Cost of Living in Bregenz

By Joshua Wood, LPC

CitizenM
CitizenM

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Bregenz helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: €600 - €800 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: €450 - €600 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: €1,000 - €1,500 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: €800 - €1,200 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: €3,500 - €5,000
  • Price per square meter outside city center: €2,500 - €3,500
Transportation
  • One-way local transport ticket: €2.30
  • Monthly local transport pass: €50 - €60
  • Taxi starting tariff: €3.50
  • Taxi 1 km tariff: €1.50
  • Gasoline (1 liter): €1.20 - €1.40
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): €0.80 - €1.20
  • Bread (500g): €1.50 - €2.50
  • Rice (1 kg): €1.50 - €2.50
  • Eggs (12): €2.50 - €3.50
  • Cheese (1 kg): €8 - €15
  • Chicken breasts (1 kg): €8 - €12
  • Beef round (1 kg): €12 - €18
  • Apples (1 kg): €1.50 - €2.50
  • Bananas (1 kg): €1.20 - €1.80
  • Oranges (1 kg): €1.50 - €2.50
  • Tomatoes (1 kg): €1.50 - €2.50
  • Potatoes (1 kg): €0.80 - €1.50
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): €0.40 - €1.00
  • Bottle of wine (mid-range): €5 - €10
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter bottle): €0.80 - €1.50
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): €1.00 - €2.00
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €10 - €15
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: €40 - €60
  • McMeal at McDonald's: €7 - €9
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): €3.50 - €4.50
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): €3.50 - €4.50
  • Cappuccino: €2.50 - €3.50
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): €2.00 - €2.50
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): €1.50 - €2.00
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: €150 - €250 per month
  • 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): €0.10 - €0.20
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): €25 - €40 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or Kindergarten) tuition: €300 - €600 per month
  • Elementary school tuition: €400 - €800 per month
  • Middle school tuition: €500 - €1,000 per month
  • High school tuition: €600 - €1,200 per month
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on individual preferences and lifestyle. It is always recommended to research and compare prices before making any decisions.

Can I live in Bregenz on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Bregenz for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I recommend looking for a small apartment or a shared flat in neighborhoods like Rieden-Vorkloster or Weidach. These areas are more affordable compared to the city center or neighborhoods like Oberstadt and Vorkloster.To save on transportation costs, consider using public transportation or biking instead of owning a car. Bregenz has a good public transportation system, and a monthly pass costs around $50. Groceries can be quite expensive here, so I suggest shopping at discount supermarkets like Hofer or Lidl and cooking at home instead of eating out. Eating out can be quite pricey, especially in the city center.You'll also need to cut back on entertainment expenses. Going to the movies, concerts, or other events can add up quickly. Instead, take advantage of the many free or low-cost activities Bregenz has to offer, like hiking in the nearby mountains, swimming in Lake Constance, or attending local festivals.In terms of healthcare, if you're an EU citizen, you'll have access to Austria's public healthcare system. If not, you'll need to get private health insurance, which can be quite expensive. Make sure to factor this into your budget.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Bregenz is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. It's a beautiful city with a lot to offer, so if you're willing to live a more modest lifestyle, you can definitely make it work," commented an expat living in Bregenz.

Can I live in Bregenz on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Bregenz for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll want to avoid the more expensive neighborhoods like the city center or the areas near the lake. Instead, look for apartments in more affordable neighborhoods like Rieden-Vorkloster or Fluh. These areas are still close to public transportation and have all the necessary amenities, but the rent is more reasonable.When it comes to transportation, you'll want to rely on public transportation or a bike instead of owning a car. The public transportation system in Bregenz is quite good, and a monthly pass will cost you around $50. If you do need a car occasionally, consider using a car-sharing service.Eating out can be quite expensive in Bregenz, so you'll want to cook at home most of the time. Groceries are reasonably priced, especially if you shop at discount supermarkets like Hofer or Lidl. When you do eat out, look for more affordable options like kebab shops or pizzerias.Entertainment can also be a significant expense, so you'll want to take advantage of the many free or low-cost activities in the area. There are plenty of beautiful hiking trails, parks, and lakes to explore, and the city often hosts free events and festivals. If you're a fan of theater or opera, you can sometimes find discounted tickets for shows at the Bregenz Festival.In terms of healthcare, make sure you have a good insurance plan that covers you while living abroad. Medical care in Austria is generally of high quality, but it can be expensive without insurance.Overall, living in Bregenz on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, relying on public transportation, cooking at home, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, you can live comfortably and enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer," said one expat living in Bregenz.

Can I live in Bregenz on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Bregenz for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but overall, you can maintain a good quality of life.First, let's talk about housing. If you want to save some money, I'd recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Rieden-Vorkloster or Weidach. These areas are more affordable, and you can find a decent-sized apartment for around $1,000 to $1,500 a month. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more upscale, you might want to check out the neighborhoods around the city center, like Oberstadt or Mariahilf. These areas are more expensive, with rents going up to $2,500 a month or more, so you might want to avoid them if you're on a tight budget.As for transportation, Bregenz has a pretty good public transport system, so you can save money by using buses and trains instead of owning a car. A monthly public transport pass costs around $50, which is quite affordable. If you do decide to own a car, keep in mind that gas prices and parking fees can add up quickly.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you can find affordable options if you're willing to shop around. Local markets and discount supermarkets like Hofer and Lidl offer good deals on groceries, so you can save money by cooking at home. If you want to eat out, there are plenty of budget-friendly restaurants and cafes in the city, where you can get a meal for around $10 to $15.Entertainment and leisure activities can also be quite affordable in Bregenz. There are many free or low-cost events and attractions, like the annual Bregenz Festival, the Kunsthaus Bregenz, and the beautiful Lake Constance. If you're into sports and outdoor activities, there are plenty of options for hiking, biking, and swimming in the surrounding area.In conclusion, while you might have to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending, it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month in Bregenz. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transport, and being smart about your grocery and entertainment choices, you can enjoy a good quality of life in this beautiful Austrian city," commented an expat living in Bregenz.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


CitizenM
CitizenM

CitizenM
CitizenM

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

CitizenM
CitizenM

Copyright 1997-2026 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal