Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to Austria is a dream: high salaries, clean and safe cities, impeccable public transport, mountains within reach, and a renowned healthcare system. But behind this postcard image lies a budgetary reality best analyzed coldly before packing your bags. The cost of living in Austria for expats is generally high, often higher than in France, even if more generous salaries and efficient public services partially offset the bill.
This overview is based on recent official sources (Statistik Austria, OeNB, OECD, etc.) to break down essential spending categories: housing, food, transportation, healthcare, education, and taxes. It also includes so-called ‘hidden’ costs and regional disparities, enabling future expats to establish a realistic budget for daily life in Austria.
Understanding the Economic Context and Purchasing Power
Austria belongs to the club of most expensive European countries. According to various cost of living indices, the general price level exceeds that of France by around 4 to 13%, with a consensus around an additional ten percent for a comparable basket of goods. Inflation, very high in 2022–2023, has eased, but rents, energy, and dining out continue to push the budget upward.
The average gross annual salary in Austria is about €52,000, resulting in a monthly net income between €2,500 and over €3,000.
However, this must be nuanced: some local purchasing power indicators give a slight advantage to France, with a difference of around 3% in favor of the French. The reality depends heavily on the sector (engineering, IT, and industry are better off), the city (Vienna is not Graz), and lifestyle. But for a skilled expat, the equation “high cost of living + high salaries” remains, overall, positive.
To better understand Austria’s geographic position and context, it is useful to compare it to its direct neighbors, such as Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
| Neighboring Country | Price Level vs. Austria | Summary Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | ≈ +44% | Significantly more expensive |
| Germany | ≈ -7% | Cheaper on average |
| Italy | ≈ -18% | More affordable, especially outside big cities |
| Slovenia | ≈ -25% | Noticeably cheaper |
| Czech Republic | ≈ -28% | Very noticeably cheaper |
| Slovakia | ≈ -31% | Clearly cheaper |
| Hungary | ≈ -40% | Much cheaper |
In other words, Austria ranks in the upper tier of European prices, but remains far behind Switzerland in terms of costliness. It is a “pricey but not insane” country, where the quality of infrastructure, healthcare, and education factors into the balance.
Housing: The Line Item That Makes or Breaks a Budget
For any expat, this is the number one budget line. In Austria, housing can easily absorb half of net income in major cities, even more for students or young professionals.
A Tight Market in Vienna, More Breathable Elsewhere
Official data indicate a national average rent (including utilities) of around €663 per dwelling in the first quarter of 2025, or about €10/m². However, this average masks significant disparities. Vienna exceeds €19/m² on average, making it by far the most expensive city in the country, while smaller towns and rural areas remain much more affordable.
The following table illustrates typical monthly rent ranges for different types of housing across the country.
| Location / Type of Housing (2025) | Shared Room | Studio | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vienna – Center | ≈ €450 | ≈ €600 | ≈ €700 | ≈ €1,035 |
| Vienna – Suburbs | ≈ €350 | ≈ €500 | ≈ €580 | ≈ €753 |
| Graz | ≈ €330 | ≈ €520 | ≈ €600 | ≈ €749 |
| Linz | ≈ €300 | ≈ €480 | ≈ €550 | ≈ €679 |
| Small town | ≈ €250 | ≈ €400 | ≈ €500 | ≈ €600 |
| Rural area | ≈ €200 | ≈ €300 | ≈ €350 | ≈ €400 |
For expats targeting urban centers, the picture is clear: studios and small apartments have the highest rents per square meter, as they are in high demand among students and young professionals. A shared apartment (“Wohngemeinschaft” or WG) is often the most economical solution to enter the market.
The median monthly rent for a studio in Vienna’s city center is about €900.
Security Deposits, Additional Fees, and Contracts
Beyond the listed rent, you must factor in the array of costs inherent to any Austrian rental. Standard practice requires a security deposit (“Kaution”) equivalent to 2 or 3 months’ rent, refunded upon departure if the property is in good condition. Additionally, agency fees can amount to one month’s rent, although reforms have begun to regulate these practices.
Utilities fees (“Betriebskosten”) average around €165 per month, roughly 30% of the total rent plus utilities. They cover items like building maintenance, elevator, sometimes a laundry room, common areas, and waste disposal. Contracts may also list “special costs” for certain equipment.
In many regions, most apartments are rented unfurnished, sometimes without a fitted kitchen; the cost of furnishing (and a full kitchen) must therefore be anticipated. Leases are often signed for 3 years, with a standard notice period of 3 months. Flexibility is thus limited, especially for those unsure of staying.
Role of the Legal Framework and Social Housing
The Austrian rental market is governed by the Tenancy Law (“Mietrechtsgesetz”, MRG), which applies fully, partially, or not at all depending on the type and age of the building. This system limits rent increases for some older housing, while new constructions are largely exempt.
A reform caps annual increases at 5% for certain indexed leases, smoothed over several years. However, for an expat in a recent private rental, the initial adjustment to “market price” can still be high, limiting the effect of these safeguards.
Vienna is a unique case with a massive stock of social housing and dwellings managed by cooperatives. For those who meet the criteria (income, length of residence, sometimes nationality or status), rents can be significantly below market rates, but access is selective and rarely immediate for a newcomer.
Homeownership: A Costly Dream
Buying in Austria is a long-term project. National average prices hover around €4,790/m², with staggering regional differences. In Vienna, it is not uncommon to see per-square-meter prices in the city center between €5,800 and €15,000, and between €3,386 and €8,000 in more peripheral districts. Salzburg follows a similar trajectory, with prices generally ranging from €4,500 to €8,700/m².
In practice, an expat not planning a long-term stay is better off remaining a tenant, unless their professional and personal situation is very stable.
Food: A Slightly Pricier Basket Than in France
On the food front, Austria sits in the upper European average, while remaining affordable relative to salaries. Price data indicate a grocery basket about 5 to 10% more expensive than in France, and roughly 10% above the European Union average. Differences remain moderate compared to Nordic countries, for example.
Products that “pull” the cost upward include bread, dairy products, and meat, while fruits and vegetables, often local, are at a comparable or sometimes lower price level than in France.
A few average prices collected in major Austrian cities to help you prepare your budget.
Average price per night: about €80-120.
Average price for a meal (without drink): about €15-25.
Average price for a city ticket: about €2.50.
Average price in a café: about €3.50.
| Product (approx. 2025) | Average Approximate Price |
|---|---|
| 1 L of milk | ≈ €1.45–1.51 |
| White bread 500 g | ≈ €2.50–2.64 |
| 1 kg of rice | ≈ €2.30–2.50 |
| 12 eggs | ≈ €4.00–4.30 |
| 1 kg of local cheese | ≈ €16–19 |
| 1 kg of chicken breast | ≈ €12.9–13.2 |
| 1 kg of beef | ≈ €19.5–21 |
| 1 kg of apples | ≈ €2.5–2.7 |
| 1 kg of tomatoes | ≈ €3.8–4.1 |
| 1 kg of potatoes | ≈ €1.9–2.0 |
| Bottle of water 1.5 L | ≈ €0.73–0.82 |
| Pack of cigarettes | ≈ €6.3–6.5 |
A single adult typically spends between €350 and €400 per month on food, an amount that rises to €600–1,000 for a family of four. This budget obviously depends on using discount stores (Lidl, Hofer/Aldi, Spar, etc.), consumption of organic or imported products, and the frequency of meals eaten out.
Eating Out: A Pleasure That Remains Reasonable
Dining out is slightly more expensive than in France (about +6% according to some comparisons), but remains generally affordable. Lunch at a modest local restaurant runs around €15, a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant typically costs €45 to €80, and a fast-food combo (McDonald’s) is about €10.
Drink prices in Vienna are reasonable. A cappuccino averages between €3.6 and €4.1, a local draft beer (0.5 L) is around €4.8 to €5, and a bottle of entry-level wine is available from €6 to €7.5. For an authentic experience in the famous historic Viennese cafés, expect a slight premium for the setting and unique atmosphere.
For an expat on a tight budget, the strategy of cooking at home during the week and reserving dining out for weekends helps manage this category without complete deprivation.
Transportation: A Real Strong Point for the Budget
If there is one area where Austria pleasantly surprises, it is public transportation. In particular, Vienna offers especially competitive fares relative to the quality of service.
Urban Transit: Vienna, a Model Case
The Vienna network (Wiener Linien) combines subway, tram, bus, and suburban trains with seamless fare integration. The annual city pass costs about €365, or €1 per day for unlimited travel within the capital. This is one of the best value-for-money offerings in Europe.
The main fare benchmarks are as follows:
| Transport Ticket in Vienna | Indicative Price |
|---|---|
| Single ticket | ≈ €2.40 |
| Monthly pass | ≈ €51 |
| Annual pass (Wiener Linien) | €365 |
| Klimaticket Österreich (national, annual) | €1,179 → €1,300 (from August 2025) |
Public transport subscriptions are 30 to 40% cheaper than in France, while the service is dense and punctual. For an urban expat, giving up a personal car is therefore often economically rational.
Intercity Transport and Motorway Vignette
For travel across the country, the “Klimaticket Österreich” allows, with a single annual subscription, use of trains, buses, and trams on virtually the entire national network. Its cost was raised from €1,179 to €1,300 in 2025, amid fare increases linked to network modernization.
To drive on Austrian motorways, a vignette is mandatory. It is available for various durations (1 day, 10 days, 2 months, 1 year), with an annual cost of about €103.80 (rising to €106.80). Additional tolls apply on certain specific sections such as tunnels, passes, or Alpine segments, with rates generally ranging between €9 and €18.50 per passage.
Fuel is slightly cheaper than in France, with a liter of gasoline around €1.50–1.60, roughly 5% less. A taxi charges about €4.90 for pickup and then €1.6–2.0 per kilometer. These costs, combined with often expensive parking in city centers, reinforce the appeal of using public transport exclusively, supplemented if needed by cycling or car-sharing.
Healthcare and Health Insurance: A Solid Public System
The question of healthcare costs rightly concerns expats. In Austria, the situation is rather reassuring: the country has a near-universal health insurance system, among the best-ranked in Europe, based on solidarity and shared funding between the state and social security funds.
Mandatory Health Insurance and the e-Card
Anyone residing in Austria must be covered by public health insurance. Employees are automatically enrolled by their employer in the competent regional fund (now consolidated under the ÖGK), while the self-employed register with the SVS. Contributions are deducted directly from gross salary, integrated into social charges.
Access to care is via an electronic card, the “e-Card,” which you present at contracted doctors and hospitals. This card costs about €10.55 per year for insured persons for its technical funding. A visit to a contracted general practitioner is free when you show your e-Card: no direct payment is required for these basic services.
The scope of covered care is broad: general and specialist medicine, hospitalizations, emergency care, prescription medications, maternity, a portion of dental care and ophthalmology, as well as preventive exams.
Out-of-Pocket Costs: Medications, Dentist, Private Care
Where costs reappear in the budget is on certain specific items. At pharmacies, the general rule is a fixed co-payment of €6.85 per reimbursable medication. Some treatments are fully covered in cases of contagious diseases or low income, but the standard expat must factor in this deductible.
In dentistry, conservative and surgical care is generally covered, but orthodontics and prosthetics (implants, crowns, etc.) are often poorly reimbursed: the patient’s share can reach 25 to 50% of the bill, sometimes more for complex work.
Austria also distinguishes between contracted doctors and “private” doctors (non-contracted). A visit to a private doctor typically costs between €50 and €100 for a general practitioner, and €100 to €200 for a specialist. Public insurance may reimburse up to about 80% of the rate that would have been applied by a contracted practitioner, sometimes leaving a significant out-of-pocket amount for those who prefer this route.
This is the average cost of a childbirth in a private clinic, before reimbursements.
Value of Private and International Insurance
Many expats supplement public coverage with private or international health insurance. Reasons cited include faster access to certain specialists, the ability to see any doctor (contracted or not), better dental and optical reimbursement, and coverage for private hospital rooms.
International insurance premiums vary greatly depending on age, nationality, coverage level, and geographic scope. One contract cited in the data starts around €87 per month for an expat over 30 and their dependents, with worldwide coverage including Austria and, for example, France.
In practice, for a salaried expat, the cost of healthcare in the current budget is relatively manageable, especially since contributions are already deducted from gross pay and largely covered by the employer. For the self-employed, however, it is prudent to anticipate several hundred euros per month in contributions, possibly supplemented by a private plan.
Childcare, Schools, and Studies: A Highly Variable Category
The cost of living in Austria for expat families depends heavily on school and childcare choices. The good news is that public Austrian schools are free and of good quality. The less good news is that they are essentially German-speaking, which drives many international families toward private or international schools, which are much more costly.
Nurseries, Kindergartens, and After-School Care
Early childhood care is mainly managed at the municipal level, explaining the extreme diversity of fees between regions and even neighborhoods. In Vienna, subsidized spots exist but are limited. Depending on parental income, number of children, and type of facility (public or private), you can pay between €50 and €400 per month for a spot in a subsidized nursery or kindergarten.
Average monthly cost of a private kindergarten in France, according to national data.
An expat with a young child in Vienna could therefore, depending on their situation, face a very modest monthly childcare bill… or on the contrary, higher than the rent, if they opt for a high-end, lightly subsidized private facility.
Public, Private, and International Schools
From age 6, compulsory education takes place in public schools, which are free and enjoy a good reputation, particularly for their inclusive approach. Children who do not speak German can directly join a class and typically have one year to reach a sufficient language level before being fully assessed.
To maintain a French, Anglo-Saxon, or international curriculum, several options exist, mainly in Vienna and Salzburg. These schools offer American, British, French, or International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. Annual tuition fees generally range between €5,000 and €25,000, and can be higher in the most selective institutions.
“Classic” private schools (religious, Montessori, Waldorf, etc.) have more moderate fees, around €3,000 to €15,000 per year, with large differences depending on reputation. Some religious schools remain relatively affordable, between €80 and €480 per month, whereas a full international high school can climb to €30,000–60,000 per year in the most exclusive cases.
A concrete example: the Lycée Français de Vienne charges registration fees of about €700 and annual tuition around €6,700 for secondary levels, to which several thousand euros in additional costs may be added (cafeteria, transportation, field trips, etc.).
For higher education, Austria remains very competitive: students from the European Economic Area are often exempt from tuition fees at public universities. Non-EU students must pay about €726.72 per semester, plus a student union contribution (ÖH-Beitrag) of about €24.70. Private universities, on the other hand, can charge up to €25,000 per year.
Taxes and Contributions: What You Lose on One Side…
The Austrian tax system is progressive and relatively heavy on middle and high incomes, but it funds in return a set of social benefits and public services of a good standard.
Income Tax Brackets
Income tax (“Einkommensteuer“) is based on a progressive bracket system. Various sources converge on the following approximate ranges:
– 0% rate up to about €11,000–12,000 in annual income.
– 20% rate on the next bracket (up to about €18–19,000 or €25,000 depending on reforms).
– 30% rate on the middle bracket (up to €31,000–60,000 approx.).
– Higher brackets at 40%, with a 48% rate above €60,000–90,000.
– 50% rate for incomes between about €90,000 and €1 million.
– Marginal rate of 55% for the portion of income exceeding €1 million.
For employees, income tax (Lohnsteuer) is deducted directly at source from their salary. Self-employed workers, on the other hand, must make quarterly advance payments and file an annual tax return.
The system includes numerous deductions and credits, particularly for commuting costs, a portion of telework expenses, certain training, or public transport subscriptions (up to 50% of the cost may be deductible in some cases).
Social Security Contributions
In addition to these direct taxes are social security contributions that fund health, pension, unemployment insurance, workplace accidents… The employee share is around 18% of gross salary, and the employer share around 21%. The exact rate depends on status and base, but for an employee, total deductions (tax + contributions) can absorb 40 to 45% of gross income.
The pension contribution rate for the self-employed can reach nearly 23%.
VAT and Indirect Taxes
The standard VAT is 20%, with reduced rates of 10% (notably on food products, some services, rents) and 13% for certain activities (culture, leisure). On electricity, gas, or water, indirect taxation also impacts the final bill. For expats, this mainly translates to the impression that certain energy bills or everyday products are more heavily taxed than in France, although details vary by category.
Finally, there are specific taxes: church tax for members, dog tax in some municipalities, vehicle taxes, real estate transfer taxes, which can temporarily increase the budget.
Sample Budgets: How Much to Plan Based on Your Profile?
Aggregated data allow us to outline indicative monthly budgets for different expat profiles. These amounts generally include housing, food, transportation, communications, leisure, and a portion of family costs.
| Expat Profile (Large City) | Estimated Monthly Budget | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Student (Vienna, EU/EEA) | €950–1,300 | Shared apartment or dorm room, frugal lifestyle |
| Single young professional | €1,500–2,000 | Studio or small apartment, moderate outings |
| Single in city center “full throttle” | ≈ €1,950 | About €1,150 housing + €375 food + rest |
| Couple without children | ≈ €3,200 | Rent/utilities ≈ €1,600, food ≈ €750 |
| Family with 2 children | €3,800–4,000 (comfortable) | Rent/utilities ≈ €2,000, food ≈ €1,000 |
| Family of 4 in large city center | ≈ €5,285–5,700 | Comfortable standard of living in central Vienna |
These figures do not necessarily account for high tuition fees for an international school or high-end private insurance. They rather assume a reasonable trade-off between quality of life and budget control.
Telecommunications, Energy, and “Small” Costs That Add Up
In daily life, many small items attach to the main budget: internet subscription, mobile plan, TV license fee, home insurance, banking, winter equipment, etc. Individually trivial, these categories can represent several hundred euros per year.
A high-speed internet plan (50–100 Mb/s with unlimited data) runs around €30–35 per month. A mobile plan with calls and at least 10 GB of data averages €14–18 excluding promotional offers. To this is added the TV license fee (ORF-Beitrag), which is about €15.30 per month and applies to every household.
Monthly energy costs for an 80–85 m² apartment, including electricity, heating, water, and waste.
Insurance (home, liability, possibly supplementary health or school insurance) and banking fees round out the picture. In a finely tuned budget, these “extras” can amount to an additional €100 to €200 monthly.
Leisure, Clothing, and Vacations: Generally Reasonable Prices
One of the advantages of life in Austria is its accessible and abundant leisure activities. Museums, concerts, outdoor excursions, and winter sports are everywhere, and prices overall remain lower than in France for equivalent services.
The average monthly cost of a gym membership, compared to other leisure activities like cinema or skiing.
For clothing, prices are close to those in France, sometimes with a slight advantage to Austrian brands: a pair of international brand jeans costs about €80–90, a pair of sports sneakers around €90–94, leather dress shoes between €120 and €135.
Finally, for expats who receive family visits or travel within the country, the tourist budget should be factored in. A minimum budget of €138 per day per person is estimated for a couple staying in a 3-star hotel with two meals and transport. Hotels are, on average, 26% more expensive than in France, but apartment rentals or guesthouses can help reduce the bill.
Mental Health of the Budget: Is Austria Worth the Expense for an Expat?
Cross-referencing all these elements, the budgetary picture that emerges is that of a generally expensive country, but consistent: high but regulated rents, inexpensive and efficient public transportation, a solid public health system, free but not very international public education, and childcare and private schools that can blow up the family budget.
For a single expat or a childless couple, especially in well-paid sectors (engineering, IT, management, healthcare…), the situation remains advantageous. Salaries, 20 to 25% higher than in France, combined with efficient public services, often allow a better quality of life at the same expense. However, it is crucial not to underestimate the cost of housing in the tightest cities.
For a family, the key lies in trade-offs: local public school vs. international school, subsidized daycare vs. private bilingual nursery, house in the suburbs vs. apartment in the city center. A household aiming for international schooling for two children, spacious housing in Vienna, and regular leisure activities should target an overall budget well above €4,000 monthly, especially if only one main salary supports the whole.
Despite a high cost of living, Austria offers in return a high level of safety, omnipresent nature, an exemplary transport system, a robust healthcare system, and a pleasant urban environment. For an expat, a livable life is possible with careful budget preparation, comparison of housing and insurance options, and acceptance of compromises like starting with a shared apartment, choosing public school, or forgoing a car.
The decision to move is not just a calculation: but having a realistic projected budget, item by item, allows you to turn a dream of snowy mountains and Viennese cafés into a sustainable life project, without financial surprises.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. We encourage you to consult qualified experts before making any investment, real estate, or expatriation decisions. Although we strive to maintain up-to-date and accurate information, we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the proposed content. As investment and expatriation involve risks, we disclaim any liability for potential losses or damages arising from the use of this site. Your use of this site confirms your acceptance of these terms and your understanding of the associated risks.
Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
