
Austria is a beautiful country nestled in the Alps, offering a high quality of life, a well-developed public transport system, and breathtaking scenery. It is known for its pristine lakes, national parks, Alpine landscapes, and stunning waterfalls. The country is a perfect destination for those who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, swimming, and skiing. Austria also boasts world-class museums, opera houses, theatres, and concerts, as well as stunning architecture, stately churches, and quaint coffee shops. With easy access to other European countries, Austria is an ideal base for exploring the continent. The country offers a safe and stable environment, with a strong international community, making it a welcoming place to live.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Quality of life | Ranked 9th in the world |
| Safety | Safety index of 70, making it one of Europe's safest spots |
| Violent crime per 100,000 people | 0.72 in 2020 |
| Life satisfaction | 82% of people reported more positive experiences in a single day than negative ones |
| Community | 9.7 out of 10 in the OECD quality of life survey |
| Air quality index | 40 |
| Tap water | Drinkable |
| Healthcare | Free |
| Education | High-quality |
| Cost of living | 30% lower than in the US |
| Average monthly salary | €1,700– €2,966 |
| Housing | Affordable compared to the rest of Europe |
| Transport | Well-developed public transport system |
| Travel | Easy access to the rest of Europe |
| Culture | Rich and diverse |
| Nature | Alpine paradise with lakes, national parks, waterfalls |
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What You'll Learn

High quality of life
Austria has one of the highest qualities of life in the world. Its capital, Vienna, has consistently been rated in the top 10 of Mercer's most liveable cities in the past decade. The country's quality of life ranks 9th in the world, with residents enjoying perks like free healthcare, tenant-friendly rights, and free kindergarten. The country also has an air quality index of 40 and drinkable tap water, contributing to the well-being of its citizens.
Austria's strong international community makes it a welcoming place to live. Most major cities have expat groups, some of which may be from your home country. The country is also known for its safety, with a safety index of 70, making it one of Europe's safest spots. Violent crime per 100,000 people was only 0.72 in 2020, compared to 6.52 in the United States.
Austria has a high-quality education system, with nine years of mandatory schooling and various career tracks. The first four years are in elementary school, followed by four years in middle school. After that, students can choose to do one year at a polytechnic school and complete an apprenticeship or continue with secondary education to prepare for university or other higher education. The country also has a well-developed public transport system, with punctual and comfortable trains connecting you to the rest of Europe.
Austria is known for its breathtaking scenery, from pristine lakes and national parks to Alpine landscapes and stunning waterfalls. It is an alpine paradise, with plenty of outdoor activities to offer, such as forest hiking, mountain climbing, swimming in icy lakes, relaxing in thermal baths, camping, and skiing or snowboarding in the winter. The country also experiences distinct seasons, allowing for a diverse range of activities throughout the year.
Austria has a balanced salary-to-living-cost ratio. With an average net salary of €2,966 per month, residents can comfortably cover their expenses. Additionally, everyone employed in Austria is entitled to at least five weeks of paid vacation and 13 bank holidays observed nationwide, with some states having their own regional holidays. This generous holiday schedule allows for more freedom to travel and explore the country and the rest of Europe.
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Safe and stable environment
Austria has one of the highest qualities of life in the world, with its capital, Vienna, consistently rated in the top 10 of Mercer’s most liveable cities. The country is known for its clean environment, clear lakes and rivers, and outstanding air quality. It also offers a wide range of sports and cultural activities, including easy access to world-class museums, opera houses, theatres, and concerts. Austria's stunning architecture, stately churches, and quaint coffee shops also add to its cultural richness.
Austria is a very safe country, with a relatively low violent crime rate. In 2020, the violent crime rate per 100,000 people was 0.72 in Austria, compared to 6.52 in the United States. However, it is important to note that there is an ongoing threat of terrorism in Austria, and it is recommended to remain vigilant in public places and follow the advice of local authorities.
Austria's central location in Europe makes it an ideal gateway to Southeast and Eastern European markets, with easy access to famous landmarks and business hubs such as Prague, Geneva, and Rome. The country is also crisscrossed with high-speed railways, making it convenient and comfortable to travel within Austria and to nearby countries.
Austria offers a stable environment for individuals and businesses alike. It has a well-organized and efficient infrastructure, with a reliable public transportation system. The country also has a business-friendly tax system, and its regulatory and infrastructure environments do not heavily constrain the efficient operation of businesses. Additionally, Austria has a high degree of personal safety, a first-rate healthcare system, and an excellent education system.
The country also prioritizes work-life balance, with businesses generally closing earlier in the evenings and on Sundays. Employees in Austria are entitled to at least five weeks of paid vacation, and the country observes 13 bank holidays nationwide, with some states having additional regional holidays. This generous holiday schedule allows for more freedom to travel and explore.
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Good work-life balance
Austria is a great place to live if you're seeking a healthy work-life balance. The country prioritises leisure time and personal well-being, with a standard work week of 38.5 hours and a legal right to flexible working. This means you can enjoy more free time to explore the country's stunning natural landscapes and engage in outdoor activities.
The Austrian work culture values efficiency, with meetings and decisions kept concise and to the point. This efficiency extends to the country's
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Affordable housing and high-quality real estate
Austria offers high-quality real estate with a 30% lower cost of living than in the US. The national average rent is €390 per month, with the lowest average in Carinthia at €310, and the highest in Vorarlberg at €500. In Vienna, the average real estate price increased by 10% in 2018, and the average rent is €390 per month. However, Vienna also has a high-functioning social housing system, with over 60% of residents living in subsidised housing.
If you're looking to buy a new home, the average price of a new house in Austria is €359,000, with prices varying across different regions. For example, the average in Styria is just over €300,000, while Lower Austria is €338,000. Prices in the countryside are generally cheaper than in cities, and you're more likely to find houses for sale in rural regions or on the outskirts of large cities.
Austria also has one of the highest concentrations of sustainable housing in the world, with over 14,000 passive houses built since 1994. These passive houses are designed to be energy-efficient, comfortable, and affordable, resulting in lower bills and a reduced ecological footprint. The government incentivises the construction industry to use eco-friendly materials and offers low-interest loans for those building passive houses.
Overall, Austria offers a range of affordable housing options, from subsidised social housing to high-quality, sustainable real estate, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a well-rounded, luxurious lifestyle.
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Central location and good public transport
Austria is located in the heart of Europe, with Italy, Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Hungary as its neighbours. This central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the continent. Whether you're looking for a quick weekend getaway or a longer exploration of Europe, Austria's efficient and well-developed transportation system makes getting around a breeze.
Austria boasts an impressive network of high-speed railways, connecting you to nearby countries and making international travel convenient and comfortable. For example, if you live in Vienna, you can reach Bratislava, Slovakia, in just an hour by train. From Bregenz, a 15-minute train ride will take you to Lindau in Germany. And if you reside in Villach, spending a weekend in the enchanting city of Venice, Italy, becomes easily achievable.
Within Austria itself, the public transportation system is also highly efficient and reliable. Major cities like Vienna offer a comprehensive network of buses, trams, and metros, making it easy to navigate your way around. Each city has its own public transport subscriptions, which allow you to save money on your daily commute or exploration of the city. For instance, Vienna's annual public transport pass costs a mere €365, enabling you to travel unlimitedly within the city and its suburbs.
Even in smaller towns, you'll find a dependable bus service that seamlessly connects you to other towns or train stations. The buses are known for their punctuality, ensuring that you can plan your journeys with confidence. This efficient public transportation system not only makes navigating Austria a breeze but also contributes to the country's impressive work-life balance, as commute times remain manageable.
So, if you're seeking a country that offers both a central location for European exploration and a reliable public transportation system for your daily needs, Austria should be at the top of your list. With its combination of high-speed railways and well-connected local transport, you'll be able to easily explore the best of Europe and Austria alike.
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Frequently asked questions
Austria has one of the highest qualities of life in the world, with its capital, Vienna, consistently rated in the top 10 of Mercer’s most livable cities. The country has a high safety index, a well-developed public transport system, and breathtaking scenery.
The cost of living in Austria is relatively high, with Vienna ranked as the 21st most expensive city in the world in 2020. However, it is still about 30% lower than in the US and the average net salary of €2,966 per month means residents can comfortably cover their expenses.
Austria is an alpine paradise, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, mountain climbing, swimming in lakes, skiing, and snowboarding. It is also home to world-class museums, opera houses, theatres, and concerts, as well as stunning architecture, churches, and coffee shops.








































