Living In Austria: A Local's Perspective

Austria is a beautiful country nestled in the Alps, known for its high quality of life, efficient public transport, and world-class culture. It consistently ranks highly for press freedom, women's rights, and human rights. The country boasts excellent healthcare and education systems, with universal healthcare coverage and a well-developed education system offering free universal pre-school and public primary and secondary school. Austrians are proud of their musical heritage, with Vienna considered Europe's musical heart and home to the world-renowned Vienna Philharmonic orchestra. The country also offers stunning natural scenery, with ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, and skiing in the Alps. Austria's convenient location makes it an ideal base for exploring neighbouring countries. However, there are some challenges to living in Austria, including the high cost of living, especially in cities like Vienna, and the difficulty of settling in due to cultural differences and the local language barrier. Overall, Austria offers a high standard of living and a rich cultural experience for those willing to navigate the challenges of expat life.

The cost of living in Austria is high, especially in cities like Vienna

Housing in Austria is particularly expensive, especially in Vienna. Over 60% of Viennese residents live in subsidised housing. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Austria is €720, while a three-bedroom apartment is €1,330. In Vienna, the average housing space per residence is 38 square metres, with an average of 2.05 residents per apartment.

Utilities 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 per month for electricity. Internet prices range from around €9 to €83, depending on the supplier and speed. Water is typically paid for alongside waste removal, land tax, and sewage charges. This bill usually includes charges for maintenance, repairs, and building insurance, and comes to between €1.80 and €3.50 per month.

Food prices in Austria are also high. A loaf of bread costs €1.80, while a kilo of chicken costs €10.50. A monthly gym pass is €32, while a cinema ticket is approximately €10.

Transportation is also costly. A single trip on public transportation costs between €1.80 and €2.20. If you drive, you will have to pay a toll to use the motorways and will need a motorway sticker.

Overall, the high cost of living in Austria, and especially in Vienna, is a significant consideration for anyone thinking of moving to the country.

Austria has an active expat community

Austria has a very active expat community, with groups dedicated to socializing, business, travel, and more. There are also country-specific groups, such as Meetup, the Expat Club at the Vienna Business Agency, and Girl Gone International. These groups can help expats meet like-minded people in their area and make friends.

The expat community in Austria is so welcoming that it is easy to make friends. Many expats find support and camaraderie within these groups, and they are always ready to welcome newcomers. The sense of community is so strong that expats often find themselves celebrating various festivals and customs together, especially if they are missing the traditions of their home countries.

Austria's capital, Vienna, is a hub for expats, with its excellent cultural offerings and convenient location. It is more expensive than smaller cities, but the cost of living is still lower than in other major European cities. Vienna has excellent public housing, and about 60% of its residents live in social housing. The city also boasts efficient public transportation, with buses, trams, and a metro system.

Outside of Vienna, other cities such as Graz, Innsbruck, and Klagenfurt offer more affordable living options. Graz, the second-largest city in Austria, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning architecture. Linz, another affordable city, offers the beautiful River Danube for residents to enjoy during the summer.

Overall, Austria's expat community is diverse and vibrant, offering a range of opportunities for socialising, networking, and exploring new hobbies. The country's efficient transportation system and central location in Europe also make it easy for expats to travel and connect with others.

The country offers a high quality of life

Austria offers a high quality of life, with a clean environment, clear lakes and rivers, and excellent air quality. The country also boasts a wide range of sports and cultural activities, a high degree of personal safety, and a top-notch healthcare system.

The country's public transportation system is efficient and punctual, with buses, trams, and metros operating within cities and high-speed rail connections between them. The education system is also of a high standard, with free universal pre-school, primary, and secondary education. Austria is also known for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and abundance of outdoor activities, thanks to its location in the Alps.

In terms of housing, Austria offers high-quality options, although accommodation can be expensive, especially in cities like Vienna and Innsbruck. The cost of living in Austria is generally high, with housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation all contributing to the high expenses. However, salaries tend to be higher to compensate for the high cost of living, and there are also government subsidies in areas like housing, education, health, and transport.

Overall, Austria provides its residents with a high quality of life, ranking highly in international surveys and offering a range of benefits that make it an attractive destination for expatriates and international talents.

It has an efficient public transport system

Austria has an efficient and well-established public transport system. The country is well-connected by trains and buses, and its capital, Vienna, has an excellent transport system, including buses, trams, trains, and a metro.

The public transport system in Austria is safe, extensive, reliable, and fairly cheap, making it a popular way to get around. In fact, in 2021, 35% of locals used public transport to commute to and from work. The country has two main train operators, ÖBB and Westbahn, and an extensive bus network run by Postbus, which carries over 123 million passengers across the country each year.

Public transport in Austria is punctual, clean, and comfortable. The ÖBB, the national rail company, has a reputation for great service, with a punctuality rate of 97%. Tickets are reasonably priced, and there are various discounts available for certain groups, including seniors, students, and youths. Weekly or monthly passes are also cheaper than buying single tickets.

The transport system in Vienna, in particular, is efficient, cheap, frequent, fast, clean, and rarely overcrowded. The Wiener Linien is the main transport company and offers buses, trams, trains, and the U-Bahn network. Tickets and passes cover all city train and subway services and nearly all tram and bus services.

Overall, Austria's public transport system is well-developed and efficient, making it easy to get around the country without a car.

Austrians are described as cautious and friendly

Austria is known for its stunning natural environment, including the Alps, lakes, and picturesque villages. The country values equality, communication, and fairness, with a well-developed sense of humor called "Schmäh", which is a form of good-natured yet edgy rhetoric. Austrians are generally cautious, valuing punctuality and a well-ordered society. This is reflected in their appreciation for cleanliness and order, which can be seen in their pristine natural surroundings.

Austrians are also known for their love of good food, with a diverse cuisine influenced by Italian, Hungarian, and Bohemian cooking styles. They enjoy spending time with family and friends, often socializing in bars, restaurants, and coffee houses, which are an integral part of the country's culture. Coffee houses, in particular, play a significant role in city life, offering a cozy space to spend time during the colder months.

When it comes to etiquette, Austrians are polite, formal, and reserved. They value punctuality and have a sense of formality in social situations, greeting people with professional titles such as 'Doktor' or 'Herr'. While Austrians may come across as cautious at first, they highly value friendliness and neighborliness. Shaking hands is a common greeting, and it is considered respectful to arrive on time for social gatherings and to dress appropriately for the occasion.

Overall, Austrians are described as cautious and friendly, with a strong appreciation for their natural environment, good food, and social connections. They value equality and fairness, and while they may be reserved at first, they place importance on welcoming newcomers and creating a sense of community.

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