Cost of Living in Austria

The cost of living in Austria is high, but you'll likely find it a small price to pay for the excellent quality of life the country affords. Vienna, in particular, has been voted one of the most liveable cities in the world but comes at an especially high cost.

Vienna ranked 24th out of 226 cities in Mercer's Cost of Living Survey for 2024. While the city remains less expensive than other major European cities such as Zurich, Switzerland, Copenhagen, Denmark and London, UK, the cost of living in Vienna is well above that of places like Brussels, Belgium, and Berlin in Germany.

That said, the cost of living in Austria naturally varies according to location (urban centres are more expensive than rural villages) and personal choice – factors that can certainly influence one's bank balance at the end of the month.

You should note that food costs in Austria are high, especially during winter when fresh fruits and vegetables are likely to be scarce. The price of purchasing housing is astronomical. Sending children to international schools can also take a fair chunk of an expat's salary.

Cost of accommodation in Austria

You'll find that most expats prefer to rent accommodation in Austria, especially as purchasing property in Austria is unaffordable for most.

When initially signing a lease, you should also anticipate paying at least the equivalent of two months' rent as a refundable deposit in addition to the first month's rent. If you're using a real-estate agent, the bill may amount to an additional two to three months' rent. In most cases, you will also be responsible for their monthly utility bills, which can stack up during winter.

Cost of transport in Austria

Most Austrian cities and towns are well-connected by an efficient and reliable public transport system. Larger metropolises feature underground metro trains, tramlines, buses, and even suburban railways, while smaller towns may only have one or two transit modes.

Public transport in Austria is moderately priced by European standards. Cycling is also popular in Austria, and many cities have incorporated bike lanes into their city planning.

Austrians love automobiles. You may choose to buy a car if you live outside the city, as this may be the most convenient option. Note that parking is at a premium, both in terms of availability and price. Owning and driving a car is expensive; in many cases, it's more of a headache than a convenience.

Cost of healthcare in Austria

Healthcare in Austria is among the best in the world. If you're an expat legally living in the country, you are eligible to access free basic healthcare. Under Austria's tax-funded health insurance scheme, you can be treated at public hospitals, access specialist consultations and receive basic dental care and medication.

Most people living in Austria do not procure private health insurance, but some expats may have this cost covered by their employer. This gives them access to shorter waiting times and a wider range of healthcare services.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Austria

With a sharp focus on family life and a generous annual leave allotment, you will have more opportunities to enjoy the country's lifestyle offerings. While eating out and visiting Austria's many trendy markets may be a fun pastime, it's not cheap, and most residents do it only occasionally. The culinary scene is also home to many international restaurants serving delicious fare for a pretty penny.

Austria is also known as the birthplace of classical music, but experiencing one of the country's enchanting music venues is also quite pricey. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce these costs, such as purchasing early-bird tickets or cheaper seats that may have restricted views. The country also has plenty of green spaces and hiking and mountain biking trails that can be explored at little to no cost.

Cost of groceries in Austria

Austria has some of the highest food costs in Europe. Buying in bulk can minimise expenditure. Cooking at home is a cost-effective alternative to eating out.

Penny Markt is probably the most reasonably priced supermarket chain, though at the sacrifice of the quality and selection of the goods available. Spar Gourmet and Merkur are high-end, and everything else falls somewhere in between. Fruits and vegetables can be expensive and hard to find out of season.

Cost of education in Austria

As an expat with legal residence in Austria, you can send your children to public schools at no cost. While this may be the case, public schools teach the curriculum in German, which can be a difficult option for an expat child who doesn't already speak German.

For this reason, many expat parents send their children to international schools teaching foreign curricula in a familiar language. There are many excellent international schools in the larger Austrian cities, but these can be expensive.

Tuition fees vary depending on the school and the age of the child. Many parents find tuition fees well worth it, since these schools offer high standards and state-of-the-art facilities. 

Cost of living chart for Austria

Prices may vary depending on the product and service provider. The list below is based on average prices in Vienna for November 2024.