Lexi Webster
Austria is a country with a relatively high income, and it has been ranked as the fourth most expensive country in the eurozone. The cost of living in Austria varies from city to city, with Vienna and Innsbruck being the most expensive, and Graz and Klagenfurt being more affordable. Accommodation is a significant factor in travel expenses, with prices for hotels and rentals ranging from €30 to €150 per night. Daily travel costs in Austria can also be high, with public transport costing around €7-€10 per day and food costing €20-€30 per day. Cultural experiences can also be expensive, with tickets to the Vienna State Opera ranging from €50 to over €200. However, there are ways to save money in Austria, such as by using budget-friendly public transportation and taking advantage of free entry days at museums and galleries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Inflation | High |
| Public Transport | Expensive |
| Accommodation | Expensive |
| Food | Expensive |
| Entertainment | Attending a performance at the Vienna State Opera can range from €50 for standard tickets to over €200 for premium seats. |
| Healthcare | Social security pays for about 45% of total healthcare costs in Austria. |
| Utilities | Calculated based on the size of the home rather than the resources consumed. |
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What You'll Learn
High inflation rates
Austria's high inflation rates have contributed to the country's high cost of living. While Austria has experienced lower inflation than Germany in recent years, the price gap between the two countries remains significant. For example, food prices in Germany were up to 5% cheaper than in Austria around the time of its accession to the EU.
The cost of living in Austria varies from city to city, with Vienna and Innsbruck being the most expensive, while Graz and Klagenfurt are more affordable. Vienna, the capital city, offers a rich cultural experience and is more expensive than smaller cities, but its cost of living is still lower than other major European cities.
Housing in Austria tends to be expensive, particularly in terms of the space you get for your money. However, housing in Austria is more affordable than in neighbouring countries like Germany and France. Vienna, for instance, has excellent public housing options, with about 60% of residents living in social housing.
Utilities in Austria are calculated based on the size of the home rather than resource consumption, which can impact overall expenses. Additionally, grocery shopping provides a range of options, with supermarkets like Spar, Lidl, and Merkur offering various products. Eating out in Austria typically costs between 12 and 50 EUR, depending on the restaurant.
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Cost of accommodation
The cost of living in Austria varies from city to city, but accommodation can be expensive, especially if you want to buy property. Vienna and Innsbruck are consistently ranked as the most expensive cities in Austria for accommodation. In Vienna, the average housing space per residence is 38 square meters (409 square feet), while the average number of residents per apartment is 2.05, making the average apartment size approximately 77.9 square meters (839 square feet).
There are excellent public housing options in Vienna, with about 60% of residents living in social housing. You can apply for public housing if your income is up to 48,400 EUR (53,225 USD).
For travellers, budget hotels in Austria start from €50 per night, mid-range hotels average €100-€150 per night, and luxury hotels offer different levels of luxury at higher prices. Holiday Swap is an innovative solution for affordable vacation rentals, typically ranging from €30 to €60 per night.
While Austria's accommodation prices might be high compared to the space you get, they are more affordable than in neighbouring countries like Germany and France. Graz and Klagenfurt are among the most affordable cities in Austria for accommodation.
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Cost of public transport
Austria's efficient public transport system, including buses, city trains, and trams, offers various ticket prices. The cost of public transport in Austria can vary depending on the mode of transport, distance travelled, and whether you have a city card or pass.
On average, public transport costs around €7-€10 per day using city cards or passes. For example, the average return train ticket costs around €20-€40, making train travel accessible for budget-conscious travellers. However, some have noted that train tickets between cities can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from €40-€50, or even up to €80 for last-minute bookings. To save money, it is recommended to book train tickets in advance, as prices tend to be lower. Additionally, discounts are available for certain groups, such as students and seniors, and some transport providers offer loyalty programs or passes that provide unlimited travel for a fixed period.
When it comes to long-distance travel, Austria's train system is known for its comfort and efficiency. The country's high-quality roads and well-maintained infrastructure contribute to a comfortable and safe travel experience. However, it is worth noting that regional trains tend to be slower than those in neighbouring countries.
In terms of urban transport, Vienna, the capital city, boasts a metro system, while other major cities offer buses and trams. These options provide convenient and affordable intra-city travel, allowing visitors to explore the charming streets and attractions of Austria's urban centres.
Overall, while public transport in Austria may be more expensive than in some other countries, the country's well-developed infrastructure and variety of ticket options make it a convenient and accessible choice for both locals and visitors.
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Cost of food and groceries
The cost of living in Austria is, on average, 2.8% higher than in the United States, and groceries are a significant contributor to this. The average daily cost for food in Austria is about $67 (€62) per person. However, this can vary depending on your taste in restaurants, travel habits, and menu choices. For instance, backpackers and budget travellers tend to opt for affordable restaurants or fast-food spots, whereas those with a higher budget might prefer fine dining.
When it comes to dining out, breakfast, lunch, and dinner prices vary, but dinner is usually the most expensive. The price of a meal also depends on the type of restaurant and your order. A good way to save money when travelling with children is to look for eateries with children's menus, as these meals are typically more affordable. Many hotels include breakfast in the room price, but some charge an extra fee, so it's worth checking this in advance.
Groceries are harder to compare as everyone buys different things, but here are some examples of food and drink prices in Austria. A glass of wine in a pub will be roughly the same price as a beer, about €3.20 for 500ml. A cocktail, however, will cost you about €11 on average. A can of imported beer (330ml) will cost between €1 and €1.20, whereas a can of local beer (500ml) will be about €0.50.
Other grocery prices in Austria include cigarettes, with a pack of Marlboros costing around €5.30 and other brands averaging about €5.50. A pair of jeans (e.g., Levi's 501) will set you back about €75, and a summer dress from Zara or H&M will cost around €38. Finally, a pair of Nike or Adidas shoes will cost roughly €89, while a pair of nice leather business shoes will be about €98.
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Cost of cultural experiences
Austria is a country with a rich cultural history, offering a wide range of cultural experiences. While some of these can be expensive, many museums and galleries offer days with free entry or reduced ticket prices. For instance, a standard ticket to the Vienna State Opera can cost around €50, while premium seats can cost over €200.
The capital city of Vienna is more expensive than smaller cities, but the cost of living is still cheaper than other major cities in Europe. Vienna is also known for its excellent cultural offerings, including classical music epitomised by composers like Mozart and Strauss, art galleries, and historical architecture.
Travelling between cities in Austria can be quite expensive. Train tickets between two cities can cost between €40 and €80 if you don't book in advance. However, there are ways to save money on train travel, such as purchasing a Vorteilscard, which offers a 50% discount on all trains and costs €66 for those over 26 and €19 for those under. Additionally, those under 26 can purchase a Summer Ticket on top of the Vorteilscard for unlimited travel for one month, costing between €39 and €59 depending on age.
Accommodation in Austria can also be expensive, especially in cities like Vienna and Innsbruck, which are consistently ranked as the most expensive in the country. However, there are budget-friendly options available, such as Holiday Swap, which offers vacation rentals ranging from €30 to €60 per night. Budget hotels can also be found starting at around €50 per night, while mid-range hotels average €100-€150 per night.
Dining out in Austria can vary in cost, with prices depending on the restaurant. A meal typically costs between €12 and €50, while a daily budget for meals can range from €20 to €30 per person.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria is ranked as the 18th most expensive country to live in worldwide. While inflation in Austria remains high, other EU countries have managed to curb the rising cost of living.
Austria is cheaper than neighbouring Switzerland, which is ranked as the most expensive country in Europe. Austria is also more affordable than France, with housing options over 10% cheaper than in neighbouring Germany.
Vienna and Innsbruck are consistently ranked as the most expensive cities in Austria. However, Vienna offers excellent public housing, with about 60% of residents living in social housing.
Accommodation is a significant factor in travel expenses. Holiday Swap offers vacation rentals ranging from €30 to €60 per night. Public transport is also affordable, with average return train tickets costing €20-€40. Many museums and galleries offer days with free entry or reduced ticket prices.
