Cost of Living in Vienna

Having ranked 51st out of 209 cities in the Mercer Cost of Living Survey for 2019, Vienna is an expensive destination for expats. It's important that expats moving to the city for work ensure that their salary is high enough to comfortably cover the cost of living.

The good news is that Vienna is still cheaper than a number of European destinations, including Zurich, Copenhagen and London. In addition, Vienna endeavours to cater for everyone and generally has a wide selection of choice for those seeking to live on a budget as well as those desiring a more luxurious Viennese lifestyle. 

Cost of accommodation in Vienna

Accommodation is one of the biggest costs that expats moving to Vienna will face. Rental costs vary depending on the area of the city as well as the size and condition of the property. Living in the city centre is more expensive than staying in outlying suburbs.

It can be challenging to find a suitable property in Vienna and most expats enlist the help of a real estate agent. Expats should be aware that additional fees, which are equivalent to two or three months’ rent, can be charged by the agent. Furthermore, tenants are expected to pay a security deposit which is usually the equivalent of one to three months’ rent.

Cost of transport in Vienna

The second-largest expense for people living in Vienna is that of car ownership. While purchasing a vehicle in Vienna is not always expensive, the cost of maintaining a car and paying for parking can become quite expensive over time.

However, this is one expense that can quite easily be avoided. The public transport network in Vienna is excellent and most of the city’s residents get around by using buses and trains. Cycling in Vienna is also popular and decreases public transport costs.

Cost of groceries in Vienna

Vienna is home to an abundance of grocery chains such as Billa, Spar and Hoffer. At these stores, expats should be able to find a good choice of groceries at reasonable prices.

Those looking to indulge themselves can head to Spar Gourmet or Merkur, which sell a variety of luxury items. Expats who are looking to save money should visit Penny Markt, which has a lot of budget grocery options. Shopping at local markets is also a great way to save money and eat food that is local and in season.

Cost of eating out in Vienna

Expats moving to Vienna will find many good restaurants with diverse pricing, representing a variety of dining options. Ethnic restaurants are not overly abundant, however, and the good ones tend to be on the pricey side.

Cost of education in Vienna

Expat residents in Vienna can send their children to Austrian public schools for free. That said, the curriculum is taught in German and if a child isn't already familiar with the language, it can be a difficult adjustment.

On the other hand, Vienna has many international schools which cater for expat children, but these can be quite expensive. Tuition fees vary depending on the school and generally increases for higher grade levels. 

Cost of living chart for Vienna

Prices may vary depending on the product and service provider. The list below is based on average prices in Vienna for March 2020.