Which City Offers a Lower Daily Budget for Backpackers?
Vienna generally offers a more budget-friendly experience than Amsterdam. Backpackers typically spend €35-55/day in European cities, and Vienna often falls within this range. Amsterdam tends to be at the higher end or slightly above it.
- Amsterdam Estimated Daily Budget: €40-60+
- Vienna Estimated Daily Budget: €35-58
These estimates include accommodation, food, and local transport, but exclude major attractions or extensive nightlife.
What are the Estimated Accommodation Costs?
Hostel beds in European cities generally range from €15-30/night.
- Amsterdam: Expect prices towards the upper end of this range, often €25-30+ for a dormitory bed, especially in peak season.
- Vienna: Hostel options are more consistently found within the €20-28 range for a dormitory bed, offering more flexibility for budget travelers.
Spring and fall typically offer lower prices than summer in both cities.
How Do Food and Drink Costs Compare?
Food costs can be managed in both cities through smart choices. Backpackers can typically budget €10-20/day for food by utilizing supermarkets, street food, and budget-friendly eateries.
- Amsterdam: Meals at local restaurants typically cost €10-18. Budget options like fries, kebabs, or supermarket meals are readily available.
- Vienna: Meals at local eateries (like Beisl) typically cost €8-15. Supermarket prices and street food are comparable to Amsterdam. Coffee houses offer a cultural experience, with a coffee typically costing €3-5.
What are the Public Transportation Costs?
Public transportation is efficient in both Amsterdam and Vienna, with daily passes or multi-day tickets offering good value. Backpackers typically spend €5-10/day on transport.
- Amsterdam: A 24-hour GVB public transport ticket (trams, buses, metro) is approximately €8-9.
- Vienna: A 24-hour public transport ticket (U-Bahn, tram, bus) is approximately €8, with weekly passes offering better value for longer stays.
Both cities are walkable, especially in their central areas, allowing for savings on transport if you prefer to explore on foot. Utilizing resources like AllInMap can help find free amenities and walking routes to further reduce costs.
