Paris. Here is a breakdown of the cost comparison between Vienna and these two cities:

• Housing: Vienna's housing costs are significantly lower, with monthly rents being 59% cheaper than in London and 37% cheaper than in Paris.
• Food: Food prices in Vienna are generally lower than in London and Paris, with groceries and eating out being more affordable.
• Clothing: Clothing is also more affordable in Vienna, with a 4% lower price than in London and a 21% lower price than in Paris.
• Transportation: Transportation costs in Vienna are a fraction of those in London and Paris, with a 63% and 38% difference, respectively.
• Entertainment: Entertainment options in Vienna are also more budget-friendly, with a 29% and 33% lower cost than in London and Paris.

Budgeting Tips for Vienna

When planning a trip to Vienna, here are some tips to consider:

• Coffee: Coffee prices can vary depending on the location. A single espresso may cost around €2.80, while a cappuccino could be around €4.50.
• Food and Drink: Supermarkets in Vienna offer inexpensive options, especially discounters like Hofer, Lidl, and PENNY Markt. Drinking water is safe and readily available from taps and refill stations.
• Transportation: The public transport system in Vienna is efficient and affordable, with a 24-hour travel card costing €8 and a 7-day pass costing €19.70-€22.60.
• Attractions: Consider purchasing sightseeing passes or discounted bundle tickets for popular attractions like the Schönbrunn Palace, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, and the Albertina art museum.
• Season: Visiting during the shoulder or low season can help you find better accommodation deals and avoid peak prices.

Overall Comparison

While Paris and London are incredible destinations, Vienna offers a more budget-friendly alternative without compromising on cultural experiences, delicious food, and breathtaking sights. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant music scene, Vienna is a wonderful city to explore, and it won't break the bank!

Budget around €20-€25 per day for food

Austria is a moderately priced destination for travellers, with food, accommodation, and transportation all being reasonably priced.

When it comes to food, you can expect to spend around $64 (€62) per day, based on the spending habits of previous travellers. This includes dining out at restaurants as well as purchasing groceries from supermarkets.

If you're looking to stick to a budget of €20-€25 per day for food, here are some tips to help you achieve that:

• Opt for budget restaurants or street food, which offer delicious meals for around $10 to $15 per person.
• Take advantage of Austria's excellent public transportation system and explore areas outside the city centre. Food and drinks tend to be cheaper in areas that are not tourist hotspots.
• Shop at local supermarkets such as Hofer, Billa, Spar, Lidl, and Penny. These supermarkets offer a wide range of food items at reasonable prices, and some have a wider selection than others. For example, Spar typically has a wider variety of products than the discount supermarkets.
• Look out for end-of-day deals at supermarkets and street food vendors.
• Buy your own groceries and cook your own meals instead of dining out for every meal. Fresh produce can be purchased at 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 to find last-minute food bundles from grocery stores, supermarkets, and bakeries at discounted prices.
• Pick up an inexpensive hot dog or sausage from a Würstelstand (sausage stand), a typical late-night snack stop in Vienna and other cities.
• Bring your own reusable water bottle and fill up with tap water, as all tap water in Austria is safe to drink.

By following these tips and being mindful of your spending, you can definitely achieve a daily food budget of €20-€25 in Austria.

Save money by buying alcohol in supermarkets

Austria is a moderately priced destination to visit, with costs comparable to other European countries like Belgium and Germany. However, it is still possible to cut down on expenses, especially when it comes to alcohol.

Alcohol Prices in Austria

The average person spends about $18 (€17) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Austria per day. Here are some average prices for alcoholic drinks in Austria:

• A beer (half litre) in a bar: €4.90, but prices can go up to €6.90 in tourist or city centre areas.
• A 500ml tin of beer in a supermarket: €1.15 to €1.59 for popular Austrian brands.
• A bottle of wine in a supermarket: You can get drinkable wine for under €5, and very decent wine for €5-€7.

Tips for Saving Money on Alcohol

• Buy alcohol from supermarkets: Food and drink in supermarkets are quite inexpensive, especially discounters like Hofer (the Austrian version of Aldi), Lidl, or PENNY Markt.
• Buy beer from gas stations: Local craft beer can often be found at gas stations, and it's usually cheaper than buying beer at bars.
• Take advantage of supermarket discounts: Austrian supermarkets regularly have weekly promotions, marked-down products, and special offers. Check supermarket flyers or websites (such as Hofer, Lidl, or Billa) before shopping to catch the best bargains.
• Buy the supermarket's own brands: Supermarkets like Billa, Spar, Hofer, and Lidl offer their own products, which are usually much cheaper than well-known brands.
• Shop just before closing time: Many Austrian supermarkets offer great deals on fresh produce, dairy, meat, and yoghurt just before closing time.
• Look for special advantage or loyalty cards: Many supermarkets and stores in Austria offer advantage cards or loyalty programs that allow you to collect points on your purchases and use them for future discounts. For example, REWE's jö Bonus Club or Spar's loyalty programs.

Save money by buying tickets for attractions in advance

Austria is a moderately priced destination to visit. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable. However, there are still ways to save money when visiting attractions. Here are some tips to save money by buying tickets for attractions in advance:

• Buy tickets for popular attractions in advance to avoid long queues and sold-out tickets.
• Consider purchasing a sightseeing pass or city card, such as the Vienna Pass or the Vienna City Card, which offer free entry to certain attractions and discounts on others.
• Book train tickets in advance, especially if travelling by express trains that cross state boundaries. Sparschiene tickets, offered by the national rail operator ÖBB, are discounted tickets that can only be booked online or on the ÖBB app. They are non-refundable and non-changeable, but can lead to savings of more than 50%.
• Compare prices between different rail operators. While ÖBB offers Sparschiene tickets, private rail operator WESTbahn offers supersaver and flexible tickets between Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Bregenz.
• Look for bundle deals or combination tickets for certain attractions. For example, you can find combination tickets for Stephansdom cathedral and the Dom Museum, or the Sisi Museum and the Furniture Museum.
• Take advantage of free entry days or events. Many attractions offer free entry on certain days or during special events, such as the Night of the Museums, when a single ticket grants access to participating museums.
• Seek out free attractions, such as wandering through picturesque old towns, exploring castle ruins, or visiting free museums like the Wien Museum Karlsplatz.
• Look for discounts for children, students, and seniors. Many attractions offer reduced admission prices for these groups.
• Join free walking tours or greeter programs, which are often led by locals and operate on a "for-tips" basis.

Save money by staying in accommodation outside of the major cities

Staying in accommodation outside of the major cities is a great way to save money when travelling in Austria. Here are some tips to help you find affordable options:

• Book your accommodation in advance, especially if you are visiting during peak season. Prices tend to increase and rooms fill up quickly, so booking early will help you find better deals.
• Consider staying in smaller towns or cities, such as Linz, which offer reasonable prices and a more authentic local experience.
• Look for accommodation outside the city centre, as prices tend to be higher in tourist areas. Staying just 15-20 minutes outside of major cities can result in significant savings.
• Compare prices and consider alternative options, such as campsites, hostels, or couch surfing. These can be more affordable than traditional hotels.
• If you have access to a car, staying outside the city centre at a hotel with free parking can be a cost-effective option.
• Take advantage of budget-friendly transportation options, such as trains or buses, to commute between your accommodation and the major cities you plan to visit.
• Be flexible with your travel dates and consider travelling during the shoulder season or off-peak months when prices are typically lower.
• Look for package deals or discounts by booking your accommodation and transportation together.
• Utilise online resources and travel websites to find the best deals on accommodation that fit your budget and preferences.

By following these tips, you can find affordable accommodation options outside of the major cities in Austria, helping you save money during your travels.

Frequently asked questions