From the Austrian Alps to the Vienna Opera, to the banks of the Danube, Austria is full of treasures. With an unemployment rate of 6.4% in July 2024, one of the lowest in the world, this country attracts people with the quality of life Austria it offers. If you are considering moving there, here is a complete guide on the cost of living in Austria!
Overview of the average cost of living in Austria in 2024
According to the latest statistics, the average monthly cost of living in Austria for a person, excluding rent, is €1,076. In comparison, this budget is 3.8% higher than that of other European countries like e.g. France. In comparison, this budget is 4.6% higher than that in Germany.
Here is an overview of some prices and statistics in Austria:
| Average annual salary Austria | €51,871 |
| Rent for an apartment in the city center | 875€ à 1 600€ en moyenne |
| Purchase price of an apartment per square meter in the city center | Between €4,000 and €11,500 |
| Petrol (1L) | €1.59 on average |
| Monthly mobile phone plan (10+ GB of data) | Between €9.90 and €30 |
| Meal for two in a mid-range restaurant | €45 to €100 |
Official Austrian Currency
The official currency in Austria is the Euro, abbreviated “EUR” and symbolized “€”. It replaced the Austrian schilling in 2002, when the country joined the eurozone, now composed of 19 other European nations.
Housing in Austria
The housing budget can be expensive. It is considered the second-largest expense in Austria. In general, for the monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment in Austria, expect to pay between €520 and €1,000. If you want to buy an apartment, the average price is €4,790 per square meter.
In Vienna, the average cost of housing shows a slight increase. For renting a one-bedroom apartment in downtown Vienna, expect a monthly budget of €1,038. Outside the city center, the average monthly rent is €757. To buy an apartment in Vienna:
- The price per square meter in the city center is between €5,800 and €15,000.
- The price per square meter outside the city center is between €3,386 and €8,000.
In some Austrian cities, notably Vienna and Salzburg, the average housing cost shows a slight increase compared to other locations.
In Salzburg: The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is €1,050 in the city center and around €880 in the suburbs of Salzburg. If you are considering buying property in Salzburg, expect a price per square meter ranging from €4,500 to €8,700 on average.
Monthly Housing Overhead costs
In Austria, monthly housing charges (electricity, water, heating, or air conditioning) amount to an average of €350. This includes the main energy costs:
- Electricity per kWh: €0.063.
- Gas per kWh: €0.147.
Average Grocery Budget
Groceries are the largest monthly expense for living in Austria, representing an average of 30% of monthly expenses. The grocery budget in Austria is more expensive compared to its neighbours and is about 8% higher than in Germany and 5.4% higher than in France. To illustrate these differences, here is a comparison of basic food prices in Austria, Germany, and France:
| Food | Price in Austria | Price in Germany | Price in France |
| Rice (1 kg) | €2.29 | €2.97 | €2.24 |
| Eggs (12 pieces) | €4.30 | €3.22 | €3.80 |
| Local cheese (1 kg) | €15.90 | €12.69 | €17.30 |
| Chicken fillets | €12.87 | €13.03 | €12.74 |
| Red meat (1 kg) | €19.48 | €16.98 | €18.85 |
| Tomatoes (1 kg) | €4.12 | €4.42 | €3.34 |
| Onions (1 kg) | €1.72 | €1.48 | €2.10 |
| Bananas (1 kg) | €2.06 | €1.47 | €2.05 |
| Apples (1 kg) | €2.46 | €2.68 | €2.78 |
| Milk (1 L) | €1.43 | €1.10 | €1.15 |
| Water (1.5 L) | €0.73 | €0.83 | €0.68 |
| Bière locale (bouteille de 50 cl) | €1.28 | €0.91 | €2.17 |
| Bière importée (bouteille de 33 cl) | €1.71 | €1.50 | €2.78 |
Eating out in Austria
In Austria, if you feel like going out to a restaurant, whether alone, as a couple, or with friends, here are some prices to know:
- Meal in a mid-range restaurant: €15
- McMeal at McDonald’s: €10
- 30 cl bottle of soda: €2.88
- Cappuccino: €3.60
Transport Prices in Austria
In Vienna, the capital, public transport is unified with a single fare system. A single ticket allows travel by tram, metro, and bus (day and night).
- Single ticket: €2.40 for adults, €1.20 for children (valid for one trip).
- 24-hour ticket: €8
- 48-hour ticket: €14.10
- 72-hour ticket: €17.10
- 7-day ticket: €19.70 (digital ticket) or €22.60 (paper ticket)
Note that children under 6 can use public transport for free in Vienna. Outside Vienna, travel in Austria can be done by bus, with an average fare of €2.50 per trip, or by taxi at a rate of €1.85 per kilometer. Drivers who want to travel in their own vehicle can refuel at €1.59 per liter on average.
Healthcare System in Austria
Healthcare in Austria is considered among the best in Europe. The Austrian healthcare system is based on the principle of mandatory social insurance. Here is the average cost of medical services:
- General practitioner consultation: €50 to €100
- Specialist consultation: €100 to €200
- Hospitalization per night: €350 on average
- MRI: €300
- Childbirth in a private clinic: €8,000.4
Austria’s healthcare system is widely regarded as one of the best in the world, providing nearly universal coverage to residents, including expatriates. The system operates on a compulsory insurance model, with public healthcare funded through mandatory contributions based on income. For employees, contributions are shared between the employer and employee, while self-employed individuals pay their own premiums. The largest health insurer is the Österreichische Gesundheitskasse (ÖGK), covering over 7 million residents.
Healthcare services include access to general practitioners, specialists, hospitals, and maternity care. The system is known for its high standards, short waiting times, and comprehensive services. In addition to the public system, many residents opt for private health insurance to cover services like private hospital rooms or dental care not fully covered by public insurance. Private insurance premiums can vary significantly, with costs around €30 per month for children and up to €500 for older adults. For expatriates and travelers, it might make sense to look into additional private health insurance.
The Austrian Educational System
The Austrian school system is divided into several stages, beginning with Volksschule (primary school) at age six, which lasts for four years. After primary school, students enter the Sekundarstufe I (lower secondary education), where they can either attend Hauptschule or Neue Mittelschule, both focusing on general education, or an academic track known as Gymnasium. After completing lower secondary school, students can choose to continue in a Gymnasium or pursue vocational education in Berufsbildende Höhere Schulen (BHS), which combine academic subjects with vocational training
Tuition for public schools in Austria is free, while private schools charge varying fees. Private international schools in Austria, for example, typically charge annual tuition fees ranging from €5,000 to €25,000 depending on the institution. University tuition fees are also relatively affordable, with public universities charging around €1,500 per year for non-EU students and lower fees for EU nationals. The Austrian education system places strong emphasis on both academic and vocational training, ensuring that students are equipped with a broad range of skills for their future careers.
Telecommunication Service Prices
Telecommunication services in Austria are provided by many companies, including A1 Austria, the country’s main operator. To give you an idea of the monthly budget to plan for your phone plan and internet subscription, here are the rates offered by A1 Austria:
Mobile plan:
- Unlimited data, 500 minutes, and 500 SMS: €65.90
- 120 GB of data, 150 minutes, and 150 SMS: €39.90
- 60 GB of data, 100 minutes, and 100 SMS: €27.90
Internet subscription (first year free):
- Unlimited data, 150 Mb/s download: €39.90
- Unlimited data, 100 Mb/s download: €34.90
- Unlimited data, 50 Mb/s download: €29.90
Leisure and Activities in Austria
Life in Austria is synonymous with a variety of leisure activities. From historical sites, nature reserves, museums, outdoor activities, and more, every day is different!
- Visit Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna: entry €38/adult and €30/child
- Go to the Kunsthistorisches Museum: entry €21 per person, free for children and teens under 19
- Have fun at the Prater amusement park: free entry. Attractions range from €3 to €6.
- Spend a day at the Badeschiff floating pool in Vienna: €9/day per
In conclusion, Austria offers a high quality of life with relatively moderate costs of living Austria, especially when compared to neighboring countries like Germany and France. While housing and groceries can be on the higher end, Austria compensates with affordable public transportation, excellent healthcare, and a range of leisure activities that cater to all preferences. Whether you’re planning to relocate or simply visit, understanding the cost of living in Austria can help you better manage your budget and enjoy everything this beautiful country has to offer.