Living In Austria: How Do Austrians Earn Their Keep?

Austria has a strong economy and stability, which is reflected in its average salary of around €31,407 per year. The country has a high monthly cost of living of €1,500, making it one of the highest in the EU. However, this is manageable with the high-income salaries the country and its industries provide. For a single person, a monthly income ranging from €2,500 to €3,500 can provide a comfortable standard of living in Austria. If you have a family of three, a monthly income between €4,000 and €5,000 is needed for a comfortable life.

Austria has a well-developed public transport system, with trains, buses, trams, and metros. The country also has a free public education system, with around 90% of Austrian children attending these schools. The country's healthcare system is accessible and affordable, with mandatory contributions of only 7.6% of your Austrian salary. Additionally, support is available for low-income individuals and families through subsidies.

The country's strong economy is reflected in its average salary, and it has a high monthly cost of living. However, this is manageable with the high-income salaries that the country and its industries provide. The country also has a rich cultural heritage and good transportation infrastructure.

Cost of living

Austria has a high monthly cost of living of €1,500, making it one of the highest in the EU. The average monthly living cost for one person is roughly €1,900, but it varies depending on location, lifestyle, and type of housing. Couples can anticipate monthly expenses of approximately €3,100, 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 it quite affordable, especially for full-time workers.

The cost of living in Austria is 6.4% lower than in the United States. Rent in Austria is, on average, 45.6% lower than in the United States.

• A family of four's estimated monthly costs are €4,415 without rent.
• A single person's estimated monthly costs are €1,106.9 without rent.
• A monthly public transport pass costs around €34.
• You should set aside around €330 per month for groceries.
• A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around €12-15.
• A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around €15-25.
• A domestic beer costs around €4.
• A basic utility package (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for a 915 sq ft apartment costs around €347.
• A mobile phone monthly plan with data costs around €20.
• Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) costs around €30.
• A fitness club monthly fee costs around €40.
• A cinema ticket costs around €10.50-15.

Housing Costs

When it comes to housing, Austria offers a range of options, from apartments in the city centre to houses in the suburbs. The cost of rent varies depending on location, size, and amenities. Here are some estimates of housing costs in Austria:

• A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs around €700-1,200 per month.
• A one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costs around €550-900 per month.
• A three-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs around €1,500-2,500 per month.
• A three-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costs around €1,100-1,800 per month.

It's important to note that these estimates can vary depending on the specific location and the condition of the property. Additionally, utility costs can add to the overall housing expenses.

Tips for Saving Money

• Consider living in a more affordable city or in the suburbs and commuting to work.
• Share housing or rent a room in a shared apartment to split the costs of rent and utilities.
• Save on electricity by turning off lights and appliances when not in use.
• Walk or cycle instead of using public transport to save on transport costs.
• Plan meals, create shopping lists, and cook at home instead of ordering takeout.
• Shop at budget-friendly grocery stores like Aldi, Lidl, Penny, or Eurospar.
• Look for second-hand furniture and items at thrift stores, online marketplaces, or Facebook groups.

Employment opportunities

Austria has a strong economy and a high quality of life, with a well-developed public transport system and breathtaking scenery. The country has a high monthly cost of living, but this is manageable with the high-income salaries that the country and industries provide. The average net salary is €2,966 per month, and residents can comfortably cover their expenses while enjoying the country's high quality of life.

The unemployment rate for foreign nationals is 9.1% compared to the national average of 6.3%, largely due to the language barrier. However, there are still employment opportunities for English speakers, particularly in major cities like Vienna or tourist hubs such as Salzburg.

The tech industry is on the rise in Austria, with nearly 3,000 startups across the country. There are also many opportunities in the healthcare sector, as it is accessible and affordable with mandatory contributions of only 7.6% of your salary. The education sector is another viable option, as Austria has world-class and affordable education with many of the highest-ranking universities in the world.

If you are interested in working in Austria, it is recommended to learn German as this will open up more job opportunities. The country has a great work-life balance, with Austrians having around 25 legal vacation days per year, supplemented by 13 public holidays. Parental leave policies are also socially-oriented, with couples eligible for up-to 22 months of leave.

Language barrier

Austria is a popular place for expats and foreign workers, and it is possible to find a job without speaking German. However, learning German is essential to integrate into Austrian society and fully understand the local culture and history.

Overcoming the Language Barrier

While Austria ranks highly on the EF English Proficiency Index, and many Austrians speak English as a second language, German is the national language. Austrians have their own way of speaking German, with a distinct dialect and accent, which can be challenging for expats to understand at first.

• Learn the Language: Although it is possible to get by without speaking German, learning the language will open up more job and social opportunities. Consider taking language courses or finding a language tutor.
• Embrace Mistakes: Don't be afraid to speak what you know, even if you make mistakes. Austrians will appreciate your effort to immerse yourself in their culture.
• Carry a Notebook: Write down unfamiliar words and ask for help with translation from your host family, friends, or language exchange partners.
• Let People Correct You: It may be embarrassing, but it's beneficial to let native speakers correct your mistakes. This will help you improve your German skills.
• Network: Building a network of connections who value your English proficiency can lead to unadvertised job opportunities and referrals. Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Internations, or Meetup can help you connect with other professionals.
• Use Online Platforms: Websites like EURES, Glassdoor, and Indeed offer English-speaking job listings in Austria. These platforms allow you to search by location, industry, or job title.
• Target Specific Industries: Focus your job search on companies that actively hire English speakers, especially in big cities like Vienna and Berlin. International firms and industries like IT, marketing, and education often have a diverse workforce and may only require German for specific roles.
• Highlight English Proficiency: Emphasize your English skills in your resume and applications, as many companies value bilingual employees to cater to international clients.
• Consider Language-Independent Industries: Some industries, like IT and marketing, may have language-independent roles where German is not a strict requirement.
• Understand Residence Permits: Research the requirements for residence and work permits in Austria, as these may impact your job search and employment eligibility.
• Explore English-Friendly Places: Cities like Vienna and Munich offer a wider range of job opportunities for English speakers.
• Inquire About Special Payments: Some companies offer additional compensation to English speakers, so don't be afraid to ask about this during your job search.

By following these strategies, you can enhance your job prospects and successfully navigate the language barrier when living and working in Austria.

Healthcare

Austria has a two-tier healthcare system in which all individuals receive publicly funded care, but they can also opt for supplementary private health insurance. The public healthcare system is universal for Austrian residents and those from other EU countries. Enrollment is automatic and linked to employment, but insurance is also guaranteed for co-insured persons (spouses and dependents), pensioners, students, the disabled, and those receiving unemployment benefits. Enrollment is compulsory, and it is not possible to cross-shop the various social security institutions.

Austria's healthcare system is decentralised and operates similarly to the United States federalism. Each of the nine states and the federal government have legal limitations and roles in their healthcare system. The federal government is responsible for the legislative framework, including the regulation of social health insurance (SHI). SHI funds have operational responsibility for ambulatory and rehabilitative care outside hospitals and outpatient medicines, and they negotiate contracts with providers. The states (Länder) regulate hospital care in their jurisdictions and are mainly responsible for the organisation and financing of inpatient and outpatient care in hospitals.

The system is financed by a mix of general tax revenues and compulsory SHI contributions. Income-related SHI contributions account for about 60% of publicly financed health expenditures, while the remaining 40% comes from general taxation. Contributions are pooled by the Main Association of Austrian Social Security Institutions (HVB) and subsequently allocated to SHI funds for payment of healthcare providers.

The Austrian healthcare system is known for its relatively unrestricted access to all levels of care, including general practitioners, specialists, and hospitals. There is no formal gatekeeping system in place. For ambulatory care, patients can choose between independently practising physicians, group practices, hospital outpatient departments, and outpatient clinics. Patients can also choose between SHI-contracted physicians (45%) and those without a contract (55%).

In-patient care is emphasised within the Austrian healthcare system; Austria has the most acute care discharges per 100 inhabitants in Europe, and the average hospital stay is 6.6 days compared with an EU average of 6. The nation has a relatively high density of hospitals and physicians; in 2011, there were 4.7 physicians per 1000 people, which is slightly greater than the European average.

The cost of public insurance is based on income and is not related to individual medical history or risk factors. All insured persons 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. E-Cards issued after October 2019 contain a photo of the card owner to prevent fraud.

Education

Austria has a well-developed public education system, with around 90% of Austrian children attending public schools. The country also has a number of private secondary schools, which can cost up to €55,000 per year for boarding students and around €35,000 for day students. International primary schools are also available, with fees ranging from €5,000 to €13,000 per year.

Higher Education

Austria is home to some of the world's top universities, including the University of Vienna, the Graz University of Technology, and the University of Klagenfurt. Austrian public universities are free for EU/EEA/Swiss students, while non-EU/EEA/Swiss students pay around €726 per semester for undergraduate degrees and between €727 and €7,500 for postgraduate degrees.

Language Barrier

While English is widely spoken in urban areas, knowledge of German is beneficial for living in Austria and can improve job prospects. Many universities offer German language courses for expats, and there are also online courses available through language academies.

Work-Life Balance

Austrians value a healthy work-life balance and have a strong culture of punctuality. Full-time workers are entitled to around 25 days of paid vacation per year, in addition to 13 public holidays. Parental leave policies are also generous, with couples eligible for up to 22 months of leave. Pension and retirement plans are robust, with consistent social contributions deducted from monthly earnings.

Frequently asked questions