A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kos vs. Salzburg for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Kos or Salzburg?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kos and Salzburg can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kos

Kos is a beautiful, ancient, and cultural island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a historic, beautiful, and musical city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, live music, and food.

Kos and Salzburg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


Is there more to do in Kos or Salzburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kos than Salzburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kos is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Salzburg is more popular for its music, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere. Salzburg is more touristy than Kos and is popular for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. Kos is well known for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. Also, Kos is famous for Asklepieion Archeological Site.

How is Kos different from Salzburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Salzburg and Kos. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kos or Salzburg?

Kos
Salzburg

Kos is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Kos on the map. The small island is packed with archaeological sites and interesting history. Famous places worth visiting include the ruins of Asklepion, the ancient Agora, Roman Odeon, Neratzia Castle, and so many more!

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Salzburg. There are many historic sights to explore including Mozart's birthplace, the Mozart Residence, the Salzburg Museum, and the many stunning churches and concert halls.


Is the Food Better in Kos or Salzburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kos
Salzburg

Kos is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Kos is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The cuisine relies heavily on locally harvested ingredients with many dishes featuring cheese, seafood, vegetables, olive oil, and potatoes. The dishes are influenced by Italian and Turkish cuisines and common dishes include moussaka, souvlaki and tzatziki. Popular seafood options are prawns, squid, lobster and octopus. A great way to enjoy a sampling of local dishes is to visit an ouzeri, which is a Greek taverna that serves mezza style meals with small dishes that you can share.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Salzburg. The old town is filled with charming restaurants that serve local specialties including schnitzel, tafelspitz, and strudel. The city is also known for it's impressive breakfast spread that is often served on a three tiered cake stand and includes cheeses, salami, fresh fruit, pastries, olives, jams and more.

Is Kos or Salzburg Better for Nightlife?

Kos
Salzburg

Kos is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Kos offers plenty to do in the evening. For such a small island you'll find a huge party scene during the peak summer months. There are almost nightly parties, beach raves, and late night clubs throughout the summer months. The bars and clubs are mostly concentrated around a couple of streets in the center of Kos Town, but Kardamena is also a lively party area. It's popular with British tourists who head here for the all-night clubs.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Salzburg. The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.

Is Kos or Salzburg Better for Music?

Kos
Salzburg

Salzburg is very popular for live music. However, Kos is not a live music destination.

Salzburg is known as a music capital around the world. Although most people think of Mozart and the Sound of Music when they think of this city, there are also many music festivals, including the famous Salzburg Music Festival, as well as concert venues and an independent music scene that is excellent.

Kos is not a live music destination.


Is Kos or Salzburg Better for Resorts?

Kos
Salzburg

Kos is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Salzburg is not a resort destination.

Kos has a few great resort options. It's a smaller island and there aren't as many resorts here as there are on some of the larger Greek islands. Some of the best resort areas include Lamp and Psalidi to the northwest, Tigaki on the west coast (a good option for families), as well as Mastihari and Marmari which both have relaxed atmospheres. The younger crowd often hangs out around Kardemena on the east coast.

Salzburg is not a resort destination.

Is Kos or Salzburg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos
Salzburg

Kos is terrific for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Salzburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Kos specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There are countless snorkeling sports around the island where you can immerse yourself in the undersea world. Popular snorkeling areas include Camel Beach and Limnionas Beach. Make sure you understand the water conditions before heading into the water.

Salzburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or Salzburg Better for Beaches?

Kos
Salzburg

Kos is terrific for the beach. However, Salzburg is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Kos are among the best in the world. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches, many of which are sandy with various shades of color. There are touristy beaches with plenty of amenities as well as less frequented beaches that offer a quieter and more remote atmosphere. Some of the most visited beaches on the island include Agios Stefanos, Kardamena, Kefalos and Lambi while some of the more peaceful areas are Cavo Paradiso and Helona Beach.

Salzburg is not a beach destination.


Is Kos or Salzburg Better for its Old Town?

Kos
Salzburg

Salzburg is very popular for its historic old town. However, Kos does not have a historic old town.

Salzburg has a world-famous historical area. This beautiful old town is filled with cafes, restaurants, and churches. You can enjoy local music performed by street performers as you soak in the atmosphere and the regular chime of the church bells really gives the city personality. There are also frequent markets and shops to explore.

Kos does not have a historic old town.

Is Kos or Salzburg Better for Hiking?

Kos
Salzburg

Kos is a nice place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Salzburg is not a hiking destination.

Kos has hiking trails worth exploring. This is a great walking island with a number of easy walks or hikes that take you along the coastline or through interesting landscapes.

Salzburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kos or Salzburg?

Kos
Salzburg

Salzburg is very popular for shopping. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Salzburg. The city's historic heart is filled with boutique shops, chocolate markets, and charming local vendors. It's fun to peruse the many shops that line the streets while you shop for local souvenirs.

Kos offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of traditional items that you can pick up while you're in town. Fun souvenirs include jewelry, leather items, and perfumes.


Is Kos or Salzburg Better for Families?

Kos
Salzburg

Salzburg is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Salzburg is a very family-friendly destination. Kids who know the Sound of Music will enjoy visiting the setting of a number of scenes from the movie. There are even popular Sound of Music tours that take you to the gardens where they sang "Do Re Mi" and out of town to the church where Maria married the Captain. The city also offers Marionette Puppet shows, cooking classes, castles and more around town that everyone can enjoy.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kos. It's comparable to other Greek islands when it comes to kids' activities. Kos Town can get a bit lively at night so if you want to avoid the party crowds, then those areas are easily avoided. Popular activities include exploring ancient ruins, going to the Kos Archaeological Museum, visiting The Castle of the Knights, and of course, hanging out at the beach. One of the best family-friendly resort areas is Tigaki along the west coast.

Is Kos or Salzburg Better for Couples?

Kos
Salzburg

Salzburg is very popular for romance. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Salzburg is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The town offers a romantic setting with elaborate breakfasts, beautiful architecture, live shows, and plenty that couples can enjoy. You can simply wander around old town or explore the many gardens around town. Couples will also enjoy the concerts and music that the city is so famous for.

Couples visit Kos frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This small island offers beautiful beaches and plenty of ancient ruins to explore. Kos Town is where you'll find the liveliest atmosphere but for some of the best resorts you'll want to stay in one of the resort suburbs like Lampi or Psalidi.

Is Kos or Salzburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kos
Salzburg

Kos and Salzburg are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Kos is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a small island but has a few hostels and a variety of apartments available for rent. Despite its small size, there are areas where you'll want to have a car if you wish to explore, but if you stay in town you'll find getting around fairly easy. The island attracts its share of young travelers and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with.

Salzburg is a great island to visit for backpackers. This is a popular city to visit, so there are plenty of amenities for backpackers. If you want to save a little money, you can stay and eat outside of old town where the prices are a little less.


Is Kos or Salzburg Better for Students?

Kos
Salzburg

Salzburg is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Kos is not popular with students.

Salzburg is a very popular city for students. International students appreciate the high quality of life, excellent educational opportunities and unique European setting that makes this city special. There are also a number of beautiful places just outside of town that you can explore, as well as many travel connections to other popular cities in Europe.

Kos is not popular with students.

Is Kos or Salzburg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Kos
Salzburg

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Kos and Salzburg.

Visitors to Kos can move around easily with public transportation. Buses connect many of the tourist destinations including beaches, cultural sights, are resort areas.

The public transit in Salzburg can get you around easily. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Kos or Salzburg a more walkable city?

Kos
Salzburg

Kos and Salzburg are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Kos is very walkable. It's small size means it's possible to explore parts of the island on foot or bicycle. There are some beautiful walks on the island, but some areas will require a car or bus.

Salzburg is a very walkable island. The old town is very walkable, but if you stay outside of the main tourist areas, you'll likely want to take a bus.


For even more information, also check out Is Kos Worth Visiting? and Is Salzburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Salzburg or Kos?

How long in Kos or Salzburg?

In either Kos or Salzburg, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Kos has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Kos than Salzburg. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Kos, and 3-5 days is enough time in Salzburg.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kos than Salzburg if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Kos.


  • How many days in Kos or Salzburg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kos 2-5 
    Salzburg 3-5

One day in Kos or Salzburg?

The beautiful island of Kos offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With museums and nightlife around the musical destination of Salzburg, there's plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Kos or Salzburg?

Kos is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kos, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Many people visit Salzburg for a weekend. With nightlife and live music around the musical city of Salzburg, there's plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Kos or Salzburg?

Kos is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kos, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With live music and food around the destination of Salzburg, there's plenty to do. Many people spend five days here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.


A week in Kos or Salzburg?

Kos is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

Salzburg, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Athens, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece, The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Salzburg or Kos?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Kos is €134, while the average daily cost in Salzburg is €155. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Kos and Salzburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kos 62
    Salzburg 91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kos 124
    Salzburg 182
Compare Hotels in Kos and Salzburg

Looking for a hotel in Kos or Salzburg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Kos


Hotels in Salzburg


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Kos Hotel Prices and Salzburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kos 37
    Salzburg 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kos

Also for Kos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Roundtrip Minivan Transfer to Therma Natural Spa Beach: $24
  • Lido Water Park Admission Ticket with Transfers: $24
  • Paradise Beach Return Transfer: $25
  • Roundtrip Bus Transfer to Mount Zia for Sunset Viewing: $27
  • Catamaran Ferry Transfer to/from Bodrum and Kos : $28
  • Kos Town: Kalymnos & Pserimos Day Cruise & Optional Transfer: $30
  • Kos - Airport Private Transfer: $55
  • Artemis Hamam and Spa with Hotel Transfers Kos Island: $59
  • Private Transfer Kos Airport to Kos Town: $60
  • Kos Hotels to Kos Airport Private One–Way Transfer: $60
  • Kalymnos, Pserimos & Plati Island Cruise with Hotel Transfer: $60
  • Arrival Transfer From Kos Airport : $61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salzburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salzburg:

  • Sightseeing Transfer to Prague via Cesky Krumlov: $1,441
  • Salzburg to Vienna, Private Transfer, 2h of Sightseeing, Local Driver, English: $297
  • Salzburg Train Station Departure Transfer: $110
  • Salzburg Train Station Arrival Transfer: $110
  • Salzburg Airport Transfers : Salzburg to Salzburg Airport SZG in Luxury Van: $94
  • Salzburg Airport Transfers : Salzburg to Salzburg Airport SZG in Luxury Car: $109
  • Salzburg Airport Transfers : Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Luxury Van: $94
  • Salzburg Airport Transfers : Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Luxury Car: $109
  • Salzburg Airport Transfers : Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Business Car: $91
  • Salzburg Airport SZG to Saalbach Hinterglemm Round Trip Transfer: $133
  • Salzburg Airport SZG to Kitzbühel Arrival Private Transfer: $149
  • Salzburg Airport Private Departure Transfer: $110

Is it cheaper to fly into Kos or Salzburg?

Prices for flights to both Salzburg and Kos change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Kos 43
    Salzburg 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kos

For Kos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Greek Dinner with Music, Dancing, and Unlimited Wine: $43
  • Tavern Dinner Experience with Greek Dancing and Wine: $66
  • Kos Cooking Classes by Mama Contessa: $87
  • Private Greek Cooking Class in Kos with Lunch: $89
  • Sunset Safari Tour with Dinner: $97
  • Private Cooking Class in Kos, Local Recipes: $98
  • Half Day Wine Tasting with Dinner in Kos: $115

Typical Food Prices in Salzburg

Some typical examples of dining costs in Salzburg are as follows:


  • Lunch Salad
    9.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salzburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salzburg.

  • Cookies and Apple Strudel Cooking Class Including Lunch: $60
  • Austrian Apple Strudel Cooking Class including Lunch in Salzburg: $61
  • Salzburg Christmas Cookies and Apple Strudel Cooking Lesson: $61
  • Best of Mozart Fortress Concert and Dinner: $83
  • Best of Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $84
  • Mozart and Advent/Christmas Concert with Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $84
  • Mozart Concert with Dinner: $85
  • Mozart Dinner Concert in Salzburg: $86
  • Dinner Cooking Class - Prezels, Dumplings, Apple Strudel & Music: $87
  • Mozart Dinner Concert in Salzburg: $94
  • Dinner and Classical Concert at Mirabell Palace: $96
  • Cruise, Dinner & Fortress Concert: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kos 33
    Salzburg 30

Tours and Activities in Kos

For Kos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Kos Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.61
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and Walking Tour: $8.14
  • Escape Game and Tour: $8.14
  • Kos Town: Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise with Swimming Stops: $22
  • From Zia Sunset Tour: $27
  • Dory's Glass Bottom Boat Adventure in Pserimos and Pserimos Beach: $30
  • From Kalymnos, Pserimos and Plati Day Cruise: $33
  • Kos Island: 3-Island Wooden Ship Cruise w/ Lunch: $33
  • From the Port of Full Day Boat Cruise to 3 Islands: $33
  • 3-Island Cruise with Greek BBQ Lunch and Swimming: $33
  • Full-Day Tour to Nisyros The Volcano Island: $33

Tours and Activities in Salzburg

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Salzburg are as follows:

  • 2-Hour Private Salzburg City Highlights Tour: $275
  • 3 hour private walking tour - Salzburg: $179
  • 3-Night Salzburg Winter Package with City Highlights Tour: $242
  • 3D Exciting VR-Tour: $29
  • 3D Exclusive VR-Tour: $326
  • A taste of An audio tour through the birthplace of Mozart: $7.47
  • Austrian Lakes and Salzburg Private Tour from Vienna: $923
  • Best of Mozart Concert at Fortress Hohensalzburg with Amphibious Splash Tour: $95
  • Best of Mozart Concert at Fortress Hohensalzburg with River Cruise: $72
  • Best of Salzburg 1-Hour Private Sightseeing Tour: $165
  • Canyoning Adventure in the Salzkammergut from Salzburg: $146
  • DomQuartier Day Ticket incl. Audio Guide: $14

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kos 19
    Salzburg 26

Sample the Local Flavors in Kos

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Kos:

  • Wineries Tour w/ Wine Tastings, Lunch & Transportation: $60
  • Kos Island: Wine Tasting & Zia Village Visit for Sunset: $152

Typical Alcohol Prices in Salzburg

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salzburg:


  • Beer
    3.70

Sample the Local Flavors in Salzburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Salzburg:

  • Stiegl Brewery Museum Entry Ticket & Beer Tasting: $16
  • Stiegl Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $25
  • Guided Wine Tasting in a Hidden Wine Bar: $37
  • Private Austrian Wine Tasting with a Pro-Sommelière: $187


When comparing the travel costs between Kos and Salzburg, we can see that Salzburg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kos Expensive? and Is Salzburg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Kos or Salzburg?

Salzburg has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Kos. When comparing the sizes of Kos and Salzburg, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.