Prices in Vienna

Austria has one of the strongest economies in the EU and Vienna is Austria’s financial centre. Citizens enjoy good welfare services and health care, and a benign pensions and housing policy.

Vienna earns its cash through precision engineering, metal products and the manufacture of electrical and electronic goods. Banking and insurance also chip in their fair share, as does the service industry. The port of Vienna is the largest facility for container translocating in inland Europe, and has increased in importance with the opening of the Main canal connecting the Rhine and the Danube (Donau). Tourism isn’t high on the list of money earners, although, like the arts industry, it’s on the increase.

By European standards, Vienna isn’t a particularly expensive city. It’s cheaper than Paris, London or Rome, and more expensive than Prague or Budapest. Shopping aside, accommodation will be the most expensive item on your budget. Food isn’t that pricey, and if you take advantage of Mittagsmenü (set-menu lunch) you’ll save and still eat exceptionally well. Museum entry fees range from €1 to €10. Many theatres and classical music halls sell tickets at discounted prices a few hours before performances, and have a standing-room-only section where tickets go for a song. These options help to stretch your euro that little bit further; see also the boxed text It’s Free ( p54 ) for ideas. Note that children pay lower prices and students and senior citizens often receive discounts. Public transport is an absolute bargain in Vienna.

On average, staying at a 2- to 4-star hotel (double room), eating out twice a day, taking in a show and a couple of museums and downing a few cups of coffee will set you back around €170 to €250 per day.

How Much?

Box of Mozart Kügeln (marzipan chocolates) – €7.30
One litre of unleaded petrol – hovering over €1
A Frankfurter at a Würstelstand – €3
A Krügerl (half-litre of beer) at a Beisl – Just over €3
An Achterl (small glass of wine) at a Heuriger – €1 to €1.50
Copy of Vienna’s city newspaper Falter – €2.40
Ticket to the Opernball – €215
20-minute Fiaker (horse and carriage) ride – €40
72-hour transport ticket – €12

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