Austria is one of the happiest countries in the world, and its friendly people, well-developed transport infrastructure and high level of healthcare are attracting more and more expats here. However, most people know that living in Austria is expensive. How much? Find out what the prices of housing, food, entertainment and much more will be in Austria in 2025

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Austria is one of the most attractive countries in Europe to live in, especially for expats from Israel, Venezuela, Tunisia and other countries who value a high level of security, a stable economy, quality healthcare and education, as well as a developed infrastructure. According to recent rankings, cities such as Vienna, Graz and Innsbruck regularly make the list of the most comfortable places to live. Vienna, in particular, has repeatedly been recognized as the best city to live in.

However, a high standard of living requires corresponding expenses. Austria is not the cheapest country to live in. The most expensive cities are Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck, while in smaller cities or rural areas the costs will be noticeably lower.

High salaries and a strong social sphere compensate for such a high cost of living in the country, however, before planning a move here, an expat needs to understand the amount of their monthly expenses.

We will tell you about the cost of living in Austria in this article.

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Average Monthly Expenses in Austria

A monthly budget in Austria depends on your lifestyle, where you live, how many people you have in your family, and whether you rent or own your home. Here is a rough picture of the expenses in 2025:

- For one person

If you live in Vienna or Salzburg, rent a small apartment, eat at home, and on weekends you can afford a cafe or a movie – prepare to spend €1,600-€2,200 per month. In less expensive cities such as Klagenfurt or Wels, this amount can be lower – from €1,200.

- For a couple

A couple renting a 2-room apartment, leading an active lifestyle and having a stable income, will spend approximately €2,800–€3,500 in the capital and €2,200–€2,800 in the provinces.

- For a family with children

A family with two children will spend from €3,800 to €5,200 in large cities. The main expenses are renting a larger apartment, kindergartens or schools (if private), as well as food and leisure for the whole family.

Prices for renting housing in Austria

The largest expense item for most expats in Austria is rent. The cost varies significantly depending on the city, district, condition of the apartment and even the floor.

- A 1-room apartment in Vienna will cost approximately €850–€1,300 per month. The closer to the center, the more expensive it is.

In Graz, Linz or Salzburg, you can find similar accommodation for €700–€1,000.

In smaller cities, the price can drop to €500–€700.

- A 3-room apartment for a family costs an average of €1,500–€2,500 in Vienna and €1,000–€1,700 in the regions.

Don't forget about utilities - this is another €150–€300 per month, depending on the size of the apartment, season and suppliers.

For native residents, owning your own property is a dream. The reason is the high prices for apartments and houses. A nest in a new building costs from €2,000 to €3,000 per square meter.

Features of renting accommodation in Austria

Renting accommodation in Austria has its own features that may surprise newly arrived expats. Firstly, most apartments are rented unfurnished – sometimes even without kitchen equipment. This is normal and considered standard, so the tenant often has to furnish the apartment themselves. On the other hand, this allows you to completely adapt the space to your needs. Another popular option is the "Wohngemeinschaft" (WG) – a joint rental of an apartment by several people. This is especially beneficial for students and young professionals, as it significantly reduces costs.

Another important feature is long-term contracts and a complicated termination procedure. Usually, the lease is concluded for a period of 3 years, and early termination is only possible with a notice period of 3 months (sometimes more). In addition to the first monthly payment, tenants must pay a deposit (Kaution) – as a rule, this is 2–3 months of rent, which is returned after eviction if the apartment is in good condition. It is also worth reading the contract carefully – it may include additional costs, such as payment for repairs or mandatory home insurance.

Food costs in Austria

Food in Austria can be quite affordable if you buy food at Lidl, Hofer (similar to Aldi) or Spar supermarkets. At the same time, trips to restaurants or farm shops can quickly "eat up" your budget.

Prices in the supermarket: bread - €2.50, 1 liter of milk - €1.30, eggs (10 pcs.) - €3.50, chicken fillet (1 kg) - €10-12, apples (1 kg) - €2.50-3.50, cheese (1 kg) - €12-18.

Average food budget in Austria

- One person: €250–€400/month

- Family of 4: €600–€1,000/month

Prices in catering establishments

- Coffee with a croissant in a cafe - €4-5.

- Lunch in a regular cafe – €12-€18.

- Dinner in a mid-range restaurant – €25-€40/person.

Prices for entertainment in Austria

Austria is not only about work, this country is also created for quality recreation.

- Gym membership – €30–€60/month.

- Cinema ticket – €12–€15.

- Museums – from €10, but there are often days with free admission

- Theater or classical music concert – from €20 to €100+

- In winter, many people go skiing: a daily ski pass – €50-€70, a seasonal one – €250-€600.

Transport costs in Austria

Public transport is convenient, punctual and popular with everyone, regardless of income. Viennese, for example, use the metro, buses and trams en masse.

- A single ticket in Vienna is €2.40.

- A monthly travel card is €51.

- An annual pass (Wiener Linien) is €365.

- A train between cities (e.g. Vienna - Salzburg) is €20-60, if purchased in advance

A network of cycle paths, electric scooters and car sharing is also actively developing.

The cost of medical services in Austria

One of the main advantages of living in Austria is its healthcare system. It is considered one of the best in the world.

Health insurance is mandatory for everyone. If you are employed, your employer pays the main part. The amount depends on income, but on average – €200–€400/month. A visit to a family doctor with state insurance is free.

Private doctor – €50–€100 per visit.

Dental treatment: basic procedures are covered by insurance, but fillings, implants, cleaning – can cost from €100 to several thousand euros

Planning a trip or moving abroad? A travel insurance policy is an important component of a successful trip, as it guarantees high-quality medical care anywhere in the world and can protect you from unnecessary expenses during your trip.

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Education prices in Austria

The Austrian education system is another reason to settle here with children.

- Kindergarten

State kindergartens are often free or have a nominal fee – €50–€150/month.

Private kindergartens – from €300 to €800/month.

- Schools

State – free, but teaching is mainly in German.

Foreigners often choose international schools – from €5,000 to €20,000/year

- Universities

University tuition for EU citizens: €0–€726/semester, for others – up to €1,500/semester. Private universities: up to €25,000/year.

Many universities offer English-language programs, especially in master's and business programs.

Austria is a comfortable, safe and well-organized country to live in, but not the cheapest. The cost of living depends on lifestyle and region. Expats with families can expect to spend from €3,000 to €5,000 per month, and singles – from €1,500. However, in exchange, you get a high quality of life, reliable social guarantees, a clean environment and the opportunity to develop in a multicultural society.

Let's remind you! Austria is rich in interesting places. The country at the foot of the Alps is primarily associated with Vienna and its excellent ski infrastructure. We have already talked about the top tourist attractions in Austria, the most interesting entertainment and music festivals in Austria.

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