Living in Austria
Last updated on Feb 04, 2024
Summary: The approximate population of Austria is 8.9 million people. The largest cities in Austria are Vienna (1.9 million people), Graz (280,000 people), Linz (200,000 people), and Salzburg (150,000 people). Expats love living in Austria for its high quality of life, excellent infrastructure, and beautiful scenery. People describe life in Austria as peaceful, safe, and relaxed. Popular foods in Austria include Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, Kaiserschmarrn, and Apfelstrudel. The cons of living in Austria include the high cost of living, the language barrier, and the lack of diversity. The average cost of living for an expat is around $2,500 to $3,500 per month, depending on the city and lifestyle. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and entertainment.
What do I need to know about living in Austria?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Austria, they said:
"Expats looking to retire in Austria should research the country’s residency requirements and the permits needed to stay in the country for a longer period of time. Expats should consider the cost of living in Austria and investigate the tax system to determine how their retirement savings could be affected. It is also important for expats to brush up on their German language skills, as most of the population speaks German fluently. Obtaining health insurance coverage is also essential for living in Austria. Understanding the local culture and traditions can help expats adjust to life in Austria more easily," commented one expat who made the move to Austria.
"Try to accept the local way of life and learn the language. This is perhaps the country in the whole world where speaking the local language and imitating local customs makes the difference between being truly "in" and just getting by," remarked one expat living in Vienna , Austria.
Get Quote
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Expats interested in International Health Insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
Get Quote
How do I meet people in Austria?
Please login to continue reading this article.
Not a member? Join Today (it's free).
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.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Austria?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Austria?
- Will I be able to find a job in Austria?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Austria appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Austria?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Austria accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Austria like?
- How are healthcare services in Austria?
- What are medical services in Austria like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Austria?
- What are emergency services like in Austria?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Austria?
- How are local medical facilities in Austria?
- As a foreigner living in Austria, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?