How to plan your budget for a holiday in Austria

Austria awaits you with imperial palaces, Alpine landscapes and cities full of history. But how much does a holiday here actually cost? In this guide I'll show you how to estimate your expenses correctly, when to go to save money and what attractions to include in your budget. Whether you prefer a comfortable trip or a more budget-friendly one, you'll find here all the information you need to plan without unpleasant surprises.

How much you spend per day in Austria, depending on your travel style

According to Travel with Hello, most travellers spend between 75-110 EUR per day for a low budget, 150-220 EUR per day for a mid-range budget and 400-500+ EUR per day for luxury travel in Austria in 2026. These amounts include accommodation, meals, local transport and attraction tickets. If you travel independently and choose hostels or guesthouses, you can stay at the lower end. A mid-range budget allows you three-star hotels, meals at good restaurants and visits to the main tourist attractions. For luxury, we're talking about five-star hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants and premium experiences.

When to go to Austria to save money

The best time to visit Austria is in April-May (spring) and September-October (autumn), when prices are lower and crowds are reduced, according to BookMundi. In these months you avoid the peak tourist season, but enjoy pleasant weather and all attractions open. In summer in Austria, the sun typically doesn't set until around 21:00, allowing exploration in daylight until late in the evening, according to Goway. If you want a special atmosphere and don't mind slightly higher prices, winter brings Christmas markets and ski slopes.

What attractions to include in your budget

Schönbrunn Palace is the most visited tourist attraction in Austria, according to TripAdvisor, and is worth every euro. The entrance ticket varies depending on the type of tour chosen, but plan between 15-30 EUR per person. Austria has 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the historic centres of Salzburg and Vienna, according to Go Ahead Tours. Many of these areas can be explored for free, just by walking the streets. If you like nature, Eisriesenwelt cave, 42 kilometres long, is the largest accessible ice cave in the world and one of the main tourist attractions in Austria, according to Voyage Tips. The ticket for the cave and cable car costs 45 EUR at the ticket office or 41 EUR online, for adults (2026 prices).

How to plan transport between cities

The road distance between Vienna and Salzburg is approximately 298 km, and the driving time is approximately 3 hours and 14 minutes, according to Distance.to. If you go by train, the ticket costs between 30-60 EUR, depending on the type of train and when you book. The distance between Vienna and Innsbruck is 387 km as the crow flies, and the road distance is 477 km, according to Distance Calculator. The train takes approximately 4-5 hours and costs between 40-80 EUR. If you opt for an organised tour, transport is included and you no longer have to deal with logistics.

Practical tips for controlling your budget

Book accommodation and transport a few months in advance, especially if you're going in season. Prices increase as the departure date approaches. At restaurants, the daily lunch menu is much cheaper than à la carte in the evening. If you're staying several days in a city, get a 24-hour or 7-day public transport ticket: from 2026, Vienna no longer sells 48 and 72-hour tickets. Many museums have days with reduced or free entry, check their official websites. Tap water is drinkable throughout Austria, you don't need to buy bottled water. And don't forget: tipping in Austria is appreciated but not mandatory, usually 5-10% of the bill.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a meal at a restaurant in Austria cost?

A lunch at a budget restaurant costs between 10-15 EUR, and a dinner at a mid-range restaurant reaches 25-40 EUR per person, without drinks. If you eat at fast-food outlets or cafés, you can stay within 7-10 EUR.

Can I pay by card everywhere in Austria?

Yes, cards are accepted in most places in large cities, but take some cash with you for markets, small cafés or rural areas. ATMs are frequent and withdrawal fees depend on your bank.

Is it worth buying the Vienna Pass or Salzburg Card?

If you plan to visit many museums and attractions in a short period, yes. The Vienna PASS costs around 134 EUR for 2 days and 157 EUR for 3 days (indicative prices for 2026) and includes entry to dozens of tourist attractions. Calculate beforehand what you want to visit and compare.

How much does public transport cost in Vienna and Salzburg?

A single ticket in Vienna costs 3,20 EUR (3,00 EUR in the WienMobil app), and the 24-hour ticket costs from 9,70 EUR; from 2026 there are no longer 48 and 72-hour tickets. In Salzburg, the one-hour ticket costs 2,60 EUR, and the 24-hour one 5,20 EUR (6,40 EUR if you buy it from the driver).

Is Austria an expensive destination compared to other European countries?

Austria sits in the medium-high price range in Europe, similar to Germany or France. It is more expensive than Eastern Europe, but more affordable than Switzerland or the Scandinavian countries. With good planning, you can have an excellent holiday at a reasonable price.

Discover our tours as well

If you want to explore Austria without dealing with planning, take a look at our tour to the Christmas Markets of Budapest, Vienna and Bratislava, where we also reach the Austrian capital. Transport, accommodation and guide are included, and you enjoy the experience worry-free. Check all our tours and the departure calendar to find the right date for you.