Cost of Living in Austria

Written by Rebeka Meszaros Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Rebeka Meszaros

Rebeka is a professional content writer who specializes in marketing, business, travel, and expat tips. She enjoys sharing practical, down-to-earth advice, whether it's helping businesses better their marketing strategy or providing insights about living overseas. Rebeka adds a personal touch to her writing, ensuring that every piece connects with readers.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 12, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Austria is among the most expensive countries in Europe. For a family of four, total monthly expenses including rent average around €5,237, while a single person can expect to spend about €1,946, according to Numbeo.

Let’s break down the expected cost of living in Austria, covering essentials like food, transportation, utilities, leisure, and childcare to help you plan your budget effectively.

How expensive is it to live in Austria?

Austria is one of the more expensive countries, ranking 5th in Europe. For a family of four, monthly expenses come to around €5,237, including rent. A single person’s cost of living in Austria is about €1,946.

Comparing to other countries, Germany is slightly cheaper with a family of four spending €5,048 including rent, and a single person spending €1,880. The Netherlands is more expensive than Austria, with family costs of living at €5,589, and a single-person total cost of living at €2,352 (Source: Numbeo).

Most expensive city to live in Austria?

Salzburg is the most expensive city to live in Austria, with a total cost of living for a single person at €2,186, including rent. Other costly cities include Vienna at €2,100 and Graz at €1,805, these are some of the pricier options for Austrian residents (Source: Numbeo).

Cheapest city in Austria

The cheapest cities in Austria are Wels and Kapfenberg. In Wels, the overall cost of living for a single person is around €1,301, making it one of the most affordable options. Kapfenberg is even cheaper, with living expenses for a single person averaging €1,229 (Source: Livingcost.org).

Cost of living in Austria vs the UK

When comparing living costs between Austria and the UK, the numbers are fairly close but with some key differences. A family of four in Austria spends about €5,237 per month, just below the UK at €5,338. For single people, Austria is slightly cheaper at €1,946 per month, compared to €2,210 in the UK. Rent is a big factor — a one-bedroom apartment in a city centre in Austria is €1,010, which is lower than the UK’s which is €1,249. Austria also saves you more on bigger spaces, with a three-bedroom apartment costing €1,917 compared to €2,076 in the UK. These small differences can add up when it comes to your Austria cost of living, so it’s worth considering when making a move. (Source: Numbeo).

(London is a separate case, with living costs that far exceed the national UK average and also the Austrian average.)

Comparing the cost of some everyday groceries (Source: Numbeo):

Cost of living in Austria vs the US

The cost of living in Austria is lower than in the US when you don’t include rent. A family of four spends about €3,642 per month in Austria, compared to €3,754 in the US. For a single person, it’s €1,075 in Austria and €1,055 in the US. Rent is higher in the US, with a one-bedroom apartment costing around €1,580 compared to €1,010 in Austria. Including rent, a family of four in the US spends about €5,334 per month, while in Austria it's around €5,237 (Source: Numbeo).

Comparison of everyday groceries (Source: Numbeo):

Rent per month

Here’s the average monthly rent in Austria, which varies based on the location and size of the apartment: (Source: Numbeo):

• Apartment (1 bedroom) in city center: €871
• Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of center: €708
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) in city center: €1,595
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of center: €1,241

Rents in Austria have been steadily rising, with a 6.6% increase in early 2024 compared to the previous year. Expats should expect continued growth, particularly in city centers like Vienna and Graz. Running costs also vary, with municipal apartments tending to have the highest fees. As rents continue to climb, exploring smaller cities may offer more affordable living options while still benefiting from Austria's solid infrastructure (Source: Statistik.at).

How to find an apartment in Austria

Finding a rental in Austria can be straightforward if you know where to look. Start by using websites like DER STANDARD Immobilien and Immobilienscout24 to search for apartments based on your needs, such as location, rent, and size. Keep in mind that most listings show rent and operating costs, but utilities like electricity and heating are extra. Leases are often for at least three years, and you’ll need to wait a year before giving notice to leave early. Be ready to pay a deposit of up to three months’ rent and a commission of one to two months’ rent if you're going through an agent.

For short-term or flexible rentals, check out furnished options on tempoFLAT or Nestpick. If you're eligible, cooperative flats (Genossenschaftswohnungen) can be a cheaper option, but there may be long waiting lists. Make sure to act fast — new listings, especially in cities like Vienna, go quickly. Housing advisory services, like the Austrian Chamber of Labour, can help with any issues or legal questions during your rental process.

We’re happy to help and provide you with a quote or introduce you to our trusted providers who have helped many of our users find housing in Austria. Whether you're looking for short-term rentals or long-term apartments, we've got reliable connections to make your search easier.

Utilities

A chunk of your monthly income will go towards utilities, here’s what you can expect (Source: Numbeo):

• Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: €353
• Mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data: €18
• Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data): €33

To save on utilities in Austria, compare energy providers using Durchblicker to find the best deals on electricity and gas. Lower your consumption by using energy-efficient appliances and turning off lights when not needed. For additional savings, check out E-Control for energy-saving tips and efficient use of household utilities.

Public transport

Public transport in Austria is reliable and easy to use. ÖBB trains connect major cities quickly, and Postbus buses cover smaller towns. In Vienna, Wiener Linien runs the metro, trams, and buses. You can buy tickets online or at stations. For more info and tickets, check out ÖBB, Postbus, and Wiener Linien.

Here’s a general overview of ticket prices for public transport in Austria (Source: Numbeo):

• One-way ticket for local transport: €2.50
• Regular monthly pass: €51
• Starting fare for a taxi ride: €5
• An hour of waiting time in a taxi: €30
• Gasoline: €1.59 per litre

Food

Grocery shopping in Austria is pretty straightforward, with major supermarkets like Spar, Billa, Hofer (Aldi), and Lidl offering a wide range of products, including fresh produce and household items. For those looking for organic or health-focused options, stores like Denn’s Biomarkt and Basic Bio are great choices. If you prefer a local market experience, you’ll find daily markets in many towns offering fresh produce, meats, and dairy, with Naschmarkt in Vienna being one of the most popular. Supermarkets are generally open from 8 am to 8 pm but keep in mind most close on Sundays. However, convenience stores at train stations and gas stations remain open if you need something last-minute.

Groceries in Austria cost around (Source: Instarem):

• For a single person: €300-€400
• For a couple: €600-€800
• For a family of four: €1000-€1200

Here are some average prices for eating out (Source: Numbeo):

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €15
• Meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant (three-course): €70
• McMeal at McDonald's (or equivalent combo meal): €10
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter draught): €4.50
• Cappuccino (regular): €3.60
• Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle): €2.88
• Water (0.33 liter bottle): €2.43

Mobile phone plan

When setting up a mobile phone in Austria, you’ll need to choose between prepaid SIM cards or mobile contracts. To sign up, you’ll need proof of identity, your registration certificate (Meldezettel) and a bank account.

Major providers:

• A1: reliable coverage with 5G in many areas. Monthly plans range from €25 to €40.
• Drei (3: good coverage and prices that range from €15 to €35 per month.
• Magenta (formerly T-Mobile): solid data packages with plans ranging from €20 to €45 per month.

Cheaper options:

• bob, which uses the A1 network, has affordable prepaid plans starting from €8 per month.
• HoT, using Drei’s network, offers low-cost plans from €10 to €20 per month.

eSIMs:

• Providers like A1, Drei, and Magenta offer eSIMs, which are great if you have a compatible phone. Activation fees start at around €10.

Childcare

In Austria, childcare options include public, private, and international facilities, with subsidies available based on income, which can be a huge help with your Austria cost of living if you have a family. You can find various types of care across the country, with some provinces offering free or subsidized services. For more details on childcare options and benefits, visit the Austrian Family Portal and you can also find private childcare through Kinderfreunde.

Types of childcare and prices (Source: Expatica):

• Public daycare (krippe/kindergarten): €150-€400 per month
• Private daycare: €8-€10 per hour
• Preschool: free for children aged 5+ in most provinces
• After-school care (Hort): €100-€300 per month
• Nannies: €10-€20 per hour
• Au pairs: €300-€500 per month (plus room and board)

On average for a year (Source: Numbeo):

• Preschool (or kindergarten), full day, private, monthly for 1 child: €303
• International primary school, yearly for 1 child: €11,535

Gym

In Austria, gyms cater to various fitness needs, from high-end clubs with spa facilities to budget-friendly chains that offer basic equipment. Most gyms have flexible contracts, and you can choose between monthly memberships, longer contracts, or even day passes. Some gyms provide additional perks like wellness areas or 24/7 access, while budget options focus on providing the essentials at a low price, helping to keep your cost of living in Austria at a minimum.

Gym overview and monthly prices:

• John Harris Fitness: €109
• Holmes Place: €89
• Das GYM: €35
• Fit Fabrik Plus: €19.90
• McFIT: €29
• FitInn: €19.90
• Fitness club, monthly fee for 1 adult (average): €40