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

Should you visit Vienna or Monaco?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vienna 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.

Vienna

Vienna is a artistic, musical, and ritzy city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Monaco

Monaco is a thrilling, posh, and glitzy coastal resort area. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Vienna 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
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
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
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Vienna or Monaco?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Monaco than Vienna, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Monaco is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Vienna is more popular for its museums, music, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Vienna is well known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Monaco is well known for its grand hotels, luxurious casinos, opulent malls, and popularity with celebrities. Also, Monaco is famous for Monte Carlo.

How is Vienna different from Monaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Monaco 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 Monaco?

Vienna
Monaco

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

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

Monaco does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Vienna
Monaco

Dining out at restaurants in both Vienna and Monaco can be an enjoyable experience.

Vienna has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Dining out in Monaco is an experience not to be missed. 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 Vienna or Monaco Better for Nightlife?

Vienna
Monaco

Monaco is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Monaco is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Vienna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Vienna or Monaco Better for Music?

Vienna
Monaco

Vienna 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 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.

Monaco is not a live music destination.


Is Vienna or Monaco Better for Resorts?

Vienna
Monaco

Monaco is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Vienna 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.

Vienna is not a resort destination.

Is Vienna or Monaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Vienna
Monaco

Monaco is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Vienna 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.

Vienna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Vienna or Monaco Better for Beaches?

Vienna
Monaco

Monaco is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Vienna 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.

Vienna is not a beach destination.


Is Vienna or Monaco Better for its Old Town?

Vienna
Monaco

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

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

Monaco does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Monaco?

Vienna
Monaco

Shoppers can find a variety of terrific stores in both Vienna and Monaco.

Known for shopping, Vienna draws large crowds to its stores. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Monaco is a world class destination for shoppers. 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 Vienna or Monaco Better for Families?

Vienna
Monaco

Vienna is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Monaco is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Vienna. 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.

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 Vienna or Monaco Better for Couples?

Vienna
Monaco

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

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

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 Vienna or Monaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vienna
Monaco

Vienna is very good for backpackers. However, Monaco is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Vienna is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

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 Vienna or Monaco Better for Students?

Vienna
Monaco

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Vienna. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

Monaco is not popular with students.


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

Vienna
Monaco

Vienna is an amazing city to visit 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 Vienna is top-notch. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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

Is Vienna or Monaco a more walkable city?

Vienna
Monaco

Vienna and Monaco are terrific when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Vienna. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Vienna Worth Visiting? and Is Monaco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Monaco or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Monaco?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Vienna and Monaco. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Vienna than in Monaco. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Vienna, and 1-3 days is enough time in Monaco.

Families should spend more time in Vienna than Monaco. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vienna 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 Vienna.


  • How many days in Vienna or Monaco? Ideal Length of Stay
    Vienna 2-5 
    Monaco 1-3

One day in Vienna or Monaco?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Vienna. 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 bustling city that offers something for everyone. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Vienna or Monaco?

Vienna 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.

Monaco 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 Monaco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vienna. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Monaco. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Monaco?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the classical destination of Vienna. 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.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the captivating big city of Monaco. This coastal resort area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Monaco or Vienna?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Vienna is €151, 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 Vienna and Monaco in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Vienna 94
    Monaco 119
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Vienna 188
    Monaco 238
Compare Hotels in Vienna and Monaco

Looking for a hotel in Vienna 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 Vienna


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: Vienna Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Vienna 19
    Monaco 17
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Vienna

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Vienna:


  • Bus to Airport
    30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Vienna

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

  • 2-in-1 Jewish Museums in Vienna Private Tour with Transfers: $359
  • Airport Transfer: Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna by Business Car: $78
  • Airport Transfer: Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna by Luxury Car: $104
  • Airport Transfer: Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna by Luxury Van: $105
  • Airport Transfer: Vienna to Vienna Airport VIE by Business Car: $79
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna City by Luxury Car: $95
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna City by Luxury Van: $65
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna City by Minibus: $218
  • Arrival Private Transfer: Vienna Airport VIE to Vienna City by Business Car: $54
  • Bratislava: Bus Transfer to/from Vienna: $9.48
  • CAT Transfer: Vienna Airport – Wien Mitte: $16
  • City TRANSFER Vienna: $80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Monaco

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Monaco:

  • Private Transfer from Nice to Monaco: $149
  • Private Transfer from Monaco to Nice: $192
  • Port Hercule (Monte Carlo Monaco Port): Transfer to Monaco: $227

Is it cheaper to fly into Vienna or Monaco?

Prices for flights to both Monaco 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Vienna 33
    Monaco 53

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 with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $28
  • Performance Of The Lipizzans At Spanish Riding School: $43
  • Naschmarkt Food Tour: $64
  • Vienna Naschmarket Food Tour: $65
  • Traditional Vienna Tasting Dinner With Folk Music: $68
  • Traditional Vienna Tasting Dinner with Folk Music: $70
  • Naschmarkt Guided Food Tour: $74
  • Vienna Evening Sightseeing Cruise With Music and Dinner: $74
  • 3-Course Evening Dinner Cruise: $76
  • Traditional Dinner Show at the Wiener Rathauskeller: $84
  • Kursalon New Year's Day Concert with optional Dinner: $87
  • Schnitzel cooking class with Nicole: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Vienna 38
    Monaco 23

Tours and Activities in Vienna

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
  • Escape Game and Tour: $3.20
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $4.79
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.38
  • Cultural Heart of the City Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Top of Vienna in One Day: An English Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.81
  • Detective Trail Mystery tour for the whole family: $7.99
  • MAK - Geymüllerschlössel Entry Ticket: $7.99
  • Walking Tour of the MuseumsQuartier with Guide: $8.52
  • Vienna Cathedral District Audio Tour (EN) (NO Ticket): $8.80
  • Walking Around Hofburg Palace In-App Audio Tour (EN): $8.80
  • Capuchins Crypt Entrance Ticket: $9.06

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:

  • Excursion to Eze and Half Day Shared Tour 5h: $69
  • Eze and Full Day Shared Tour: $101
  • From Nice: Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo Half Day Tour: $69
  • From Nice: French Riviera Full Day Tour: $105
  • From Nice: Full-Day Monaco, Monte-Carlo & Eze Tour: $38
  • From Nice: Italian Riviera, Monaco, & Monte Carlo Tour: $719
  • Italian Riviera & Monaco/ Monte-Carlo Sightseeing Tour: $719
  • Jewels of Monaco – Walking Tour for Couples: $468
  • La Condamine: City Highlights Walking Tour: $372
  • Monaco & Monte-Carlo: Guided Hidden Gems Tour: $139
  • Monaco City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.39
  • Monaco Old Town Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.33

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Vienna 17
    Monaco 26

Sample the Local Flavors in Vienna

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

  • Pub Crawl Vienna: $16
  • Vienna Nights Pub Crawl: $16
  • City Center Pub Crawl: $27
  • Local Pub Crawl Vienna: $27
  • Wine Tasting at Traditional Cellar: $34
  • Guided Wine Tasting in a Private Wine Cellar: $38
  • Viennese Wine Tasting in a Private Hidden Wine Cellar: $39
  • Wine Tasting at Schönbrunn Palace: $48
  • Austrian Wine Tasting Experience: $63
  • Vienna Historical Highlight City Tour + Wine Tasting: $74
  • Skip-the-Line Schönbrunn Palace Entry & Wine Tasting: $82
  • Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $91

Sample the Local Flavors in Monaco

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

  • Nice: Wine Tasting Class in City Center: $72


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vienna and Monaco, we can see that Monaco is more expensive. And not only is Vienna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vienna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vienna 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 Vienna.

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


Which is Bigger, Vienna or Monaco?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 1660 times larger than the population of Monaco. When comparing the sizes of Vienna 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.