Which place is cheaper, Calgary or Vienna?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Vienna or Calgary?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vienna or Calgary, 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.
Vienna
Vienna is a ritzy, classical, and traditional city. The famous beauty of Vienna is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food. See Vienna travel costs.
Calgary
Calgary is a local, authentic, and western city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Calgary travel costs.
Vienna and Calgary: Pros and Cons
Vienna
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Scenic old town
- Fun shopping
- Known for its beauty
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Very walkable
- Impressive beauty
Calgary
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for shopping
- Less popular with couples
- Public transit not as usable
- Less walkable
Is there more to do in Vienna or Calgary?
You'll generally find more things to do in Vienna than Calgary. Vienna is bigger than Calgary, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Vienna is more touristy than Calgary and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Also, Vienna is famous for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Calgary is well known for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.
The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace
How is Vienna different from Calgary?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Calgary and Vienna. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Vienna or Calgary?
Vienna
Calgary
Vienna is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Vienna. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.
If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calgary. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.
Is the Food Better in Vienna or Calgary? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Vienna
Calgary
Vienna is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.
Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Vienna. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.
Calgary may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.
Is Vienna or Calgary Better for Nightlife?
Vienna
Calgary
The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Vienna and Calgary.
With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Vienna. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.
Calgary has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.
Is Vienna or Calgary Better for Music?
Vienna
Calgary
Vienna is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Calgary is not a live music destination.
Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Vienna On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.
Calgary is not a live music destination.
Is Vienna or Calgary Better for its Old Town?
Vienna
Calgary
Vienna is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Calgary does not have a historic old town.
With a famous historical old-town, Vienna offers plenty to see. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.
Calgary does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Calgary?
Vienna
Calgary
Vienna is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.
The abundance of shops in Vienna make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.
Calgary has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.
Is Vienna or Calgary More Beautiful?
Vienna
Calgary
Vienna is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.
The famous beauty of Vienna is one of the main draws. The city has beautiful Baroque architecture and a livable atmosphere.
Calgary is not a destination known for its beauty.
Is Vienna or Calgary Better for Families?
Vienna
Calgary
Vienna and Calgary are both notable destinations for the whole family.
Vienna is a family-friendly city. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.
You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Calgary. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.
Is Vienna or Calgary Better for Couples?
Vienna
Calgary
Vienna is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.
Vienna is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.
Calgary is a good city for couples to visit. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.
Is Vienna or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Vienna
Calgary
Vienna and Calgary are both notable destinations for backpackers.
It's common for backpackers to visit Vienna. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.
Calgary is a good city to visit for backpackers. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.
Is Vienna or Calgary Better for Students?
Vienna
Calgary
Vienna is an unbeatable place for students. However, Calgary is not popular with students.
Vienna is a very popular city for students. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.
Calgary is not popular with students.
Is Vienna or Calgary Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Vienna
Calgary
Vienna is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.
Visitors in Vienna can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.
While Calgary offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.
Is Vienna or Calgary a more walkable city?
Vienna
Calgary
Vienna is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.
Getting around Vienna on foot is easy. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.
Calgary is generally not a very walkable city. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.
For even more information, also check out Is Vienna Worth Visiting? and Is Calgary Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Calgary or Vienna?
How long in Vienna or Calgary?
You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Vienna or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Vienna than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Vienna, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.
Families should spend more time in Vienna than Calgary. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Vienna, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Vienna than Calgary. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Vienna that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vienna than Calgary 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 Vienna.
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How many days in Vienna or Calgary? Ideal Length of StayVienna 2-5Calgary 1-2
One day in Vienna or Calgary?
In Vienna, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Calgary. One day is often enough time to do most activities.
A weekend in Vienna or Calgary?
In Vienna, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vienna has to offer.
Calgary 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 Vienna or Calgary?
Vienna is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vienna has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calgary. 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 Vienna or Calgary?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vienna. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Vienna. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the western destination of Calgary. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.
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Vienna Prices
Austria PricesCalgary Prices
Canada Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVienna €177Calgary €151
The average daily cost (per person) in Vienna is €177, while the average daily cost in Calgary is €151. 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 Vienna and Calgary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVienna €94Calgary €62
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVienna €188Calgary €124
Compare Hotels in Vienna and Calgary
Looking for a hotel in Vienna or Calgary? 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.
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: Vienna Hotel Prices and Calgary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Vienna €19Calgary €11
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vienna
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Vienna:
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Bus to Airport€30
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vienna
Also for Vienna, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer: Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna by Business Car: $88
- Airport Transfer: Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna by Luxury Car: $122
- Airport Transfer: Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna by Luxury Van: $109
- Airport Transfer: Vienna to Vienna Airport VIE by Business Car: $88
- Airport Transfer: Vienna to Vienna Airport VIE by Luxury Car: $110
- Arrival Private Transfer Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna by Sedan: $73
- Arrival Private Transfer from Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna City by Luxury Van: $92
- Arrival Transfer: Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna by Luxury Van: $111
- Bratislava Bus Transfer to and from Vienna Airport: $21
- Business Vienna City Private Transfer to Vienna Airport Schwechat: $150
- Countryside Half Day Wine Tour near Vienna with meal & transfer: $135
- Departure Transfer: Vienna to Vienna Airport VIE by Luxury Van: $108
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:
- Round trip transfer between Calgary Airport and Lake Louise: $130
- Round Trip transfer between Calgary Airport and Banff.: $95
- Rocky Mountain Transfer: Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Calgary: $118
- Private Transfer: Calgary Airport to Fairmont Banff Spring Hotel: $159
- Private Transfer: Calgary Airport to Downtown: $109
- Private Transfer: Calgary Airport YYC to Calgary by Luxury SUV: $135
- Private Transfer from Calgary to Calgary Airport YYC in Business Car: $116
- Private Transfer from Calgary to Banff: $254
- Private Transfer from Calgary Airport YYC to Calgary in Business Car: $116
- Private Transfer from Calgary Airport (YYC) to Calgary Hotels: $97
- Private Transfer YYC Airport to Banff Canmore Louise kananaskis: $255
- Private Shuttle from Calgary/ YYCAirport/Canmore/Banff Transfers: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Vienna or Calgary?
Prices for flights to both Calgary and Vienna 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
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Food Meals for one dayVienna €57Calgary €46
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Vienna
For Vienna, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Vienna with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $35
- 1 Hour Tradtional Kaiserschmarrn Cooking Class & Tasting in Wien: $46
- Taste A Full Meal Walking Food Tour by Do Eat Better: $93
- Vienna : MIRAGE MAGIC DINNER SHOW: $116
- Strauss Dinner Show: $116
- Sixx Paxx Dinner Show: $116
- Vienna Guided Food Tour with 7 Food Tastings & a Secret Dish: $126
- Vienna Food Tour: Bites & Sights Hidden Local Tastings: $147
- Nuit des Lumières - The Candlelight Dinner Concert in Vienna: $151
- Vienna Food Tour: Coffeehouses, Markets, Lunch & Street Food: $154
- Best of Food Tour Vienna: $159
- Classic Food Tour of Vienna: $176
Typical Food Prices in Calgary
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Calgary:
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Bread, Chips, Cheese€6.90
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Calgary
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Calgary.
- Light Brunch & Food Tour at Calgary Farmers' Market WEST: $78
- Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $124
- Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $129
- Asian Cooking Class (Includes 6-Course Meal): $135
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Vienna €38Calgary €13
Tours and Activities in Vienna
For Vienna, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Vienna Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $3.51
- Self-Guided Tours In Vienna With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.51
- Entrance tickets for the KunstHausWien. Museum Hundertwasser: $4.70
- Krems Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.28
- Vienna Prater Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $5.28
- Vienna Self Guided Audio Experience: $6.00
- Vienna Self-Guided City Walking Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $6.34
- Vienna Arts & Culture Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6.34
- Vienna Self Guided Walking Tour: Royal traditions & Cafe Culture: $6.50
- Schönbrunn - Audio Guide and Self Guided Tour (No Palace Ticket): $7.03
- Vienna Highlights Audio and Self Guided Tour: $7.03
- Historical Hitler Self Guided Walking Tour and Audio Guide: $7.03
Typical Entertainment Prices in Calgary
Here are a few typical costs in Calgary for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Stampede Admission (for 2)€19
Tours and Activities in Calgary
Here are a few actual costs in Calgary for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Tour Drumheller Royal Tyrrell Museum from Calgary: $113
- 1 Day Tour Waterton Redrock Canyon and Cameron Falls: $130
- 1 Day Tour in Banff Lake Louise and Moraine Lake: $109
- 1-Day Private Premium Drumheller & Badlands Tour: $246
- 3 Day Banff Moraine Lake Louise Johnston Columbia Icefield Tour: $219
- 3-Day Stampede & Canadian Rockies Tour: $1,691
- 5 Lakes Tour Louise and Moraine Emerald Peyto Takakkaw Falls: $113
- 6-Hour Private City Tour Drive to Calgary Tower: $669
- 8 hrs Private SUV Banff Tour up to 7 passengers: $88
- A Spectacular Audio Tour : Calgary Adventure: $15
- Badlands Small Group Guided Tour: Calgary to Drumheller Dinosaurs: $102
- Banff & Jasper: Columbia Icefield, Bow Lake Peyto Lake Tour: $70
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVienna €17Calgary €9.34
Sample the Local Flavors in Vienna
Also in Vienna, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Vienna Nights Pub Crawl: $14
- Ottakringer Brewery Tour in Vienna - in German: $29
- Admission Schönbrunn Palace & Wine Tasting: $102
- Burlesque Ohlala at Mirage: $116
- Vienna Food and Wine tasting tour of Hidden Gems for Small Groups: $140
- Austrian Wine Tasting: $141
- Vienna : Vienna Forest Tour with Underground Lake and Wine Tasting: $153
- Wachau Valley Wine Tasting Bike Tour from Vienna: $159
- Austrian Private Wine Tasting Evening: $176
- Vienna Private Wachau Tour with Wine Tasting to Dürnstein: $187
- Wachau Valley Small-Group Tour and Wine Tasting from Vienna: $234
- Vienna Uncorked Premium Wine Tasting with Cellar Tour: $245
Sample the Local Flavors in Calgary
Also in Calgary, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Brewery Tours at Award Winning Venues: $80
- Brewery Tour: $85
- Craft Your Own Gin at Burwood Distillery: $91
- Calgary Brewery Tour: $95
- Calgary to Banff Brewery Tour and Lunch: $145
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vienna and Calgary, we can see that Vienna is more expensive. And not only is Calgary much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Vienna is in Europe and Calgary is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Calgary would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Calgary 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 Vienna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Vienna than you might in Calgary.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Vienna Expensive? and Is Calgary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Vienna or Calgary?
Vienna has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Calgary. When comparing the sizes of Vienna and Calgary, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.