Cost of Living in Vienna

Is Vienna expensive?

Vienna is relatively affordable compared to other major European cities, ranking 32nd on the 2024 European cost of living index. The total cost of living for a single person in Vienna, including rent, is approximately €2,061 per month.

In comparison, London is much more expensive, with a single person’s total monthly cost at €3,875, making London about €1,814 pricier than Vienna. On the other hand, Berlin offers a similar but slightly higher cost of living, with total monthly expenses of around €2,277, which is €216 more than the cost of living in Vienna (Source: Numbeo).

Renting and the cost of living in Vienna are relatively affordable, with plenty of family-friendly housing and good public transportation. However, be aware that if a landlord hires a real estate agent, the broker’s fee might be added to your rent.

Rent per month

Here’s an indication of the average monthly rent in Vienna based on the size and location of the apartment (Source: Numbeo):

• Apartment (1 bedroom) in city center: €1,013
• Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of center: €741
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) in the city center: €2,067
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of center: €1,342

The best neighborhoods to live in Vienna:

• Innere Stadt: Busy city center, historic, very expensive.
• Leopoldstadt: Family-friendly, green spaces, multicultural.
• Landstraße: Quiet, residential, and close to the center.
• Wieden: Trendy, lively, very popular with young professionals.
• Währing: Suburban, elegant, a great option for families and expats.
• Döbling: Green, upscale, located near vineyards.
• Mariahilf: Central, vibrant, with lots of shops and cafes.
• Neubau: Artsy, creative vibe, and full of boutiques.

Less desirable areas to live in:

• Ottakring: Multicultural, lively, and a bit rough around the edges.
• Favoriten: Affordable, working-class, and densely populated.

To learn more about each district, and what you can expect from living there, check out the latest Vienna Residential Market Report. And here, you can check the average rental price for each district.

How to find an apartment in Vienna

Finding a rental in Vienna can be straightforward if you know where to look. Start by checking out popular websites like Willhaben and ImmobilienScout24, which list a wide range of apartments across the city. These platforms let you filter your search by price, size, and location, making it easier to find something that fits your needs. For a more personal touch, you can also join Facebook groups like 'Apartments for Rent in Vienna,' where locals often post listings, sometimes without the extra commission fees that real estate agents charge.

Before you sign anything, be aware of the typical costs. Most landlords will ask for a deposit equal to three months' rent, and if you're using an agent, you'll likely pay an additional two to three months' rent as a commission. To avoid surprises, ask upfront what’s included in the rent — utilities like heating and electricity are often extra. If you're new to Vienna and need something temporary, Mein Wien-Apartment offers furnished rentals with flexible terms, which can be a great way to get settled without the hassle.

If you need support during your housing search in Vienna, we're here to assist. We can offer you a quote or connect you with our trusted providers who have helped many of our users find their perfect homes in the city.

Property prices

The average price per square meter to buy an apartment in Vienna is around (Source: Numbeo):

• City centre: €8,747/sqm
• Outside of the city center: €5,653/sqm

Foreigners can buy property in Austria, including Vienna, but there are some restrictions depending on your citizenship. EU citizens can generally purchase real estate without issue, but non-EU nationals might face additional requirements. The Austrian government may approve a purchase if it's deemed to be of cultural, social, or macroeconomic interest, so it's essential to check with local authorities on a case-by-case basis.

Property prices in Vienna are relatively affordable compared to other European cities, with an average two-bedroom flat costing around €256,000. However, be prepared for transaction costs, which can range between 9.4% and 13% of the property value, including legal fees, taxes, and agent commissions.

When buying property in Vienna (or any other Austrian city), you’ll have to hire a notary to handle the transaction, help you make an offer, pay a deposit, and finalize the sale with the necessary registration. As a foreigner, you are also eligible for mortgages, though non-EU citizens may need to provide extra documentation. It's also important to factor in additional costs like property transfer tax (3.5% of the property value) and notary fees (around ). To start your search, you can explore resources like Rightmove or contact local real estate agents.

In 2024 and beyond, the Vienna real estate market is expected to get tighter, especially in housing, with fewer new properties available. So, if you’re thinking about buying in Vienna, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on these changes.

Utilities

A big part of the Vienna cost of living is the monthly utilities (Source: Numbeo):

• Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment: €312
• Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ Data: €44
• Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): €32

To save money on utilities, start by being energy-conscious. Use energy-efficient appliances and make sure your home is well-insulated, especially during the colder months, as heating costs can add up. Comparing providers through platforms like Durchblicker can help you find the best deals on electricity, heating, and internet services.

Additionally, consider reducing your usage by turning off lights and electronics when not in use, and lowering the thermostat slightly during winter. To save even more, check out the local off-peak times for lower electricity prices here. It’s also worth checking if your municipality offers any discounts or rebates for energy-efficient upgrades. These small changes can make a significant difference in your monthly bills.

Public transport

Getting around Vienna is easy and efficient with the city's excellent public transport system, which includes subways (U-Bahn), trams, buses, and local trains (S-Bahn). The entire network is managed by Wiener Linien, and you can use a single ticket across all modes of transport, making transfers hassle-free. For frequent travel, consider purchasing a 24, 48, or 72-hour network card, or even a 7-day pass if you're staying longer. These passes offer unlimited travel within the city and are available at ticket machines, online, or through the Wiener Linien app. For more details, check out Wiener Linien’s website.

Travel tickets (Source: Wiener Linien):

• Single trip ticket (Einzelfahrschein): €2.40
• 24-hour ticket: €8.00
• 48-hour ticket: €14.10
• 72-hour ticket: €17.10
• 7-day ticket: €19.70 (digital) or €22.60 (paper)
• 31-day ticket: €51 (digital) or €58.70 (paper)
• Annual pass: €365 for unlimited travel within Vienna's city zone for a year

Taxi (Source: Numbeo):

• Taxi start (normal tariff): €4
• Taxi 1 km: €1.70
• Taxi 1 hour waiting: €27.80
• From the Airport to the city center: €45

Food

In Vienna, you have several different options to suit different grocery budgets and preferences. Supermarkets like Billa, Hofer, Lidl, and Spar are popular for their wide selection and frequent discounts. For those looking to save more, shopping at farmer's markets outside the city center, such as Viktor-Adler-Markt, can cut costs by up to 50% compared to central locations like Naschmarkt. You can also use services like Gurkerl for easy online grocery shopping, with free delivery on bigger orders — great for keeping track of your budget.

On average, monthly grocery expenses in Vienna are:

• For a single person: €300-€350
• For a couple: €600-€700
• For a family of four: €800-€1000

Here’s what you can expect to pay for some common grocery items (Source: Numbeo):

• Milk (1 liter): €1.50
• Loaf of fresh white bread (500g): €2.60
• Rice (1kg): €2.30
• Eggs (12): €4.20
• Chicken fillets (1kg): €13
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter draught): €5

Childcare

Austria offers several childcare options for families that are well-supported by government funding, making them accessible and affordable for families. The Austrian government helps families by providing allowances and tax deductions to help with childcare costs. For more details, check out resources like Stadt Wien, Kinderdrehscheibe, and the Vienna Family Network. These can guide you in finding the right care for your children and keep expenses manageable.

Here’s a quick overview of your options and costs (Source: Expatica):

• State kindergartens: Free for children aged 5 and above; younger children aged 3-6 may have minimal costs. Open from 07:00 to 18:00.
• Private kindergartens: Prices range from €200 to €400 per month, with government subsidies available. These offer smaller group sizes and more flexible options.
• Company-run kindergartens: Costs are typically €300 to €500 per month, depending on the employer's arrangements.
• Childminders (Tagesmutter): Costs range from €300 to €600 per month, depending on hours and services provided.
• Nannies: In-home care costs around €1,000 to €2,000 per month, depending on experience and hours.
• Au pairs: Costs start at €460.66 per month, plus room and board.
• Babysitters: Rates are around €11 per hour.
• Before- and after-school clubs (Hort): Costs vary, typically ranging from €50 to €200 per month, based on region and family income.

International yearly school fees (Source: International Schools Database):

• Vienna International School (VIS): €15,000-€28,000
• AMADEUS International School Vienna: €15,000-€36,000
• Danube International School: €14,500-€26,500
• Amavida International Montessori School: €9,000
• International primary school, yearly for 1 child: €13,591