Austria: A Country Worth Calling Home?

Austria is a small, landlocked country in Central Europe with a population of around 9 million people. It is known for its rich culture, beautiful scenery, and high quality of life. Austria boasts stable political, social, economic, academic, healthcare, and environmental systems, and has some of the lowest crime rates in the world. The country has a reputation for its clean, safe living environment, with strict recycling laws in place to maintain this. The country's capital, Vienna, is consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world.

However, there are some drawbacks to living in Austria. The country has a conservative culture, which may be challenging for those with different values and backgrounds. Additionally, Austria has a high cost of living, with living expenses surpassing those of other European countries. The country also has high taxes, and the process of obtaining health insurance can be lengthy and costly.

High quality of life

Austria has consistently ranked highly in international quality of life comparisons, with its quality of life ranked 9th in the world. The country boasts a unique mixture of breathtaking nature, a stable economy, a high level of security, comprehensive social security, and cultural diversity.

The country's high quality of life is characterised by a good economic climate, a comprehensive social system, a high level of education, and a low crime rate. The United Nations World Happiness Report, which measures the life satisfaction of various countries annually, ranked Austria 11th in 2023. International rankings such as the Legatum Prosperity Index and the Health Care Index also regularly confirm Austria's high quality of life.

Austria's outstanding environmental standards and social and economic conditions make the standard of living in the country particularly attractive. The country has an excellent reputation worldwide in terms of quality of life, which is reflected in several factors. Firstly, the country has a first-rate healthcare system with a comprehensive public system that offers all citizens access to high-quality medical care. Secondly, Austria has high educational standards, with well-developed school and university systems that are among the best in Europe. Thirdly, the country has an above-average income level, which helps to keep the poverty rate low and enables citizens to live a comfortable life.

Austria's commitment to environmental protection through strict laws ensures the preservation of clean air and water resources, as well as the conservation of green spaces. The country also has high air quality, with an air quality index of 40, and drinkable tap water. Additionally, safety in Austria is very high, with low crime rates and a strong legal system. Social ties are strong, with deep roots in local communities and a well-developed social network.

Austria's quality of life is further enhanced by its well-developed public transport network, making it easy and affordable to travel within the country and to neighbouring countries. The country also offers a wide range of sports and cultural activities, as well as a pleasant climate.

Affordable cost of living

Austria has an affordable cost of living compared to other European countries. The average cost of living in Austria is €1,900 per month for a single person, but this can vary depending on lifestyle, city, and type of accommodation. The average net salary is €2,966 per month, allowing residents to comfortably cover their expenses and enjoy the country's high quality of life.

Housing

Housing in Austria can be expensive, especially in cities like Vienna and Innsbruck. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically costs around €862.51 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment in the city centre can cost upwards of €1,330. However, renting in Austria is generally more affordable than in neighbouring countries like Germany and France.

Food and Groceries

The cost of food and groceries in Austria is relatively affordable. Basic necessities like bread, fruit, and vegetables are readily available at supermarkets like Spar, Lidl, and Merkur. A loaf of bread costs around €1.80, while chicken, apples, bananas, and potatoes cost around €2-€3 per kilogram. Eating out at restaurants typically costs between €12 and €50, depending on the establishment.

Transportation

Austria has a well-developed public transportation system, including trains, buses, trams, and metros. The cost of public transportation is reasonable, with various passes and discounts available. For example, an annual ticket for Vienna's public transport system costs €365, allowing for unlimited travel within the city and suburbs. For students, the semesterticket offers discounted rates.

Utilities

Utility bills in Austria are calculated based on the size of the home. The average household pays around €20 per month for electricity and €19 per GJ for natural gas. Internet prices range from €9 to €83, depending on the supplier and speed. Water is typically paid together with waste removal, land tax, and sewage charges, costing between €1.80 and €3.50 per month.

Education

Austria offers world-class and affordable education, with top-ranking universities like the University of Vienna and the Graz University of Technology. Public universities are free for EU/EEA/Swiss students and cost €726 per semester for non-EU/EEA/Swiss students. Applied sciences universities cost €363 per semester for EU/EEA/Swiss students and between €727 and €7,500 for international students.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Austria is accessible and affordable, with mandatory contributions of only 7.6% of your salary. Public health insurance covers about 99% of the population, and there is also the option of private health insurance. Prescriptions typically cost around €6, and appointments with private doctors start at €100 for 15 minutes.

Breathtaking scenery

Austria is known for its breathtaking nature, from pristine lakes and national parks to Alpine landscapes and stunning waterfalls. Here are some of the most beautiful natural spots in Austria:

Kaisertal Valley, Tyrol

Voted the most beautiful spot in Austria by Austrians in 2016, Kaisertal Valley is a nature preserve surrounded by the quiet Kaiser mountains. With no roads leading through the valley, visitors must park at the nearby town of Kufstein and explore the area on foot. The valley is home to the imposing 13th-century Kufstein Castle and offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

Grüner See (Green Lake), Styria

Grüner See, or Green Lake, is known for its crystal clear emerald waters. During winter, the lake almost disappears, and in spring, it fills back up to a depth of over 10 metres due to snowmelt. The lake is surrounded by impressive mountain peaks and is home to underwater benches and bridges that can be spotted when the waters are clear.

Lünersee Lake, Vorarlberg

Lünersee Lake is a natural mountain lake located in the western part of Austria, at an altitude of 1,970 metres. The lake offers a variety of activities, including a one-and-a-half-hour hike around its shores, climbing tours on nearby mountains, and fishing for rainbow trout and arctic char.

Krimml Waterfalls, Hohe Tauern National Park

Located in Hohe Tauern National Park, the Krimml Waterfalls are the tallest waterfalls in Central Europe. A hike up the falls reveals spectacular scenery, with the glacial creek plunging over three tiers. The surrounding national park is the largest nature reserve in the Alps, boasting 266 mountains over 9,800 feet, 551 lakes, and about 250 glaciers.

Dachstein Glacier, Styria

Covering Styria's highest mountain, the Dachstein Glacier is a sight to behold, with its blue frost and snow-capped peaks. A panoramic cable car ride takes visitors up 3,000 feet, offering misty cloud and sheer cliff views. The "Staircase to Nowhere" skywalk extends over the cliff's edge, providing a thrilling experience and breathtaking views.

Zell am See

Located at the base of the Hohe Tauern mountains, Zell am See is a stunning tourist hub in both summer and winter. In winter, visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating, while summer activities include hiking, cycling, paddle-boarding, and exploring the nearby national park.

Well-developed public transport

Austria's public transport system is well-developed, safe, extensive, reliable, and fairly affordable. It is also one of the best in Europe. The country's efficient transport network means that you can reach any destination by public transport alone.

The capital, Vienna, has the best transport system in the country. This includes buses, trams, trains, and a metro. Wiener Linien is the main transport company in Vienna and in 2019, it carried over 4.59 billion passengers. Outside of Vienna, trains are the main way to get around the country. Two companies operate these services – ÖBB and Westbahn. Postbus, a subsidiary of ÖBB, operates bus services to smaller towns and regional areas.

The train network in Austria is pretty extensive. Due to the small size of the country, it is comparably fast to travel around. A high-speed train from Vienna in the east to Bregenz in the west of Austria takes about six to seven hours. There are two train operators: Westbahn and ÖBB (Österreichische Bundesbahn/Austrian Federal Railways). Tickets for the ÖBB trains are called Sparschiene and they are cheaper if booked in advance.

The bus network is also extensive and lets you reach more remote destinations. Tickets are cheaper when bought online, rather than on the bus. Buses in every state look different and some have Wi-Fi.

In addition to trains and buses, bikes are a top choice of transport in Austria. Each city has its own bike-hire initiative. Vienna's bike-share scheme is called City Bike Wien.

Public transport in Austria is also disability-friendly. The design of ÖBB trains makes them quite accessible. They often have low-floor access, wide zones, colour contrasts, handicapped toilets, and mobile ramps. There are also wheelchair bays on the trains, but these must be booked in advance. Buses in Austria have ramps to make boarding easier and there is usually one designated wheelchair space.

Excellent healthcare

Austria has an excellent healthcare system that is accessible to everyone. The Austrian healthcare system blends public access and private options. The public sector offers almost universal medical coverage, while many residents opt for private health insurance to access better care more quickly.

Austria's healthcare system has a good reputation. In 2023, the Legatum Prosperity Index ranked the country 22nd best in the world, with a score of 80.2/100. The World Index of Healthcare Innovation of 2022 gives Austrian healthcare a moderate score, placing it 23rd globally. According to the EC 2023 country health profile, the healthcare system covers 99.9% of the population, with only 0.1% being underserved.

The Austrian healthcare system provides excellent healthcare for the vast majority of citizens. Approximately 99% of people living in Austria are part of the public healthcare system, but it is also possible to purchase additional private health insurance. The public healthcare system is comprehensive, covering virtually all health care needs, no matter the age or background of the patient. Healthcare in Austria is universal for residents and those from other EU countries.

Public healthcare is available to all Austrian citizens and EU/EEA citizens. Students from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland with national health insurance in their home country can use the European Health Insurance Card. Self-insured students must pay an insurance fee of €52.68 per month. Enrollment in the public healthcare system is generally automatic and linked to employment. However, insurance is also guaranteed to co-insured persons (spouses and dependents), pensioners, students, the disabled, and those receiving unemployment benefits. Enrollment is compulsory, and it is not possible to cross-shop the various social security institutions.

Public spending on healthcare in Austria was about €22 billion in 2011, which was about 7% of GDP and 25% of social expenditure. Some 81% of this sum paid for outpatient and inpatient care, and a significant 15% went towards income support for employers due to people missing work because of illness.

The Austrian healthcare system provides excellent healthcare for most citizens. The system is inclusive and covers virtually every health issue and medication requirement. It also protects all members of society and benefits spouses and children of those covered by the worker's medical insurance.

Frequently asked questions