What's the cost of living in Vienna in 2026?

Thinking of moving to Vienna? See real rent, food, and living costs—plus insider tips for students and young expats navigating Austria’s capital in 2026.

Jale

10 minute read

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Updated on 6 Oct 2026

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Living

Living in Vienna as a single person costs between €1,570 (renting a room) and €2,090 (renting a studio) a month, rent included. Vienna, often ranked as one of the world's most livable cities, offers a high quality of life. But this exceptional quality of life does come with its own set of expenses. Whether you're a student or a young professional, we've got you covered with a comprehensive overview of what to expect when it comes to the cost of living in Vienna.

In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of living expenses in Vienna, providing you with all the information you need to plan your budget effectively. If you’re also comparing cities, check out the cost of living across Austria to see how Vienna stacks up against other locations.

Key takeaways:

• Students renting a furnished room should budget around €1,570/month, rent and daily costs included.
• Young professionals or singles renting a studio should plan for closer to €2,090/month, comfortably covered by Vienna's average monthly salary of €3,500.
• Families renting an unfurnished apartment start at €1,190/month before utilities, plus higher grocery, insurance, and childcare costs.
• Non-rent living costs (food, transport, leisure, insurance) average €900/month regardless of household type.
• Newcomers should set aside extra cash for one-off costs like security deposits and registration, on top of monthly rent.
• Vienna is pricier than Madrid or Rome, but cheaper than Paris, London, or Amsterdam.

If you're considering a move to Vienna, one of the first questions that might cross your mind is, "Is Vienna expensive?". Depending on which cities you're comparing to, there are 2 answers. Compared to other European capitals like Madrid and Rome, Vienna is more expensive. But when you compare the cost of living in Paris or London to Vienna's, you'll find Vienna more affordable. But with an average monthly salary of €3,500, living in Vienna doesn't have to break the bank.

Vienna also compares well against other major hubs. Amsterdam runs noticeably higher, especially for rent, where a comparable studio can cost 30-40% more than in Vienna. Berlin sits close to Vienna on overall living costs, though Berlin's rents have climbed faster in recent years, narrowing the gap. If you're choosing between cities on a budget, Vienna gives you a strong balance of affordability and quality of life.

Your average cost of living in Vienna can vary depending on your lifestyle and accommodation choice. Without the rent, your monthly costs will be around €900. As you can see, a big chunk of your budget will go to the rent. When factoring rent, you're looking at a monthly cost between €1,570 (renting a room) and €2,090 (renting a studio) as a single person.

Take a closer look at the different categories below to make a better budget for yourself.

Average rent by property type

Vienna offers a diverse range of housing options, from cosy apartments to spacious family homes. The cost of accommodation can vary significantly based on location, size, amenities and type.

Here's a glimpse of average monthly rent prices in Vienna:

• Furnished Private Room with utilities (ideal for students): €570.
• Furnished Studio with utilities (suitable for singles or couples): €929.
• Unfurnished Apartment with utilities (ideal for families): €1,190.

While Vienna is generally more affordable than some other European cities, such as Amsterdam and Paris, prices can vary depending on the district. Consider exploring areas outside the city centre for more budget-friendly options. For more detail on your options, check out our Vienna neighborhood guide to see which Vienna district fits your budget.

Which Vienna neighborhoods are the most affordable?

Rent in Vienna drops the further you move from the Innere Stadt (1st district). Outer districts like Favoriten (10th), Simmering (11th), Floridsdorf (21st), and Meidling (12th) typically run 15-20% below the city average, while central districts like Innere Stadt and Neubau (7th) command a premium.

For students, Favoriten and Meidling are worth prioritising: both have solid U-Bahn connections, lower rents, and easy access to major universities. For families, Floridsdorf offers larger, family-friendly apartments at a fraction of central-district prices, at the cost of a slightly longer commute.

On average, you can expect to spend between €200 to €350 per month on food and groceries in Vienna. Food prices are more expensive if you shop from organic stores. Shopping from discount supermarkets like Aldi, Hofer, and Penny Markt will save you more money.

Below you'll find average prices for common food products in Vienna:

Vienna offers a range of entertainment and leisure options, catering to various interests and budgets. The cost of eating out in Vienna will depend on your choice of restaurant. But on average, dinner in a mid-range restaurant costs around €100 to €150 for 2 people.

Here are some average costs for leisure activities in Vienna:

Vienna boasts an efficient public transportation system that covers the entire city. For more practical tips on getting around, see Vienna’s public transport guide. Transportation costs are reasonable and can be tailored to your needs:

• Single one-way metro ticket: €2.40
• Monthly unlimited public transportation pass: €51
• Cycling: Vienna offers a bike-sharing system with annual subscriptions starting at €3 per month.
• Taxis: Base fare of €3.80 and €1.80 per km.

In addition to monthly public transport, you can also obtain an annual unlimited pass for €366. Many locals opt for this option cause it's cheaper than the monthly subscription.

Health insurance costs in Vienna

Health insurance in Austria is mandatory for all residents. But the cost of health insurance depends on your circumstances.

International students from the EU/EEA region can simply use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). For non-EU students, the cost of health insurance is approximately €66.70. This cost can vary based on several factors, including the insurance provider, the level of coverage, and any additional services included in the plan.

If you're a working resident, you pay approximately €50 per month for basic health insurance, and the cost is deducted from your salary. Keep in mind that when your salary increases, your health insurance cost also will increase.

Although public health insurance generally provides comprehensive coverage, you also have the choice to enhance your benefits with private insurance. You can opt for various supplementary insurance policies in addition to your public health coverage. Private supplementary insurance will result in an additional monthly expense ranging from €45 to €100.

Hidden and one-off costs to expect

Beyond monthly rent, budget for one-off costs when you first move in. Landlords in Vienna typically ask for a security deposit of up to 3 months' rent, paid upfront and refundable at the end of your tenancy if the property is left in good condition.

Registering your address (Meldezettel) with the local authorities is free, but you'll usually need to budget for utility connection fees, home insurance (often around €10-20/month), and, if you go through a private agent instead of renting direct, an agency commission of roughly 2 months' rent plus VAT. Factor these into your moving budget so they don't catch you off guard in your first month. For specifics on setting up your home, see how utilities work in Austria.

Visa and residence permit costs

If you're a non-EU/EEA citizen, factor in visa and residence permit costs on top of your monthly budget. A first-time residence permit application in Austria generally costs roughly €100 to €160, depending on the permit type (student, work, or family reunification). Fees can change, so confirm the current amount with the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country before you apply.

Students make up a large share of Vienna's international residents, and their budgets look different from a young professional's. Tuition itself is often the smallest line item: EU/EEA students typically pay only a small administrative fee (around €20 per semester), while non-EU students at public universities pay roughly €1,500 per semester.

Housing is where students save the most by choosing wisely. A furnished private room at €570/month, especially in Favoriten or Meidling, keeps your total monthly budget near €1,570 once food, transport, and insurance are included. Look into university dormitories too, since they're often cheaper than private rooms, though waitlists can be long.

Students under 26 also qualify for discounted public transport passes, cutting the standard €51 monthly pass down significantly, and university canteens (Mensas) offer meals for around €5, well below restaurant prices. For a deeper breakdown of tuition, dorms, and student discounts, see the true cost of living in Vienna for international students.

Families and couples need more space, so an unfurnished apartment at €1,190/month, ideal for families, is the realistic starting point rather than a room or studio. Add utilities, and central-district apartments can run well above this, while outer districts like Floridsdorf keep costs closer to the base rate.

Grocery bills scale up too: a couple or small family typically spends €500-600/month on food, roughly double the single-person estimate, due to larger shopping baskets and less flexibility to eat out. Health insurance for two working adults runs about €100/month combined, and if you have children, factor in childcare: public kindergartens are largely free or low-cost, while private options run €300-600/month per child.

Altogether, a couple or small family in Vienna should budget roughly €2,100 to €2,300/month, rent included, more if you choose a central district or private childcare.

Vienna rewards a bit of planning. Shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi, Hofer, and Penny Markt instead of organic or premium grocers, and you'll cut your food bill noticeably without sacrificing quality.

Switch to the annual public transport pass (€366) instead of paying monthly (€51 x 12 = €612): it's the single easiest way to save over €200 a year on transport. If you're a student, use your discounted pass and Mensa meals to keep both transport and food costs down.

On housing, look outside the Innere Stadt. Favoriten, Meidling, Simmering, and Floridsdorf offer the same U-Bahn access at a lower price, and starting your search early gives you more room to compare listings before committing. For leisure, many of Vienna's museums offer discounted or free entry on specific days, and the city's parks and free walking tours are a no-cost way to enjoy the city.

Once you know what to expect for rent, food, and daily costs, the next step is locking down a place before you arrive. Starting early to explore rental homes in Vienna will help you secure the best deals.

Every listing comes with ID-verified landlords, transparent pricing, and Tenant Protection on your booking, so you can pay your deposit and first month's rent with confidence and confirm your home before you even land in Austria. Whether you're moving for work or education, Vienna's charm and opportunities will make it a worthwhile destination. If you’re still undecided, consider the best places to live in Austria for more options.

Has the cost of living in Vienna increased in recent years? Yes, rents and grocery prices in Vienna have risen since 2023 due to inflation and strong housing demand, though price growth has slowed compared to 2022's peak. Budget a bit more than older estimates you find online, and check current listings before committing to a number.

How much does a 2-bedroom apartment in Vienna's city center cost in 2026? A 2-bedroom apartment in the Innere Stadt or nearby central districts often costs well above €1,500 a month before utilities, noticeably more than the citywide average. Moving just a few districts out cuts this cost considerably while keeping a short commute.

How much do WU Vienna students spend on living costs per month? Students at WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business) typically report total monthly costs of around €1,200 to €1,600, covering rent, food, transport, and insurance. That lines up closely with the general student budget in this guide, since WU's campus sits in Leopoldstadt, a mid-priced district.

What's the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Vienna? A 1-bedroom, studio-style apartment averages around €929 a month excluding utilities. Prices run higher in central districts and lower in outer ones, so compare a few neighborhoods before deciding.

Please reach out to content@housinganywhere.com if you have any suggestions or inquiries about the content on this page.

For more on what daily life is really like, read the pros and cons of living in Vienna.