The Global Expat Hub
Austria
Vienna tops global quality-of-life rankings for good reason: superb transit, affordable rent controls, mountains an hour away; German and a formal culture are the price.
Your plan for Austria checklist · timeline · cost breakdown
Estimates for one adult before ongoing rent and living costs; couples and families scale up. Tap a plan for the full breakdown.
Top cities for expats in Austria
Costs and character vary significantly within Austria. Here are the cities our readers compare most.
Tops global quality-of-life rankings — imperial grandeur at every corner
Mozart's birthplace with Alpine backdrop and music festival fame
University city with a relaxed southern Austrian feel and lower costs
Alpine city perfect for outdoor lovers — skiing from the city limits
Austria by the numbers editorial estimates in US dollars
SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance is built for expats and remote workers — international coverage in 185+ countries from around $40/month, no long-term commitment needed.
Get a free quote from SafetyWing →🔗 Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page earn The Global Expat Hub a small referral fee at no extra cost to you. Our country scores, ratings and editorial content are never influenced by affiliate or advertising relationships. Learn more.
🌤️ Climate
Continental with four real seasons: cold snowy winters, warm summers, golden autumns. Alpine west far colder and snowier than Vienna.
Mean temperatures for Vienna.
🌧️ Rain & snow
Rainfall about 650 mm (26 in) a year.
Snow Regular in winter; heavy in the Alps.
⚖️ The law
Official legislationRIS (Federal legal information system) ↗
OverviewLaw of Austria on Wikipedia ↗
Driving On the right. Licence rules →
🏛️ Taxes
Property tax Grundsteuer very low, typically $200–600/yr.
Local & regional income tax None regional; church tax 1.1% if registered.
🎓 University
Near-free: EU ~$800/yr, non-EU ~$1,600/yr at public universities.
📱 Phone & eSIM
Carriers A1, Magenta, Drei.
Average cost Local SIM or eSIM with generous data about $15/month; a 30-day travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Saily and similar) around $15 for 10 GB.
Sponsored
🎁 Schemes to attract expats
- Red-White-Red Card points system
- Near-free university for all
- Vienna's social housing keeps rents far below Western peers
- No inheritance or wealth tax
Figures are national averages for planning, not quotes; big cities run higher. Tax schemes change often and carry conditions. Verify before you rely on them.
Official sources for Austria embassies, warnings, law and reference
Government, intergovernmental and reference sites only; no reviews or opinion. Links open in a new tab.
Ratings & warnings independent
Follows your Mid-range tier partner listings match your budget
Services & daily life one labelled partner per page
Life in Austria faith, wellbeing, shopping and play
Holidays & festivalsNational holidays, closures and the festivals worth planning aroundSearch for jobs for free, or post a job — free.
Roles open to foreigners in Austria: remote work you can do from Vienna, and in-person jobs with employers who hire from abroad. Searching for and posting expat jobs is always free, for job seekers and employers alike. Every listing stays live for 60 days.
Latest listings. Example listings shown until the first real posts go live.
See all jobs in Austria and post a job →
In the meantime, search these trusted remote job boards
Free to use. These are independent sites we like; opening in a new tab. Come back to post your own role here — posting is always free.
Frequently asked questions
Is Austria safe for expats?
Austria scores 90 out of 100 for safety on The Global Expat Hub, and 69 out of 100 for liveability — #22 of the 52 countries we cover. The full breakdown, including official warnings and regional differences, is on the safety page linked from this page.
What is the cost of living in Austria?
The Global Expat Hub estimates a mid-range lifestyle in Austria from around $2,200 per month. The figures are national averages for planning, not quotes — big cities run higher — and this page breaks costs down by tier and city.
Can I move to Austria?
Yes. The routes and incentives The Global Expat Hub lists for Austria include: Red-White-Red Card points system; near-free university for all; vienna's social housing keeps rents far below Western peers; no inheritance or wealth tax. Step-by-step visa and residency detail is on the visa pages linked from this page.
What is the best city in Austria for expats?
The top cities for expats in Austria profiled on this page are Vienna, Salzburg and Graz. Vienna is the capital. Each city profile includes typical rent and character to help you compare.