Living In Austria: A Nice Place?

Austria is a beautiful country with a lot to offer to its residents. From its thrilling history, buzzing cities, and gorgeous scenery, it is a great place to live. The quality of life in Austria is considered one of the highest in the world, with low crime rates, a thriving economy, and a wide range of cultural and historical offerings. The country boasts efficient public transport, high-quality healthcare, and excellent education. It is also a safe country with efficient public services, and a clean environment. However, the cost of living in Austria can be high, especially in cities like Vienna, and it can be difficult to settle in, with a perceived lack of friendliness from the local population. Nevertheless, with its convenient location in the heart of Europe, stunning landscapes, and rich culture, Austria is an attractive prospect for anyone considering a move.

Austria has a high quality of life

Austria's public transport system is excellent and punctual, with buses, trams, and metros operating extensively within cities. The country's education system is high-quality and well-developed, offering free universal pre-school, and public primary and secondary schools. The Austrian population is well-educated, and students can choose between vocational and academic schools. Healthcare in Austria is universal and accessible, with the vast majority of health concerns and medications covered. Treatment is high-quality and efficient, attracting people from other countries to seek medical care.

Austria is also incredibly safe, with violent crime being rare. The country is clean and well-maintained, with strict recycling laws in place to protect the environment. The population of Austria is only around 8 million, so things are generally less complicated. The country is centrally located in Europe, making it a perfect launching point for further travel across the continent.

It has efficient public transport

Austria boasts an efficient and modern public transport system. Buses, trams, and metros operate extensively within cities, with Vienna being the only city with a metro. The public transport system is well-connected, with buses connecting to railway stations, and so on. The country also has a good network of roads, which are well-maintained, providing a generally comfortable and safe experience for drivers.

For travel between cities, you can take the ÖBB Railjet, which can travel at 143 miles per hour. The Railjet offers ergonomic chairs and free Wi-Fi, making your journey comfortable and productive.

Public transport in Austria is reasonably priced, with various ticket options depending on your needs. For example, in Vienna, you can purchase a daily, weekly, or monthly pass, or an annual ticket for 365 EUR (407 USD). Tickets for public transport can also be shared with friends and family, and some tickets allow you to ride multiple forms of transport.

Austria also has a good network of railways, buses, and streetcars in rural areas, with buses connecting smaller towns and villages. Additionally, the Postbus service, run by postal companies, provides transport in sparsely populated rural areas.

It's easy to travel to other European countries

Austria is a great place to live for anyone who wants to be able to travel to other European countries with ease. The country is landlocked in the middle of the continent, making it a perfect launching point for further European travel in all directions.

Austria has excellent transport links with the rest of Europe. The country's airports include Salzburg, Linz, Graz, Klagenfurt, Innsbruck, and Vienna, all of which are served by low-cost airlines. Munich, just across the border in Germany, is also easily accessible from most of Austria and has international links across the world.

Motorway access to and from Austria is straightforward, whether travelling through Germany, Italy, Slovenia, or Hungary. Public transport in Austria is also excellent, with regular, clean, no-smoking, air-conditioned buses that connect properly with railway stations.

Austria's central location means that several other European cities are within very easy reach. Prague, Venice, and Budapest are all nearby, making them ideal destinations for a quick weekend getaway.

Austria is also a great base for travelling more widely around Europe by train or plane. As well as being a geographical hub, Austria is a member of the European Union, making travel to other member countries more straightforward.

It's a safe country with a low crime rate

Austria is a very safe country with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, with fewer than 100 murders per year across the whole country. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur, particularly in large cities and tourist hotspots, but overall, Austria has little crime in rural areas.

The country has a strong social system, which means there is little incentive for crime. The Austrian population is well-educated, with a free public education system in place, and 90% of Austrian children attend these schools. The country also has an excellent healthcare system, with universal and accessible healthcare. The vast majority of health concerns and medications are covered, and treatment is of a high standard and efficient.

Austria is also very clean and well-maintained, with strict recycling laws in place to keep the environment safe. The country's lakes and rivers are of "drinking water" quality, and there is no litter anywhere.

Public transport is excellent, with well-developed communications and a range of internet and telephone service options. Roads are well-maintained, and cyclists will enjoy the high-quality roads and amazing scenery.

It has excellent healthcare

Austria has an excellent healthcare system, which is accessible to all. The quality of healthcare is so impressive that many people travel to Austria to seek medical care and pay out-of-pocket. The country's healthcare system is universal, and the vast majority of health concerns and medications are covered. Treatment is efficient and of a high standard.

Public health insurance covers around 99% of the Austrian population. Social security pays for approximately 45% of total healthcare costs in Austria, with the remainder covered by the government. If you are employed full-time or part-time (earning a minimum of €438/ $488 per month), 18.12% of your salary goes to social security, with your employer contributing half of this amount. Once insured in Austria, you will receive an e-card, which you must show to doctors and pharmacists to access cheaper (or free) care and medication.

Prescriptions cost around €6/ $7, and if you have private health insurance, you may be able to get these for free. Seeing a private doctor for a 15-minute appointment costs around €100/ $111. However, hospital treatment is free at university and regional hospitals that have a contract with the healthcare fund of their associated federal state. For a hospital stay, you will be charged between €14-23/ $15-$25 per day.

Austria's healthcare system is one of the reasons the country has been ranked highly for quality of life. InterNations’s Expat Insider for 2018 reported Austria as being first in Health and Well-Being, second in Family Life, and fifth overall for Quality of Life. A 2019 global study placed Austria second for quality of life, and Vienna has been ranked the world's most liveable city for ten consecutive years.

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