Is Vienna Expensive? Insider’s Guide to Visiting Vienna Cheaply

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Vienna’s travel costs depend on different factors. These include accommodation, transport, food, and activities. This post will give you a rough idea of what you can expect to pay in each of these categories.

Remember that our Vienna travel costs are estimated. We give you a guideline, however, prices can change at any time! To make it a bit easier for you, we’ve listed all costs and prices in US dollars (USD).

The currency used in Austria is the Euro (EUR). As of January 2020, the exchange rate is 1 USD = 0.90 EUR.

So, is Vienna Expensive? Take a look at this table to get some more clarity.

3 Days in Vienna Travel Costs

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $1655 USD for a round trip ticket

Vienna International Airport (VIE) is the city’s main airport, which is about five miles from the city center. It’s easily reachable by Taxi and public transport. We suggest the latter as the city-airport train is relatively cheap. Make sure you take the S1 or S7 – tickets for these are only 4.20 euros. The CAT is much more expensive.

Flight prices change, according to the time of year. Major international cities like Vienna have different off-seasons when ticket prices are usually cheaper. Flights between February and March are often the cheapest.

Naturally, the airfare varies between cities. Check out the list below:

• New York to Vienna (VIE): 379 USD – 438 USD
• London to Vienna (VIE): 31 – 47 GBP
• Sydney to Vienna (VIE): 1129 -1179 AUD
• Vancouver to Vienna (VIE): 1116 -1963 CAD

Fortunately, you can save a bit of money if you know what to look out for! For starters, you can use comparison websites to see which airline has the cheapest flights. Budget airlines are also a great option to keep some money in your pocket.

Another pro-tip to finding cheap flights to Vienna, is being flexible. You can use Skyscanner to check which month has the more budget-friendly trips!

Vienna International Airport is the closest to the city and many budget airlines offer flights there.. However, you could also fly into Bratislava International Airport (BTS) in Slovakia, which is 39 miles outside of Vienna. This sometimes works out cheaper, but make sure to compare prices before you book.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $21- $90 USD/ night

Due to the city’s obvious grandeur, hotels in Vienna lean towards the pricier side. Travelling to Vienna on a budget can be a hustle, but fortunately, we have some expert tips to help you!

Although the cost of living is high in the city, you can find numerous affordable accommodation options. There are a few budget hotels, but you’ll get the lowest rates by staying in one of the city’s hostels. Airbnbs are also a great choice if you’re looking to travel more independently or in a group.

If you’re visiting the city for the first time, it can be a bit overwhelming with all the accommodation options. Find out where to stay in Vienna, so your trip will be a success.

Hostels in Vienna

In Vienna, private accommodation costs a lot. When wanting to save some money, you’ll better off with a hostel bed. You can expect to pay between $21 – $30 USD per night, though rates can be lower in some of Vienna’s cheaper hostels. Although you may not have much privacy, hostels are great for solo travelers who want to meet other like-minded visitors.

If you’re not sure whether hostel life is for you, consider what is important to you on a holiday. Is it being able to enjoy luxuries like baths or room service? Or is it about exploring all the must-see attractions? If it’s the latter, then hostels are definitely worth trying!

There are numerous great hostels in Vienna. Comfy, homely and high in quality, there will be the right one for you! Check out or top three:

• Hostel Ruthensteiner Vienna – Bring your Austria trip cost down with this family-run hostel. It’s in the city center and has a very social and comfy atmosphere.
• Wombats City Hostel Vienna – This hostel is walking distance to the tourist area! The free wifi and a free welcome drink are also much appreciated.
• Hostel Hütteldorf – We love the sparkling-clean rooms and easy access to the city center. You’ll barely notice that you’re not staying in a hotel!

Airbnbs in Vienna

Prices for Airbnbs in Vienna vary greatly, depending on size, location, style, and any special features. That said, the average price is around $60 – $110 USD per night for an entire Airbnb in Vienna. You’ll pay around half of that for a private room in a shared apartment.

Private apartments are ideal for travelers who want to explore Vienna independently. You’re able to stay in a local home and have as much privacy as you want. However, these accommodations are definitely pricier than the hostel option

For one, most Airbnb’s offer a kitchen, which means you can save money by cooking at home, rather than going out. Also, having the help and tips of your host can make your trip a bit more enjoyable as well. Airbnb is the best way to find a home for short-term rent in the city. Choosing different filters in the search bar can help you find the right place that suits all your needs.

We’ve listed out three favorite Airbnb’s:

• Cozy Room in Central Apartment – This apartment’s location on Stephansplatz means that you’ll wake up in the heart of Vienna! You get the social atmosphere of a hostel with the privacy of a hotel room.
• Bright Loft in Hipster Neighborhood – This Airbnb is a great option if you want your own space, but also keep the cost of living in Vienna down!
• Spacious Room Close to the Center – This place is affordable and has easy access to the center by metro. Comfy and spacious!

Hotels in Vienna

Hotels are definitely the most expensive accommodation in Vienna. You’ll generally pay around $50 USD for a budget hotel room, and up to $90 USD for mid-range hotels.

However, staying in a hotel gives you a couple of benefits. You can enjoy complete privacy, great services and amenities, room service, housekeeping, and sometimes in-house restaurants. All-in-all, if comfort and a bit of luxury are what you’re looking for, hotels are a pricey but great option.

• Hotel-Pension Wild – This budget hotel is on a quiet street in the city center. The staff is amazing and they serve mouth-watering full breakfasts!
• Motel One Wien Westbahnhof – This place is just a ten-minute metro ride from central Vienna, but you get loads for your money! Look forward to stylish rooms and helpful staff.
• Ruby Lissi Hotel Vienna – This elegant hotel features beautiful, modern rooms with lots of space. It’s also right in the city center!

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ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $4.40 – $8.40 USD per day

Vienna has developed a massive and reliable public transport system, which allows you to reach all parts of the city without a problem. Using these transport options usually work out really cheap if you choose the right ones.

Just like in every other city, getting a taxi or a rental car is the most expensive way of getting around. This should only be considered if you’ve got a larger travel budget. Using the metro, subway and bus instead will keep the money in your pocket. And of course, walking and renting a bike is always an option too.

Train Travel in Vienna

There are different types of trains in Vienna, all relatively affordable but very reliable. There are the long-distance trains, which normally operate from city to city (with several stops inside cities), the metro, which is like a slow inner-city train, and the typical subway (called U-Bahn in German), which travels underground.

The metro is very popular with locals so it can be very busy. All of them are regularly serviced and have aircon for those hot summer days.

Trains are a great way to get from A to B quickly, or travel over long distances. You can even bring your bike and pets with you. Don’t be surprised to see dogs on board! But don’t worry, they’ll have to be kept on a leash

Getting around by trains can add up quickly if you continually purchase individual one-way tickets. These start from $2.40 USD.

Purchasing a Vienna Pass works out a lot better for your travel budget if you have to use public transport a lot.  It covers unlimited travel for a set period of time on the metro, bus, and tram. If you’re staying further out from the center, you’ll probably use public transport on a daily basis, so you might save more money with a pass.

• 24-hour pass: $8.40 USD
• 48-hour pass: $14.70 USD
• 72-hour pass: $18.20 USD
• Airport to city center: $13.27 USD (one-way)

Bus Travel in Vienna

It’s rare that you’ll have to use the bus in Vienna. The tickets cost the same as the train, and the bus service is generally slower, as it always depends on traffic. However, the bus network itself is efficient and well developed. There are over 120 bus lines operating daily in all parts of the city.

The only time that you might need to use a bus is if you’re going somewhere the tram or train lines don’t reach. Taking the bus between the airport and the city center is also cheaper than a train.

Make sure that you always have your ticket with you. Although there aren’t any security checks where you have to present your ticket, there are random inspections. If you get caught without a ticket, the fine is $116 USD! You can buy tickets at the main stations and at various tobacconists.

Bus tickets cost $2.40 USD for a one-way trip. The Vienna Pass allows you to use all public transport options, including busses.

Renting a Scooter or Bicycle in Vienna

Renting a bicycle is a fantastic way to get around the inner city! It certainly requires more physical effort than taking the metro or bus, but it’s also a great way to explore Vienna without the restrictions of a public transport timetable! There are plenty of cyclist-only lanes and routes to make each trip peaceful.

Cycling is very easy in Vienna, thanks to a number of awesome apps. Bike Citizens is one of the best ones. It’s compatible with Android and iPhone and offers offline navigation and tour suggestions.

There are many bike-sharing stations around the city, but they’re usually found close to public transport stations. These are run by different companies, however, City Bike is the main and most reliable one. The first hour is totally free. It’s $1.10 USD for two hours; $2.20 USD for three hours and $4.40 USD for four hours.

Renting an eco scooter is a bit more expensive, but they are an environmentally-friendly way of getting around. They offer the same benefits of cycling but without all the hard work! If you haven’t been on a scooter for a long time, it might take a while to get used to it.

You can rent a scooter from City Adventure Vienna or Lime. The cost usually starts between $7.75 USD and $13.27 USD per hour.

Renting a bike, a scooter or walking is the best option if you want a bit more independence, especially if you want to explore the cities hotspots. There are incredible places you want to visit in Vienna, and most of them are located close to one another.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $11 – $22 USD/day

ESTIMATED EXPENSE:$11 – $22 USD/day

The bad news is that food prices in Vienna are quite high. Eating out every day will increase your food expenses drastically. Luckily, there are a couple of tips and tricks to stick with your budget without having to eat less.

Vienna is a foodie’s paradise. Apart from many historic cafes and high society restaurants, the city has a number of markets that offer fresh, ready-to-eat dishes.

Some of the traditional Austrian foods you can try include:

• Wiener schnitzel (veal covered in breadcrumbs and then fried)
• Tafelspitz (boiled beef)
• Sauerkraut (fermented cabbage)

Austria also offers numerous local farmers market where you can buy fresh vegetables, fruits, and other products right from the farmers. This works out a lot cheaper than eating out every day, especially when you have a kitchen to prepare meals yourself. Otherwise, you can get most products in normal supermarket chains as well.

You can make eating on a budget in Vienna work if you plan ahead, and if you are okay with cooking and cleaning up after yourself. Keeping a watch out for deals, discounts and happy hour is always an option to save a bit more too.

Where to Eat Cheaply in Vienna

In Vienna, your money will go further if you skip the fancy eateries. There are a number of places where you can get cheap, filling and good-quality food.

Shopping at the grocery store will certainly lower the cost of living in Austria. You can easily find bread, cheese, and fruit for just a few dollars.

1. Billa – Value for money is the name of the game here. It’s a common shop all over Vienna.
2. Hofer – This supermarket offers a ton of discount, quality products.
3. Merkur – It’s not as popular and easily found as the others but it offers top-quality products.

Markets are another great option for affordable, delicious meals! Fortunately, there are quite a few in town. Expect to pay around $4.40 – $6.60 USD per dish.

1. Naschmarkt – This is Vienna’s most iconic market. It’s centrally located and offers a variety of fresh produce, as well as ready-made meals. You can find all the traditional Austrian dishes here, as well as specialties from other parts of the world. If you like Mediterranean food, be sure to check out NENI.
2. Bio-Bauernmarkt Freyung – This farmer’s market is perfect for the gourmet on a budget. It’s in the historical center and is open daily.
3. Karmelitermarkt – There are around 80 stalls selling both fresh produce and cooked meals at this market. It’s a local favorite and boasts Austrian delicacies such as horse meat.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $4 – $15 USD/day

Alcohol in Austria is taxed and you can run up a hefty bill if you are a routine drinker. However, if you’re game for a few drinks once or twice during your stay, your Vienna travel costs won’t shoot through the roof.

Austria produces a number of tasty wines. Locals prefer to drink their wine as soon as it is produced, rather than waiting for it to mature. There are also other favorite drinks to enjoy:

• Gumpoldskirchen is the most famous Austrian wine. It’s generally around $11 USD for a bottle when you go out.
• Spritzers are also popular. Expect to pay around $5 USD per glass.
• Beer is much cheaper at around $3.90 USD for a can at restaurants.

To save money on going out, follow these tips:

• Most smaller clubs offer free entry at least once a week so go out on that day.
• Start drinking earlier to benefit from happy hour discounts.
• Find the student bars and clubs such as The Living Room (tequila shots are sometimes as low as $0.45 USD).

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $0 – $55 USD / day

Vienna has an abundance of awe-inspiring monuments and unforgettable experiences. There are so many things to do in Vienna, it can be hard to decide which one to check out first. The city is bursting with museums and remnants of Imperial Austria, all of them worth a visit.

Is Austria expensive? If you want to see every great palace and opera show, the honest truth is yes. However, you can find ways to enjoy the city on a budget.

• Museum passes cost between $29 and $35 USD. They also offer a 30% discount on performances in the Tanzquartier Wien.
• Entrance to attractions such as the Schonbrunn Palace Gardens, St Stephan’s Cathedral and Vienna City Hall are free.
• Enjoy Vienna’s reputation for music for free in one of its cafes, such as Cafe Schwarzenberg.
• Attend the State Opera for just $3 to $4 USD with standing tickets!
• Buy a Vienna Pass if you’re planning on visiting all the “must-see” attractions. It covers 60 attractions. A one-day pass costs $87 USD; a two-day pass is $110 USD; a three-day pass is $142 USD; a six-day pass is $176 USD.

Visiting Vienna for a weekend only can be a bit hectic if you want to see as much of the city as possible. Our Vienna Weekend Guide can help you plan ahead so that you’ll enjoy every second of your trip, without having to stress about where to go next.

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Transport, accommodation, food, and activities are always going to be your major expenses during your trip. However, there will also always be other costs — and they’re often unexpected!

Examples of these extra expenses include tips, various service fees, souvenir shopping, and luggage storage. Souvenirs, especially, may trip you up: Vienna’s crystal glasses and yummy pralines are almost irresistible!

Make sure that you set aside some money for these variable costs. 10% of your total trip budget is a good amount to use for these additional costs. No matter how hard you try to avoid them, they will inevitably come up, so be prepared!

Tipping in Vienna

In Vienna, it’s normal to tip taxi drivers and staff at bars and restaurants. You may also want to tip the porter and the maid. Not tipping the staff is a signal that you were dissatisfied with some aspect of your experience.

In restaurants, tips are generally 5 – 15% of the bill and rounded to a convenient number. For taxi drivers, tip around 10% of the fare.

For hotel staff, remember that a service charge of around 10% is generally included in your bill. However, small tips are standard (and you might put a smile on someone’s face).

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Now that you’re sorted on finding affordable accommodation, transport, food, and activities, let’s see where else you can save some money on.

1. Plan Your Trip Around Days with Free Entrance: Many museums offer this one day a month (usually the first Sunday of the month). If you’re visiting around late October, reserve the 26th for museums since they’re all free!
2. Attend church services: Churches are free to visit in Vienna but if you go during a service, you’ll have insider access to the local community. You’ll also get to hear that incredible organ played for free!
3. Couchsurfing: Save money on your accommodation by signing up on Couchsurfing.com. This allows you to find hosts in Vienna who will let you stay on their couches for free! You also get the benefit of spending time with locals who will probably also offer you the best tips for exploring the city.
4. Keep track of your spending with a budgeting app: It’s so easy to lose track of how much money you’ve spent so far. Set a budget and stick to it with the help of an app like Tripcoin. This app works offline, has a currency converter and creates graphs to show just how much you’ve spent.
5. Have a water bottle: Don’t waste money on plastic, bottled waters; carry your own and refill it in the fountains and the tap. If you’re worried about potable water, get a filtered bottle, like the GRAYL, which filters out 99% of viruses and bacteria.
6. Earn money while you travel: Teaching English while traveling is a great way to make ends meet! If you find a sweet gig, you may even end up living in Vienna.
7. Become a volunteer with Worldpackers: Give back to the local community and, in exchange, you’re room and board will often be covered. It’s not always free, but it’s still a cheap way to travel in Vienna.

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The average cost of living in Vienna is certainly higher than in many places in the world it’s definitely possible to enjoy your stay as a budget backpacker in Vienna.

The best ways to keep the cost of a trip to Vienna low is by following these tips:

1. Travel during the off-peak season – Visiting Vienna in less crowded months will save you loads of money on airfare and accommodation. You’ll also have fewer crowds to contend with!
2. Stay in hostels – A dorm bed will slash your accommodation prices in half!
3. Walking or cycling – This will cost you less than $5 USD a day.
4. Avoid eating out – Cooking in your hostel or apartment will save you a ton of money. Save your money for one or two special meals.
5. Choose free attractions – Admiring Vienna’s architecture or strolling through its gardens are absolutely free, yet quintessential experiences.
6. Have a plan! Going around the city without an idea of what you want to do can end up in frustration and spending money on “well that’s my only option’ attractions. Set up a Vienna itinerary to make your stay way more enjoyable, also think about taking some day trips from Vienna to save on accommodation.

What we think an average daily budget for Vienna should be:

Following the tips we’ve shown you in this article, a decent budget is around $50-$60 USD per day. This will give you private rooms, midrange food and entrance to a couple of key attractions.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!