Affording Austria: Cost Of Living Tips

Austria is a country renowned for its high standard of living, cultural heritage, and stunning Alpine landscapes. It is one of Europe's most prosperous nations, with a diverse economy comprising services, tourism, and high-tech industries. The cost of living in Austria is 1.67 times the world average and is generally higher in cities, with Vienna and Innsbruck being the most expensive. However, Austria offers efficient public transportation, excellent infrastructure, and a stable job market. The average monthly living cost for a single person is around €1,900, but this varies depending on location, lifestyle, and housing type. To afford the cost of living in Austria, budgeting, evaluating finances, and considering cheaper alternatives for groceries, utilities, and transportation can help.

Budgeting for monthly expenses

The cost of living in Austria is 1.67 times more expensive than the world average. However, it is still more affordable than many other Western European countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK. The budget required to live in Austria depends on various factors, such as lifestyle choices, location, and spending habits.

For a single person, the average monthly cost ranges from €1,516 to €1,946, with rent being a significant factor. To save on rent, consider renting in suburban areas or smaller cities like Graz, Linz, or Kapfenberg. A one-bedroom apartment in a city centre in Austria averages €1,010, while similar accommodations in outer districts range from €700 to €900. Sharing an apartment with roommates can also help reduce rent costs.

Food expenses in Austria reflect the country's high-quality standards, with a meal at a typical restaurant costing €12-€18 for lunch and €15-€25 for dinner. To save on food costs, shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl, take advantage of lunch specials, shop in local markets for fresher and cheaper produce, and plan meals and create shopping lists to resist impulse purchases.

Transportation costs can be minimized by using Austria's efficient and affordable public transportation system. In Vienna, an annual pass for all public transport costs €365, while monthly passes are €51. International students can also benefit from discounted rates on public transport and health insurance.

Utilities bills in Austria are calculated based on the size of the home and can add up quickly. Remember to turn off lights and appliances when not in use to save on electricity. Compare utility providers and plans to find cheaper deals, and consider switching to lower your monthly expenses.

Reducing housing costs

Housing in Austria can be expensive, especially in cities like Vienna, Innsbruck, and Salzburg. Here are some tips to help reduce housing costs:

Renting

Renting is a common option in Austria, especially in urban areas. Rent regulations ensure that households spend, on average, only 21% of their income on rent, which is lower than in countries like the UK and the US. Here are some tips for reducing rental costs:

• Choose your season carefully. Avoid the time leading up to the start of school in September when prices tend to be higher due to increased demand from students.
• Consider the location. Inner-city locations, especially in Vienna, Innsbruck, and Salzburg, tend to have higher rents. Look for accommodations in more affordable cities like Graz or Klagenfurt.
• Be aware of rental surcharges. Landlords may add surcharges for criteria such as access to public transportation, proximity to cultural institutions, and noise emissions. Carefully review your contract to understand any additional charges.
• Apply for social housing. Austria offers social housing for those who qualify for housing subsidies. About 60% of Vienna's residents live in social housing, and you can apply if your earnings are up to €48,400 per year.
• Use alternative search methods. While renting is typically done through real estate agents, you can also search privately through newspapers and property websites. This may require German language skills, but it can help you avoid agent fees.

Buying

Purchasing property in Austria can be a significant investment, with the average new house costing around €359,000. However, there are ways to reduce costs:

• Consider different regions. Property prices vary across Austria. For example, Styria has lower average prices than Lower Austria.
• Explore old apartments. Renovating old apartments, especially in cities with stunning 19th-century buildings like Vienna, has become popular. This can be a more affordable option than new-build properties.
• Obtain a loan. Getting a bank loan for a home purchase is usually straightforward in Austria due to the stable housing market. Shop around for the best loan offers, and consider negotiating a lower down payment if you have a permanent work contract and a high salary.
• Look into subsidies. If you are a foreigner with legal residence in Austria for five years, you may be eligible for subsidized housing.

Saving on groceries

Firstly, it is important to plan meals ahead of time and avoid shopping when hungry, as this can lead to impulse purchases and unnecessary spending. Additionally, when shopping, it is advisable to check products on the top and bottom shelves, as these are usually cheaper than those at eye level. Comparing prices by weight rather than by unit can also help identify the best deals.

Secondly, consider utilising mobile apps designed to combat food waste, such as Too Good To Go, which offers the chance to purchase food that would otherwise be discarded by supermarkets and restaurants at a discounted price. Furthermore, loyalty programs offered by grocery stores can provide benefits like personalised discounts and the ability to accumulate points for future purchases.

Thirdly, choosing the right stores to shop at can make a significant difference. Larger stores, such as Billa or Spar, often offer lower prices than smaller inner-city branches, and they have a wider range of discounted own-brand items. Penny Markt, Lidl, and Hofer are also known for their lower prices. International supermarkets can be great for finding cheaper spices and other specialty items.

Finally, while app-based shopping services can be convenient, they often add a markup to the products and include delivery fees and expected tips for drivers. Therefore, it is generally more cost-effective to shop in person unless you can take advantage of any generous sign-up offers as a one-off treat.

Additionally, adopting a more local menu and adapting your eating habits to match the products you can find most cheaply in Austria can help stretch your budget.

Cheaper transportation options

Austria has a well-established public transportation system, which is clean, fast, reliable, and affordable. The local network consists of trains, trams, and buses, making it easy to get around without needing to drive.

Buses

Buses are an important part of the Austrian transport system, with many operating night services and routes to small towns. Buses are generally of good quality, with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, toilets, and power sockets. A single ticket on the Vienna Airport line costs €8, while local buses are much cheaper.

Trains

Trains are the main way to get around the country, with two companies, ÖBB and Westbahn, operating a network of over 5000km connecting the nine federal states. Railjet (RJ) trains are high-speed and ideal for travelling across the country, while the faster Xpress (RJX) stops only at main city stations. The Austrian railway network introduced the Klimaticket, which allows you to use all public transport in Austria for €1095 per year. For young adults, seniors, and students, it costs €821 per year.

Apps

There are several apps available to help you navigate Austria's public transportation system, including Omio, which allows you to compare different travel options and buy tickets, and WienMobil, the most popular app for local public transport in Vienna.

Other Options

If you prefer more active transportation, bikes are a great way to get around, especially in mountainous areas. Vienna and Salzburg have public bike rental schemes, and mountain bike, road bike, and e-bike hire services are widespread across Austria.

Additionally, Austria has a well-developed network of cycle paths, such as the Danube Cycle Path, which allows you to drop off your bike at various points along the route.

When it comes to living costs, these can vary depending on location, with cities generally being more expensive. Graz, the second-largest city, is one of the most affordable places to live, while Vienna and Innsbruck are consistently ranked as the most expensive. It is recommended to consider renting in suburban areas to lower costs.

Lowering utility bills

The cost of living in Austria is 1.67 times more expensive than the world average. However, there are ways to lower your utility bills and save money. Firstly, it is important to note that utility bills in Austria are calculated based on the size of the home rather than the resources consumed. Therefore, it is advisable to choose an apartment or house that is not too big, to keep utility costs down.

Secondly, when renting, it is common for the landlord to cover the cost of water and waste collection, while the tenant pays for gas and electricity. However, this can vary, so be sure to ask the landlord what utilities they will cover before signing a lease. In a small number of Austrian apartments, all utilities are included in the cost of rent. This can be a convenient option, as you won't have to set up your own utilities, but it may also mean that you are paying a premium for the convenience.

If you are responsible for setting up your own utilities, you can choose between a regional (municipal) or private supplier for electricity. You can also get electricity and gas from the same provider to get lower prices. It is worth noting that the cost of gas and electricity in Austria has increased significantly in recent years. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of your energy consumption and practice energy conservation where possible.

Additionally, Austria is a leader in renewable energy in Europe, with many suppliers offering green energy options and tariffs. By choosing a renewable energy supplier, you can not only save money but also reduce your carbon footprint.

Finally, take advantage of the efficient public transit system in Austria to reduce your transportation costs. Buses and trains in rural areas are affordable, with an average cost of 2 EUR (2.25 USD) every five kilometres (3.1 miles).

Frequently asked questions