Best Cities to Work in Austria for Indians in 2026
Updated On
-
Copy link
Planning your move to Austria for work? The best cities to work in Austria for Indians are Vienna and Graz, among others. Scroll through to see a full list that includes factors like average salary, cost of living, and more.
Limited-time offer : Access a free 10-Day IELTS study plan curated for you
Table of Contents
If you're planning your move to Austria, finding the best cities to work in Austria is the crucial first step toward a successful life abroad. Austria, known for its strong economy, multiculturalism, and world-class quality of life, remains a top destination for skilled professionals from India.
This article focuses on the factors most important to new arrivals, helping foreigners and skilled immigrants successfully settle in major hubs and making sure you get the best that any city offers, the best career prospects, and a social environment specifically for the Indian community.
Best Cities to Work in Austria
1. Vienna
A recent survey identified Vienna as the city with the highest quality of life worldwide. It makes sense that you would consider visiting the city as it has the finest quality of life on the entire planet.
The Austrian capital ranks highly in terms of earnings, employment opportunities, health, service accessibility, environment, education, safety, community involvement, and housing.
- The largest city in Austria, with 2 million inhabitants
- A wealth of cultural offerings, including galleries of art, nightclubs, opera, concerts, and festivals.
- Strong ties to other capitals: Budapest, Prague, Berlin, Bratislava
- The country's hippest city with the youngest population
- Various leisure pursuits, including opera and Viennese coffee houses
- City that is very bicycle-friendly
The salary that you can expect in Vienna
|
Salary Category |
Monthly Net Salary (EUR) |
Monthly Gross Salary (EUR) |
Annual Gross Salary (EUR) |
Description |
|
Decent Wage |
2,700 – 3,700 |
4,200 |
50,000 |
Updated range for a decent monthly net and gross salary in Vienna 2026 |
|
Well-off Income |
3,700 – 5,300 |
5,000 – 7,000 |
60,000 – 84,000 |
Monthly gross from 5,000 to 7,000 EUR; higher range defines well-off earners |
|
Average Annual Salary (general) |
- |
- |
56,980 |
Average gross annual salary in Vienna based on recent reports |
|
Entry Level |
- |
3,400 |
40,800 |
Approximate starting gross salary |
|
Senior Level |
- |
4,200 – 4,800 |
50,400 – 57,600 |
Salary range at senior professional levels |
Cost of Living in Vienna
|
Expense Category |
Amount (EUR) |
Notes |
|
Monthly expenses (excluding rent) |
800 - 1,050 |
Includes food, transport, utilities, etc. |
|
Rent for a studio flat |
900 - 1,100 |
Depending on location and amenities |
|
Total monthly expenses (including rent) |
1,700 - 2,100 |
Reflects comfortable living for a single person |
What you can do in Vienna in your leisure time
- It is the greatest destination if you enjoy living in a big city, going out, going to events, and shopping
- It offers the best partying scene and a tonne of hip pubs for young people
- Many well-known dishes, including schnitzel, tafelspitz, and numerous cakes, are Vienna originals. Moreover, contrary to what everyone believes, croissants originated in Austria. As the hub of Austrian gastronomy, Vienna also has a distinctive culinary history
- Furthermore, Vienna produces the majority of Austrian wine, so you can sip it straight from the vineyard
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
Vienna is unquestionably the finest location for you if you wish to live in a flourishing, bustling city with a population of close to 2 million while still being surrounded by one of Europe's richest and most significant cultural legacies.
Also Read: Best Cities in the UK for Indian Students 2025

2. Graz
The second-largest city in Austria and the capital of Styria is Graz. It's a bustling city that's still small enough to navigate without spending the entire day doing so.
The small size does not look like a drawback because you'll want to spend some time exploring the city's historic district. After all, the entire area is under UNESCO protection, complete with a green hill and red roofs.
Many parts of the city are safe and welcoming to visitors when it comes to Graz neighborhoods. But picking a location near the Herz-Jesu Church is a nice place to start because it's in the middle of everything, reasonably quiet, and close to all the action.
- The population of Graz, the second-largest city in Austria, is 440,000
- Graz was designated the "Cultural Capital of Europe" in 2003 for its architecture, modern art, historical museums, and culture
- The borders with Slovenia, Italy, and Hungary are relatively nearby in Graz
- It is a city along a river
Job opportunities that may attract you in Graz
Austria's IT center, which houses many start-ups, is in Graz. Additionally, an increasing number of IT companies open offices there.
So, if you work in the IT industry, you have a lot of job options. This is a factor in the city's expansion as well. Jobs are available practically across the board, excluding IT.
The salary that you can expect in Graz
|
Salary Category |
Monthly Net Salary (EUR) |
Monthly Gross Salary (EUR) |
Annual Gross Salary (EUR) |
Description |
|
Decent Wage |
2,400 – 3,200 |
~3,800 |
~45,600 |
Updated range for a decent monthly net and gross salary in Graz 2026 |
|
Well-off Income |
3,200 – 4,500 |
4,500 – 6,000 |
54,000 – 72,000 |
Monthly gross from 4,500 to 6,000 EUR; higher range defines well-off earners |
|
Average Annual Salary (general) |
- |
- |
48,700 |
Average gross annual salary in Graz based on recent reports |
|
Entry Level |
- |
~3,100 |
~37,200 |
Approximate starting gross salary |
|
Senior Level |
- |
4,000 – 4,500 |
48,000 – 54,000 |
Salary range at senior professional levels |
Cost of Living in Graz
|
Expense Category |
Amount (EUR) |
Notes |
|
Monthly expenses (excluding rent) |
850 - 1,000 |
Covers food, transport, utilities, healthcare, etc. |
|
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment |
600 - 700 |
Depending on the location and apartment quality |
|
Total monthly expenses (including rent) |
1,450 - 1,700 |
Reflects average living expenses for a single person |
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
Living in Graz is less expensive than in Vienna. There is no subway, but you have excellent public transportation in the shape of trams and buses. You can discover everything in Graz, including cultural events, delicious food, and museums.
3. Salzburg

Salzburg, which is closer to the German border, is the city on our list with the lowest cost of living. Salzburg, often known as the Mozart City, is renowned for its appreciation of the arts and music.
Due to this, 4,000 cultural events are held annually throughout the city. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Salzburg's ancient city is noted for its beautiful clifftop fortifications and Baroque cathedrals.
If you're searching for culture, lower costs, and a city that is still adequately sizable, this is the place to go. With three large institutions, Salzburg has a primary student population, which results in generally reduced prices.
- the fourth-largest city in Austria, with 152,000 inhabitants
- The city of Salzburg is highly well-liked by tourists
- Mozart's famous home country and the location of Red Bull, the world's most popular energy drink
- Tourism, metals, and related high-tech firms, beer, fashion (traditional dress), and luxury goods are among the major industries
Job opportunities that may attract you in Salzburg
Some well-known brands are based in Salzburg (Red Bull and Porsche). Although Red Bull offers the majority of English-speaking positions, your chances of finding employment in the tourism industry are high.
The salary that you can expect in Salzburg
|
Salary Category |
Monthly Net Salary (EUR) |
Monthly Gross Salary (EUR) |
Annual Gross Salary (EUR) |
Description |
|
Decent Wage |
2,600 – 3,400 |
~4,100 |
~49,200 |
Updated range for a decent monthly net and gross salary in Salzburg 2026 |
|
Well-off Income |
3,400 – 4,800 |
4,800 – 6,500 |
57,600 – 78,000 |
Higher earning bracket defining well-off individuals |
|
Average Annual Salary (general) |
- |
- |
52,300 |
Average gross annual salary in Salzburg based on recent reports |
|
Entry Level |
- |
~3,200 |
~38,400 |
Approximate starting gross salary |
|
Senior Level |
- |
4,000 – 4,800 |
48,000 – 57,600 |
Salary range at senior professional levels |
Cost of Living in Salzburg
|
Expense Category |
Amount (EUR) |
Notes |
|
Monthly expenses (excluding rent) |
850 - 1,050 |
Includes groceries, transport, utilities, dining out, healthcare, etc. |
|
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment |
600 - 750 |
Varies by location and apartment quality |
|
Total monthly expenses (including rent) |
1,450 - 1,800 |
Reflects average living expenses for a single person |
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
Salzburg is one of Austria's greenest cities. The city uses 70% of the nation's total renewable energy consumption. It also has Austria's most environment-friendly public transportation system.
4. Linz
The city is near Germany and the Czech Republic. The city has the best opportunities for software developers. This city is among the best cities for jobs in Austria, as it provides ample employment opportunities to the people willing to settle in this city.
There is efficient public transit in Linz. You can use a bus, a tram, or a train to travel inside the city or between cities. Excellent Austrian trains run frequently to towns like Graz, Salzburg, and Vienna, as well as other nearby locations.
Another well-liked mode of transportation is cycling, and you can use bicycle service stations for nothing.
- At 203,000, Linz has the third-largest population in Austria.
- close to the Czech Republic
- 20 minutes from the city center, the Blue Danube Airport offers direct flights to and from Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, London, Salzburg, and Vienna
- In Linz, there are 57 schools, two colleges for higher education, four universities, and two schools for teacher preparation
Job opportunities that may attract you in Linz
There are numerous regional and global businesses. Software developers have a decent chance of finding employment in English; the majority of other occupations require German language skills.
The salary that you can expect in Linz
|
Salary Category |
Monthly Net Salary (EUR) |
Monthly Gross Salary (EUR) |
Annual Gross Salary (EUR) |
Description |
|
Decent Wage |
2,600 – 3,500 |
~4,000 |
~49,000 |
Updated range for decent monthly net and gross salary in Linz 2026 |
|
Well-off Income |
3,500 – 4,800 |
4,800 – 6,000 |
57,600 – 72,000 |
Gross monthly salary range indicating well-off earners |
|
Average Annual Salary (general) |
- |
- |
49,000 |
Average gross yearly salary based on recent reports |
|
Entry Level |
- |
~3,100 |
~37,200 |
Approximate starting gross salary |
|
Senior Level |
- |
4,000 – 4,800 |
48,000 – 57,600 |
Salary range at senior professional levels |
Cost of Living in Linz
|
Expense Category |
Amount (EUR) |
Notes |
|
Monthly expenses (excluding rent) |
850 - 1,000 |
Includes groceries, utilities, transport, dining, healthcare |
|
Rent for a studio flat |
650 - 700 |
Based on location and apartment quality |
|
Total monthly expenses (including rent) |
1,500 - 1,700 |
Reflects comfortable living expenses for a single person |
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
Even though there are numerous multinational corporations in Linz, living there is much simpler if you know German. In addition to all of this, the city provides access to Upper Austria's breathtaking natural surroundings as well as quality healthcare and education.
5. Innsbruck
Another of the best cities to work in Austria is Innsbruck. You'll be struck by Innsbruck's mountainous backdrop the moment you see it. The city's architecture will then become apparent to you. However, Innsbruck is renowned as a hub for winter sports internationally.
Innsbruck is simple to get around in, has little traffic, and you can get around on foot the majority of the time. Take a bus or tram if you require assistance. Additionally, because it is a university town, there are several activities for young people who enjoy the thrill of lively nightlife.
- 310,000 people live in the fifth-largest city in Austria, which is located
- It's an Alpine city that's regarded as Austria's Winter Sports Capital
- Three times, the Olympic Games were staged in Innsbruck
- Rent is more expensive than in other Austrian cities
- Tourism, apparel, footwear, musical instruments, metal products, processed foods, and beer are major industries
Job opportunities that may attract you in Innsbruck
Jobs in the tourism industry are plentiful in Innsbruck, and speaking no German is not a barrier. The best opportunities for landing a high-paying job are for engineers and IT professionals.
The Salary that you can expect in Innsbruck
|
Expense Category |
Amount (EUR) |
Notes |
|
Monthly expenses (excluding rent) |
850 - 1,050 |
Covers groceries, utilities, transport, dining, and healthcare |
|
Rent for a studio flat |
750 - 1,100 |
Ranges based on location and quality |
|
Total monthly expenses (including rent) |
1,600 - 2,100 |
Reflects comfortable living for a single person |
Cost of Living in Innsbruck
|
Expense Category |
Amount (EUR) |
Notes |
|
Monthly expenses (excluding rent) |
850 - 1,050 |
Covers groceries, utilities, transport, dining, healthcare |
|
Rent for a studio flat |
750 - 1,100 |
Ranges based on location and quality |
|
Total monthly expenses (including rent) |
1,600 - 2,100 |
Reflects comfortable living for a single person |
Also Read: 10 Best Cities in Canada 2025
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
|
Innsbruck has a strong sense of community. Since you can walk practically everywhere, it is also pretty environment-friendly. Innsbruck is particularly appealing to ex-pats working in the tourism and hospitality industries because of its reputation as a tourist hub.
6. Bregenz
Beautiful but small Bregenz is a lakeside city perfect for someone missing nature and quiet village-like life.
The city has a few museums, an art gallery, the Bregenzer Festspiele (Operas performed on a stage on the lake) that take place each year, attracting thousands of visitors, and a really pretty city center.
Bregenz has a strategic location. Within a few minutes, you can go shopping in Germany and for the other 10 minutes, you are in the Swiss mountains. This will allow you to travel and expand your chances of getting a job in one of these three countries.
- Our list's smallest city, having a population of 30,000
- The city is situated on Lake Constance, a popular summertime bathing, sailing, and windsurfing destination
- Islands can be found in Lake Constance
Job opportunities that may attract you in Bregenz
Bregenz doesn't have many multinational corporations that would be suitable for an ex-pat, but Switzerland, which is nearby and has a sizable job market for someone like you, is only 20 minutes away.
The Salary that you can expect in Bregenz
|
Salary Category |
Monthly Net Salary (EUR) |
Monthly Gross Salary (EUR) |
Annual Gross Salary (EUR) |
Description |
|
Decent Wage |
2,500 – 3,300 |
~3,900 |
~46,800 |
Typical range for a decent monthly net and gross salary in Bregenz 2026 |
|
Well-off Income |
3,300 – 4,700 |
4,700 – 6,200 |
56,400 – 74,400 |
Higher earning bracket defining well-off earners |
|
Average Annual Salary (general) |
- |
- |
50,000 |
Average gross annual salary based on recent regional reports |
|
Entry Level |
- |
~3,000 |
~36,000 |
Approximate starting gross salary |
|
Senior Level |
- |
4,000 – 4,800 |
48,000 – 57,600 |
Salary range at senior professional levels |
Cost of Living in Bregenz
|
Expense Category |
Amount (EUR) |
Notes |
|
Monthly expenses (excluding rent) |
700 - 850 |
Includes groceries, utilities, transport, dining, healthcare |
|
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment |
650 - 750 |
Depending on the exact location and apartment quality |
|
Total monthly expenses (including rent) |
1,350 - 1,600 |
Reflects average living expenses for a single person |

Top 5 In-Demand Job Sectors in Austria in 2026
Austria’s stable yet dynamic economy is forming a surge across the high-field surge. For foreign professionals, the fastest path to the red-white-red-card and long-term settlement with these high-growth sectors. Here are the top 5 in-demand job sectors in Austria in 2026:
|
Job Sector |
Growth Rate (2025-2030) |
Key Roles |
Drivers |
|
Technology and IT |
12-15% |
Software engineers, AI specialists, cybersecurity experts, cloud architects |
Digital transformation, AI sector expansion, Vienna’s startup ecosystem |
|
Healthcare and Life Sciences |
10-12% |
Surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, pharmacists, biotech researchers |
Aging population, biotech sector growth |
|
Green Economy and Environmental Engineering |
15-18% |
Renewable energy engineers, environmental consultants |
Austria's 100% renewable electricity target by 2030, and its sustainability initiatives |
|
Finance and Business Consulting |
8-12% |
Financial analysts, investment bankers, management consultants |
Vienna as a regional financial hub, growth in digital business advisory |
|
Skilled Trades and Specialized Roles |
6-8% |
Aviation pilots, corporate lawyers, tax advisors |
Tourism growth, globalization, EU compliance demands |
Need Help Finding the Best City to Live and Work in Austria? GetGIS is Here for You!
Choosing the right city to settle in Austria is crucial—not just for job opportunities, but also for access to quality education, a welcoming community, and a safe environment. Whether you’re a student, skilled professional, or immigrant, finding your ideal Austrian city can shape your new life abroad.
Our detailed guide covers the best cities to work in Austria, but if you want personalized assistance and expert guidance on immigration, job searches, and settling smoothly in Austria, look no further than GetGIS With a proven track record of helping over 7,000 people realize their dreams abroad, GetGIS’s immigration experts will answer all your queries and support you every step of the way. Book your free consultation today and take your first step toward a successful Austrian journey!
Also Read:
Limited-time offer : Access a free 10-Day IELTS study plan curated for you