Living Costs In Austria: An Expensive Affair?

Austria is the 18th most expensive country to live in the world, according to a recent report by CEOWORLD Magazine. The capital, Vienna, is also one of Europe's most expensive cities to live in, ranking 24th out of 226 cities on Mercer's Cost of Living ranking in 2024. Housing in Austria is generally more expensive than in the United States, and education can be costly, with private secondary schools charging up to €55,000 per year for boarding students. However, Austria has a free public education system, and public transport is relatively affordable, with a single journey on the metro costing €2.20 and a monthly pass available for €48.20.

Housing costs

There are excellent public housing developments in Vienna, most of which were built after 1920. You can apply for public housing if you earn up to 48,400 EUR (53,225 USD). About 60% of Vienna’s residents live in social housing.

Austria has a free public education system and around 90% of Austrian children go to these schools. On the other hand, private secondary schools can cost as much as 55,000 EUR (60,600 USD) if the child is boarding there and around 35,000 EUR (38,550 USD) if they are only attending from Monday to Friday.

Eating out

While this may seem expensive, there are ways to save money when dining out. For example, opting for a cheaper meal option or choosing a less expensive restaurant can help reduce the cost. Additionally, some restaurants may offer discounts or promotions that can make eating out more affordable.

It's also worth noting that the cost of eating out in Austria can vary depending on the city or region. For example, Vienna, the capital city, is known to be quite expensive for dining out. On the other hand, Graz, the second-largest city, may offer more affordable dining options.

If you're looking to save money on dining out, it might be worth considering cooking at home. Grocery prices in Austria are generally reasonable, and with the country's excellent public transport system, you can easily access supermarkets and markets to buy fresh ingredients.

Public transport

Austria has a reliable and efficient public transport system that connects most of the major Austrian towns and cities. The larger cities have an underground metro, buses, tramlines and a suburban railway. However, there are only one or two modes of transit present in the smaller towns.

Travelling by public transport in Austria isn’t expensive. You’ll pay €2.20 for a single journey on the Metro. If you are a regular commuter, you can opt for a monthly pass for €48.20, which can be used on all modes of transport.

The country has been ranked as the 18th most expensive country to live in the world, with Vienna being one of Europe's most expensive cities to live in. Housing is particularly expensive in Austria, with residents paying more for less space compared to the United States.

Education

Austria has a free public education system and around 90% of Austrian children attend these schools. Private secondary schools can cost as much as €55,000 per year for boarding students and around €35,000 for day students.

Austria is known for its universities, with Graz being the second-largest city in the country and home to many universities. Life in Graz is slightly cheaper than in Vienna, which is one of the most expensive cities in Europe.

The country has a reliable and efficient public transport system that connects most major Austrian towns and cities. The larger cities have an underground metro, buses, tram lines and a suburban railway. Public transport in Austria is not expensive, with a single journey on the metro costing €2.20 and a monthly pass costing €48.20.

Cost of living in Vienna

Vienna is an expensive place to live by Austrian standards. It is one of Europe's most expensive cities, ranking 24th out of 226 cities on Mercer's Cost of Living ranking in 2024. However, rent controls mean that housing costs are less of a burden, and there are excellent public housing developments in the city, most of which were built after 1920. About 60% of Vienna's residents live in social housing.

Eating out in Vienna normally costs around 12 to 50 EUR, depending on the restaurant. Public transport is not expensive, with a single journey on the metro costing €2.20, and a monthly pass costing €48.20.

Austria has a free public education system, with around 90% of Austrian children attending these schools. However, private secondary schools can cost as much as €55,000 for boarding or €35,000 for day students.

In terms of housing costs, you will probably find that you pay more for a smaller space in Austria than in the United States.

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