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

Should you visit Vienna or Quepos?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Vienna or Quepos, 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. Vienna is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Vienna travel costs.

Quepos

Quepos is a laid-back, relaxed, and local town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping. See Quepos travel costs.

Vienna and Quepos: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Quepos?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Vienna. Although Vienna and Quepos are both popular with visitors, Vienna has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Vienna is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Quepos is known for its resorts and beaches. Vienna is more touristy than Quepos and is known for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. It is also home to The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Quepos is popular for its big game sport fishing.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Quepos?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Vienna is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Quepos is lacking in good options for its 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.

Quepos offers a few options for museum-goers. You won't find much as far as museums go around town.

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

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

Vienna has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Quepos offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of cafes, fine dining, and seafood restaurants in the area. You can get traditional Costa Rican dishes as well as a more international flavor depending on your preference.

Is Vienna or Quepos Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Vienna and Quepos.

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.

Quepos has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a few bars and clubs around town, but it is a small town and the selection can be limited.

Is Vienna or Quepos Better for Music?

Vienna is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Quepos is not a live music destination.

Vienna has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. 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.

Quepos is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Quepos Better for Resorts?

Quepos is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Vienna is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Quepos offers a few options. It's a fishing town with a local vibe, so you'll likely want to stay outside of town if you're looking for an upscale resort.

Vienna is not a resort destination.

Is Vienna or Quepos Better for Beaches?

Quepos is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Vienna is not a beach destination.

Quepos has a beach worth visiting. If you want to be close to the beach, you'll do better to stay at nearby Manuel Antonio. Quepos does have a waterfront and access to deep sea fishing.

Vienna is not a beach destination.

Is Vienna or Quepos Better for its Old Town?

Vienna is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Quepos does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Vienna is revered around the world. 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.

Quepos does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Quepos?

Vienna is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Vienna specifically to go shopping. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Quepos is a great destination for shopping. You'll find boutique shops around town that sell everything from clothing to art.

Is Vienna or Quepos More Beautiful?

Vienna is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Quepos is not a destination known for its beauty.

Vienna is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city has beautiful Baroque architecture and a livable atmosphere.

Quepos is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Vienna or Quepos Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Quepos is very family-friendly. Most of the beaches are kid-friendly and the children will love the wildlife. You'll also find zipline tours in the area as well as canopy walks.

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.

Is Vienna or Quepos Better for Couples?

Vienna and Quepos 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.

Quepos is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The beaches and resorts make this a favorite honeymoon destination for couples. There are many great restaurants and plenty of activities like horseback riding or surfing nearby.

Is Vienna or Quepos Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Quepos is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Quepos is extremely popular for backpackers. It's one of the more popular destinations in Costa Rica, so you'll find plenty of hostels and other backpackers to hang out with.

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

Is Vienna or Quepos Better for Students?

Vienna is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Quepos 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.

Quepos is not popular with students.

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

Vienna is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Vienna can get you around easily. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

You'll find some public transit in Quepos, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are a number of buses that pass through town. There are also buses that travel between Quepos and Manuel Antonio.

Is Vienna or Quepos a more walkable city?

Vienna is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Quepos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Quepos is somewhat walkable. It is a relatively walkable town.

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

Should I spend more time in Quepos or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Quepos?

It's fun to spend time in either Vienna or Quepos. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Vienna due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Vienna, and 2-4 days is enough time in Quepos.

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

Couples should spend more time in Vienna than Quepos. 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 Quepos 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.

One day in Vienna or Quepos?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Quepos. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Vienna or Quepos?

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.

Quepos 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 Quepos?

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 Quepos. 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 Quepos?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the ritzy 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 food and shopping when visiting the laid-back destination of Quepos. This town 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 Tours for Seniors to Austria, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Austria, The Best Wildlife Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Costa Rica.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Quepos?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Quepos. When comparing the sizes of Vienna and Quepos, 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 Vienna or Quepos?

Vienna has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Quepos experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Quepos in the Summer?

Both Quepos and Vienna are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Vienna for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Plenty of visitors come to Quepos because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the summer, Vienna is cooler than Quepos. Typically, the summer temperatures in Vienna in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Quepos averages at about 28°C (82°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vienna. Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Quepos during summer. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 164 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Quepos. In July, Vienna usually receives less rain than Quepos. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vienna or Quepos in the Autumn?

Both Quepos and Vienna during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Vienna because of the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Quepos year-round.

In October, Vienna is generally much colder than Quepos. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 12°C (54°F), and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In the autumn, Vienna often gets less sunshine than Quepos. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 169 hours of full sun.

Quepos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Vienna usually gets less rain in October than Quepos. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain this time of the year. December to April is the dry season in Quepos. Also, May to November in Quepos is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Vienna or Quepos in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Quepos. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vienna this time of year. Quepos attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

It's quite cold in Vienna in the winter. Vienna is much colder than Quepos in the winter. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Quepos fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Quepos this time of the year. Vienna usually receives less sunshine than Quepos during winter. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Quepos receives 264 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vienna usually receives more rain than Quepos. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vienna or Quepos in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Quepos. Many travelers come to Vienna for the natural beauty. The warm climate attracts visitors to Quepos throughout the year.

In the spring, Vienna is much colder than Quepos. Typically, the spring temperatures in Vienna in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Quepos averages at about 29°C (85°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Quepos. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Vienna this time of the year. In the spring, Vienna often gets less sunshine than Quepos. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Quepos receives 255 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets more rain in April than Quepos. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Quepos receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, December to April in Quepos is the dry season. Also, the hurricane season in Quepos is May to November.

Typical Weather for Quepos and Vienna