What are the best places to live in Austria?

Curious which Austrian city is your perfect fit? Explore costs, safety, English-friendly hubs, and insider tips for students and expats with HousingAnywhere.

Greta

9 minute read

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Updated on 26 Oct 2026

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Moving

The best places to live in Austria are Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, and Linz. Vienna is the best all-rounder for expats: it has the country's biggest international community, and you can comfortably navigate daily life in English. Graz is the most affordable of the five. Salzburg and Innsbruck carry higher living costs, but reward residents with rich cultural heritage and breathtaking Alpine scenery. Linz balances tech and industrial careers with a relaxed, budget-friendly pace. If you want to compare rooms, studios, and apartments across the country, explore HousingAnywhere's Austria listings to view available options in each city.

We evaluated these 5 cities based on internationality, quality of life, safety, and cost of living. Below, you'll find an upfront comparison, detailed city-by-city breakdowns, and the essential relocation paperwork to handle before you arrive.

Key takeaways

• Best overall: Vienna, with over 43% international residents, a consistent top-3 global liveability ranking, and private rooms starting around €570 per month.
• Cheapest: Graz, with private rooms averaging €457 and monthly living costs between €1,477 and €1,983.
• Most expensive: Salzburg and Innsbruck, where average 1-bedroom apartments cost over €1,330 per month.
• Language: English is widely spoken in Vienna. Outside the capital, conversational German is essential for daily life, bureaucracy, and job hunting.
• Safety: Austria ranks 4th globally on the Global Peace Index 2025, making all five cities exceptionally safe.
• Paperwork: You must register your address (Meldezettel) within 3 days of moving into your Austrian accommodation. Ensure your rental allows registration.

1. Vienna

Best for: young professionals and students seeking an international, big-city lifestyle.

Vienna is widely recognized as the premier Austrian destination for expats. The Austrian capital earned its global standing as the world's most livable city after consistently securing top spots in the EIU Global Liveability Index (topping the rankings in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and holding a top-3 position through 2025). More than 43% of Vienna's population holds an international background, creating the country's most diverse expat community. With approximately 340,000 residents speaking English fluently, newcomers can comfortably settle in even while learning German.

For students and interns, student accommodation in Vienna is accessible across diverse student quarters, making networking effortless. Vienna's infrastructure is renowned worldwide: the public transportation network is comprehensive, clean, and economical, with an annual Wiener Linien Jahreskarte priced at €467 in 2026. The city also features world-class public healthcare, extensive green spaces, and a low crime rate. For leisure, residents enjoy cultural landmarks ranging from Schönbrunn Palace and the Belvedere to the historic Prater park.

Living in the capital comes with moderate costs. While more affordable than Western European capitals like Paris or London, the cost of living in Vienna is higher than in Graz or Linz. You should budget between €1,570 and €2,090 per month for total living expenses, depending on lifestyle and neighborhood.

Rent varies significantly across each district of Vienna. Inner districts (1st through 9th) command higher rents, while outer districts offer greater affordability. If you are budget-conscious, search for listings in the 15th (Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus) or 18th (Währing) districts. While Vienna is remarkably safe, keep normal urban precautions in mind regarding pickpocketing around high-traffic transport nodes such as Karlsplatz and Praterstern, particularly late at night.

2. Salzburg

Best for: students pursuing higher education, culture enthusiasts, and cross-border professionals.

Salzburg pairs historic prestige with a resilient economy. Home to over 52,096 international residents, the city hosts global corporate powerhouses such as Red Bull and Porsche, offering strong employment prospects in marketing, management, and engineering. Furthermore, Salzburg serves as a strategic hub for cross-border commuters, with Munich reachable in under 90 minutes via direct ÖBB/DB trains.

Renowned as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg hosts approximately 4,500 cultural events annually, anchored by the world-famous Salzburg Festival. Its Baroque Altstadt is an internationally recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site. Salzburg is also remarkably green, drawing over 70% of its energy from renewable sources.

The primary trade-off is cost: Salzburg ranks as the most expensive rental market among the five cities. Monthly living expenses typically range between €1,756 and €2,456, driven by elevated rental rates and tourist-influenced grocery prices. When finding homes for rent in Salzburg, compare neighborhoods like Lehen, Maxglan, and Schallmoos for practical options near public transit.

3. Innsbruck

Best for: outdoor enthusiasts, winter sports fans, and students wanting Alpine surroundings.

Known as the "Capital of the Alps," Innsbruck offers immediate access to world-class skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, and hiking. Surrounded by the Nordkette mountain range, the city combines an energetic alpine environment with a charming, pastel-hued old town filled with cafes, boutiques, and nightlife.

Almost 30% of Innsbruck's population is international. The prestigious Leopold-Franzens-Universität Innsbruck (University of Innsbruck) draws thousands of international researchers and exchange students each year. Career opportunities are heavily clustered around the thriving tourism and hospitality sector, sports equipment manufacturing, and scientific research. While tourism welcomes English speakers, German proficiency is essential for broader corporate and municipal positions.

Due to limited valley topography and high demand from seasonal tourism, Innsbruck's housing market is among the priciest in Austria. Expect total monthly living expenses between €1,670 and €2,373, with private rooms averaging €636 and 1-bedroom apartments averaging €1,339.

Innsbruck maintains an exceptionally low crime rate. However, mountain living requires awareness of natural elements: winter weather and avalanche warnings can occasionally impact transit and peripheral mountain hamlets. Keep transit connections to the city center in mind when locating homes for rent in Innsbruck.

4. Graz

Best for: budget-conscious students, academics, and expats wanting a relaxed community.

As Austria's second-largest city and the capital of Styria (Steiermark), Graz offers a laid-back lifestyle characterized by Mediterranean influences, warmer weather, and a youthful population. Nearly one in six residents is a student, giving the city an energetic yet unpretentious vibe.

Graz is an academic heavyweight, housing four major institutions: the University of Graz, Graz University of Technology (TU Graz), the Medical University of Graz, and the University of Music and Performing Arts. It is an ideal hub for degrees and research in biomedical science, mechanical engineering, and tech. International residents account for approximately 25.56% of the population, including large student communities from Southeast Europe.

Graz stands out as the most affordable major city on this list, with total monthly living costs between €1,477 and €1,983. If you are searching for student-friendly accommodation in Graz, you will find significantly lower rents than in Vienna, Salzburg, or Innsbruck.

Safety in Graz is very high across all residential districts. Peaceful residential quarters like St. Leonhard, Geidorf, and the area surrounding the historic Herz-Jesu Church offer excellent connectivity to university campuses and the historic center.

5. Linz

Best for: tech, engineering, and industrial professionals looking for calm living and lower rent.

Austria's third-largest city, Linz, spans the banks of the Danube in Upper Austria. Positioned conveniently close to the German and Czech borders, Linz offers quick rail access to Vienna, Salzburg, and neighboring European hubs.

Linz has transitioned from a traditional industrial center into a forward-looking technological and cultural hub, housing the famed Ars Electronica Center alongside global enterprises. The local job market is anchored by major employers including voestalpine, Siemens AG, OMV Group, and Raiffeisen Bank International. While international software engineers and specialists can secure English-speaking positions, working knowledge of German is generally expected for broader employment and administrative tasks.

Linz offers a relaxed daily pace compared to the bustling social calendars of Vienna and Salzburg. Residents enjoy outdoor recreation along the Danube in the Donaupark, bustling farmers' markets on the Hauptplatz, and scenic rides on the Pöstlingbergbahn tram.

Living costs in Linz are moderate, requiring an estimated €1,544 to €2,107 per month. Rents are second-cheapest only to Graz.

Linz is a safe, family-friendly city with low crime, well-lit urban districts, and efficient public tram networks. Explore houses and apartments for rent in Linz to find homes near Urfahr or the city center.

Vienna is the best Austrian city overall for international professionals and expats, but your ideal destination depends on your career, budget, and lifestyle priorities. Use these criteria to narrow down your decision:

• Choose Vienna if you want maximum career mobility, international organizations, English-friendly daily life, and vibrant cultural entertainment.
• Choose Graz if you are an international student, researcher, or expat looking for low rent, a warm climate, and an intimate university community.
• Choose Salzburg if you prioritize classical culture, world-class music, or require regular commute access to Munich and Bavaria.
• Choose Innsbruck if your priority is alpine recreation—skiing, mountaineering, and hiking—right outside your front door.
• Choose Linz if you work in engineering, tech, or industrial innovation and prefer a peaceful, family-friendly lifestyle with reasonable housing costs.

If you are planning to study in English, Vienna, Salzburg, and Graz offer the widest selection of accredited English-taught bachelor's and master's degree programs.

Graz is the cheapest city to live in Austria, with average monthly expenses ranging between €1,477 and €1,983. In Graz, a private room rents for approximately €457 per month—saving you over €110 per month compared to Vienna, and nearly €180 per month compared to Innsbruck.

Linz and Vienna rank next in affordability. While Linz offers lower rents (private rooms averaging €509), Vienna's comprehensive municipal infrastructure and subsidized transit keep total living expenses competitive (€1,570 to €2,090). Conversely, Salzburg and Innsbruck carry the highest living costs due to competitive housing markets and alpine tourism.

To maximize your rental budget across any Austrian city:

• Choose a private room in a shared apartment (Wohngemeinschaft or WG): Shared flats drastically cut accommodation and utility costs while providing an immediate social network.
• Clarify all additional costs upfront: According to HousingAnywhere's tenant survey data, over 75% of international students encounter unforeseen fees when booking private accommodation. Verify whether operating costs (Betriebskosten) and heating are included in quoted rent.
• Look beyond the city center: In Vienna, look toward districts like the 15th (Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus) and 18th (Währing); in Graz, consider Lend or Gries.
• Secure subsidized student and youth transit passes: Avoid single-fare tickets by purchasing semester tickets or youth travel passes through regional transport authorities.

When balancing your budget, convenience often offsets modest rent savings.

"I'd say not to go with the cheapest option available. Try to take into account the cost of convenience. Like for example, proximity to transport nodes, grocery stores, gyms etc." - Upamanyu, student moving to Austria

Found an Austrian city that feels right for you? Start looking for a home that fits your budget and keeps you close to your university, workplace or favourite neighbourhood. Explore rooms, studios and apartments in Austria on HousingAnywhere, compare what’s included in the rent, and ask the landlord about address registration (Meldezettel) before booking. With your accommodation sorted before you arrive, you can focus on the rest of your move to Austria.

Is Austria a good place to live for expats?
Yes. Austria consistently ranks among the top countries globally for quality of life, public safety, healthcare access, and public infrastructure. Vienna frequently claims top honors in international liveability indices. The primary challenges expats encounter are navigating German bureaucracy outside Vienna and managing higher rental costs in tourist destinations like Salzburg and Innsbruck.

Can you live in Austria without speaking German?
Yes, comfortably in Vienna, but with limitations elsewhere. Vienna's international environment allows expats to navigate everyday transactions, dining, and multinational workplaces entirely in English. In Graz, Linz, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, however, municipal services, healthcare encounters, and local career pathways require conversational German. Acquiring basic German before arriving is strongly recommended.

Is Austria safe to live in?
Yes. Austria holds the 4th position globally in the Global Peace Index 2025. Violent crime is exceptionally rare nationwide. Petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in high-traffic tourist areas and major transit hubs like Vienna's Karlsplatz or Praterstern. In alpine cities like Innsbruck, residents should also remain observant of mountain weather alerts and avalanche warnings during winter months.

Is Salzburg a good place to live?
Yes, especially for academics, cultural professionals, and cross-border commuters to Germany. Salzburg offers historic architecture, renowned music festivals, and access to leading corporations like Red Bull and Porsche. It is, however, the most expensive rental market among Austria's major hubs, with private rooms averaging €632 monthly.

How much money do you need to live in Austria?
A single expat should budget between €1,477 per month in affordable hubs like Graz and €2,456 per month in Salzburg. Housing represents the largest single expenditure, with private rooms costing between €457 and €636 and one-bedroom apartments ranging from €963 to €1,339, depending on the municipality.

When should you start looking for accommodation in Austria?
You should begin searching 2 to 3 months before your intended move-in date. Rental demand surges during peak academic intake periods ahead of the winter semester (August–October) and the summer semester (February–March), particularly in university cities like Vienna, Graz, and Innsbruck. Starting early ensures wider property availability and seamless address registration upon arrival.