As a fair and balanced travel writer, I’m here to help backpackers navigate their choices between vibrant Copenhagen and imperial Vienna. Prices are estimates and can fluctuate based on season, booking in advance, and personal spending habits. Spring and fall typically offer lower prices than summer for both cities.

Which City Has a Lower Daily Budget for Backpackers?

Vienna generally offers a lower daily budget for backpackers compared to Copenhagen. While backpackers typically spend €35-55/day in many European cities, Copenhagen’s costs are significantly higher.

• Estimated Daily Budget (Backpacker):
  • Copenhagen: €60-100/day
  • Vienna: €45-80/day

This estimate includes accommodation in a hostel dorm, budget-friendly meals, and public transport.

How Do Accommodation Costs Compare?

Hostel dorm beds are the most budget-friendly option in both cities.

• Hostel Dorm Bed (Estimated per night):
  • Copenhagen: €30-50+
  • Vienna: €25-45

Copenhagen consistently ranks among Europe’s most expensive cities for accommodation, often pushing well above the average European hostel cost of €15-30 per night. Vienna’s prices are more in line with a major European capital, often falling within or slightly above the €15-30 range.

What Are the Food and Drink Expenses?

Budgeting for food and drink requires strategic choices, with Copenhagen generally being pricier. Meals at local restaurants typically cost €8-15 in many European cities, but this can vary.

• Budget Food (Estimated per day):
  • Copenhagen: €20-35 (e.g., hot dogs, smørrebrød from markets, supermarket groceries)
  • Vienna: €18-30 (e.g., Würstel stands, bakeries, supermarket groceries, “Mittagsmenü” lunch deals)

Supermarket shopping and self-catering are crucial for saving money in both cities.

How Do Transportation Costs Differ?

Both cities have efficient public transport systems (metro, bus, tram). A daily public transport pass is usually the best value.

• Public Transport (Estimated per day for a pass):
  • Copenhagen: €8-12
  • Vienna: €7-10

Walking and cycling are excellent, free ways to explore both compact city centers.

Which City Offers More Free or Low-Cost Activities?

Both cities offer numerous free and low-cost activities. Copenhagen boasts beautiful parks, vibrant street art, and free walking tours. Vienna offers extensive free-to-enter courtyards and gardens (like Schönbrunn Palace gardens), impressive architecture, and numerous free walking tours. AllInMap can help you locate free amenities in both destinations. Vienna, with its historical grandeur, often provides more opportunities for simply admiring architecture and enjoying public spaces at no cost. Many museums in both cities offer free entry on specific days or to specific collections.