Expat Life In Austria: Is It Possible?

Austria is a popular destination for expats, with its high quality of life, efficient public transport, high-quality healthcare and education, and thriving tech industry. However, it can be challenging for newcomers, with an unfamiliar language and culture, and a reserved local population. So, what's it really like to live in Austria as an expat?

Cost of living

The cost of living in Austria is relatively high compared to other countries. A single person can expect to spend around €1,604 per month, while a family of four may need up to €4,248. The cost of living in Austria is 1.67 times the world average and is considered one of the most expensive countries in the world. Here is a breakdown of the expenses to consider:

Housing

Housing in Austria can be expensive, especially in big cities like Vienna and Innsbruck. The cost of accommodation varies between cities, with Vienna and Innsbruck being the most expensive, and Graz and Klagenfurt among the most affordable. For reference, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs around €720 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment in the same area costs approximately €1,330. It is worth noting that more than 60% of Viennese residents live in subsidized public housing.

Food

Grocery shopping in Austria is reasonably priced, with a variety of supermarkets available, including Spar, Lidl, and Merkur. Eating out at restaurants, especially in larger cities, can be more expensive. A budget meal at a local restaurant costs around €10-€15, while a mid-range meal can be €20-€40.

Transportation

Austria has a well-developed public transportation system, including trains, trams, and buses, which are relatively cheap. A single trip on public transportation typically costs between €1.80 and €2.20. Monthly public transport passes are available and vary in price depending on the city. For example, a monthly pass in Vienna costs €51.

Utilities

Utility bills in Austria are calculated based on the size of the home. The average monthly cost of electricity is €20, while natural gas costs around €19 per GJ for most households. Internet prices range from €9 to €83 per month, depending on the supplier and speed.

Education

Austria offers free public education, and around 90% of Austrian children attend these schools. Private secondary schools, on the other hand, can be costly, ranging from €35,000 to €55,000 per year. International primary schools can cost around €5,000 to €13,000 per year.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Austria is excellent and accessible, with social security covering about 45% of total healthcare costs. Public health insurance covers approximately 99% of the population. A prescription typically costs around €6, and a 15-minute appointment with a private doctor is around €100.

Salary

The average monthly salary in Austria is between €1,700 and €2,200, and the average annual salary is around €31,407. However, the high cost of living means that this may not go as far as expats are used to. For a comfortable standard of living, a single person may need a monthly income of €2,500 to €3,500, while a family of three may require €4,000 to €5,000.

Other Expenses

Other expenses to consider include entertainment, shopping, and personal care. A monthly gym pass costs around €32, and a cinema ticket is approximately €10. When creating a budget, it is important to take into account lifestyle choices, location, and specific monthly expenses.

Healthcare

Austria's healthcare system is designed to look after everyone. It has highly skilled medical professionals operating within both public and private hospitals, so you should be able to access good quality care from anywhere in the country.

Public Healthcare

Austria's public healthcare system is comprehensive, covering virtually all your health care needs, no matter your age or background. It is inclusive, protecting all members of society, including spouses and children of those who work in Austria and are covered by the worker’s medical insurance.

Public healthcare is available to all Austrian citizens and EU/EEA citizens. It is linked to employment, with enrolment typically arranged through your employer. Monthly payments are then deducted from your salary, with the cost split 50/50 between the employee and employer.

Public healthcare is free for pensioners, spouses of workers, those on unemployment benefits, and people who are unable to work for other reasons. Students from EU/EEA countries can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access healthcare in Austria.

Private Healthcare

Private healthcare is often used by those who either cannot use public healthcare or are self-employed and choose to opt-out. It is also used by those who want to complement their public insurance. Private healthcare means shorter waiting times, a wider choice of physicians, and the choice of public or private clinics and hospitals.

Private health insurance is a good option if you want 'Special Class' or 'Comfort Class' features, which include shorter waiting times, access to exclusive physicians, private hospital rooms, and private bathrooms.

Cost of Healthcare

Expat Healthcare

Expats need health insurance coverage from the moment they enter Austria, whether that insurance is public or private. Generally, public health insurance covers most expats working in Austria, with employers responsible for enrolling their staff.

Insurance Claims

The reimbursement process for insurance claims varies according to the insurance company. However, private insurance companies are trying to justify paying them instead of just going with public health insurance, so the clinic often receives direct payment.

Education

School Sections in Austria

Students up to the age of 10 will complete their primary school at a 'Volksschule' or 'Grundschule', while students aged 10 to 14 or 15 will attend a junior high ('Hauptschule') or secondary school ('Kooperative Mittelschule'). Students interested in vocational training may complete their ninth year at a polytechnical school, or 'Polytechnische Schule'.

Preschool Education in Austria

Kinderkrippens (also known as daycare and childcare) are for children under the age of three, while kindergartens welcome children aged three to six. Preschool begins at age five, is free, and is mandatory. Early childhood education is not free and costs depend on the province and the daycare centre.

Primary Education in Austria

Primary school education in Austria is mandatory for all students. It takes place at a 'Volksschule' or 'Grundschule' and caters to students aged six to ten, ending after the fourth grade is successfully completed. The local state authority administers primary schools in the region, but they are funded by the federal government.

Public Primary Schools in Austria

Public primary education is free in Austria and the quality throughout the country is widely considered to be very high. However, if your child does not speak German, your options are more limited. Your child can either attend a regular public school or a bilingual school. Bilingual schools are public and no-cost, and offer instruction in German and English. There are a limited number of bilingual schools, and many are clustered around Vienna and other major cities.

Private Primary Schools in Austria

Private schools account for about 8% of schools throughout the country. As an expat, you will likely be interested in international schools, but you can also find private schools with a particular affiliation, such as a Catholic or Montessori school, as well as ones without affiliations. Cost and admission policies vary accordingly.

Secondary Education in Austria

In Austria, secondary school caters to students aged 10 to 18 and is compulsory until the ninth grade. After completing primary school, students may enrol in different types of schools, depending on their interests and career goals.

Public Secondary Schools in Austria

Public secondary education in Austria is free and generally very high-quality. Due to the various tracks that students can choose, there are many options to pursue both academic and vocational interests.

Lower Secondary School in Austria

Lower secondary school, known as 'Neue Mittelschule' in German, caters to students aged 10 to 14. Students study standard subjects with some options to explore their interests. The 'Polytechnische Schule' is available to ninth-grade students and involves one year of study, often within a polytechnical school.

Vocational School in Austria

Vocational schools, known as 'Berufsschule', offer both school subjects and a structured apprenticeship in the student's area of interest. They cater to students in grades 10 to 13.

Secondary Academic School

Secondary academic school is split into lower secondary and upper secondary school. It is known as 'Allgemeinbildende Höhere Schule' or 'Gymnasium' in German. These schools cater to students who are on track to attend university. After eighth grade, students can switch to a vocational program.

Private Secondary Schools in Austria

Private secondary schools include international schools, religious schools, and Montessori schools. Most expats choose to enrol their children in international schools because of the familiar language of instruction and for continuity of study when they return to their home country. International schools are diverse and will likely have familiar processes for both students and parents. However, international schools are not cheap, and annual costs can range from €5,000 to €50,000 depending on the school and grade level.

Culture

Austria has a rich history and a vibrant culture that expats would do well to familiarise themselves with. Austrians are proud of their nation's history and cultural heritage, and it is important not to mistake Austrian culture for that of neighbouring Germany.

Language

Austria's national language is German, and although many Austrians speak English, it is recommended that expats invest time in learning German. This will open up more job and educational opportunities, and help expats to feel less isolated. However, Austrian German has its own distinct dialect and accent, which can make it difficult for those more familiar with German as spoken in Germany.

Social Customs

Austrians tend to be more reserved than people in some other countries, and casual small talk with strangers is not common. Social etiquette calls for more reserved social exchanges in public, and it can be challenging to build a social network. However, Austrians are polite, calm, and well-mannered, and they value politeness and punctuality.

Food and Drink

Austrian cuisine is known for its hearty and flavourful dishes, including Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte, and Apfelstrudel. There is also a strong coffee culture, with coffee houses serving a wide range of specialities. Eating out at restaurants can be expensive, but there are also affordable options, such as local cafés and casual eateries in smaller towns.

Arts and Architecture

Austria has a rich artistic heritage, with famous writers, composers, philosophers, and scientists hailing from the country. Vienna became a global centre of culture in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly for music, with composers such as Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, and Strauss. The country also boasts spectacular annual music festivals, such as the Vienna Philharmonic Concert for Europe and the Salzburg Summer Festival.

Austria is also known for its historic castles, cathedrals, and palaces, with many buildings in the Baroque style. The Historic City Centres of Vienna, Salzburg, and Graz have been listed as World Heritage Sites.

Employment

Austria has a strong economy and a healthy job market. The average salary is around €31,407 per year, and the monthly cost of living is about €1,500, making it one of the highest in the EU. However, this is manageable due to the high-income salaries that the country and industries provide. For a single person, a monthly income of €2,500 to €3,500 can provide a comfortable standard of living. For a family of three, a monthly income between €4,000 and €5,000 is considered comfortable.

There is a lack of local labour in Austria, so jobs in sectors like construction, healthcare, tourism, and hospitality are plentiful. Additionally, finance, technology, and insurance companies often have vacancies. The demand for labour is high, and expats will find attractive wages and a plethora of jobs, especially if they speak German. However, speaking English can also be advantageous.

If you are moving to Austria without a job, you can find job postings in daily newspapers like Kronen Zeitung, Heute, Kleine Zeitung, Österreich, Kurier, NEUE, Die Presse, and Der Standard. You can also search portals like Expatica jobs board, Karriere, Arbeitsmarktservice, Job.at, and Wienerjobs.

The average working week in Austria is 42.3 hours, compared to a global average of 44 hours per week. Austrians value punctuality and efficiency in their work, and they tend to leave the office on time to spend with their families and on leisure activities.

When it comes to job hunting and employment in Austria, it is important to note that German is the national language. While many people in Austria speak English, especially in the cities, learning German can open up more job opportunities. Additionally, Austrian German has regional quirks that make it different from the German spoken in Berlin or Cologne, so it may be challenging to understand at first.

If you are thinking of starting a business or working as a freelancer in Austria, it is possible to register a company and sponsor your working visa. However, freelancing can be difficult, which is why most expats work for existing companies.

Frequently asked questions