The Cost Of Eating In Austria

what does food cost in austria

Austria has dining options to suit every budget, from street food to luxurious restaurants. The cost of food in Austria varies depending on location, with prices in cities like Vienna being higher than in smaller towns. On average, the cost of living in Austria is 2.3% lower than in the United States. A family of three can expect to spend around €800-1000 per month on food in Vienna, but this can be reduced by buying groceries on sale or shopping at markets outside the city centre. Budget restaurants in Austria offer meals for around $10 to $20, while mid-range dining options range from $20 to $40 per person.

Characteristics Values
Cost of food in Vienna for a family of three €800-1000 per month
Average restaurant bill for two people €60
Average restaurant bill for a family of three €75-€90
Average cost of street food/fast food for a family of three €20-€25
Average cost of a cup of coffee €2-€5
Average cost of a bottle of water €2-€5
Average cost of an alcoholic beverage €5-€10
Cost of living in Austria compared to the US 2.3% lower
Cost of living in Austria compared to Prague 34% more expensive

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Budget restaurants

Austria is a moderately priced destination for travellers, and the cost of living in the country is 2.3% lower than in the United States. The country offers a range of dining options to suit every budget, from street food to lavish restaurants.

If you're looking to eat at budget restaurants, you can expect to spend around $10 to $20 per person per meal. Some sources suggest that a budget traveller can expect to spend around $50 to $70 per day on food, accommodation, transportation, and activities.

For a family of three, consisting of two adults and a child, the monthly food expenses in Vienna are approximately €800-1000. This amount can be reduced by 30-40% by buying groceries on sale, shopping at markets outside the city centre, and cooking at home.

Budget-friendly options for dining out include canteens and fast-food restaurants, where a family of three can expect to pay around €20-25. Street food is also widely available in Austria, with traditional dishes such as Vienna sausages or schnitzel and bun, as well as international options like pizza, hot dogs, kebabs, and fast-food chains like McDonald's and Burger King. A meal for one person at a fast-food restaurant or street food stand typically costs between €5 and €10.

Vegetarian meals are not very common in Austrian restaurants, but some options include soups, salads, pasta, and vegetarian pizzas.

To save money on food, consider shopping at farmer's markets, where prices can be 30-50% lower than in supermarkets or city centres. The biggest and most popular farmer's market in Vienna is Naschmarkt, located in the 6th District of Mariahilf.

Overall, Austria offers a variety of dining options to suit different budgets, and with some planning, it is possible to enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank.

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Mid-range dining

Austria has a range of dining options to suit every budget. For those seeking a mid-range dining experience, you can expect to spend around $20 to $40 per person for a meal. This budget range offers a step up from budget restaurants, which typically cost around $10 to $15 per person, and street food or convenience store meals, which are even more affordable.

When it comes to drinks, a cup of coffee or a bottle of water typically costs around $2 to $5, while alcoholic beverages can range from $5 to $10. If you're dining as a family, the cost per person may be slightly lower for mid-range restaurants, with an average bill for a family of three falling between EUR 75 and EUR 90.

To find mid-range dining options in Austria, you can explore areas beyond the city centre, where prices tend to be more affordable. Farmer's markets, for example, offer a wide assortment of fresh produce and goods at lower prices. Supermarkets such as Spar, Hofer, and Lidl also provide a wide selection of groceries, allowing you to purchase ingredients to cook your own meals or opt for ready-made food with delivery options available.

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Street food

A couple travelling on a budget can expect to spend around 50 Euros per day on food, which would include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This budget would include street food, fast-food restaurants, and the occasional sit-down meal. For example, a Pizza Margarita costs around 7 Euros, and a pizza with a salad would cost between 13 and 18 Euros. A salad on its own would cost between 5 and 10 Euros. A sit-down meal at a Gasthaus (a traditional, basic restaurant) can be found for around 8 Euros, although vegetarian options may be limited.

For those looking for an even cheaper option, sandwiches and street food are available for as little as 3-4 Euros. Sausage stands are a common type of street food in Austria, but these are not suitable for vegetarians. It is worth noting that vegetarian meals are not commonly found in Austrian restaurants, and fast-food restaurants are not common outside of cities.

For those staying in a hotel, it is worth considering a B&B, Gasthof, or pension, which usually include breakfast. Alternatively, renting an apartment with kitchen facilities can help to reduce costs by allowing you to prepare your own meals. Groceries can be purchased from supermarkets such as Billa, Hofer, Lidl, Spar, and Metro, with prices varying depending on the type of store.

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Supermarket prices

Although Austria is a relatively affordable place to live compared to other Western European countries, buying groceries in Austria is generally more expensive than in many other countries. This is especially true of fresh fruits and vegetables in the winter, which are scarce and pricey.

The average monthly living cost for one person in Austria is roughly €1,900, but it varies depending on location, lifestyle, and type of housing. Couples can anticipate monthly expenses of approximately €3,100, while a family of four would typically have total monthly living costs of around €4,903. It is recommended to set aside around €330 per month for groceries. However, this amount can change depending on where you live in Austria and where you shop.

To save money on groceries, consider shopping at budget-friendly supermarkets such as Aldi, Lidl, Penny, or Eurospar. You can also try shopping at markets, corner stores, and following discounts in supermarkets.

  • A pack of multiple beers: €4-€8
  • A reasonably nice bottle of wine: €8-€12
  • A 0.7-liter bottle of store-brand vodka: around €6
  • A 0.7-liter bottle of vintage single malt whisky: up to €70

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Farmer's markets

Vienna's farmers' markets are vibrant marketplaces that offer an abundance of fresh, local, and high-quality products. They are also crucial to promoting sustainable consumption. Visiting these markets allows you to build a direct relationship with the producers, support local agriculture, and avoid unnecessary packaging materials. Most stalls offer samples of their products, allowing you to taste various local delicacies.

Farmers' markets in Vienna offer a wide range of products, including fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, seafood, cheese, bread, pastries, dairy products, and even household and cosmetic items. Some markets, like the Neubaumarkt, also offer regional, seasonal, and organic products, including wine, coffee, honey, and spices.

The biggest and most popular farmers' market in Vienna is Naschmarkt, located in the 6th District of Mariahilf, on the border of the central Innere Stadt. It is often referred to as the "belly of Vienna," with a centuries-long tradition. Here, you can find not only Austrian goods but also products from Greece, Turkey, the Balkan countries, Japan, and China.

Other well-known farmers' markets in Vienna include:

  • Viktor-Adler-Markt: Located in the 10th District of Favoriten, about 15 minutes from Innere Stadt, this market offers prices that are nearly half of those in supermarkets or Naschmarkt.
  • Rochusmarkt: Located in the 3rd District, it features a variety of food stalls and a striking number of flower shops.
  • Brunnenmarkt: An international street market between Thaliastrasse and Ottakringer Strasse, offering delicacies from around the world, exotic spices, and reasonably priced enticing fruits.
  • Kutschkermarkt: One of only two remaining street markets in Vienna's 18th district, offering high-quality products, including delicacies from worldwide and organic selections.
  • Karmelitermarkt: A relaxed atmosphere with local producers offering delicious wares and a farmer's market every Saturday.
  • Lerchenfelder Farmers' Market: Held every Friday in front of the Altlerchenfelder Church, offering specialties from local farmers, along with fruits, vegetables, meat, bread, pastries, and dairy products.
  • Organic Market Lange Gasse: The first market of Josefstadt, offering exclusively organic foods and specialties every Saturday, including products from Vienna and Lower Austria.

Frequently asked questions

The cost of food in Austria varies depending on the type of food and the location. In Vienna, a family of three can expect to pay approximately €800-1000 per month on food.

The average restaurant meal for two people in Austria costs around €60, whereas a family of three can expect to pay €75-80. For a mid-range dining experience, expect to spend around $20 to $40 per person.

Street food in Austria can be a budget-friendly option, with a family of three able to eat for around €20-25.

Yes, it is possible to save money by buying groceries on sale, shopping at farmer's markets outside of the city centre, and choosing budget restaurants or street food over high-end dining.

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