Living Costs In Vienna, Austria: Expensive Or Affordable?

Vienna, Austria's capital, is known for its rich culture, thriving economy, and excellent infrastructure. Ranked 24th out of 226 cities in the Mercer Cost of Living Survey for 2024, it is an expensive destination for expats. However, compared to other European capitals like London, Paris, and Zurich, Vienna is relatively affordable. The city offers a diverse range of housing options, from cosy apartments to spacious family homes, and the cost of living depends on factors such as lifestyle choices and location. A single person can expect to spend around €900-€1,057 per month without rent, and the average monthly rent ranges from €570 for a furnished private room to €2,090 for a studio. The city has a well-developed public transport system, with monthly passes costing €51, making car ownership an avoidable expense. Vienna also boasts efficient grocery chains and budget-friendly supermarkets like Hofer, Lidl, and Penny Markt, where a monthly food bill for one person can be kept under €350. The city's entertainment options, including restaurants, museums, and operas, cater to various budgets, ensuring that residents can experience the city's vibrant culture without breaking the bank.

Cost of accommodation

The cost of living in Vienna, Austria, is a topic of interest to many, especially those considering a move to the city. While Vienna offers a high quality of life, it also comes with certain expenses. One of the most significant costs you will face is accommodation.

Rental Costs

Rental prices in Vienna vary depending on location, property size, and condition. Living in the city centre is generally more expensive than staying in the outlying suburbs. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is €862.51, while it is cheaper outside the city centre.

Additional Costs

When renting in Vienna, there are several additional costs to consider. Tenants are typically required to pay a security deposit equivalent to one to three months' rent. Utilities are also charged to the tenant, and you must budget for the annual fixed broadcasting fee, which is mandatory for all Austrian households. It is common to enlist the help of an estate agent when searching for a suitable property, but their fees can be equivalent to two or three months' rent, which is a significant extra cost.

Alternative Options

While renting is the most common option, purchasing a property in Vienna is another possibility. However, this comes with its own set of expenses, including the cost of the property, legal fees, and taxes.

Student Accommodation

Student accommodation in Vienna is more affordable, with a place in a student hall of residence costing approximately €450 per month. Furnished private rooms with utilities, ideal for students, can be found for around €570 per month.

Cheaper Areas

To find more budget-friendly options, it is recommended to explore areas outside the city centre. Starting your search early will help you secure the best deals.

Comparison to Other Cities

Compared to other European capitals like Madrid and Rome, Vienna is more expensive. However, when compared to cities like Paris and London, Vienna is more affordable.

Average Monthly Costs

Without rent, a single person's monthly costs in Vienna are estimated to be around €900. When factoring in rent, this amount increases to between €1,570 (renting a room) and €2,090 (renting a studio).

In conclusion, while Vienna offers a diverse range of housing options, from apartments to family homes, the cost of accommodation is a significant expense. Rental costs can vary widely, and it is important to consider the additional fees associated with renting when creating a budget for living in the city.

Cost of transport

Vienna's efficient public transport system, Öffis, offers a budget-friendly way to get around the city. The system operates within a single zone, Zone 100 or Kernzone, and includes the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, Badner Bahn, trams, and buses.

The cost of a single ticket is €2.40, and allows you to make one journey within the public transport system, including multiple changes, for 80 minutes from the moment of validation. Single tickets are also available on streetcars for an additional charge of €2.60.

There are also several passes available, which are more cost-effective if you plan to travel regularly. These include:

• 24-hour ticket: €8.00
• 48-hour ticket: €14.10
• 72-hour ticket: €17.10
• Weekly pass (Wochenkarte): €17.10
• Monthly pass (Monatskarte): €51
• Annual pass (Jahreskarte): €365 upfront or €396 monthly

Students can benefit from discounted semester tickets during term time, and a separate summer holidays monthly pass for the non-academic period.

Vienna also has a line of 26 night buses (marked with an 'N') which operate from 12:30 a.m. to 5 a.m. throughout the week, and you can use your normal public transportation tickets for these.

Cost of groceries

The cost of groceries in Vienna, Austria, depends on several factors, including the size of your household, your shopping habits, and your diet. Here is a detailed breakdown of what you can expect to pay for groceries in Vienna:

Monthly Grocery Costs for Individuals and Families:

According to estimates, a single person in Vienna can expect to spend around €1,029.5 per month on living costs, excluding rent. However, this amount may vary depending on individual circumstances and lifestyle choices.

For a family of three (two adults and a child), the monthly food bill can range from €800 to €1,000. This amount can be reduced by making savvy choices, such as buying groceries on sale and shopping for fruits and vegetables at markets outside the city centre.

Grocery Shopping in Vienna:

Vienna offers a range of options for grocery shopping, from large supermarkets to local markets and speciality stores. Here are some of the popular choices:

• Supermarkets: Billa, Hofer (similar to Aldi), Lidl, Spar, and Metro offer a wide selection of groceries. Billa provides grocery delivery for a fee, and you can save on delivery costs by subscribing to their monthly service.
• Online Supermarkets: Gurkerl is a popular online-only supermarket with a minimum order amount of €49 and free delivery for purchases over €99.
• High-End Groceries: Spar Gourmet, Billa Plus, and INTERSPAR offer gourmet snacks, cheeses, wines, and other delicacies, with INTERSPAR providing online ordering and free delivery for orders over €100.
• Farmer's Markets and Speciality Shops: For fresh produce and speciality items, visit farmer's markets like Naschmarkt, Rochusmarkt, Brunnenmarkt, Kutschkermarkt, and Karmelitermarkt. You can also find imported goods from Africa, Latin America, Greece, Poland, and Turkey at shops like Lili Markt, Casa Mexico, LaGrèce, and Nakwon.

Sample Grocery Prices in Vienna:

To give you an idea of specific grocery prices in Vienna, here are some average prices as of June 2023:

• Milk (1 litre): €0.80 - €1.05
• Eggs (10): €2.10 - €3.20
• Butter (1 kg): €6.30 - €8.40
• Soft Cheeses (1 kg): €7.40 - €14.80
• Hard Cheeses (1 kg): €13.70 - €31.60
• Beef Fillet (1 kg): €10.50 - €20.00
• Pork Fillet (1 kg): €5.30 - €10.50
• Minced Meat (1 kg): €9.50
• Chicken (whole, chilled, 1 kg): €7.40 - €10.50
• Chicken Breasts (fillets, 1 kg): €10.50 - €12.70
• Salami (100g): €2.30 - €3.20
• Smoked Meat and Sausages (1 kg): €26.40 - €31.60
• Sausages (1 kg): €8.40 - €10.50
• Fresh Fish (1 kg): €13.70 - €52.70
• Salmon (1 kg): €21.10 - €31.60
• Fruit (1 kg): Apples (€2.10), Oranges/Tangerines/Pineapples (€2.10 - €3.20), Strawberries/Raspberries (€7.40 - €8.40), Pineapple (€1.10), Kiwi (€0.26 each), Plums (€1.90)
• Vegetables (1 kg unless stated): Potatoes (€1.10), Peppers (€2.10), Cabbage (€1.90 - €2.40), Carrots (€2.10), Tomatoes (€2.10 - €3.20)
• Bread (500g): €1.40 - €2.70
• Chocolate (100g): €1.59 - €1.70
• Pasta (500g): €0.84
• Tea (20 pcs): €2.10
• Muesli (450g): €2.60
• Juice (1 litre): €1.50 - €2.10

Money-Saving Tips:

To save money on groceries in Vienna, consider the following tips:

• Shop at discount supermarkets like Hofer, Lidl, or PENNY Markt.
• Compare prices and look for sales, deals, and discounts, especially at large supermarkets.
• Buy in bulk to take advantage of deals like '1+1' or '3 for the price of 2'.
• Shop at farmer's markets outside the city centre, where prices can be 30-50% lower than in supermarkets.
• Take advantage of free tap water in Vienna, which is of good quality, instead of buying bottled water.
• Look for breakfast combos in coffee houses that include a hot beverage, as these can be cheaper than buying items separately.

Cost of entertainment and eating out

The cost of entertainment and eating out in Vienna, Austria, can vary depending on the type of entertainment and dining one chooses. Here is a breakdown of what one can expect to pay for various entertainment and dining options:

Dining Out:

• A meal for one person at an inexpensive restaurant costs around €13.90.
• A meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant with three courses costs around €60.
• Fast-food options like McDonald's or street food such as sausages or schnitzel buns range from €4.50 to €6.
• A traditional Austrian schnitzel costs around €9-€16, depending on the type of meat.
• Pizza at local restaurants ranges from €5-€8.
• Budget-friendly dinner options range from €8-€18.50.
• Breakfast options range from €3-€8, with some cafes offering breakfast for as little as €1.50.
• Lunch options range from €4.50-€10.

Entertainment:

• A cup of espresso costs around €2.50-€3, and a cappuccino costs around €4.50.
• A beer at a bar is approximately €4.90, while a 500ml tin of beer from a supermarket costs €1.15-€1.59.
• A bottle of wine from a supermarket costs around €5-€7.
• Entrance fees for popular attractions:
• Zoo: €27 for adults, €15.50 for children aged 6-18
• Kunsthistorisches Museum: €21
• Albertina art museum: €19.90
• Schönbrunn Palace: €19-€32
• Giant Ferris Wheel: €14
• English-language movie tickets: €8.90-€10.90
• Opera or theatre tickets can range from the price of a cup of coffee if standing to over €200 for the best seats.
• Classical concert tickets start at around €30 and can go up to four figures for prestigious events like the New Year's concert.

Cost of healthcare

Vienna, Austria's capital, is known for its excellent infrastructure and amenities. Ranked as one of the world's most liveable cities, Vienna offers high safety levels, convenient transport connectivity, and comprehensive healthcare options.

Health Insurance

Everyone living and working in Vienna is entitled to healthcare services, thanks to tax contributions. The Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) covers salaried employees and workers, while the self-employed are insured by the Social Insurance Institution for the Self-Employed (SVS).

There is mandatory insurance for employees, asylum seekers, pensioners, and the self-employed. Family members can apply for co-insurance, with an additional contribution in some cases. People without insurance can opt for voluntary self-insurance by submitting an application and paying a monthly contribution.

The e-card is your proof of health insurance coverage. It is a chip card with your name and social insurance number, sent to you by your insurance provider. Newborns automatically receive their own e-card.

Cost of Medical Services

The Austrian Health Insurance Fund covers most doctor's visits for insured individuals, but there may be deductibles for pharmaceutical drugs, healing appliances, and aids or dentures. The prescription fee is currently €7.10.

For those without insurance, healthcare can be expensive. Hospitals in the Wiener Gesundheitsverbund charge €14.20 per day for patients in the general class, provided insurance covers 100% of hospitalisation.

Private healthcare, often included in employment packages for expats, offers access to more services and shorter waiting times.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies in Vienna are well-stocked and easily accessible, found on major shopping streets, malls, or near hospitals.

Hospitals

Vienna has a range of prominent hospitals, including public and private institutions:

• Döbling Private Hospital
• Confraternität Private Hospital
• Elisabethinen Hospital Graz
• Franziskus Spital Margareten
• Goldenes Kreuz Private Hospital

Frequently asked questions