Living Costs In Vienna, Austria: An Expat's Guide

what does it cost to live in vienna austria

Vienna, Austria, is considered one of the most liveable cities in the world, but what does it cost to live there? In this guide, we will break down the costs of living in Vienna, including rent, food, transportation, and more. We will also compare the costs to other major cities around the world. Additionally, we will explore the salaries in Vienna and how they compare to the cost of living. Finally, we will discuss some of the cultural aspects of living in Vienna and Austria as a whole, and how that may impact your experience as an expat.

Characteristics Values
Average cost of living per person €1604-€1706 per month
Average room rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre €862.51
Average monthly salary €3800
Average net salary €3100
Average salary to live comfortably €1580-€2820
Average salary €1900
Cost of living for a couple €1185-€3230
Cost of living for a family of four €2370-€6460 or €3899
Cost of living for a student €700-€1000
Ranked in the world for cost of living 108th

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Average monthly cost of living

Vienna, Austria's capital, is known for its excellent infrastructure and amenities. It has been consistently ranked as the world's most liveable city by the EIU's Global Liveability Index. The city boasts high safety levels, convenient transport connectivity, and comprehensive healthcare options.

The average cost of living per person in Vienna is around €1,604 per month for a single person, €700–€1,000 for a student, and €3,899 for a family of four. Living expenses in Vienna range from €1,600 to €3,000 per month, covering rent, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses. The average room rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can cost around €862.51.

Vienna offers a perfect blend of culture, safety, and affordability for students. The city has a rich history and cultural legacy and is renowned as the "City of Music", having been home to legendary composers like Mozart and Beethoven. Grocery prices are relatively high, but the city's competitive salaries often make overall expenses manageable. To save on food expenses, consider shopping at discount supermarkets like Spar and Billa, which offer student discounts, or at local markets, which offer fresh produce at affordable prices.

The cost of living in Vienna for a couple ranges from €1,185 to €3,230. A minimum of €1,580–€2,820 may be required to cover basic living expenses, including housing, food, and transportation, along with additional essentials. The average monthly salary in Austria is around €3,800, which is approximately €45,600 annually.

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Rent prices

Vienna, Austria's capital, is known for its excellent infrastructure and amenities. It has been consistently ranked as the world's most liveable city by the EIU's Global Liveability Index. The city offers its residents high safety levels, convenient transport connectivity, and comprehensive healthcare options.

The average cost of living per person in Vienna is €1706 per month. The average room rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can cost around €862.51. Rent prices vary depending on the neighbourhood.

For students, Vienna offers a perfect blend of culture, safety, and affordability. With vibrant cities like Graz, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, Austria stands out as an economical choice compared to its European counterparts. Housing expenses are significantly lower, making it feasible to find affordable accommodation without compromising quality. Student discounts are available on transportation and supermarkets like Spar and Billa. Students can also dine out along Vienna's Naschmarkt, managing their food expenses economically.

For a single working professional, a minimum of €1580-€2820 may be required to cover basic living expenses, including housing, food, and transportation, along with additional essentials. On the other hand, a family of four may require a budget of €2370-€6460 for a comfortable lifestyle.

It is important to note that the cost of living in Austria is 1.67 times more expensive than the world average, and 32% cheaper than Australia's.

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Salary expectations

The salary you can expect to earn in Vienna, Austria, will depend on your profession, qualifications, and experience. However, several sources indicate that salaries in Vienna are surprisingly high and often make up for the high cost of living.

According to SalaryExplorer, the average monthly salary in Austria is around €3,800, which amounts to approximately €45,600 annually. This figure is higher than the average net salary in Austria, which is reportedly around €1,900 per month.

For a single working professional in Vienna, a minimum of €1,580-€2,820 may be required to cover basic living expenses, including housing, food, and transportation. The average cost of living per person in Vienna is estimated to be around €1,600–€1,700 per month.

Rent prices in Vienna vary depending on the neighbourhood. The average room rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is approximately €862.51. To save on rent, you may consider shared housing or accommodation in less central locations.

Vienna has a lucrative job market, with some of the largest global companies based in the city. The city also contributes significantly to Austria's job market, providing about a quarter of the total jobs in the country.

If you are a student, you can expect to find affordable accommodation in Vienna, with options such as university dormitories or shared apartments. Supermarkets like Spar and Billa offer student discounts on essentials, and local markets provide fresh produce at affordable prices. Additionally, you can benefit from discounted transport passes and student fares on Vienna's efficient public transportation network. The average cost of living for a student in Austria is estimated to be between €700 and €1,000 per month.

Overall, while the salary you can expect in Vienna will depend on your individual circumstances, the city offers competitive salaries and a high quality of life, with excellent public services, a vibrant international community, and accessible healthcare.

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Student living

Vienna, Austria's capital, is known for its excellent infrastructure, safety, transport connectivity, and comprehensive healthcare. The city is also a hub for education, with two of Austria's top-ranking universities, and has been voted the most liveable city in the world.

The cost of living for students in Vienna is estimated to be between €700 and €1,000 per month, although some sources put the figure at €1,330 or €1,600-€3,000 per month. These estimates include rent, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses, but exclude tuition fees.

Tuition fees vary depending on the university, course, and nationality of the student. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can study for free at public universities, while international students must pay a minimum of €1,500 per year. For non-EU students, tuition fees can range from €726.72 to €7,500 per semester.

Students can save money on transportation by purchasing a semester ticket for €75, which covers all public transport in Vienna. Additionally, supermarkets like Spar and Billa offer student discounts on essentials, and local markets provide affordable fresh produce. Students can also save on rent by opting for shared housing or university dormitories.

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Leisure activities

Vienna, Austria's capital, is known as the "City of Music", having been home to legendary composers like Mozart and Beethoven. It has also been ranked as the world's most livable city for 2024. The cost of leisure activities in Vienna can vary depending on your interests and lifestyle. Here are some estimates for leisure activities in the city:

Transportation

Vienna has an efficient public transportation system, including subways, streetcars, and buses, with reasonable costs. A monthly pass for all public transport costs around €50, and an annual unlimited pass costs €366. Cycling is another affordable option, with the city offering a bike-sharing system starting at €3 per month.

Dining Out and Groceries

Dining out in Vienna can vary in price. A meal at a mid-range restaurant might cost between €20 to €30 per person. Groceries in Vienna are relatively high compared to other cities, with a monthly budget of around €330 recommended for groceries. However, you can find budget-friendly options at stores like Aldi, Lidl, Penny, or Eurospar.

Entertainment

Entertainment costs in Vienna can include cinema tickets, which typically cost around €12. The city also offers a range of museums, some of which have free entry on certain days or discounted tickets for students.

Overall, Vienna offers a high quality of life, with competitive salaries that can make overall expenses manageable. The city provides a range of leisure activities and entertainment options to suit different budgets.

Frequently asked questions

The average salary in Vienna, Austria, varies depending on the source. One source states that the average income in 2021 (calculated in 2022) was €2100 net/month. Another source states that the average salary in Austria was €45k in 2025, while another mentions €47,855 in 2022, which would likely increase to €53,000 in 2024.

The cost of renting in Vienna can vary depending on location and quality. A minimalist 3-bedroom outside of the city center can start at €1600 per month, while a 3-bedroom house close to the city center might be €1200 per month.

Food costs in Austria are the second lowest in the EU. A basic lunchtime meal in the business district costs around €6-€11, while a bottle of wine can be purchased for €7-€11. A four-course tasting menu at a restaurant costs around €80, including a tip. Leisure activities such as a cycling class cost around €18, while a book might cost €22.

Transportation costs in Vienna are relatively low. The annual ticket for public transport in the city costs €365, or €1,179.30 for unlimited travel across all of Austria.

Healthcare costs in Austria are moderate by international standards due to publicly funded healthcare. However, private health insurance can cost around €169 per month.

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