Pros and Cons of Moving to Vienna

Balancing expectations when moving to a new city can be daunting, and moving to Austria's capital is no exception.

If you're wondering what life in the City of Music is really like, we've put together a list of pros and cons to consider before moving to Vienna. 

Getting around in Vienna

+ PRO: Easy travel to neighbouring European countries

Austria's position in the heart of Europe allows for convenient and inexpensive travel to other European countries. Vienna is also connected by rail to various European cities, making overland travel effortless. 

+ PRO: Well-developed public transport system

Public transport in Vienna makes getting around the city relatively easy. The many public transport options in Vienna are extensive, timely, safe and comparatively inexpensive.

+ PRO: Vienna is bicycle-friendly

Ample bike paths run throughout Vienna, ensuring that the whole city can be navigated by bicycle. These paths are maintained in winter, making cycling possible year round. 

Getting around in Vienna

Accommodation in Vienna

+ PRO: High standard of housing

Many of the buildings in Vienna are historic but well-maintained properties with beautiful architecture. You'll also find that many homes have central and double-glazed windows to ensure a cosy indoor environment. 

- CON: Housing is expensive and challenging to find

Austria is a country of renters, so finding a property can be challenging, especially in Vienna. As such, most people rely on estate agencies. This, along with the high initial costs involved in securing a lease, further increases the costs of setting up a home in Vienna. 

Accommodation in Vienna

Weather in Vienna

- CON: Long winters

Although Vienna is warmer than most regions in Austria, those used to more tropical climes will find that winters in Vienna can feel exceptionally long and grey. 

Weather in Vienna 

Lifestyle in Vienna

+ PRO: Thriving arts scene

As well as being a haven for the performing arts, Vienna is home to an abundance of things to see and do. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to cultural pursuits. 

+ PRO: Fantastic food

As an international city, Vienna's restaurant scene is a collection of cuisines from around the world. Then there's also Viennese fare, which is famed for its apfelstrudel among other baked delights. Vienna also boasts sophisticated wine and coffee cultures. 

+ PRO: Active expat community

Despite any difficulty expats may face in integrating into the reserved Austrian culture, the city's large and diverse expat community organises many expat social groups and events, making it easy to befriend like-minded people. 

- CON: Service can seem rude

Wait staff in Vienna are famed for their apathy. This is best understood as a cultural difference between serving cultures rather than as a personal affront. 

Lifestyle in Vienna

Local culture in Vienna

+ PRO: English is readily spoken

Although not all Austrians speak English, many do. English is also a popular business language, leading more and more Austrians to speak it. 

- CON: Austrian German is challenging

Learning Austrian German is difficult as the language is full of nuance, and despite Austria's small size, regional idiosyncrasies. Those already fluent in German should expect many vocabulary differences. Still, many locals will appreciate you learning to speak their language. 

- CON: Austrian culture can be challenging

Although Austrians enjoy meeting foreigners, making friends with locals can be difficult, as Austrians tend to be quite guarded and tend to keep their personal lives private. It's still possible to make friends by joining interest groups and patiently building rapport with your colleagues or the other parents at your children's schools. 

Local culture in Austria

Healthcare in Vienna

+ PRO: Excellent healthcare

Austria has one of the best healthcare systems in Europe. Expats living and working in Vienna will be given access to Austria's high-quality public healthcare. 

- CON: Long waiting times for specialist appointments

If you require a specialist, you may have to wait several weeks before your appointment, depending on the demand of the type of specialist. You may also need a referral from your GP before you can visit a specialist. 

Healthcare in Vienna