Cost of Living & Helpful Facts about Life in Austria

Jump right in:

• Pros and cons of living in Austria
• Quality of life in Austria
• Cost of living
• Practical information
• Culture and social etiquette
• Driving in Austria
• Public transportation in Austria

Pros and cons of living in Austria

Pros

• High quality of life: Austria consistently ranks high among the world’s top countries for quality of life, this is due to its political stability, low crime rates and clean cities.
• Public transport: Austria has good and affordable public transport. Trains, buses, and trams are punctual, clean, and connect even smaller towns making living without a car easy.
• Nature:  Austria offers acess to beatiful outdoor life. Skiing, hiking, and cycling can become a part of everyday life, with national parks and nature reserves really close by.
• Affordable education: Public universities charge little to no tuition for EU students, and international students benefit from low fees compared to other Western countries.
• Central European location:  Austria is close to countries like Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and Hungary. Which is why it is an ideal country for both business and leisure travel in Europe.

Opinion

Easy to get around. Close to other European countries, since I like to travel and getting to know new cultures. (Brazilian expat in Austria)

Opinion

Cons

• Language barrier: While English is commonly spoken in urban areas, especially by younger Austrians, daily life including official paperwork, job applications, and healthcare often requires fluency in German. This can be a challenge for newcomers.

• bureaucracy: Austrian bureaucracy is known for being slow and paper-based (similar to Germany). Expats often find these processes complex, and dealing with government offices typically requires patience and German skills.

• High cost of living: While Austria is more affordable than countries like Switzerland, major cities like Vienna or Salzburg can be expensive. Rent, groceries, and leisure activities can add up quickly, especially for those without access to social housing.

• Reserved social culture: Austrians are polite but tend to be reserved. Building friendships or adapting socially may take time, and expats sometimes feel isolated during the initial adjustment period.

• Cold winters and grey months: The long, cold winters, especially outside the Alpine resorts, can be difficult to adapt to. Cloudy skies and early night in winter months may affect your mood if you’re not used to it.

Opinion

The language, it's nearly impossible to look for a job if you don't speak their language even a low-income job and people here mostly don't speak English... So, it's a language issue here that's makes life living difficult here. (Philippine expat in Austria)

Opinion

Quality of life in Austria

Austria offers a great economic climate, a high level of education, good salaries, and safety. All of this contributes to overall happiness Index, according to World Happiness Report 2025 Austria is placed in the 17th place.

Additionally, according to InterNations Expat Insider survey 2024, a survey where we have gathered the data from actual expats, Austria ranks 24th out of 53 countries. However, when it comes to quality-of-life index specifically, Austria ranks 2nd. This is measured by:

• Travel and transit;

• environment and climate;

• Leisure options;

• healthcare;

• safety and security.

If you are interested in a more detailed overview of the survey and how Austria was ranked, you can access it here

How safe is it to live in Austria?

Austria is a very safe country; crimes are rare, and violent crime is even rarer. However, while it is a very safe country to live in, petty crime happens anywhere, which is why staying aware of your belongings and walking where streets are lit during the night is important. But if general safety is your concern for you and your family, you can be calm.

Cost of living

When it comes to the cost of housing, it is more expensive in Austria than in the United States in terms of the space you get for your money.

Your expenses will also depend on where you are settled. The cost of living in Austria varies significantly between different provinces and cities. In general, Vienna and Innsbruck are consistently ranked the most expensive cities in Austria, while the cheapest, or most affordable, cities include Graz and Klagenfurt. Although Vienna is expensive by Austrian standards, there are excellent public housing developments in the city, most of which were built after 1920. You can apply for public housing if you earn up to:

one person:                         59,320 EUR (68,320 USD) two persons:                        88,400 EUR (10,210 USD) three persons:                      100,030 EUR (115,525 USD) four persons:                        111,660 EUR (129,000 USD) each additional person:  plus 6,510 EUR (7,518 USD)

About 60% of Vienna’s residents live in social housing.

Average salary in Austria

The average salary in Austria is around 3,200 EUR per month. If you are considering working full time you can expect your hourly wage to be around 19-20 EUR. Compared to the rest of Europe Austria is in the top 10 when it comes to highest average salary. For a more detailed overview salaries and jobs in Austria check our working in Austria guide

Living expenses in Austria

A recent report by CEOWORLD Magazine ranked Austria as the 21st most expensive country to live in the world. Neighboring Switzerland was ranked the most expensive.

The following is a look at some Austrian food, alcohol, and grocery prices, plus the costs for eating out, transportation, and other expenses.

Average food prices in EUR (USD in brackets)

• Eggs: 4.06 EUR
• Milk: 1.5 EUR
• Chicken Fillets (1kg): 13 EUR
• Water (1.5 l): 0.8 EUR
• Apples (1kg): 2.5 EUR

Average national rent:

• One-bedroom apartment: 880 EUR (1020 USD)
• Three-bedroom apartment: 1.10 EUR (1.3 USD)

Leisure activities

Eating out normally costs around15 to 75 EUR (17 to 87 USD) depending on the restaurant. A monthly gym pass is 40 EUR (47 USD)

Utility costs

Utilities bills in Austria are calculated based on the size of the home rather than the resources consumed. For example, Austrian households pay an average of 20 EUR (21 USD) per month for electricity. For the internet, prices range from around 9 to 83 EUR (10 to 91 USD) depending on the supplier and speed. Generally, the faster the internet the more expensive it is.

Natural gas in Austria costs most households an average of 19 EUR (20 USD) per GJ. Households in Austria tend to use between 20 and 200 GJ of natural gas per year. Water is typically paid together with waste removal, land tax, and sewage charges. This bill will also typically include charges for maintenance, repairs, and building insurance. On average, residents can expect to pay between 1.80 to 3.50 EUR (2 to 3.90 USD) per month for this bill.

Cost of education

Austria has a free public education system and around 90% of Austrian children go to these schools. On the other hand, private secondary schools can cost as much as 55,000 EUR (60,600 USD) if the child is boarding there and around 35,000 EUR (38,550 USD) if they are only attending from Monday to Friday.

A year at an international primary school can cost 13,000 EUR (14,500 USD) per year but there are schools that charge as little as 5,000 EUR (5,505 USD). Boarding at an international school can cost 64,000 EUR (71,400 USD) for a year.

Cost of Living in Austria in Different Provinces and Cities

To give you an idea of the average cost of living in Austria for a single person, see the table below for examples of monthly expenses in different Austrian cities.

Generally, living costs are higher in the cities, but you should shop around and consider where best fits your budget and desired way of life. For example, Graz is Austria’s second-largest city, but it is one of the most affordable places to live in the country.

Linz is generally cheaper than popular Vienna and Salzburg. Linz has the River Danube, which is a popular leisure area for residents in the summer. The city also has a comprehensive tram and bus system.

As the capital city, Vienna has an excellent cultural offering—it is more expensive than smaller cities, but the cost of living is still cheaper than other major cities around Europe. Salzburg offers great Alpine views, plus the Salzach River that runs through the city, and nearby Mondsee Lake.

Rent prices

In the capital of Vienna, the average apartment size is approximately 77.9 square meters (839 square feet)

Average monthly rents for one-bedroom apartments in major cities

Average monthly rents for three-bedroom apartments in major cities

Healthcare costs

Social security pays for about 45% of total healthcare costs in Austria. If you are employed in a full-time or part-time position (and you earn at least 438 EUR/488 USD a month), 18.12% of your salary goes to social security. However, your employer will contribute half of this. Public health insurance covers about 99% of the Austrian population.

A prescription can cost around 6 EUR (7 USD). If you have private health insurance, you might be able to get the prescription for free when you collect it, or you can send your receipt to the insurer for a reimbursement.

Once you are insured in Austria you will receive an e-card. You must show this to doctors and pharmacists for cheaper (or free) care and medication.

Seeing a privatedDoctor

It costs around 100 EUR (111 USD) to see a private doctor for a 15-minute appointment.

European health insurance card (EHIC) benefits

If you have an EHIC, you can enjoy a range of healthcare benefits, such as seeing a doctor, who is affiliated with one of Austria’s regional health insurance organizations (Gebietskrankenkasse), for free. Be sure to look for the Kassenarzt or Alle Kassen sign. You can also receive certain dental treatments under the state healthcare. Treatment is free if the dentist is contracted to a regional health insurance organization. Again, look for the Kassenarzt or  Alle Kassen sign.

Hospital treatment is free at university and regional hospitals that have a contract with the healthcare fund of their associated federal state, Landesgesundheitsfonds. You will need a referral from a doctor to get hospital treatment, unless it is an emergency. For a stay in hospital, you will be charged between 12 to 30 EUR (14 to 35 USD) a day.

Travel and transportation costs

A single trip on public transportation in Austria cost 2.5 EUR (3 USD). The monthly pass for public transportation costs around 50 EUR.

If you drive, you will have to pay a toll to use the motorways. You will also need a motorway sticker (Autobahnvignette). You can buy these at post offices, Trafik shops, border posts, and service stations.

Opinion

As a single mother, I have certain rights and support that I wouldn't receive in many other countries. Austria is well-organized in this regard. The country is very beautiful, and Austrians can be quite fun when they want to be. (Croatian expat in Linz)

Opinion

Practical information

Emergency numbers

Austria’s country code is +43. Below are the country’s emergency numbers.

• Ambulance: 144
• Police: 133
• Fire brigade: 122
• General emergencies in the EU: 112

Main embassies

Most international embassies in Austria are located in Vienna, but there are a few in Linz and Salzburg as well. You can find a comprehensive list of all the foreign embassies in Austria on the governments website.

Main airports in Austria

• Vienna Airport
• Salzburg Airport
• Innsbruck Airport
• Graz Airport
• Linz Airport
• Klagenfurt Airport

Public holidays in Austria

These are the public holidays observed throughout Austria:

• 1 January: New Year’s Day (Neujahr)

• 6 January: Epiphany (Heilige Drei Könige)

• Easter Monday (Ostermontag)

• 1 May: National Holiday (Staatsfeiertag)

• Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt): 39 days after Easter Sunday

• Whit Monday (Pfingstmontag): Descent of the Holy Ghost upon the Apostles, 49 and 50 days after the Resurrection of Christ

• Corpus Christi (Fronleichnam): First Holy Eucharist Last Supper. Thursday after Trinity Sunday (60 days after Easter Sunday)

• 15 August: Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Mariä Himmelfahrt)

• 26 October: National Day (Nationalfeiertag), day of the Declaration of Neutrality

• 1 November: All Saints’ Day (Allerheiligen)

• 8 December: Immaculate Conception (Mariä Empfängnis): retail stores are allowed to open for Christmas shopping

• 25 December: Christmas Day (Christtag)

• 26 December: St. Stephen’s Day (Stefanitag) These holidays are only observed in certain states or industries:

• 19 March: Saint Joseph’s Day (Josefstag): Carinthia, Styria, Tyrol and Vorarlberg

• 2 days before Easter Sunday: Good Friday (Karfreitag). All states, recognized as bank holiday but not a federal public holiday

• 4 May: Saint Florian’s Day (Florian): Upper Austria

• 24 September: Saint Rupert’s Day (Rupert)—Salzburg

• 10 October: Plebiscite Day (Tag der Volksabstimmung)—Carinthia

• 11 November: Saint Martin’s Day (Martin)—Burgenland

• 15 November: Saint Leopold’s Day (Leopold)—Lower Austria and Vienna

• 24 December: Christmas Eve (Weihnachten)—all states, recognized as bank holiday but not a federal public holiday.

• 31 December: New Year’s Eve (Silvester)—all states, recognized as bank holiday but not a federal public holiday. How to Get a SIM Card (SIM Card Number/Phone Number)?

The largest telecoms providers in Austria are: -Tele2 -A1 -UPC

• TELEMATICA.
  They each offer contract deals and contract-free plans. The contract deals are usually 12 months long or more. A1, T Mobile, and 3 are good mobile networks in Austria, and it is easy to get a new SIM card and phone number with them.

You can buy a prepaid sim card from many supermarkets in Austria or simply go to one of the major telecom companies’ official stores. Going to the store might be the easiest way to set up your SIM card and/or phone as in-store staff can help you. Remember to view the store’s website before you visit so that you know what phone and/or package you want to purchase. Do not forget to bring your passport or identity card to register any prepaid SIM cards you buy.

If you are landing at an airport in Vienna, or in another major city, and want a SIM card straight away, look for stands, like Hallo Hallo, which often sell SIM cards with 1GB of internet data for approximately 15 EUR (17 USD). However, the same product could be considerably cheaper at a store in the city.

How to watch your home’s country TV in Austria?

Some of the major Austrian television companies are:

• UPC Austria TeleKabel,
  -LIWEST,
  -Salzburg AG,
• BKF.
  With these providers it is possible to view around 400 international TV channels in the country. ORF is the main public television provider in Austria. They offer more than 200 live broadcasts and on-demand TV choices at any one time. If these 400 international channels do not televise your favourite shows from your home country, it might be a better option to sign up to an internet streaming service.

Opinion

It takes quite some time to get used to the culture and people here. Language is another difficult part for the foreigners here and the labour market is very difficult here. (Nepali expat in Vienna)

Opinion

Culture and social etiquette

Austria is culturally similar to Germany. This is reflected in the country’s formality, politeness, personal presentation, and punctuality. If you try your best to be respectful of others’ personal space, say “please” and “thank you,” and dress appropriately for every occasion, this will go a long way to keeping your new Austrian friends and peers happy.

Etiquette

• Greetings: When you meet someone, a handshake is an appropriate greeting, whether in a professional or social setting. If you are female, try not to be shocked if a man tries to kiss your hand. However, this practice is usually only done by Austrian men; foreign men should avoid kissing an Austrian woman’s hand. It is expected to use someone’s proper title until they are invited to use their first name. If you enter a room full of people, you should shake everyone’s hands, even children.

• As a dinner guest: It is important in Austria to always arrive to dinner on time! Also, don’t forget to put some effort into your attire. When you arrive, ask if you should take off your shoes. And once you get to the dining room, wait until you are invited to sit down at the table, as you may be placed in a certain seat. At restaurants, do not be surprised if you are expected to pay a 10-15% gratuity.

Business etiquette

• Dressing: Business formal is the way to go. Men should wear a dark suit and/or a white shirt. Women should wear a suit as well, or a smart dress, with appropriate accessories.

• Networking: it is better but not imperative, to be introduced to a new business associate by mutual contact. An outstanding university education could help you gain a new partner’s trust and respect; however, experience is just as important. The longer you have been in business, the more likely people will take you seriously.

• Business talk: In conversation, remember to use the formal Sie, not du,direct in their approach to address business associates. And do not assume people will call you by your first name initially; this is not a usual practice. Sometimes, Austrians can be very direct in their approach to make progress. Try not to take offence.

Austrian culture

• Austrians are proud of their musical heritage and regularly celebrate it by putting on modern interpretations and traditional concerts at spectacular venues, including the State Opera House, Volksoper, and the Wiener Concert House. Every year around the end of May, the Summer Night Concert takes place in the grounds of the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. You should also make sure to pay a visit to the Musikverein, the stunning home of the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra.
• Coffeehouses: cafés play a major role in city life throughout the country. What better way to spend a winter morning or afternoon than heading to a cozy café for a local coffee and a piece of Sachertorte, Imperial torte, or Punschkrapfen?

Vienna’s coffee houses were recently included in UNESCO’s list for Intangible Cultural Heritage, which means they will benefit from respect and safeguarding, so locals and tourists can continue to enjoy them for years to come.

Some of the most beautiful lakes are Lake Hallstatt, Lake Schlegeis, Plansee Lake, Mondsee Lake, Lake Durlassboden, and Traunsee Lake. Lake Hallstatt is one of the most popular “Instagrammable” spots in Austria, where you are sure to see someone taking photographs.

Opinion

Life here is well-structured. I like the variety of travelling opportunities, the availability of hiking trails within city borders, the accessibility of nature, and the very good public transport. (Russian expat in Vienna)

Opinion

Driving in Austria

How to get an Austrian driving license?

Driving in Austria with a UK, US, European, or EEA license is possible. If you have a driver’s license from an EU or EEA country, it will be valid until it expires. However, if you have a driver’s license from a country outside the EU or EEA, it will be valid for six months after you become an official resident in Austria. It is important to note that if your license is not in German, you will need an international driving license or translation into German.

You can convert your EEA or EU driving license to an Austrian one at any time. The process of converting your license can take several weeks as the authority in Austria must contact the state in which the license was issued.

The Austrian driving license authorities include:

• Federal Police Headquarters or Landespolizeidirektion (where they exist)
• In Vienna: the Motor Vehicle Department or Verkehrsamt
• The district administrative authority or Bezirkshauptmannschaft (where there is no Federal Police Headquarters and in municipalities)
• The Municipal Authority (Magistrat) in Krems and Waidhofen an der Ybbs
• The Federal Police Headquarters (Landespolizeidirektion) Burgenland in the statutory city of Rust. To convert your license, you will need the following documents (originals and copies). The documents needed will vary slightly depending on if you are from an EU/EEA country or not.

Those with an EU/EEA driving license need:

• passport or identification card (Personalausweis)

• current driving license

• 35mm x 45mm photo of you

• extract from the driving license file of the issuing country with a translation – occasionally required (sometimes the extract without translation will be enough)

• Residence Registration Form (Bestätigung der Meldung) – occasionally required Those with a license from a non-EU/EEA country need:

• passport

• current driving license

• 35mm x 45mm photo of you

• medical report

• Residence Registration Form or Bestätigung der Meldung – occasionally required Conversion costs around 60 EUR (70 USD). To get your license converted faster, there is an express service which will cost an extra 18 EUR (20 USD).

Driving in Austria rules

• You must have a reflective safety vest stored in your car at all times. If you are renting a car in Austria, you must confirm with the rental company that there will be a safety vest in the vehicle.
• You must use your headlights at night.
• Children under 12 years of age and under 150cm in height must sit in child-safety seats.
• A maximum of 0.5 grams of alcohol per liter of blood is allowed.
• Wearing a seatbelt is required by law.
• Cell phones can only be used with a hands-free device.
• Motorcyclists must wear a helmet. Dipped headlight must be on even during the day.
• Unleaded regular-grade 91 octane petrol, as well as Euro-Super (unleaded 95-octane) petrol, are available at all gas stations.

Speed limits

Cars and motorcycles:

• Between local road signs in towns: 31 mph (50 km/h)

• Country roads: 62 mph (100 km/h)

• Highways: 80 mph (130 km/h)

Age for driving in Austria

The minimum age to ride a motorcycle is 16, to drive a car it is 18, and to drive a bus or cargo vehicle, you must be 21.

Opinion

I find the culture in Austria to be very closed off in general. Once you get to know people, it is pleasant and fun, but as an American who is accustomed to saying even simple greetings when passing people in the street, or on a walk, or in the stores - I find it to be a little off-putting here and "cold". Austrians are not naturally open and friendly with strangers and it can come across as a very rude environment at times. But that is part of the culture shock and differences everyone must adjust to when making a move abroad. (US American in Graz)

Opinion

Public transportation in Austria

There are still congestion problems on Vienna’s roads, indicating that people still rely on cars too much. Motorists in the country travel twice the distance as those using railways, buses, or street cars.

To minimize the use of cars further, Austria has “cycle to work” campaigns at least once a year.

How is public transport in Austria?

Public transportation in Austria is extensive and modern. If you don’t want to miss your ride, always be on time according to the transit schedules as they are generally reliable. You can purchase tickets to cover more than just a return journey, and there are several options depending on your circumstances. Vienna is the only city with a metro. Rural areas receive support from special bus services.

Short-term tickets (trains, trams, buses, and metro)

The cost of public transportation in Austria is reasonable, especially as you are allowed to share certain passes with friends and family, and with some tickets you can ride several forms of transport.

If you would like a daily, weekly, or monthly pass for trains in Austria, you should look for passes specific to the town or city you wish to travel around. The options in Vienna, for example, are:

• Daily ticket: A 24, 48, or 72-hour ticket: 8, 14.10, and 17.10 EUR (9, 15.75, and 19 USD). This is valid on all forms of transport in Vienna. They can only be used by one person.
• Weekly ticket: 17.10 EUR (20 USD). This is valid for seven days and can be used on the underground, trams, and buses in Vienna. It can be used by different people.
• Eight-day ticket: 41 EUR (48 USD). This is valid on any eight days, not necessarily in succession. This ticket can be used by several people who are traveling together.
• Monthly pass: 51 EUR (59 USD). You can use the monthly pass on an unlimited number of times in Vienna and on all forms of public transportation. Monthly passes issued in a paper format from a ticket machine or at a ticket and information office can be used for several people, so you can share it with your friends and family, if you want to. Tickets purchased online or with the app can only be used by one person.
• Annual ticket: 365 EUR (407 USD). This can be used on all forms of public transportation. You can travel with two children under 15 years old, and a dog or bicycle for no extra charge (on the U-Bahn and S-Bahn).

A eurail Austria pass costs between 193 and 343 EUR (224 and 400 USD) for an adult second-class ticket. This pass allows you to:

• take three to eight travel days in a one-month period;
• travel using the rail network in Austria;
• take several train journeys each day;
• take children under 12 years old at no extra charge, making this pass ideal for families;
• travel when and where is convenient for you.

Other features:

 The Eurail Austria Pass comes as a paper document and is available for 1st or 2nd class travel. This pass gives discounts to people under the age of 28 and over 60.

Postbus

In areas where there are no links via rail, bus, or streetcar, you might be able to hitch a ride on the Postbus. This service is run by postal companies in sparsely populated rural areas where it would not make sense to provide a regular bus service. Passengers pay the same fare they would for a regular bus journey.

Taxis

Journey fees in cities are controlled by meters. The minimum price is approximately 4 EUR (4.6 USD). You must also pay around 2 EUR (2.3 USD) per kilometer. If you call to reserve a taxi, it will cost an extra 2.80 EUR (3.2 USD) and most taxi drivers will expect a 10% tip.

Uber is also available in [Austria](Uber cities in AustriaUberhttps://www.uber.com › global › austria › cities); [Bolt](Bolt services in ViennaBolt.euhttps://bolt.eu › cities › vienna) is available in Vienna.