Why Vienna, Austria, Should Be Your Next Move

Vienna is a popular choice for expats, with many different cultures represented in the city. It's known for its high quality of life, impressive public transport, and thriving arts scene. However, it can be expensive and challenging to find housing, and it's also worth noting that Austrian culture can be hard to integrate into, with locals tending to be quite reserved.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Vienna is relatively high compared to other cities in Western Europe. It is ranked in the top 21% of the most expensive cities in the world and is the most expensive city in Austria.

Housing

Housing in Vienna is expensive and challenging to find. The private rental market is small and competitive, with over 50% of the city's housing being state-owned. The price of apartments depends on their size and location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costing around €850 per month, and a three-bedroom apartment in the centre costing about €1500 per month. The renter is typically responsible for paying the real estate agent's commission, which can be as much as two months' rent. However, from July 2023, this law will be terminated.

Food

The cost of food in Vienna varies depending on your budget and where you shop. A basic lunch menu can cost between €10-15, while a fast-food meal will cost around €8. Cooking at home is generally cheaper than eating out, with some estimating that €5 can get you several nice home-cooked lunches.

Transport

Transport costs depend on your preferred mode of travel. Gas prices are currently around €1.22 per litre. A monthly ticket for public transport costs around €51, while renting a car or travelling by taxi is significantly more expensive.

Leisure Activities

The cost of leisure activities in Vienna varies depending on your preferences. A dinner for two in a local pub will cost around €40, while a three-course meal in a more expensive restaurant can cost up to €70. A beer in a pub will cost around €5, and a cocktail in a club will cost around €13. A cinema ticket for one person is approximately €12.50, while a monthly gym membership is about €40.

Utilities and Other Expenses

Other expenses to consider when living in Vienna include utilities, internet, healthcare, and personal care. The cost of utilities for one person in a 45m2 studio is around €80 per month, while the cost of internet with 50 Mbps speed is approximately €40 per month. Healthcare expenses can vary, with a short visit to a private doctor (15 minutes) costing around €40, and a box of antibiotics (12 doses) costing around €10. A standard men's haircut will cost approximately €20.

Salaries

It is important to consider salaries when evaluating the cost of living in a city. The average salary in Vienna is around €4500 per month before tax, which is one of the highest in Europe. The median after-tax salary is $2834, which is enough to cover living expenses for 1.4 months.

Overall Cost of Living

Estimates of the average cost of living in Vienna vary depending on an individual's needs and budget. For a single person, estimates range from €1800 to €2159 per month. For a family of four, the estimated monthly cost is approximately €4400.

Transport and travel

Vienna has a well-developed public transport network, which makes getting around the city relatively easy. The city is served by five underground lines, 29 tram lines, and 127 bus lines, 24 of which are night lines. The Wiener Linien municipal transport authority operates the network, and tickets and passes cover almost all city train and subway services, and nearly all tram and bus services.

The city has an honesty system, with no ticket barriers at stations and no formal ticket checks on the subway, local trains, trams, and buses. However, there are undercover agents who will fine you for travelling without a ticket. Single tickets can be purchased for €2.40 from ticket machines at most underground stations, tobacconists, and on board the tram for €2.60. You can also buy passes for 24 or 72 hours, or weekly, monthly, or annual passes. Tickets must be validated before boarding, and you can do this by stamping the ticket at the blue machines located at the entrance to stations, and on buses and trams.

Vienna is also bicycle-friendly, with ample bike paths that are maintained in winter, making cycling possible all year round. The city is connected by rail to various European cities, making overland travel to neighbouring countries convenient and inexpensive.

Housing

Vienna is a city of renters, with 80% of its population renting rather than owning their homes. This means that the private rental market is small and competitive, and it can be challenging to find a property. However, the city has a strong social housing programme, with 60% of its population housed in social housing.

Social Housing

Vienna's social housing programme is foundational to the city, and a source of pride for its residents. The city's commitment to keeping its large stock of subsidised homes in public hands has been key to its success. The income maximum for applicants is €57,600 a year for single people and €85,830 for two-person households. Tenants have the right to live in their social housing unit for life and can even pass it on to their children.

The success of Vienna's social housing is not only based on the size of the building stock and the reduced rents, but also the beauty of the buildings. The homes are attractive enough to make them desirable for the middle class, a factor that has helped prevent the estates from becoming social ghettos. The buildings are spacious, with green courtyards, and are indistinguishable from private buildings.

Private Housing Market

If you are looking to rent or buy on the private market, be prepared to dedicate some serious time to this task. The private rental market is small and competitive, and it can be challenging to find a property. It is recommended to use a real estate agent, but be aware that the renter pays the agent's commission (typically 2 months' rent). This law is due to be terminated by July 2023.

Costs

Where to Live

Vienna is a city of neighbourhoods, with 23 boroughs (Bezirke) and numerous suburbs within the metropolitan area. The boroughs are arranged counter-clockwise around the centre, with the one-digit boroughs (2-9) being the closest to the city centre. Choosing a one-digit borough as your new home will usually ensure short commutes to work as most businesses are located in the centre.

Notable districts include:

• The hip and happening "bobo" belt: 6th, 7th and 8th districts. Live here if you want to walk home after a night out, have lots of brunch options, and spend a lot of money on dining out and haircuts. Rent price range: medium to high.
• The laid-back neighbourhoods with soul: 3rd and 4th districts. Live here if you want to get to know your neighbour, live close to the city's largest green space, or live in a less hyped, up-and-coming hip district. Rent price range: relatively well-priced, but becoming more expensive.
• The underestimated neighbourhoods with character: 20th, 15th, 16th, 5th and 10th districts. Live here if you want to pay low rent, live in a multicultural neighbourhood, and escape to green areas. Rent price range: low.
• The wealthy suburbs: 13th, 19th and 18th districts. Live here if you want to escape the hustle and bustle, live in a villa, be surrounded by green areas and vineyards, and park your Mercedes outside. Rent price: high.
• The one-of-a-kind districts: 2nd and 1st districts. Live here if you want to have the best of both worlds – the green parks and the bars, cafes and markets of the 2nd district, or the historic buildings, penthouses and central location of the 1st district. Rent price range: low to medium (2nd district), high (1st district).

Useful Vocabulary

When looking for a place to live in Vienna, you will come across the following terms:

• Wohnung = apartment
• Provision = real estate agent's commission
• Kaution = security deposit
• Altbau = a classy old building built before the war
• Neubau = modern apartment complexes
• Kalt = without gas and water costs included in the rent
• Warm = with everything except electricity included in the rent
• Miete = rent
• Befristeter Mietvertrag = a limited or short-term rental contract, typically for 3 years
• Unbefristeter Mietvertrag = a long-term rental contract, where you can stay as long as you like. Rent is often cheaper with a Befristeter Mietvertrag.

Culture and leisure

Vienna is a cultural hub, offering a plethora of options for those seeking an enriching experience. The city boasts a vibrant arts scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and theatres showcasing both traditional and contemporary works. The Museum of Art History and the Albertina Museum are renowned for their impressive collections, while the Vienna State Opera and the Burgtheater are iconic venues for opera and theatre enthusiasts.

For those who enjoy exploring the past, Vienna's rich history is on full display. The city's architecture is a testament to its glorious past, with stunning buildings like the Schönbrunn Palace, the Belvedere Palace, and the Vienna Secession building serving as reminders of its imperial heritage. The historic city centre, with its grand boulevards and picturesque streets, is a delight to wander through, offering a glimpse into Vienna's past as a thriving hub of the Habsburg Empire.

Vienna is also known for its thriving music scene, with a rich history that has produced some of the world's most renowned composers, including Mozart, Beethoven, and Johann Strauss. The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra is world-renowned, and the city hosts numerous musical events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Vienna Opera Ball and the Vienna Jazz Festival.

When it comes to leisure activities, Vienna offers a range of options to suit all tastes. The city's green spaces provide a peaceful escape, with the Vienna Woods offering hiking and cycling trails, and the Danube Island providing a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports during the summer months. For those seeking a more relaxed pace, Vienna's coffee house culture invites visitors to linger over a cup of coffee and a slice of delicious cake. The city is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with bars, clubs, and live music venues offering something for everyone.

Foodies will also relish the opportunity to explore Vienna's culinary scene, which offers a delightful mix of traditional Austrian dishes and international cuisine. From cosy taverns serving hearty fare to upscale restaurants showcasing innovative gastronomic experiences, there is something to tantalise every taste bud. The city also boasts a thriving street food scene and a diverse range of international supermarkets, reflecting its multicultural population.

Overall, Vienna offers a wealth of cultural and leisure opportunities that are sure to enrich the lives of those who call it home. Whether you're an art aficionado, a history buff, a music enthusiast, or a nature lover, Vienna has something to captivate and inspire you.

Work and visas

If you are a citizen of a country within the EU/EEA, you will not need a visa to enter and reside in Austria for up to 90 days per 180 days. However, if you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a registration certificate and prove you have adequate means of subsistence or are attending an educational institution. After five continuous years of residence, you can apply for a long-term residence certificate.

If you are not an EU/EEA citizen, you are considered a national of a third country and will need a residence permit to stay in Austria. The best option to obtain permanent residence in Austria is to apply for a Red-White-Red Card. This card facilitates the immigration of qualified workers and their families, with the prospect of permanent settlement. Cards are issued for a period of up to 24 months and entitle the holder to settlement and employment with a specified employer. To be eligible, you must score more than 70 points on a points-based scheme by the Austrian authority's scale. Under this system, you score different amounts of points for things like your professional qualifications, work experience, and your ability to speak German.

If you do not yet have a job offer, you can come to Austria to look for work for six months on a Job-Seeker Visa. You may apply for a Red-White-Red Card if you receive an employment offer during this period.

For shorter stays, you can obtain a travel visa (Visa C) (Schengen visa) for a maximum of 90 days within six months or a residence visa (Visa D) for stays of between 91 days and six months. In some cases, a D visa with a validity period of up to 12 months may also be issued.

If you are a US citizen, you can stay in Austria for up to 90 days without a visa. However, if you intend to remain in Austria for longer than 90 days or wish to be employed in Austria, you must obtain an Austrian visa. You can apply for such a visa at an Austrian Embassy or Consulate General before travelling to Austria or in Austria before your 90-day stay has expired.

It is important to note that the application does not automatically prolong the right of stay beyond the allowed 90 days if the processing of the residence permit takes longer.

Frequently asked questions