Lexi Webster
Austria may not be the cheapest destination for shopping, but there are still plenty of ways to make your euros go further. From tax-free shopping to buying local produce, there are many ways to save money while enjoying the best of Austrian culture. Whether you're looking for unique souvenirs or just want to experience the local way of life, here are some tips to help you navigate the costs of travelling in Austria.
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What You'll Learn
Budget accommodation
Austria is known for its Imperial Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, the Salzburg Old Town, and the Kitzbüheler Horn in Kitzbuhel, making it a very popular tourist destination. The good news is that the country provides a great opportunity to see the Alps in combination with world-class historical cities on a reasonable budget.
For budget travellers, there are hostels and budget guesthouses found everywhere in the country. In terms of budget-friendly cities, Vienna, Innsbruck, and Salzburg are known to be good options. For example, in Vienna, the Hotel Schani UNO City features accommodation with a garden, private parking, a terrace, and a restaurant. It is also located very close to the Austria Center Vienna. In the same city, the HeyMi Apartments Mondschein is located less than 1 km from the Leopold Museum and offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi.
In Innsbruck, the H5 Grauer Bär Studios & More is a recently renovated accommodation, which provides soundproof rooms. It is set 200 metres from the Imperial Palace Innsbruck and offers a lift. The aparthotel features family rooms and facilities for disabled guests.
In Salzburg, Carpe Solem Rauris by ALPS RESORTS provides accommodation in Rauris with access to an indoor pool, a terrace, a lift, and a restaurant. There is also free private parking and free WiFi available.
For those looking for a more short-term stay, Jeff's - Rooms with a Mountain View in Bad Goisern offers accommodation, a garden, and a terrace. This bed and breakfast provides free private parking and a housekeeping service.
The price of budget hotels in Austria can vary by amenities, dates, and the neighbourhood. Based on data from 414 budget hotels, the average price is a very reasonable $166.
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Cheaper transport options
Although transportation costs in Austria can be high, there are still some cheaper options available. The country is well-connected by trains and buses, and public transport is clean, fast, reliable, and affordable. Here are some tips for getting around Austria on a budget:
Trains
The train is the main way to get around Austria, with two companies operating services: ÖBB and Westbahn. Purchasing advance tickets can save you money, and the national rail operator ÖBB offers Sparschiene tickets with discounts of up to 50% or more. Alternatively, you can compare prices with Westbahn, which offers supersaver and flexible tickets.
High-speed Railjet (RJ) trains are great for crisscrossing the country, while the faster Xpress (RJX) stops only at main city stations. Railjet, Intercity, and EuroCity services are also wheelchair-accessible, with accessible toilets, train boarding ramps, and announcements in German and English.
Buses
Buses are another important part of the Austrian transport system, with regional buses operated by Postbus, an ÖBB subsidiary. Buses often provide night services and routes to small towns, complementing the national train network. International bus services, such as FlixBus, connect Austrian cities with other major European destinations. Bus tickets are generally cheaper for local routes, while regional trips can be more expensive.
Bikes
Bikes are a great option for getting around Austria's mountains, with Vienna and Salzburg offering public bike rental schemes. Mountain bike, road bike, and e-bike hire services are widespread across the country, and you can even take your bike on some gondola routes. The Danube Cycle Path, for example, offers a 300km route from Passau in Germany to Vienna.
City Tickets
If you're staying in one place for a while, City Tickets offer unlimited travel on public transport for one to seven days. These are valid for regional trains, trams, and buses in the city core zone, as well as single-day leisure tickets for specific states or regions.
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Free attractions
Austria is a country with some of the best quality of life in the world. The country offers a range of free attractions and activities for visitors and locals to enjoy. Here are some ideas for free things to do and see in Austria:
The capital city of Vienna offers a plethora of free experiences. Visitors can explore the beautiful gardens of Schönbrunn, take a stroll through the historic Old Town, and admire the stunning architecture of the city. Vienna is also home to several free museums, including the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK) and the Stadtmuseum Korneuburg. Music lovers can enjoy free concerts and events, and there are also free tours available, offering a great way to learn about the city's history and culture. During the summer months, the Summer Cinema at the Rathausplatz is a great option for some outdoor entertainment.
Free Education
Austria offers free education at its state-funded universities for EU/EEA students. This makes it a popular destination for international students seeking a high quality of life and a European experience. While there are small fees for non-EU/EEA students, these are relatively low compared to other countries.
Free Samples and Discounts
For those looking for free samples and discounts, Austria has plenty to offer. From free postcards and gear to discounted sights and attractions with advantage cards, there are many ways to save money while exploring the country.
Free Nature Experiences
Austria is known for its natural beauty, and there are many spots to enjoy the outdoors at no cost. From strolling through the Belvedere Gardens to exploring the Austrian Sculpture Park in Premstätten, nature lovers can take in the fresh air and stunning scenery without spending a cent.
Free Transport
In Graz, Austria, visitors can ride the tram for free between Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz, offering a unique perspective of the city at no cost.
With its vibrant cities, stunning natural landscapes, and commitment to education and accessibility, Austria offers a wealth of free attractions and experiences for all types of travellers.
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Budget-friendly groceries
Austria may not be the cheapest destination, but with some careful planning, you can certainly keep costs down. The same goes for grocery shopping—while it can be slightly expensive, there are plenty of budget-friendly options to explore.
Firstly, it's worth noting that the cost of living varies across Austria. Graz, the country's second-largest city, is one of the most affordable places to live. Linz is also cheaper than popular cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. So, depending on where you are, you might find better deals on groceries.
When it comes to grocery shopping, you can find budget-friendly options at stores like Aldi, Lidl, Penny, or Eurospar. These supermarkets offer a range of products at more affordable prices. It's a good idea to compare prices between different stores and keep an eye out for discounts or promotions.
In addition to choosing the right stores, you can also save money by buying in bulk or looking for items on sale. Buying non-perishable items in larger quantities can often result in significant savings. Keep an eye out for items with discounted prices or special offers, especially for items you use regularly.
Lastly, consider the type of products you're buying. Fresh produce, for example, tends to be cheaper when it's in season. So, adjust your shopping list according to what's currently in abundance. Canned or frozen goods can also be more affordable alternatives to fresh produce and are worth considering if you're on a tight budget.
By combining strategic shopping locations with clever purchasing decisions, you can definitely keep your grocery costs down while still enjoying a variety of options in Austria.
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Affordable healthcare
Austria has a two-tier healthcare system, with a universal public healthcare system and the option to purchase supplementary private health insurance. The public healthcare system is funded by the sickness insurance fund, Krankenkasse, and covers approximately 99% of Austrian residents. It provides coverage for virtually all health issues and medication requirements, and is available to Austrian citizens and EU/EEA citizens. Self-insured students based in Austria must pay around 50-53 EUR (60 USD) per month for national health insurance.
Enrollment in the public healthcare system is generally automatic and linked to employment. Once employed, individuals are automatically enrolled in the insurance fund, Krankenkasse, which covers healthcare, pensions, and unemployment. The system is decentralised and operates similarly to United States federalism.
Private insurance plans, sometimes referred to as "comfort class" care, offer benefits such as shorter waiting times, access to exclusive physicians, private rooms, and other amenities. The cost of healthcare in Austria is relatively high compared to other European countries, with healthcare expenditures reaching 11.2% of GDP in 2015, the fifth-highest in Europe.
To save money on travel costs to Austria, consider travelling during the spring and autumn shoulder seasons (May and September to November) when accommodation and transportation prices tend to be lower. The cheapest way to get around Austria is by purchasing advance train tickets with national rail operator ÖBB or private rail operator WESTbahn.
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Frequently asked questions
The cheapest way to get around Austria is by purchasing advance train tickets. You can save more than half the cost of a standard ticket by buying a Sparschiene ticket with a fixed departure time from the national rail operator ÖBB.
Budget accommodation options are available, such as hostels in Vienna, Innsbruck, and Salzburg. Graz is Austria's second-largest city and one of the most affordable places to live in the country. Linz is also cheaper than popular cities like Vienna and Salzburg.
You can find free attractions, discounted museum visits, and budget meals. You can also enjoy free activities like exploring the River Danube in Linz or taking advantage of the country's high-quality roads and amazing scenery by bicycle.
While buying groceries in Austria is generally slightly expensive, you can find budget-friendly options at stores like Aldi, Lidl, Penny, or Eurospar.
