Living In Austria: A Good Choice?

Austria is a beautiful country with a high quality of life, a well-developed public transport system, and breathtaking scenery. It is a great place to live for those who enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, and skiing. The country also boasts excellent healthcare and education systems, low crime rates, and a rich cultural heritage. However, there are some drawbacks to living in Austria, including the high cost of living in cities like Vienna, a strong language barrier, and reserved locals.

Cost of living

Austria is relatively affordable, with a lower cost of living than Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US. The average monthly living cost for a single person is €1,900, but this can vary depending on location, lifestyle, and type of housing. Couples can expect average monthly expenses of approximately €3,100, while a family of four would typically have total monthly costs of around €4,903. The average net salary in Austria is about €2,996 per month, making it quite affordable for full-time workers.

Housing

Housing in Austria is generally affordable compared to the rest of Europe, but prices vary by city. For example, renting in Vienna is more expensive than in Graz and cheaper than in Salzburg. More than 60% of Viennese residents live in subsidized housing due to the high cost of living in the city. The average monthly cost of utilities is about €347.

Groceries

The average monthly cost of groceries in Austria is around €330. While buying groceries can be slightly expensive, there are budget-friendly options available at stores like Aldi, Lidl, Penny, or Eurospar.

Transportation

Austria has a well-developed public transportation system, including trains, buses, trams, and metros. There are various ticket options, such as single tickets, day passes, and monthly passes. The cost of a monthly public transportation pass is approximately €49.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Austria is accessible and affordable, with mandatory contributions of 7.6% of your salary. International students can opt for public health insurance through ÖGK, which costs around €69.13 per month as of 2024. Employees are automatically enrolled in the public health insurance system, with contributions deducted from their salary based on income.

Leisure Activities

The estimated monthly cost of leisure activities in Austria ranges from €180 to €320. This includes dining out, cultural activities, entertainment, sports, and club memberships.

Language barrier

Austria has a lot to offer to expats, including a high quality of life, breathtaking scenery, and an excellent public transport system. However, one of the biggest challenges of moving to Austria is the language barrier.

German is the national language of Austria, and while many people in urban areas speak English, it can be hard to find English speakers in more rural areas or for specific needs. This language barrier can make it difficult to access certain services and information, and it can also impact job prospects. Learning German is crucial for full integration into Austrian society and accessing more job opportunities. Additionally, Austrian German has regional differences that can make it more challenging to understand and communicate with locals.

To overcome the language barrier, expats can enrol in integration programs and language courses offered by universities or online language academies. These courses can help with learning the language and understanding the unique quirks of Austrian German. It is worth noting that while large universities offer courses in English, smaller universities or specific degree programs may require knowledge of German.

The language barrier can also impact social life. Austrians may seem reserved or cautious at first, and not speaking German can make it harder to befriend locals. However, Austria has a strong international community, and most major cities have expat groups that can provide support and social connections.

Employment

Austria has a strong economy and is known for its emphasis on innovation. The country offers a stable and prosperous job market with opportunities across a range of industries, including technology, engineering, tourism, and healthcare.

Job Market

The job market in Austria is experiencing moderate growth, with certain sectors such as technology, healthcare, and engineering showing an increased demand for skilled professionals. The unemployment rate has increased slightly, from 4.99% in 2022 to 5.24% in 2023. However, the youth unemployment rate remains a concern, with rates around 10.93% in 2023.

Job Opportunities for Expats

As an expat, you will find job opportunities in Austria, especially in fields like ICT, metal technology, electrical engineering, and life sciences. International companies and startups increasingly value English-speaking professionals and actively hire foreign talent. However, learning German will significantly improve your job prospects, as it is the primary language used in workplaces.

Work Culture

Austrians value punctuality and formality in the workplace. The work culture includes a great work-life balance, with Austrians enjoying plenty of vacation days, pension benefits, and parental leave. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to around 25 legal vacation days per year, plus 13 public holidays, resulting in a minimum of 38 paid days off annually.

Job Search Tools

When looking for a job in Austria, you can either search directly or hire a recruitment agency. The Public Employment Service Austria (AMS) offers several web tools and an online platform for young career starters. The WORK in AUSTRIA TALENT HUB is another useful resource, where you can create a profile with a CV in German and English to be discovered by Austrian companies.

Visas

If you are a third-country national, you can apply for a job-seeker visa, which allows you to stay in Austria for up to six months to search for employment. Austria has also implemented the Red-White-Red Card, a flexible immigration model that provides qualified third-country nationals and their families with a single permit for work and permanent settlement.

Salaries

With an average net salary of €2,966 per month, residents of Austria can comfortably cover their expenses while enjoying the country's high quality of life. The average monthly salary in Austria is between €1,700 and €2,200, depending on the city. Additionally, Austria's 13th and 14th-month salary system provides financial rewards, with these additional payments known as holiday pay.

Taxes

While Austria offers a high quality of life, it is important to note that taxes are higher compared to other European countries. Although you won't be charged income tax for the first €12,465, the tax rate is 41% for income between €34,192 and €66,178. These higher taxes contribute to Austria's social welfare system, providing residents with benefits like free healthcare, education, and social security.

Healthcare

Austria has a two-tier healthcare system, with a mix of public and private healthcare. Healthcare is universal for Austrian residents and those from other EU countries. It is accessible to everyone, with nearly universal coverage and comprehensive financial protection for vulnerable groups.

Public Healthcare

Public healthcare is funded by a mix of general tax revenues and compulsory social health insurance (SHI) contributions. Income-related SHI contributions make up about 60% of publicly financed health expenditures, with the remaining 40% coming from general taxation. Enrollment in the public healthcare system is generally automatic and is linked to employment. Insurance is also guaranteed for spouses and dependents, pensioners, students, the disabled, and those receiving unemployment benefits. Enrollment is compulsory, and employers register their employees with the correct institution, deducting the health insurance tax from salaries. The cost of public insurance is based on income and is not related to individual medical history or risk factors.

Private Healthcare

Private healthcare is available for those who either cannot or would rather not use public healthcare. Generally, private healthcare means no waiting times, a wider choice of physicians, and the choice of public or private clinics and hospitals. Although the quality of care does not vary significantly, the comfort of care might. Some individuals choose to pay for their care entirely privately.

Quality of Healthcare

Austria's healthcare system was ranked 9th by the World Health Organization (WHO) in their mid-2000s international ranking. In 2015, the cost of healthcare was 11.2% of GDP, the fifth-highest in Europe. The city of Vienna has been listed as 1st in quality of living, which includes a variety of social services, by Mercer Consultants.

Waiting Times

Despite government claims that no noteworthy waits exist, medium or long waits are normal for at least some elective surgery. In a survey, 8% of respondents said they were offered shorter waiting times for additional private payments. Waits are also sometimes illegally shortened in return for legal or illegal extra payments.

Culture and social etiquette

Greeting People

Austrians tend to be reserved, formal, and polite. When greeting someone, it is customary to shake hands and make eye contact. Women should extend their hands first, and it is important to ensure that your other hand is not in your pocket. When greeting a group of people, start with the women, then greet the men, and if there are children, shake their hands too. It is also common for Austrians to greet salespeople when entering and leaving a shop, usually with a casual "Grüß dich" or "Grüß gott" (God bless you).

Punctuality

Punctuality is highly valued in Austria, and being on time for meetings, appointments, and social events is expected. In social situations, it is considered polite to arrive 5 to 10 minutes early. If you are going to be late, it is important to inform the host or your Austrian counterpart, as they may begin the event without you.

Dress Code

Austrians take pride in their appearance and tend to dress up when leaving the house, even for casual occasions. It is common for people to wear elegant and sophisticated outfits, with dark, solid colours or simple patterns being preferred. It is also important to note that Austrians dress up for the opera or theatre, so it is advisable to follow suit for these occasions.

Dining Etiquette

Dining etiquette in Austria follows the norms of polite European dining. This includes not gesturing with utensils, not having elbows on the table, and waiting until everyone has been served before beginning to eat. The host will usually indicate that it is time to start eating by saying "Guten Appetit" or "Mahlzeit". It is considered polite to finish everything on your plate and to indicate that you have finished eating by placing your knife and fork together on your plate with the handles to the right.

Toasting

Toasting is an important part of Austrian culture. When toasting, it is customary to make eye contact and say "Prost" (cheers) to each participant. Only clink glasses with one other person at a time, and never reach for another person's extended arm. The host typically gives the first toast, and the honoured guest returns the toast later in the meal.

Gift-Giving

When invited to someone's home, it is customary to bring a small gift for the hostess, such as flowers, chocolates, or a bottle of wine. Gifts should be moderately priced and nicely wrapped. It is considered rude to give red carnations, lilies, or chrysanthemums. Gifts are usually opened immediately upon receipt.

Frequently asked questions