As an expat moving to Austria, one of the most important decisions you'll face is deciding which city to call your new home. Each Austrian city holds its unique charm and promises an exceptional quality of life, making the choice even more daunting.
But don’t worry; we’re here to help you! Based on internationality, quality of life, safety, and cost of living, we’ve identified the best cities in Austria to live in as an expat:
- Vienna
- Salzburg
- Innsbruck
- Graz
- Linz
1. Vienna: The most international Austrian city
Vienna seamlessly blends the richness of history with modern cultural experiences, earning its reputation as the world's most livable city. If you're seeking a vibrant urban lifestyle with exciting nightlife and a thriving events scene, Vienna is the perfect destination.
Internationality in Vienna
Vienna hosts one of the largest expat communities in the country. A whopping 43% of Vienna's residents hail from foreign origins, including Germans, Americans, Romanians, and British. With approximately 340,000 residents speaking English fluently, language barriers aren’t a major concern for expats living in Vienna.
Quality of life in Vienna
Vienna offers many activities to enjoy no matter what you're into, from galleries and museums to bars and nightclubs. The city boasts excellent cultural and leisure facilities, a robust healthcare system, and a well-developed public transportation network. Vienna's cultural scene shines during festive occasions like Christmas, adding a lively buzz to the city.
Cost of living in Vienna
Considering its high quality of life, and plenty of captivating sights and activities, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the cost of living in Vienna is relatively high. Monthly, you can expect to spend, on average, €913 without rent.
And if you wish to enjoy dining out with your friends at least once a month, expect to spend around €15 for a meal in a mid-class restaurant and €4.25 for a 0.5l bottle of domestic beer.
Average rental prices in Vienna
| Type of Accommodation | Monthly Rental Price |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment | €1,190 |
| Studio | €900 |
| Private room | €565 |
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Safety in Vienna
Vienna is renowned for its low crime rate. Residents generally feel secure, and the likelihood of falling victim to crime is minimal. So if you seek an active lifestyle in safe surroundings, Vienna is an ideal choice.
Vienna is your choice? Start looking for furnished apartments for rent in Vienna early!
2. Salzburg: The cultural jewel of Austria
Salzburg is the best city to live in Austria for expats seeking a blend of artistic heritage and awe-inspiring landscapes. Its old town showcases magnificent Baroque churches and grand castles, recognized as vital cultural and architectural treasures by UNESCO.
As the birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg hosts around 4,500 cultural events annually, making it a vibrant hub for creatives and music enthusiasts.
Internationality in Salzburg
Salzburg is a highly favored destination among expats. In 2023, the city was home to approximately 52,096 international residents making up around 33% of the total population.
Quality of life in Salzburg
Salzburg boasts great schools and universities, attracting students from around the globe. And as the 4th largest Austrian city, it offers excellent opportunities for finding an English-speaking job in prestigious companies like Red Bull and Porsche.
One of Salzburg's standout features is its strong commitment to sustainability. With 70% of its energy from renewable sources and an eco-friendly public transportation system, expats can enjoy a green and environmentally conscious lifestyle.
Furthermore, Salzburg's strategic location on the border of Germany facilitates seamless travel, making exploring the rest of Europe convenient.
Cost of living in Salzburg
Salzburg is considered to be among the country's most expensive cities. Monthly, expect to spend around €1,075 without rent.
For dining out in a mid-class restaurant, you’ll pay around €15 for a meal, and domestic beer (0.5l) will cost around €4.40.
Average rental prices in Salzburg
| Type of Accommodation | Monthly Rental Price |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment | €1,332 |
| Studio | €1,008 |
| Private room | €632 |
Safety in Salzburg
Like the rest of Austria, Salzburg upholds high safety standards, providing residents with a well-developed and secure environment. However, petty theft and scams can occur around tourist hotspots.
3. Innsbruck: Hub for winter sport enthusiasts
Known as “the capital of the Alps”, Innsbruck is a picturesque mountain city. With a population of around 310,000, it’s relatively small, allowing easy access to major attractions within walking distance. Innsbruck's stunning landscape makes it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, attracting many tourists during the winter season.
Internationality in Innsbruck
With approximately 28.9% of its population comprising non-Austrian residents, Innsbruck proudly boasts one of the largest expat communities in Austria.
This vibrant and cosmopolitan city attracts internationals from various backgrounds, including international students and expats.
Quality of life in Innsbruck
With its stunning Alpine landscape and vibrant city culture, Innsbruck is a perfect destination for expats seeking a fulfilling lifestyle. Besides its natural beauty, Innsbruck boasts a charming old town, shopping centers, bars, and nightclubs, enriching its urban life.
Furthermore, the city's cosmopolitan atmosphere and thriving tourism industry offer diverse job opportunities, making it easier for expats to find careers in various sectors. The presence of the University of Innsbruck adds to the youthful population. It creates a dynamic atmosphere for residents and expatriates, leading to a lively and diverse social scene.
Innsbruck has much to offer in terms of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and career opportunities for its residents.
Cost of living in Innsbruck
The majestic mountain views come with a high price tag; Innsbruck is often ranked as one of the most expensive cities in Austria to live in. Every month, expect to spend around €991 without rent.
When dining out, anticipate spending around €14.50 for a meal in a mid-class restaurant and €4.30 for a domestic beer (0.5l).
Average rental prices in Innsbruck
| Type of Accommodation | Monthly Rental Price |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment | €1,339 |
| Studio | €1,013 |
| Private room | €636 |
Safety in Innsbruck
While Innsbruck is generally considered a safe city, it's essential to be mindful of the risks of living near the Austrian Alps. Snow slides can pose dangers for those residing in mountainous areas.
Additionally, as a popular tourist destination, Innsbruck experiences some incidents of pickpocketing. However, the overall crime rate in Innsbruck remains relatively low compared to other European cities.
4. Graz: Student haven
Although the 2nd largest city in Austria, living in Graz offers a more relaxed environment with fewer crowds. Graz has also gained popularity among students due to its outstanding academic facilities. As a student in Graz, you'll discover many activities to complement your studies.
Generally speaking, in Graz, you’ll have a little bit of everything, starting with big city life and ending with nature. On days when you crave excitement, all you need to do is visit the city center. On the other hand, when you seek calm, a short train ride will transport you to the serene Alps.
Internationality in Graz
While less internationally renowned than Vienna, Graz is a highly favored destination among international students and young professionals. Foreigners comprise approximately 25.56% of the city's population, many coming from neighboring countries such as Croatia and Slovenia.
Quality of life in Graz
Graz offers a laid-back lifestyle embraced by locals, ideal for anyone seeking comfort and relaxation. The weather is pleasant, with slightly higher temperatures than in other Austrian cities, which adds to the overall sense of comfort you'll experience here.
Graz is known for its affordability and is an excellent launching pad for IT industry ventures. The city boasts a wide variety of cultural events, museums, and a vibrant culinary scene, making it an enticing destination with rich cultural offerings and an affordable cost of living.
Cost of living in Graz
Graz is one of the most affordable cities in Austria. You can expect to spend €976.4 monthly without rent.
A meal in a mid-class restaurant in Graz will cost you around €14. For a domestic beer (0.5l), expect to pay €4.
Average rental prices in Graz
| Type of Accommodation | Monthly Rental Price |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment | €963 |
| Studio | €729 |
| Private room | €457 |
Safety in Graz
Graz is generally considered a safe place to live. Most neighborhoods in Graz are welcoming and secure for expats. Choosing a central but relatively peaceful area near the Herz-Jesu Church can be a great starting point when choosing a place to live in Graz.
5. Linz: Nature's calm retreat
Linz is a compact city with majestic mountains, and its location near Germany and the Czech Republic is a big plus. With a well-developed public transport system, exploring and traveling between these neighboring countries is easy.
Linz also shines as an educational hub with 4 universities and 2 higher education colleges. It's a sought-after destination for students eager to pursue higher education degrees.
Internationality in Linz
Linz has a significant foreign population, accounting for 26.4% of its residents. While Linz is a popular choice for international students, it's essential to note that English isn't widely spoken in the city. So, mastering German is essential to communicate more effectively with people, participate in various activities, and truly immerse yourself in the local culture.
Quality of life in Linz
In Linz, you'll discover a mix of regional and international companies, including Siemens AG, OMV Group, and Raiffeisen Bank International. English-speaking professionals, especially in software development, might find opportunities, but fluency in German is necessary for most other professions.
Life in Linz exudes a calm and natural ambience, which may feel tranquil when the tourist season winds down. If you're someone who craves an active social life and new experiences, cities like Vienna or Salzburg might be a better fit for you.
Nevertheless, Linz offers vibrant markets, charming shops, and diverse restaurants. Outdoor enthusiasts can relax in the Donaupark or take a scenic tram ride to the Pöstlingberg hill.
Living in Linz means embracing nature, enjoying majestic views, and experiencing a relaxed pace of life.
Cost of living in Linz
Linz, the 3rd largest city in Austria, is generally considered to have a moderate cost of living compared to other major Austrian cities like Vienna and Salzburg. When living in Linz alone, expect to spend around €990 monthly before rent.
When dining out in a mid-class restaurant, you’ll pay around €15 for a meal and €4.20 for a domestic beer (0.5l).
Average rental prices in Linz
| Type of Accommodation | Monthly Rental Price |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment | €1,072 |
| Studio | €810 |
| Private room | €509 |
Safety in Linz
Linz is generally a safe city with a lower crime rate compared to other major Austrian cities. The city boasts a well-functioning public transport system and well-lit streets, enhancing overall safety.
However, as with any urban area, petty crimes like pickpocketing and theft can occur, especially in tourist areas or crowded public transportation.
Time to move to Austria!
Now that you know all about the top 5 best cities to live in Austria in 2023, it’s time to get ready for your journey. Make sure you have all the necessary documents ready, as non-EU citizens need a visa and residence permit to live in Austria, while European citizens will only need a registration certificate to stay there.
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