Cost of Living in Vienna in 2026: For Students, Individuals, and Family

The average cost of living in Vienna in 2026 is expected to be around EUR 1,000 to EUR 2,400 for a single person, depending on their lifestyle and rental option chosen. The Vienna cost of living is often considered reasonable, and the city is also consistently ranked (second) among the top cities globally as one of the most livable cities in the world, by Economist Intelligence Unit Global Livability Index. 

In this article, we will explore the detailed breakdown of cost of living in Vienna for students, individuals, and families planning to move to Vienna, Austria in 2026

Average Vienna Cost of Living in 2026

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 EUR 3,686 monthly
• For a single person the cost of living in Vienna per month is estimated to be approximately EUR 1,046.

Also Read: How to Settle in Austria from India in 2026? 

Major Living Expenses in Vienna

After understanding the average cost of living in Vienna Austria, for individuals and families, it is crucial to know what the factors contributing to this Vienna living expenses budget are. Let us find out.

1. Accommodation Expenses

Monthly accommodation expenses heavily influence the average cost of life in Vienna. Rent prices in Vienna vary depending on the neighborhood you intend to reside in. Here's a breakdown for your reference:

2. Transportation Expenses

Vienna boasts a highly efficient public transportation network, offering swift and dependable travel options via subway, streetcar, and bus services.

3. Grocery Expenses

The grocery prices in Vienna are relatively high, yet the city's competitive salaries often make overall expenses manageable.

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 Vienna.

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.

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.

Following dining expenses, we'll delve into the costs of fitness and entertainment activities.

Cost of Living in Vienna for International Students in 2026

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 EUR 1,600 to EUR 3,000 per month, covering rent, food, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses, excluding tuition fees.

Also Read: Work, Life and Leisure: Experience the High Standards of Austrian Living

Life in 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 2nd best country to live in the world under the Global Liveability Index - Economic Intelligence Unit Report.
• As per the OECD’s Better Life Index, the safety percentage of Austria is at an impressive 9.3%
• As per Numbeo, Vienna's cost of living index is ranked 58th in the world.

Best Places to Live in Vienna for Immigrants

The best locations for immigrants (for students, working professionals and families) to live in Vienna, include: 

Explore the Top 10 Jobs in Austria for Expats

Tips for Affordable Vienna Cost of Living 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.

Cost of Living in Austria: Overview of Tax Structure

For all the individuals and families living in vienna the tax rate that applies is the Austrian tax structure. Non-residents are, however, taxed only on the income earned in the country. The list of tax rates based on your income as part of the budgeting cost of living in Austria, is as follows:

Explore the further details to Safety and Tax Benefits in Austria for Expats. 

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.

Book Your Free Consultation

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