Cost of Living in Linz
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Linz helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Category | Details | Cost |
---|---|---|
Apartment Rentals | 1-bedroom apartment in city center | €600 - €800 per month |
1-bedroom apartment outside city center | €450 - €600 per month | |
Apartment Purchases | Price per square meter in city center | €3,000 - €4,000 |
Price per square meter outside city center | €2,000 - €3,000 | |
Transportation | One-way local transport ticket | €2.40 |
Monthly public transport pass | €50 - €60 | |
Taxi starting tariff | €3.80 | |
Taxi per kilometer | €1.40 | |
Groceries | 1 liter of milk | €0.90 - €1.20 |
1 kg of rice | €1.50 - €2.50 | |
1 kg of chicken breast | €7 - €10 | |
1 kg of apples | €1.50 - €2.50 | |
Restaurants | Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | €8 - €15 |
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | €40 - €70 | |
Fast food meal (e.g., McDonald's) | €6 - €8 | |
Utilities | Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m² apartment | €150 - €200 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) | €300 - €500 per month |
Elementary School | €400 - €700 per month | |
Middle School | €500 - €800 per month | |
High School | €600 - €1,000 per month |
Can I live in Linz on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Linz 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'd recommend looking for a shared apartment or a small studio in neighborhoods like Ebelsberg, Kleinmünchen, or Auwiesen. These areas are more affordable compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Urfahr, Pöstlingberg, or Froschberg.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Public transportation in Linz is quite good, so I'd recommend getting a monthly pass for the tram and bus system, which will cost you around $50. If you're used to having a car, you might have to give that up, as owning and maintaining a car can be quite expensive here.Eating out can also be pricey in Linz, so you'll need to cook most of your meals at home. Groceries are relatively affordable, especially if you shop at discount supermarkets like Hofer or Lidl. You can still enjoy the occasional meal out, but you'll need to stick to more budget-friendly options like kebab shops or pizza places.Entertainment and leisure activities will also need to be budgeted carefully. Going out for drinks or to the movies can add up quickly, so you might have to limit those outings or look for free or low-cost events and activities around the city. Linz has many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, so you can still enjoy your time off without spending too much.In terms of healthcare, if you're working in Austria, you'll be covered by the public healthcare system, which is quite good. However, if you're not working, you'll need to purchase private health insurance, which can be an additional expense.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Linz is doable, but you'll need to be disciplined with your spending and be prepared to make some sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and leisure activities," commented an expat living in Linz.
Can I live in Linz on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Linz 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 adjustments and sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I'd recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Ebelsberg, Kleinmünchen, or Urfahr. These areas are more affordable compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Froschberg, Pöstlingberg, or St. Magdalena. You can expect to pay around €600-€800 for a one-bedroom apartment in these affordable areas, while in the more expensive neighborhoods, the rent can go up to €1,200 or more.When it comes to transportation, I'd suggest getting a monthly public transport pass, which costs around €50. This will give you unlimited access to buses, trams, and trains within the city. Owning a car can be quite expensive, considering the cost of fuel, insurance, and parking.For groceries, you can save money by shopping at discount supermarkets like Hofer (Aldi) or Lidl. Eating out can be quite expensive, so I'd recommend cooking at home most of the time. However, you can still enjoy the occasional meal at affordable restaurants or cafes.Regarding entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Linz. You can enjoy the beautiful parks, such as the Donaupark or the Botanical Garden, or visit museums with free or reduced admission fees. There are also many cultural events and festivals throughout the year that you can attend for free or at a low cost.In terms of healthcare, if you're working in Austria, you'll be covered by the public healthcare system, which provides high-quality medical care at a low cost. However, if you prefer private healthcare, you might want to consider getting private health insurance, which can be quite expensive.Overall, living in Linz on $3,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, shopping smartly for groceries, and enjoying low-cost leisure activities, you can live comfortably and still enjoy the beautiful city of Linz," said one expat living in Linz.
Can I live in Linz on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Linz 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 nothing too drastic. For example, you might not be able to dine out at fancy restaurants every night or go on expensive shopping sprees, but you'll still be able to enjoy a good quality of life.When it comes to finding a place to live, there are several neighborhoods that are more affordable and still offer a great living experience. I'd recommend looking into areas like Urfahr, Froschberg, or Bindermichl. These neighborhoods are not as expensive as some of the more upscale areas like Pöstlingberg or St. Magdalena, but they still have a lot to offer in terms of amenities and accessibility to the city center.In terms of transportation, Linz has a pretty good public transport system, so you can save some money by using buses and trams instead of relying on taxis or a personal car. A monthly public transport pass costs around €50, which is quite reasonable.Groceries and other daily expenses can also be managed within your budget. There are several supermarkets and local markets where you can find affordable and fresh produce. Cooking at home and packing lunches for work can help you save a significant amount of money.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Linz. You can enjoy the beautiful parks, visit museums on their free admission days, or attend various cultural events and festivals throughout the year.Overall, living in Linz on a $5,000 monthly budget is definitely doable, and you won't have to make too many sacrifices to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Just be mindful of your spending habits and prioritize your expenses, and you should be able to enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer," commented an expat living in Linz.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Austria Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Austria
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Austria
- Best Places to Live in Austria
- Real Estate in Austria
- Guide to Real Estate in Austria
- Pros & Cons of Living in Austria
- Cost of Living in Austria
- Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to Austria (Plus, Itineraries)
- Moving with a Pet to Austria
- Understanding Mental Health in Austria
- Is Health Insurance Required When Moving to Austria?
- 2025 Guide to Living in Austria
- Pros and Cons of Living in Austria 2025