Living In Austria: Affordable Or Expensive?

Austria is known for its rich culture, excellent educational institutions, and thriving economy, attracting talent from across the globe. However, the cost of living in Austria is a concern for many, especially expats. The monthly cost of living for a single person in Austria is around €1,604, while a family of four can expect to spend approximately €4,903 per month. The cost of living varies across different cities in Austria, with Vienna and Innsbruck being the most expensive, and Graz and Klagenfurt among the most affordable.

Accommodation can be expensive, especially when it comes to buying property. However, the Austrian government's commitment to social and affordable housing means that, generally, people spend less of their monthly income on rent than in many other countries.

The cost of groceries in Austria is generally slightly expensive, but budget-friendly options are available at supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, and Spar. Eating out is also relatively costly, with a meal at an inexpensive restaurant costing around €15, and a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant ranging from €45 to €100.

Austria's public transport is efficient and offers various ticket options, with monthly passes available for regular commuters. The country also has well-developed telecommunications, with several internet and telephone service providers to choose from.

Healthcare in Austria is universal, affordable, and accessible, with most people covered by public healthcare funded by monthly contributions from employees and employers. Childcare costs, however, can be expensive, with some families opting for nannies or international au pairs.

Overall, while the cost of living in Austria may be high compared to other countries, the country offers a high quality of life, excellent healthcare, top-ranked education, safety, and cultural opportunities.

Cost of groceries

The cost of groceries in Austria is generally on the higher side, with the country's living expenses being 1.67 times more expensive than the world average. However, there are ways to save money and make grocery shopping more affordable. Here is a detailed guide to help you understand the cost of groceries in Austria:

Average Monthly Grocery Expenses

According to sources, a single person should budget around €330 per month for groceries in Austria. This amount can vary depending on the location and specific spending habits of the individual. For a family of four, the total monthly living costs, including groceries and other expenses, are estimated to be around €3,796 without rent.

Grocery Shopping Tips

While buying groceries in Austria tends to be expensive, there are ways to save money and find budget-friendly options:

• Shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, Penny, or Eurospar, which offer lower prices.
• Take advantage of lunch menus at restaurants, as many places offer reduced prices for lunch specials.
• Shop at local markets for fresher and cheaper produce.
• Compare prices at different supermarkets and look for discounts to find the best deals.
• Plan meals, create shopping lists, and avoid ordering food to reduce costs.
• Buy in bulk and stock up on non-perishable items when they are on sale.

Sample Grocery Prices

To give you an idea of specific grocery costs, here are some average prices for common food items in Austria, according to a 2024 report:

• Loaf of bread: €1.80
• Chicken (1 kg): €10.50
• Apples (1 kg): €2.20
• Bananas (1 kg): €1.70
• Potatoes (1 kg): €1.30
• Water (1.5 liters): €0.60
• Wine (1.5 liters): €7
• Beer (0.5 liters): €1.10

These prices may vary depending on the store and location, and it is always a good idea to compare prices and look for discounts to find the best value.

Comparison with Other Countries

While Austria's grocery prices may seem high, they are still more affordable than in some neighbouring countries. For example, the cost of living in Austria is, on average, 5.7% lower than in the United States. Additionally, housing options in Austria are more than 10% cheaper than in Germany and nearly 30% cheaper than in France.

In summary, while grocery shopping in Austria can be expensive, there are ways to save money and make it more affordable. By shopping at discount stores, planning meals, and comparing prices, individuals and families can manage their grocery expenses effectively and enjoy the high quality of life that Austria has to offer.

Cost of leisure

The cost of leisure in Austria varies depending on the type of activities and the city you live in. On average, leisure activities in Austria cost between €180 to €320 per month. This includes dining out, cultural activities, entertainment, and sports or leisure club memberships.

Dining Out

Dining out in Austria typically costs between €12 to €50, depending on the restaurant. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around €15, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant can range from €45 to €100.

Cultural Activities

Austria is known for its rich culture and offers a variety of cultural activities to enjoy. Attending the opera or a popular concert can cost a few hundred euros, while going to the movies is more affordable at around €12.

Entertainment

Austria has a vibrant entertainment scene, including bars and nightlife. A cocktail in a restaurant can cost between €10 and €15, while a cup of coffee ranges from €2.50 to €5, depending on the city and venue.

Sports and Leisure Clubs

Monthly gym memberships in Austria can range from €25 to €60, depending on the size and amenities of the facility.

Clothing and Shopping

Clothing in Austria can be more expensive than in other countries. A pair of jeans can cost between €50 to €120, and a pair of running shoes can cost around €90. Designer or brand-name items will cost several hundred euros.

Travel and Transportation

Austria has an efficient public transportation system, with short-trip tickets on buses and trams costing between €1.80 to €3.10 in different cities. Monthly and yearly public transit cards are available, making regular travel more affordable.

Overall, the cost of leisure activities in Austria is relatively affordable, especially when compared to other Western European countries. However, the prices can vary depending on the city and the type of activities chosen.

Cost of healthcare

Austria's healthcare system is considered one of the best in the world, offering high-quality, accessible healthcare to its residents. The system is two-tiered, consisting of a public health service and a large network of private healthcare providers.

Public Healthcare

Public healthcare in Austria is universal and covers 99% of the population. It is funded by government spending and social health insurance, with employees contributing 3.87% of their net income in 2024. While insurance is mandatory for residents earning an income in Austria, others can sign up for public insurance voluntarily.

Public healthcare covers essential treatments deemed necessary, including doctor visits, mandatory vaccinations, hospital and emergency care, and dental check-ups. However, some services, such as prescription medications and hospitalisation, require small co-payments. The cost of public insurance is based on income and is not related to individual medical history or risk factors.

Private Healthcare

Many residents opt for private health insurance to access better care more quickly. Private insurance offers additional coverage, a wider choice of healthcare providers, shorter waiting times, and higher levels of comfort and flexibility. It is particularly beneficial for expats who travel frequently and need coverage in multiple countries.

Costs

Austria's healthcare costs are relatively low compared to other countries. In 2012, pharmaceutical costs were estimated to be 18.6% lower than in the rest of Europe. The average monthly cost of private healthcare in Austria is estimated to be only $243.

Registration

Registration for Austrian healthcare depends on whether an individual has mandatory or voluntary insurance. For those with mandatory insurance, their employer will register them for public insurance. For voluntary insurance, individuals can choose their preferred insurer.

E-Card

All insured persons in Austria are issued an e-Card, which must be presented when visiting a doctor. The e-Card allows for the digitisation of health claims and can also be used for electronic signatures.

Cost of housing

The cost of living in Austria varies from city to city, but on the whole, accommodation can be expensive, especially if you want to buy property. The average rent in Austria was €643.70 per month, including operating costs, in the first quarter of 2024, but this varied from €497.70 in Carinthia to €717.40 in Vorarlberg. Vienna's average rent during the same period was €649.80.

The average property price in Vienna is €7,715 per square meter, but prices reach up to €19,900 per square meter in the First District, or Innere Stadt. The average cost per square meter for renting is €9.40.

The good news is that, due to the Austrian government's commitment to social and affordable housing, most people spend less of their monthly income on rent than in many other countries. About 60% of Vienna's residents live in social housing.

The cost of living in Austria for a single person is around €1,604 per month, while a family of four would typically have total monthly living costs of around €4,903. The average net salary in Austria hovers around €2,996 per month, making the country quite affordable, especially for full-time workers.

Utility bills in Austria vary depending on the type of unit, its size, and any special amenities. Most households pay between €212.50 to €500 per month. If utilities are not included in the rent, you should budget around €347 per month for them.

Cost of education

Austria has a free public education system, with around 90% of Austrian children attending these schools. However, there are also private secondary schools, which can be very expensive. For example, a private boarding school can cost as much as 55,000 EUR (60,600 USD) per year, while day students can expect to pay around 35,000 EUR (38,550 USD).

For higher education, Austria is considered one of the most affordable options for both European and non-European nationals. Tuition fees vary depending on the type of institution and the length of study. Public universities are free for EU/EEA students, while non-EU/EEA students pay 1,452 EUR per academic year. All students must also pay a student union membership and student accident insurance, which costs around 20 EUR per semester. Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) can choose whether to charge tuition fees. Most UAS charge EU/EEA and Swiss students 363 EUR per semester, while non-EU/EEA students pay between 727 and 7,500 EUR per semester. However, some UAS, such as the Vorarlberg University of Applied Sciences and the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland, are free for all international students. Private universities have their own tuition fees, which can range from 3,000 to 23,000 EUR per year, with some business programmes costing over 35,000 EUR per year.

There are also various scholarships available for international students in Austria, offered by institutions such as the Austrian Agency for International Cooperation in Education and Research (OeAD) and the Austrian Database for Scholarships and Research (Grants.at).

Frequently asked questions