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

Should you visit Salzburg or Monaco?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg or Monaco, 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.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a cultural, recognizable, and historic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Monaco

Monaco is a thrilling, posh, and glitzy coastal resort area. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Salzburg and Monaco: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Salzburg or Monaco?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Monaco. Although Salzburg and Monaco are both popular with visitors, Monaco has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Monaco is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Salzburg is known for its museums, music, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Salzburg is popular for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. Monaco is popular for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. It is also home to Monte Carlo.

How is Salzburg different from Monaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Salzburg
Monaco

Salzburg is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Salzburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Salzburg
Monaco

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Salzburg and Monaco.

Dining out in Salzburg is an experience not to be missed. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Monaco. The cuisine is heavily influenced by both French and Italian cuisines. You'll find many dishes that take advantage of the coastal location, with seafood being very common. The national dish is Barbagiuan, which is a deep-fried pastry that is filled with ricotta cheese, Swiss chard, and other vegetables.

Is Salzburg or Monaco Better for Nightlife?

Salzburg
Monaco

Monaco is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Monaco is a must-see party destination. It's where sophistication meets glam, with many luxury nightclubs, cocktail bars, casinos, and even opera houses that you can explore. The city attracts celebrities, wealthy business people, and jetsetters who are looking to socialize, see, and be seen.

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 Salzburg or Monaco Better for Music?

Salzburg
Monaco

Salzburg is an amazing city to visit for its live music scene. However, Monaco is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Salzburg 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.

Monaco is not a live music destination.


Is Salzburg or Monaco Better for Resorts?

Salzburg
Monaco

Monaco is terrific for its resorts. However, Salzburg is not a resort destination.

Monaco offers an unforgettable resort vacation. As the playground for the rich and famous, this city has its share of luxury resorts. Famous hotels include the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, and the Fairmont Monte Carlo.

Salzburg is not a resort destination.

Is Salzburg or Monaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Salzburg
Monaco

Monaco is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Salzburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monaco has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are both beaches that offer walk-in snorkeling spots as well as boat tours that you can book that will take you to some of the best snorkeling and dive sights around Monaco.

Salzburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Salzburg or Monaco Better for Beaches?

Salzburg
Monaco

Monaco is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Salzburg is not a beach destination.

Monaco has a beach worth visiting. Located along the French Riviera, the beaches are a mix of pebbles and sand. The only public beach is Plage du Larvotto in Monte Carlo and there are a number of activities available including jet skis and wind-surfing. This is also a very family-friendly beach that kids of all ages can enjoy.

Salzburg is not a beach destination.


Is Salzburg or Monaco Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg
Monaco

Salzburg is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Monaco does not have a historic old town.

Salzburg offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Monaco does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Salzburg or Monaco?

Salzburg
Monaco

Both Salzburg and Monaco are terrific shopping destinations.

Salzburg is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Monaco. A visit would not be complete without experiencing the city's shopping. There are couture, luxury brands as well as local boutiques that are frequented by the wealthy and famous. Popular shopping areas include Le Metropole Shopping Center, Fontvieille Shopping Centre, and La Condamine Market.

Is Salzburg or Monaco Better for Families?

Salzburg
Monaco

Salzburg is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Monaco is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Salzburg is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

For families, Monaco is not always the best place to visit. The city has a few family-friendly activities like an Oceanography Museum, a Zoological Park, and a harbor where kids can explore. You can also check out the Changing of the Guards in the Old Town. The public beach in town, Plage du Larvotto, is very family-friendly as well.


Is Salzburg or Monaco Better for Couples?

Salzburg
Monaco

Salzburg and Monaco are both terrific to visit as a couple.

Salzburg has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Monaco is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Filled with luxury, a couple can enjoy perusing the yachts in the harbor, dining on fine cuisine at an award winning restaurant, or staying at one of the many fancy hotels in town. You can also explore the area by air, by taking a truly spectacular helicopter tour.

Is Salzburg or Monaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salzburg
Monaco

Salzburg is well known for backpackers. However, Monaco is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Salzburg is a great city 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.

Monaco is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Known for it's luxury accommodation and posh visitors, this coastal area isn't known for its backpacker friendly atmosphere. Most budget travelers skip the glitz and glam of this microstate in order to save a few bucks.

Is Salzburg or Monaco Better for Students?

Salzburg
Monaco

Salzburg is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Monaco is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Salzburg. 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.

Monaco is not popular with students.


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

Salzburg
Monaco

Salzburg is well known for its public transit. Also, Monaco is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Salzburg can get you to some places easily. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

While Monaco offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system.

Is Salzburg or Monaco a more walkable city?

Salzburg
Monaco

Monaco is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Monaco on foot. It's small and compact size means that it is easy to explore the entire area on foot in a short amount of time.

Salzburg is very walkable. 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 Salzburg Worth Visiting? and Is Monaco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Monaco or Salzburg?

How long in Salzburg or Monaco?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Salzburg and Monaco. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Salzburg than in Monaco. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Salzburg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Monaco.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Salzburg than Monaco 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 Salzburg.


  • How many days in Salzburg or Monaco? Ideal Length of Stay
    Salzburg 3-5 
    Monaco 1-3

One day in Salzburg or Monaco?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Salzburg. 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.

Monaco is a big city with plenty to do. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Salzburg or Monaco?

Salzburg is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Monaco is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal resort area makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Monaco, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Salzburg or Monaco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Salzburg. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Monaco is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Salzburg or Monaco?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the historic destination of Salzburg. 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.

Monaco is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal resort area offers something for everyone.


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


Which place is cheaper, Monaco or Salzburg?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Salzburg is €155, while the average daily cost in Monaco is €189. 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 Salzburg and Monaco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salzburg 91
    Monaco 119
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salzburg 182
    Monaco 238
Compare Hotels in Salzburg and Monaco

Looking for a hotel in Salzburg or Monaco? 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 Salzburg


Hotels in Monaco


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: Salzburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salzburg 19
    Monaco 17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salzburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salzburg:

  • Arrival Private Transfers: Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Business Car: $92
  • Cesky Krumlov: Private One-Way Transfer to Salzburg: $631
  • Departure Private Transfers: Salzburg to Salzburg Airport SZG in Business Car: $92
  • From Salzburg to Munich Airport- Private Transfer - punctual & friendly Driver: $215
  • From Salzburg to Prague, Private Transfer with 2h of Sightseeing: $287
  • Kitzbuhel, Flachau, Transfer From Salzburg & Airport SZG: $292
  • Private Salzburg Airport luxury transfers to Salzburg city&Hotels: $66
  • Private Scenic Transfer from Salzburg to Munich with 4h of Sightseeing: $281
  • Private Transfer From Salzburg To Innsbruck, English Speaking Driver : $264
  • Private Transfer From Salzburg To Kitzbuhel, English Speaking Driver : $186
  • Private Transfer From Salzburg To Zell am See, Innsbruck or Kitzbuhel: $116
  • Private Transfer From Salzburg to Vienna: $216

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Monaco

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Monaco:

  • Port Hercule (Monte Carlo Monaco Port): Transfer to Monaco: $231

Is it cheaper to fly into Salzburg or Monaco?

Prices for flights to both Monaco and Salzburg 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
    Salzburg 41
    Monaco 53
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.
    Salzburg 30
    Monaco 23

Tours and Activities in Salzburg

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Cathedral Entry Ticket with Audio Guide Option: $5.43
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.46
  • Salzburg Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.61
  • Sound of Music Sightseeing Walk with Audio Guide: $6.99
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $7.06
  • A taste of An audio tour through the birthplace of Mozart: $7.47
  • Sightseeing with the Sound of Music: A Salzburg Audio Tour: $7.47
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $8.14
  • Salzburg Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Salzburg Cathedral: Guided Tour with Entry Ticket: $9.77
  • Salzburg Oldtown: Sightseeing Walking Tour with Licensed Local Guide: $9.91

Typical Entertainment Prices in Monaco

Here are a few typical costs in Monaco for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Grand Prix for Two
    101

Tours and Activities in Monaco

Here are a few actual costs in Monaco for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Monaco Old Town Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.43
  • Monaco City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.52
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of Monte Carlo & Audioguide: $14
  • City Neighborhoods Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Oceanographic Museum of Monaco Ticket: $21
  • Monte Carlo Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
  • Formula One Circuit Guided Walking Tour: $54
  • 3-Hour Walking Tour with a local licensed guide: $54
  • From Nice: Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo Half Day Tour: $71
  • Excursion to Eze and Half Day Shared Tour 5h: $71

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salzburg 26
    Monaco 26
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

Sample the Local Flavors in Monaco

Also in Monaco, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tasting : Tour de France in Nice city centre: $74


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salzburg and Monaco, we can see that Monaco is more expensive. And not only is Salzburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Salzburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salzburg 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 Monaco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Monaco than you might in Salzburg.

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


Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Monaco?

Salzburg has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg and Monaco, 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.