Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Settling in Austria is attracting more and more expats, whether they are mobile executives, families seeking safety and good schools, or digital nomads looking for an excellent quality of life. The country ticks almost all the boxes: an efficient healthcare system, exemplary public transport, very low crime rates, Alpine landscapes, and cities that regularly top quality-of-life rankings.
The choice of neighborhood is crucial and varies by profile. Families prioritize proximity to international schools and parks, while young professionals seek lively, well-connected areas with cafés, coworking spaces, and affordable rents. Each Austrian city has distinct atmospheres depending on the district.
Based on available data on housing, cost of living, the location of foreign communities, and the presence of international schools, we can draw a real map of the most sought-after neighborhoods for expats in Austria—especially in Vienna, but also in Salzburg, Graz, Innsbruck, and Linz.
Vienna, the epicenter for expats and a mosaic of neighborhoods
As the political, economic, and cultural capital, Vienna is home to the largest expat community in the country. Over 43% of its residents are of international origin, around 340,000 people speak English fluently, and the city consistently ranks among the top in global quality-of-life surveys. It is also the most international city and the main employment hub for foreigners, hosting organizations such as the UN, OPEC, and OSCE, along with many regional headquarters of companies.
The city is divided into 23 districts, each with a very different profile. While embassies, NGOs, international schools, and large companies play a key role in the geography of expats, budget and desired lifestyle strongly influence choices.
Central districts: prestige, culture… and sky-high rents
The historic heart, the Innere Stadt (1st district), is unsurprisingly one of the most well-known areas for newcomers. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is Vienna’s political and commercial center, ringed by the Ringstrasse. Here you’ll find the Hofburg, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, the Staatsoper, and the headquarters of major consulting, tech, and pharmaceutical companies. But it is also the most expensive district in the country: prices per square meter can climb as high as €25,000–30,000, with an average close to €19,000–25,000/m² for premium properties. Rental yields are low, making it primarily a market for established wealth.
The expats living here are often diplomats, top executives, or affluent retirees seeking prestige and immediate proximity to institutions. The atmosphere is very safe and pleasantly quiet in the evenings, but also very touristy, and daily life (shopping, neighborhood vibe) can be less practical than elsewhere.
Average price per square meter in Vienna’s 2nd district, Leopoldstadt, much more affordable than in the city center.
Mariahilf (6th) and Neubau (7th) form Vienna’s creative and trendy belt. Mariahilf is structured around Mariahilfer Strasse, a major shopping artery blending shops, theaters, neighborhood schools, and public facilities. Neubau, often compared to a Viennese Brooklyn, is the stronghold of creators, freelancers, and international students, thanks to its cafés, galleries, coworking spaces, and proximity to the MuseumsQuartier. Prices are high but not as extreme as the hyper-center: around €8,000–9,000/m², very popular with young expats who want to live “in the thick of it.”
Josefstadt (8th) and Alsergrund (9th) complete this central, rather bourgeois and student-oriented circle. Close to the University of Vienna and major hospitals, they host a large contingent of foreign students, researchers, and doctors. The neighborhood life, especially around the Servitenviertel in the 9th, appeals to those seeking a chic, quiet yet culturally vibrant environment.
Expat family neighborhoods: greenery, international schools, and large apartments
For families, the number one criterion is often access to international schools. Most of these are concentrated in a few western and northern districts of Vienna. This explains why Währing (18th) and Döbling (19th) consistently top the recommendations for expats with children.
Währing, an upscale residential district, is home to several bilingual schools and international institutions, such as Amadeus International School Vienna or the Vienna Elementary School/Vienna European School. It features villas, stately apartment buildings, large parks (Türkenschanzpark, Pötzleinsdorfer Schlosspark), and a lively neighborhood market (Kutschkermarkt). Demand is high, and prices follow: ranging from €6,300 to over €20,000/m² depending on standards, with an average close to €9,700/m². On the rental side, a family three-bedroom apartment can easily exceed €2,000 per month.
Döbling is a large, green district of Vienna, nestled against the vineyards and the Vienna Woods (Wienerwald). It includes iconic neighborhoods like Grinzing or Nussdorf, famous for their traditional wine taverns (Heuriger) and village-like atmosphere. The district also hosts large villas, upscale residences, and several international school campuses, such as the American International School Vienna and an annex of the Lycée Français. Many expatriate executives, particularly from diplomatic circles and international organizations, choose to live here for its compromise between a quasi-suburban setting and quick access to the city center.
Hietzing (13th), around Schönbrunn Palace, completes this trio of upscale family neighborhoods. It is a “villa paradise,” very green, historically favored by the Viennese bourgeoisie. Expats appreciate the spacious homes, proximity to schools and kindergartens, safety, and environmental quality. Here too, prices reflect this privileged status.
Farther from the center, Donaustadt (22nd) and Floridsdorf (21st) have gained popularity, especially among young families and investors. Donaustadt, the largest district in the city, combines 59% green space, large residential complexes, and new neighborhoods like Seestadt Aspern, a flagship project adding over 11,000 housing units. It also hosts the Vienna International School and the International Christian School of Vienna, prompting many expat families to cross the Danube. Prices remain more reasonable than in the upscale west, while transportation (U2 subway line, urban rail) is efficient.
Floridsdorf has a similar profile: a small-town atmosphere, family homes, strong population growth, and still accessible property values, between €3,500 and €5,000/m², in a context of gradual increase.
“Trendy and affordable” neighborhoods: the magnet for young professionals and digital nomads
Not all expats come with a large corporate package or housing assistance. For young professionals, freelancers, and international students, the challenge is to find a lively, safe, well-connected neighborhood with still bearable rents.
Several districts meet these criteria:
Often cited as a “good deal,” it offers an authentic neighborhood life, cafés and bars frequented by locals, iconic spots like the Filmcasino cinema or Café Rüdigerhof, and significant social diversity. Close to Mariahilf and Wieden, rents here remain gentler than in the 6th and 7th – shared rooms (WG) around €450–600, studios around €1,000. Expats appreciate the “real Vienna” feel, without the tourist veneer.
Margareten (Vienna’s 5th district)
Ottakring (16th) and Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus (15th) embody the ongoing wave of gentrification. Long considered working-class and heavily immigrant districts, they now attract hipsters, artists, and young families. The presence of popular markets like Brunnenmarkt, the Ottakringer brewery, many alternative cafés, and workshops make these areas very lively. In terms of real estate, they remain more affordable than the center, while offering interesting rental yields (above 4% for some studios in Ottakring), which also brings many foreign investors.
Meidling (12th) and Brigittenau (20th) are in a similar dynamic: very well connected to the rest of the city (U-Bahn, tram, S-Bahn), cultural diversity, reasonable rents, and rapid improvement of the urban setting. For an expat looking to keep their housing budget tight while staying close to the heart of Vienna, these are two consistent options.
Safety, daily life, and areas to avoid
Vienna is one of the safest capitals in the world, which also explains its success with international families and retirees. Crime problems remain very low, although some trouble spots are known: the Ringstrasse and major tourist arteries for pickpocketing, Karlsplatz in the evening for drug dealing and use. Overall, the neighborhoods favored by expats – Neubau, Josefstadt, Währing, Döbling, or Saggen and Nonntal in Salzburg, for example – enjoy an excellent safety reputation.
The public transport network (U-Bahn, trams, buses, suburban trains) furthermore makes residential choices more flexible: there is no need to live right next to work or the children’s school to maintain a smooth daily routine. In Vienna, an annual transport pass costs only €365, and a national ticket like the Klimaticket allows travel throughout the country.
Salzburg: Baroque charm and sought-after residential neighborhoods
The second pole of attraction for expats, Salzburg charms with its Baroque heritage, status as Mozart’s birthplace, mountain and lake scenery, and solid economy (tourism, mechanical engineering, electronics, automotive, with brands like Red Bull and Porsche). The city hosts over 52,000 international residents, a high number for a medium-sized agglomeration, and offers a very appreciated quality of life: clean air, safety, cultural infrastructure (over 4,500 events per year, including the prestigious Salzburg Festival), and efficient transport.
Real estate here is expensive: it is one of the most expensive cities in the country, with average rents for a one-bedroom above €1,000 and a price per square meter among the highest in Austria. Expats are therefore spread between the historic center and quieter residential neighborhoods.
Altstadt, Nonntal, Neustadt: the historic core and its extensions
The Altstadt (old town), a UNESCO World Heritage site, concentrates Baroque buildings, iconic landmarks (Hohensalzburg, cathedral, Getreidegasse), hotels, and tourist flows. It is a magnificent but very lively area, with particularly high housing costs. Some single expats or couples without children choose to live here for total immersion, but most families move away quickly.
Located just south of Salzburg’s historic center, the Nonntal neighborhood is often considered an ideal compromise. It combines the city’s architectural charm with a more residential and peaceful atmosphere, while being close to nature. Appreciated by many expats working in higher education or for local companies, it offers quiet streets, good schools, and easy access to the city center on foot or by bike.
On the other side of the Salzach River, Neustadt notably includes the area around Mirabell Palace and its gardens. Well-served, with shops, restaurants, and an always very picturesque setting, this neighborhood attracts expat executives and multinational employees seeking an urban environment without giving up the charm of the old town.
Gneis, Aigen, Parsch, and Taxham: Salzburg’s villa and family districts
For families, it is the more peripheral residential neighborhoods that stand out. Gneis, in the southwest, is known for its 19th-century villas, quiet and leafy streets, and its rather affluent character. Aigen and Parsch, to the east, also form sought-after areas: upscale homes, parks, mountain views, good bus service, and proximity to several schools. For many foreign households settling long-term, these are safe bets.
The Taxham neighborhood, to the west, offers a suburban and green environment close to a rural setting, with quick access to the city center, making it popular with families. For more limited budgets, the districts of Lehen, Liefering, or Itzling offer more accessible rents, despite longer travel times.
Safety, overall excellent, only has real shadows on a few tourist arteries like Getreidegasse, where pickpockets take advantage of the crowds.
Graz: the student and tech capital with very distinctive neighborhoods
Austria’s second-largest city, Graz has seen its popularity explode among expats, especially students and IT professionals. The city, a UNESCO City of Design with a historic center listed as a World Heritage site, combines a milder climate than the rest of the country, a lower cost of living than Vienna, and a large university pool. About a quarter of the population is of foreign origin, and some 50,000 students attend the city’s six universities.
The rental market is more affordable than in the capital, with average rents for a one-bedroom around €700–800, but the gaps between neighborhoods remain pronounced.
Innere Stadt, Lend, Gries: between historic center and creative buzz
Innere Stadt, which encompasses the old town and the Hauptplatz, is the most obvious option for single expats or couples without children. Everything is nearby: shops, restaurants, trams, tourist sites, universities. On the downside, rents are higher, and the tourist density may put some off in the long run.
Just west of the center, Lend is the most artistic and creative neighborhood in Graz, attracting an international and dynamic community.
Home to the famous Kunsthaus, a contemporary art museum nicknamed the “Friendly Alien” for its futuristic architecture.
Animated by its daily market, a lively meeting place for residents and visitors.
Composed of independent cafés, bars, concept stores, and workshops, creating an attractive atmosphere for creatives and freelancers.
Very popular with digital nomads and international students for its lively ambiance and still relatively affordable cost of living.
Gries, south of Lend and near the central station (Hauptbahnhof), is often mentioned for its value for money. A popular, multicultural district, it lacks the refined charm of the Innere Stadt but offers lower rents, while remaining within walking distance or a few tram stops from the center. For expats who travel frequently by train or prioritize budget, it’s a rational option.
Geidorf and St. Leonhard: Graz’s campus and young professional hubs
Two neighborhoods are particularly shaped by the presence of universities: Geidorf, north of the center, around the University of Graz, and St. Leonhard, to the east, near the Technische Universität. Both host a mix of student housing, families, and professors, with plenty of greenery and a very international atmosphere. Student cafés, libraries, bike paths, and parks make them popular sectors for young expats, researchers, and doctoral students.
Rents, driven by student demand, remain reasonable compared to Vienna, but growing pressure is observed, partly due to the rising number of students and the dynamism of the local tech sector.
Andritz, Eggenberg, Mariatrost, Ries: family sanctuaries
For foreign families, Graz offers a series of peripheral neighborhoods that are well-served but quieter. Andritz, in the north, combines nature, single-family homes, small residences, and quick access to the center by tram or bike. Eggenberg, to the west, houses the eponymous castle and many green spaces, with a predominance of small apartment buildings and houses, less than a quarter-hour from the center. These areas appeal to families looking for a good compromise between greenery, price, and services.
More upscale, Mariatrost and Ries position themselves as traditional “villa” neighborhoods, favored by upper-middle and upper classes. Expats are fewer here, but those who settle generally do so long-term: buying a house, enrolling children locally or in bilingual schools like GIBS (Graz International Bilingual School).
In the farther periphery, areas like Straßgang, Liebenau, Puntigam, or Wetzelsdorf attract those who want a house with a garden, a more rural environment, and lower rents, while maintaining city access by tram or bus.
Innsbruck: Alpine city, residential neighborhoods, and satellite villages
Capital of Tyrol nestled in the heart of the Alps, Innsbruck counts nearly 30% international residents and hosts one of the strongest expat communities in the country, despite its modest size (about 130,000 inhabitants). It is a top destination for skiing, hiking, and mountain sports enthusiasts, but also a leading university city. Real estate prices are high, as land is scarce between the mountains and tourist demand is very strong.
Lively old town… but overrun by tourists
The Altstadt, with its medieval alleys, the famous Golden Roof, and colorful facades, remains Innsbruck’s postcard image. Many newly arrived expats first rent a place there, seduced by the ambiance and centrality. But the concentration of tourists, high rents, and noise often lead them, in the medium term, to seek quieter surroundings in the neighboring districts.
Wilten, Saggen, Hötting, St. Nikolaus, Pradl: the “real” Innsbruck for expats
Several neighborhoods stand out for foreigners settling in Innsbruck long-term.
Located southwest of the center, Wilten offers a “village within the city” atmosphere with its historic facades and squares like the Platzl. Close to the train station, it is a lively, less touristy neighborhood where local families, students, and expats mix.
Saggen, to the northeast, is characterized by its elegant villas and proximity to the Hofgarten, a large central park. It has a bourgeois residential feel, highly sought after by international families looking for tranquility and greenery, while still being a few minutes’ walk from the center.
The neighborhoods of Hötting and St. Nikolaus, located on the other bank of the Inn River, offer a peaceful and mixed living environment. They are appreciated for their beautiful views of the river and mountains, particularly attracting expats seeking a scenic setting. Note that these areas sometimes have steep slopes, a trade-off to accept for this quality of life.
Pradl, east of the center, is more “upmarket”: recent buildings, high-end homes, good access to commercial zones and main roads. Many expats working in tourism, the university, or services settle here for the modern housing stock and ease of access.
Beyond the city itself, many foreigners opt for small villages in the agglomeration, such as Axams. Here they gain space, mountain atmosphere, and peace, while remaining within reasonable reach of Innsbruck thanks to an efficient bus network. For families who love snow and nature, this is a real alternative.
Linz: industrial and creative center, neighborhoods in transition
The country’s third-largest city, Linz long suffered from a very industrial image. It has nevertheless profoundly changed: European Capital of Culture in 2009, UNESCO City of Media Arts, it now combines a strong industrial fabric, a cutting-edge cultural scene (Ars Electronica), and a cost of living lower than Vienna and Salzburg.
Linz attracts a more discreet but real expat population, particularly in tech, engineering, and research, as well as families looking for a more affordable large city.
Innere Stadt, HafenCity, Tabakfabrik: historic center and new cultural frontier
The historic center (Innere Stadt) stretches along the Danube around the Hauptplatz and the Linzer Schloss. It features a pleasant old town, cafés, museums, and immediate access to transport. For an expat on a short assignment or a digital nomad, it’s the simplest base.
North of the center, these former port areas and industrial wastelands have been transformed into cultural spaces, start-up offices, artist studios, and coworking spaces. These post-industrial neighborhoods particularly attract expats from the creative and tech worlds, drawn by the innovative environment, still reasonable rents, and international atmosphere.
Urfahr, Froschberg, Bulgariplatz, Ebelsberg, Pöstlingberg: residential options
Urfahr, on the north bank of the Danube, is generally cited as one of Linz’s prettiest neighborhoods. Mixed, with a multitude of small shops, cafés, and riverside walks, it offers a good compromise between proximity to the center, quality of life, and moderate prices. Many expats working in universities or local companies settle here.
Froschberg, an elevated residential neighborhood with views over the city and plenty of greenery, attracts families and those seeking peace. Bulgariplatz, more popular and diverse, appeals with its strong community spirit and more affordable rents. Ebelsberg and Pöstlingberg are also mentioned as solid choices: the former with a predominantly residential character, the latter combining housing and a leisure site (Pöstlingberg hill, accessible by tram).
Linz remains, overall, more relaxed and less international than Vienna or Salzburg. Speaking German is significantly more important for integration, even though English is common in large companies and the tech sector.
How international schools shape the expat map
Whether in Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, Innsbruck, or Linz, one factor strongly structures the geography of expats: the location of international schools. Families generally prefer to live within a reasonable distance of their children’s school, especially when public transport, though efficient, doesn’t allow for a simple door-to-door commute.
This is the number of flagship international schools spread across six different districts in Vienna.
In Salzburg, the American International School-Salzburg and institutions like SALIS (Salzburg International School) primarily influence the western and southern residential sectors, such as Gneis, Nonntal, or Taxham. In Graz, international families turn to bilingual schools like GIBS or BIPS, which reinforces the attractiveness of certain neighborhoods near the center or well-served.
In Innsbruck and Linz, the presence of specific international schools (Linz International School Auhof, International School Innsbruck, International School Kufstein nearby) creates residential niches where part of the foreign community clusters.
Cost of living, rents, and expat trade-offs
Austria ranks among the countries with a high cost of living, ranked 18th in the world in terms of cost of living, with consumer prices above the EU average. Housing is the major expense, although property prices on average remain lower than in Germany or France for purchases, and rents, heavily regulated, are rising less quickly than in other European capitals.
For an expat, the monthly budget varies significantly from one city to another:
| City | Estimated monthly budget (single person) | Average 1-bedroom rent (center, approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Vienna | €1,200 – €2,500 | €800 – €1,200 |
| Salzburg | €1,100 – €2,200 | ~€1,050 |
| Innsbruck | €1,100 – €2,300 | €900 – €1,400 |
| Graz | €900 – €1,800 | ~€730 |
| Linz | €900 – €1,800 | ~€1,070 |
Neighborhoods popular with expats often sit above these averages, especially in areas near international schools, the center, or cultural hubs. In Vienna, a one-bedroom in a sought-after district like Neubau or Wieden frequently exceeds €1,000 per month, while a family apartment in Währing or Döbling can reach €2,000–2,600. In Salzburg, rents in the Altstadt, Nonntal, or Aigen hover around €1,000–1,500 for a small apartment.
Shared apartments (WGs) are a popular solution for young expats and students, with rooms typically costing between €250 and €500 excluding utilities, depending on the city and district. This option allows living in sought-after areas like Neubau, Lend, Wilten, or Margareten even on a tight budget.
Real estate market trends and impact on expat neighborhoods
The Austrian real estate market is going through a phase of correction after years of rapid increase, particularly between 2015 and 2021. Residential prices began to decline slightly in 2023–2024 (a drop of about 1 to 3% depending on sources), driven by rising interest rates, stricter credit conditions (minimum down payment of 20%, cap of 40% of income on monthly payments, maximum term of 35 years), and economic slowdown.
Average price per square meter in Vienna, the most expensive region in Austria.
For expat tenants, these changes do not translate into a drop in rents: the rental market is sustained by still strong demand in urban centers, notably due to increasing urban population, the rise in single-person households, and pressure on student housing. In Vienna, about 75% of residents are tenants, and two-thirds benefit from municipal or subsidized housing. But these social housing units remain highly regulated and often hard to access for newly arrived foreigners.
Well-connected central neighborhoods (Neubau, Leopoldstadt, Innere Stadt, Lend, Geidorf, Saggen) and areas near international schools (Währing, Döbling, Gneis, Aigen, Andritz, Eggenberg, Urfahr) remain the most in demand among expats. However, rising energy costs and new environmental requirements (nZEB standards, passive houses, thermal renovations) are also steering part of the demand toward newer, better-insulated homes on the outskirts.
Beyond prices: quality of life, integration, and personal trade-offs
Choosing a neighborhood in Austria is not just about comparing rents. The quality of life, already very high at the national level, varies noticeably from one environment to another. Vienna offers a vibrant cultural scene (opera, museums, festivals, UNESCO-listed cafés) and great diversity of foreign communities, but may feel impersonal or “cold” to some. Salzburg stands out for its cultural intensity and natural setting, but remains small and quite touristy. Graz appeals with its student atmosphere, tech dynamism, and gentler cost of living. Innsbruck attracts sports enthusiasts and mountain lovers, Linz draws industrial and creative profiles seeking a large city at a human scale.
English is common in tourist and international spots in Vienna, but for deep integration, especially in smaller cities or popular neighborhoods, knowing some basic German is a decisive asset. Austrians appreciate the effort and generally adjust their language to more standard German if their local dialect poses difficulty.
Finally, expats often note a certain reserve from locals, which explains why Austria ranks better on quality of life than on “ease of making friends.” The young and mixed neighborhoods – Neubau, Lend, Wilten, Ottakring, Margareten – facilitate meeting people, as do expat networks (InterNations, Facebook groups, Meetup), coworking spaces, and sports or cultural clubs.
In summary: how to choose your neighborhood in Austria?
The map of the most sought-after neighborhoods by expats in Austria reflects a balance between accessibility, internationalization, quality of services, and price level. Broadly speaking, a few constants emerge:
In Austria, the choice of residential neighborhood varies significantly according to profiles and budgets. Families favor green residential areas close to international schools and well-connected to the center, such as Währing or Döbling in Vienna. Young professionals, students, and digital nomads tend to opt for central or creative neighborhoods with a high concentration of cafés, bars, and coworking spaces, like Neubau in Vienna or the Altstadt in Salzburg. Finally, tighter budgets lean toward transforming but well-served districts with still moderate prices, such as Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus in Vienna or certain sectors of Graz.
In any case, the combination of an efficient transport system, a regulated rental market, and a safety level among the best in the world allows expats to finely tune their choices: live in the city center and work on the outskirts, prioritize proximity to a school, park, subway, or campus, without sacrificing a smooth daily routine.
To prepare for a move to Austria, it is recommended to take the time to explore neighborhoods on the ground. Observing street life, testing commute routes to work or school allows you to turn theoretical information (maps, statistics, rankings) into a concrete, personal choice – to find your true “home address.”
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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.
