A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oxford vs. Graz for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Oxford or Graz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Graz, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Oxford

Oxford is a historic, scholarly, and collegiate college town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Graz

Graz is a historical, beautiful, and medieval city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Oxford and Graz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Oxford or Graz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Graz than Oxford. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Graz is very popular for its food, historical sights, and shopping, while Oxford attracts visitors for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Graz is more touristy than Oxford and is known for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture. It is also well known for The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower. Oxford is famous for being home to one of the world's most notable universities.

How is Oxford different from Graz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Oxford or Graz?

Oxford
Graz

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Oxford or Graz.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Oxford can be an interesting and educational experience. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Graz. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz Museum.


Is the Food Better in Oxford or Graz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Oxford
Graz

Graz is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Graz. There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Oxford or Graz Better for Nightlife?

Oxford
Graz

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Oxford and Graz.

Oxford has a large number of nightlife venues. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

Graz is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.

Is Oxford or Graz Better for its Old Town?

Oxford
Graz

Graz is very popular for its historic old town. However, Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Graz has a world-famous historical area. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Graz?

Oxford
Graz

Graz is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Graz. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Oxford or Graz Better for Families?

Oxford
Graz

Graz is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Graz is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the fairytale train and there's also a 4D cinema that is fun for the whole family. In Schlossberg Hill, families should check out The Slide, which is the largest underground slide in the world. Other highlights include a Children's Museum, a Folklife Museum, and a Natural History Museum.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Oxford. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Is Oxford or Graz Better for Couples?

Oxford
Graz

Oxford and Graz are both very good to visit as a couple.

Oxford makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

Couples visit Graz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's filled with culture, history, and amazing food. Couples will appreciate the romantic old town and the many world class sights around town.


Is Oxford or Graz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oxford
Graz

Graz is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Graz. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Oxford or Graz Better for Students?

Oxford
Graz

Oxford is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Many students frequent Oxford. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Graz is very popular with students. It's long been an education center in Austria and students make up a significant portion of the population. It's also a chill city with a relaxed and student-friendly vibe.

Is Oxford or Graz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Oxford
Graz

Graz is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Graz. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

You'll find some public transit in Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.


Is Oxford or Graz a more walkable city?

Oxford
Graz

Graz is very popular for its walkability. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Graz. You'll find everything you'd want to see in the old town, which is large, but still compact enough to explore on foot.

Oxford is a very walkable college town. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

For even more information, also check out Is Oxford Worth Visiting? and Is Graz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Graz or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Graz?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Oxford and Graz. In our opinion, Graz has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Graz than Oxford. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Oxford, and 2-3 days is enough time in Graz.

Families should spend more time in Graz than Oxford. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Graz, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Graz than Oxford. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Graz that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Graz than Oxford 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 Graz.


  • How many days in Oxford or Graz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Oxford 1-3 
    Graz 2-3

One day in Oxford or Graz?

Oxford is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Graz. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Oxford or Graz?

Oxford is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Graz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.


Five days in Oxford or Graz?

Oxford is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This college town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Graz. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Oxford or Graz?

Because Oxford is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Graz. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Christmas Market Tours in Austria, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Graz or Oxford?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Oxford is £131, while the average daily cost in Graz is £95. 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 Oxford and Graz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oxford £72
    Graz £57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oxford £144
    Graz £114
Compare Hotels in Oxford and Graz

Looking for a hotel in Oxford or Graz? 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 Oxford


Hotels in Graz


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: Oxford Hotel Prices and Graz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oxford £27
    Graz £15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oxford

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

  • Southampton - London Transfer: via Bath and Windsor: $234
  • Gatwick Airport to Southampton Port or Hotel Private Airport Arrival Transfer: $230
  • Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: Stansted Airport to Central London: $224
  • Oxford City to London Heathrow Airport Private Transfer Service: $196
  • Private One Way or Round Trip Transfer: Kensington SW London to Gatwick Airport: $147
  • Transfer in private Vehicle from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) - Central London: $96
  • Oxford Private Departure Transfer - Oxford Hotel/Accommodation to Oxford Airport: $68
  • Private Transfer from Gatwick city hotels to Dover Cruise Port: $55
  • Fareham to Southampton Airport (SOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • National Express | Between Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airports Bus Transfers: $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Graz

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

  • Transfer from Graz Airport to Koper: $207
  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz city centre to Graz Airport: $58
  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz Airport to City centre: $58

Is it cheaper to fly into Oxford or Graz?

Prices for flights to both Graz and Oxford 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
    Oxford £41
    Graz £28

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oxford £19
    Graz £11

Tours and Activities in Oxford

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

  • "Luxury 8 Hours Day Tour in Oxford!": $491
  • 1.5-hour Oxford University and Colleges Walking Tour: $25
  • 24 Hour Open Top City Tour: $23
  • 24 Hour Open Top City Tour & Carfax Tower Entry: $27
  • 3-Hour Private Tour of Oxford With University Alumni Guide: $159
  • 90 Minute Classic Walking Tour of Oxford : $29
  • Afternoon Tea Sightseeing River Cruise in Oxford: $62
  • Blenheim Palace Admission Ticket: $35
  • Blenheim Palace Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Brazilian Tapas Dining Experience with Pagode Music and Wine : $44
  • CS Lewis & Tolkien Tour with Magdalen Entry Public tour 11.45am: $64
  • Carfax Tower Entry Ticket: $3.81

Tours and Activities in Graz

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Graz.

  • 2.5-hour puzzle tour through Graz city center: $16
  • Graz - Private tour including Castle visit: $374
  • Graz Christmas Market Tour: $267
  • Graz Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Graz Enchantment Walking Tour: $238
  • Graz Enchantment Walking Tour: $129
  • Graz Jewish Quarter and Old Town Private Tour: $214
  • Graz Museum: Private Guided Tour: $219
  • Graz Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $195
  • Graz Private Family Friendly Walking Tour: $214
  • Graz Private Family Friendly Walking Tour: $210
  • Graz Private Walking Tour: $235

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Oxford £21
    Graz £13

Sample the Local Flavors in Oxford

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Oxford:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Cambridge: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Edinburgh: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Bristol: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • Eccentric Oxford 3-Hour Pub Tour: $150
  • Wine Tasting in the Garden of England: $221


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Oxford and Graz, we can see that Oxford is more expensive. And not only is Graz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Graz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Graz and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Oxford would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oxford than you might in Graz.

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


Which is Bigger, Oxford or Graz?

Graz has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Oxford and Graz, 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.


When is the best time to visit Oxford or Graz?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Oxford or Graz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Graz. Many visitors come to Oxford in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Graz for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Oxford is cooler than Graz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oxford in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Graz averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Graz this time of the year. Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Graz during summer. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Graz receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

Graz receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Oxford usually receives less rain than Graz. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Graz receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Oxford 17°C (63°F) 
    Graz 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Graz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Graz. Most visitors come to Oxford for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Graz because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Oxford is generally cooler than Graz. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 11°C (52°F), and Graz fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Graz. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Graz receives 139 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Graz. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Graz receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Oxford 11°C (52°F) 
    Graz 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Graz in the Winter?

Both Graz and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Oxford because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Graz this time of year.

It's quite cold in Graz in the winter. The weather in Oxford can be very cold. Oxford is much warmer than Graz in the winter. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Graz fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Graz during winter. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Graz receives 95 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Oxford usually receives more rain than Graz. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Graz receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Oxford 3°C (38°F) 
    Graz 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Graz in the Spring?

Both Graz and Oxford during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Graz for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Oxford is cooler than Graz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oxford in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Graz averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Oxford often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Graz. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Graz receives 158 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in April than Graz. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Graz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Oxford 9°C (48°F) 
    Graz 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Graz and Oxford

Oxford Graz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 52 mm (2 in) 1°C (34°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 2°C (36°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)