A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Salzburg vs. Plzen for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Salzburg or Plzen?

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

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

Where Should I go: Salzburg or Plzen?

Salzburg

Most people know of Salzburg from its roll in the infamous movie "The Sound of Music." Every child who fell in love with this movie knows the gazebo scene in the rain, or could sing "My Favorite Things" as they skip down the Salzach River, but once you get past the obvious cliches, you can see that Salzburg is a city with a lot of depth and culture aside from the movie.

Plzen

Renowned as the home of the pilsner beer, Plzen is a city located in the West Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. Beyond beer, it also features a number of impressive landmarks some of which include St. Bartholomew's Cathedral and the Great Synagogue.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Plzen 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 Plzen 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 Salzburg and Plzen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salzburg 91
    Plzen 57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salzburg 182
    Plzen 114
Compare Hotels in Salzburg and Plzen

Looking for a hotel in Salzburg or Plzen? 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 Plzen


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 and Plzen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salzburg 19
    Plzen 7.75

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salzburg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salzburg:

  • Private Transfer between Salzburg Airport and Salzburg City: $54
  • Salzburg Airport Private Arrival Transfer: $65
  • Saalbach-Hinterglemm to Salzburg Airport (SZG)-Departure Transfer: $65
  • Private transfer: Salzburg Airport (SZG) to Salzburg : $65
  • Salzburg Airport (SZG) to Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Arrival Transfer: $66
  • Private transfer: Salzburg to Salzburg Airport (SZG): $66
  • Private Salzburg Airport luxury transfers to Salzburg city&Hotels: $66
  • Salzburg Airport Transfers : Salzburg to Salzburg Airport SZG in Business Car: $90
  • Salzburg Airport Transfers : Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Business Car: $90
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Business Car: $91
  • Departure Private Transfers: Salzburg to Salzburg Airport SZG in Business Car: $91
  • Salzburg Airport Transfers : Salzburg Airport SZG to Salzburg in Luxury Van: $93

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plzen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Plzen:

  • Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague: $87
  • Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $115
  • Private Transfer from Pilsen(Plzen) to Prague: $269

Is it cheaper to fly into Salzburg or Plzen?

Prices for flights to both Plzen 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
    Plzen 29
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: $59
  • Austrian Apple Strudel Cooking Class including Lunch in Salzburg: $60
  • Best of Mozart Fortress Concert and Dinner: $81
  • Best of Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $82
  • Mozart Concert with Dinner: $83
  • Mozart and Advent/Christmas Concert with Dinner at Fortress Hohensalzburg: $83
  • Dinner Cooking Class and Music: $84
  • Mozart Dinner Concert in Salzburg: $85
  • Dinner Cooking Class - Prezels, Dumplings, Apple Strudel & Music: $86
  • Dinner and Classical Concert at Mirabell Palace: $94
  • Cruise, Dinner & Fortress Concert: $105
  • Mozart Concert and Dinner or VIP Dinner at Fortress Salzburg with River Cruise: $111

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salzburg 30
    Plzen 20

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: $3.19
  • Cathedral Entry Ticket with Audio Guide Option: $5.32
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.37
  • Salzburg Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.51
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.92
  • Sound of Music Sightseeing Walk with Audio Guide: $6.99
  • A taste of An audio tour through the birthplace of Mozart: $7.47
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $7.98
  • Salzburg Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Salzburg Cathedral: Guided Tour with Entry Ticket: $9.58
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided History & Architecture Audio Tour (ENG: $11

Tours and Activities in Plzen

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

  • Pilsen: Historic Underground Tour with a Glass of Beer: $8.51
  • Pilsen Historic Underground Tour with a Glass of Beer: $8.68
  • Pilsen: Old Town Gastronomy Tour: $32
  • Pilsen Private Walking Tour: $199
  • Experience Best Prague Tandem Skydiving : $248
  • Private Tour to Pilsner Urquell from Prague: $269

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salzburg 26
    Plzen 22
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: $24
  • Guided Wine Tasting in a Hidden Wine Bar: $36
  • Guided Wine Tasting in a Hidden Wine Bar: $37
  • Private Austrian Wine Tasting with a Pro-Sommelière: $184

Sample the Local Flavors in Plzen

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Plzen:

  • Brewery Museum Entrance including a Glass of Beer: $6.51
  • Pilsen: Brewery Museum Entrance with a Glass of Beer: $6.92
  • Pilsen: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $17
  • Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $17
  • Pilsen Highlights Small-Group Tour and Pilsner Brewery Tour including Lunch and Beer Tasting: $107
  • Pilsner brewery tour incl beer tasting & Czech town Pilsen: $139


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

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


Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Plzen?

Plzen has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Salzburg. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg and Plzen, 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 Salzburg or Plzen?

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 Salzburg or Plzen in the Summer?

Both Plzen and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Salzburg this time of year.

In the summer, Salzburg is around the same temperature as Plzen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Salzburg in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Plzen averages at about 20°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Plzen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salzburg. Salzburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Plzen during summer. Salzburg gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Plzen receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Salzburg usually receives more rain than Plzen. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Salzburg 20°C (68°F) 
    Plzen 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Salzburg or Plzen in the Autumn?

Both Plzen and Salzburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Salzburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Salzburg is generally around the same temperature as Plzen. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 11°C (52°F), and Plzen fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Salzburg often gets less sunshine than Plzen. Salzburg gets 108 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plzen receives 120 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets more rain in October than Plzen. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Salzburg 11°C (52°F) 
    Plzen 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Salzburg or Plzen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Plzen. Many visitors come to Salzburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Plzen can be very cold during winter. Salzburg can get quite cold in the winter. Salzburg is much warmer than Plzen in the winter. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Plzen fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Salzburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Plzen during winter. Salzburg gets 44 hours of sunny skies, while Plzen receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Salzburg usually receives more rain than Plzen. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Salzburg -0°C (31°F) 
    Plzen -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Salzburg or Plzen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as Plzen. Most visitors come to Salzburg for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Salzburg is around the same temperature as Plzen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Salzburg in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Plzen averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Salzburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Plzen. Salzburg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plzen receives 164 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets more rain in April than Plzen. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Salzburg 11°C (51°F) 
    Plzen 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Plzen and Salzburg

Salzburg Plzen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) -1°C (31°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Feb 2°C (36°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 18°C (65°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 93 mm (3.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Dec 1°C (35°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 1°C (34°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)