Cost of Living in Vienna 2025: Complete Break Down for Students, Expats & Families
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Table of Contents
- Is Cost of Living in Vienna Expensive: Introducing Vienna Austria
- Average Cost of Living in Vienna
- Major Living Expenses in Vienna
- Cost of Living in Vienna for International Students
- Best Places to Live in Vienna for Immigrants
- Tips to Affordable Cost of Living in Vienna for Families and Students
- Budget Your Cost of Living in Vienna With GetGIS
The cost of living in Vienna is often considered reasonable given the city's exceptional quality of life, efficient public services and cultural richness. Ranking consistently among the top cities globally Vienna has been named the world's most livable city by Economist Intelligence Unit Global Livability Index.
While living expenses in Vienna can vary based on lifestyle and accommodation choices, the city offers a balanced mix of affordability and premium living standards. In this article, we will break down the key living costs in Vienna from housing to groceries, transportation and more to help students, professionals, or family planning to move to Vienna, Austria.
Also Read: Unlocking the Perks of Austria: Secure Country & Tax Benefits
Is Cost of Living in Vienna Expensive: Introducing Vienna Austria
Vienna, Austria's capital and smallest state by area but largest by population, has a rich history and cultural legacy. Renowned as the "City of Music," it has been home to legendary composers like Mozart and Beethoven.
While commerce, industry, and government are major employers, tourism plays a significant role, with around two million visitors annually. Vienna contributes a significant portion to Austria's job market (1 quarter of the total jobs in the country) and gross national product (1/3rd of the total).
- Vienna is ranked the best country to live in the world under the Global Liveability Index - Economic Intelligence Unit Report.
- As per Numbeo, Vienna's cost of living index is ranked 58th in the world.
Average Cost of Living in Vienna
Is living in Vienna expensive? Will the cost of life in Vienna cause a dent in my pockets? This is a common question when discussing the cost of living in Austria's capital. Vienna ranks among the pricier cities in the country. But what exactly should you anticipate? Let’s explore.
- The estimated cost of living in Vienna for a family of 4 (expenses excluding rent) is around €3,502 monthly
- For a single person the cost of living in Vienna per month is estimated to be approximately €1,017.
Major Living Expenses in Vienna
Having understood the average cost of living in Vienna Austria for individuals and families, it is crucial to know what are the factors contributing to this Vienna living expenses budget. Let us find out.
Also Read: How to Settle in Austria from India: 10 Tips for the Transition
1. Accommodation Expenses
Monthly accommodation expenses heavily influence the average cost of life in Vienna. Rent prices vary depending on the neighborhood you intend to reside in. Here's a breakdown for your reference:
Type of Apartment |
Average Rents (EUR) |
1 Bedroom Apartment (City Centre) |
800 - 1,300 |
1 Bedroom Apartment (Outside of Centre) |
520 - 900 |
3 Bedrooms Apartment (City Center) |
1,200 - 3,500 |
3 Bedrooms Apartment (Outside of Centre) |
900 - 1,600 |
2. Transportation Expenses
Vienna boasts a highly efficient public transportation network, offering swift and dependable travel options via subway, streetcar, and bus services.
Expense |
Cost (EUR) |
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
2.40 |
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
50.00 |
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
4.00 |
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) |
1.62 |
Taxi 1-hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
26.40 |
Gasoline (1 liter) |
1.63 |
3. Grocery Expenses
In Vienna, grocery prices are relatively high, yet the city's competitive salaries often make overall expenses manageable.
Particulars |
Cost (EUR) |
Milk (regular), (1 liter) |
1.47 |
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) |
2.42 |
Rice (white), (1kg) |
2.49 |
Eggs (regular) (12) |
4.30 |
Local Cheese (1kg) |
15.14 |
Chicken Fillets (1kg) |
12.48 |
Beef Round (1kg) |
18.07 |
Apples (1kg) |
2.44 |
Banana (1kg) |
2.06 |
Oranges (1kg) |
2.62 |
Tomato (1kg) |
4.24 |
Potato (1kg) |
1.83 |
Onion (1kg) |
1.71 |
Lettuce (1 head) |
1.58 |
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.74 |
To save on ingredients and the average cost of food in Vienna, consider shopping at discounters like "Hofer" and "Lidl". Additionally, for those experiencing financial hardship, Vinzi Markt offers low-cost food assistance.
4. Utility Expenses
Utilities serve as a crucial expense factor after accommodation, as these constitute a mandatory requirement for your day-to-day living expenses in Vancouver.
Utility costs in Vienna are experiencing significant fluctuations due to the increase in gas prices, which affect around 50% of all flats that rely on gas heating.
Expense |
Cost (EUR) |
Basic Utilities Expenses (for 85m² Apartment) |
288.34 |
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data |
14.80 |
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
32.28 |
5. Fun & Entertainment Expenses
Now that you're acquainted with the essential living expenses in Vienna, Austria, let's also explore additional entertainment costs that may impact your budget.
Particulars |
Cost (EUR) |
Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) |
15.00 |
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
70.00 |
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
9.90 |
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) |
4.50 |
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) |
4.00 |
Cappuccino (regular) |
3.68 |
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) |
2.64 |
Water (0.33 liter bottle) |
2.24 |
Following dining expenses, we'll delve into the costs of fitness and entertainment activities.
Expense |
Cost (EUR) |
Fitness Membership, for 1 Adult |
39.64 |
Tennis Court Rent (on Weekend) |
18.42 |
Cinema (1 Seat) |
12.00 |
Cost of Living in Vienna for International Students
Vienna is renowned for its affordability, offering a low cost of living and reasonable tuition fees for international students.
On average, living expenses in Vienna range from €1,600 to €3,000 per month, covering rent, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses, excluding tuition fees.
Explore the Work, Life and Leisure: Experience the High Standards of Austrian Living
Best Places to Live in Vienna for Immigrants
The best locations for immigrants (for students, working professionals and families) to live in Vienna, include:
Neighborhood |
Key Highlights |
Innere Stadt |
Historic, luxurious, tourist-heavy, best for high-income expats |
Leopoldstadt |
Family-friendly, near Prater park, well-connected |
Landstraße |
Peaceful, close to center, good for professionals |
Wieden |
Trendy, vibrant, ideal for young expats |
Währing |
Quiet, residential, close to schools and parks |
Döbling |
Elegant, upscale, nature-filled—great for diplomats and families |
Mariahilf |
Central, full of shops and nightlife |
Neubau |
Creative, artsy, full of cafes and galleries |
Explore the Top 10 Jobs in Austria for Expats in 2025
Tips to Affordable Cost of Living in Vienna for Families and Students
To help lower the cost of living in Vienna for families and students, consider these practical suggestions:
- Opt for shared housing: Sharing accommodation with roommates can significantly cut down on rent and household expenses. Students look into affordable options like university dormitories or shared apartments.
- Be mindful of energy usage: Save on utility bills by turning off lights and appliances when not needed.
- Embrace walking or cycling: Utilize the city's bike paths to reduce transportation expenses.
- Plan meals and stick to a shopping list: Avoid impulse buys to lower food expenses.
- Reduce dining out: Cooking at home more often can help trim food costs.
- Allocate for miscellaneous expenses: Set aside a portion of your budget for leisure activities and personal items.
- Use public transit: Take advantage of cost-effective public transportation options available in many Austrian cities.
- Opt for budget-friendly phone and internet plans: Consider prepaid or economical options to save on communication expenses.
By following these tips, families and students can better manage their expenses in Vienna and maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
Budget Your Cost of Living in Vienna With GetGIS
Budgeting your cost of living in Vienna is crucial for students and working professionals to effectively manage expenses while ensuring enough funds for essential living needs.
Whether you're planning to immigrate to Austria or already living in Vienna, GetGIS is here to provide end to end assistance covering everything from pre to post landing requirements. Our immigration assistance team is dedicated to helping you with all your immigration needs for Vienna and Austria.
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