Experience the High Standard of Living in Austria

Living in Austria offers a high quality of life combining stunning landscapes with well developed infrastructure and social systems. As of 2025 Austria ranks among the top 15 countries on the Human Development Index with a life expectancy of over 82 years and Literacy rate nearing 100%.

Known for its safety, cleanliness and cultural richness Austria consistently ranks in the top 10 for global livability. The cost of living in Austria is moderate compared to other Western European nations with Vienna, often cited as one of the world's most livable cities. 

What Makes Living in Austria “The Expats’ Choice” in Europe?

Over 25% of the residents in Austria are immigrants and considering the benefits like With universal healthcare, efficient public transport, and a strong focus on sustainability, Austria presents a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle for residents and expats.

Also Read: How to Settle in Austria from India: 10 Tips for the Transition

1. Work Culture in Austria

Austria’s Work-Life balance is one of the major contributors to the quality of life in Austria. Its working culture restricts that at a maximum an employee is allowed to work only for 60 hours a week which as well includes overtime.

Companies also offer recreation opportunities and generous leave allowances like study leave, carer’s leave, public holidays, etc to support employees and help them re-energize, which they believe would result in increased efficiency.

2. Paid Vacation in Austria

Austrian companies also offer compensatory 5-week annual leaves based on the working hours employees had spent throughout the year.

Parental Leaves in Austria

• Austria is a very supportive country for new parents, the country includes strict laws that say women are strictly not allowed to work for 4 months during the critical period i.e., the last 2 months of pregnancy and the first 2 months post-birth.
• The Austrian Paternity Leave Act provides fathers with the option to take unpaid leaves for 30 days after the new baby's birth, sharing the maternity leave along with mothers.

Also Read: Explore the Work Opportunities in Austria

3. Financial Benefits for Parents in Austria

Austria offers a wealth of resources to promote a healthy work-life balance that includes monetary and physical benefits included even for families. These benefits include

Child Benefits

It is a universal program for all residents in Austria, as a result of which every employer has to contribute to the same through their taxes or contributions. The parent, however, is eligible to earn a benefit of about €2000 per year per child (for children below 18 years), and €650 per year per child post-child’s 18th birthday.

Child Tax Credits

For families consisting of more than one child additional support is provided by the Austrian government in the form of the child tax credit.

For example, if the family has 2 children then they would be paid €7.10 per month per child, subsequently if the family has 5 or more children they would be paid €35.70 per month per child.

Given the case, if the parents come under the low-income threshold they have an advantage of an additional €20 per month per child.

Government Support for Raising Kids

• Understanding the concerns of the parents of providing a quality life to their children the Austrian government provides flat rate child rising allowances that cover daily benefits per child ranging between €14.53 to €33.88 (dependent on how the parents structure receiving)
• Parents also have access to income-related child-raising allowances which need to be claimed within a year of the child’s birth, the claim amount totals 80% of the parent’s latest income or up to a maximum of €66 per day.

*This 80% allowance is reserved only for the youngest child but a supplement of 50% is added for subsequent children.

Is Free Education Available for Expats’ Kids in Austria?

Parents have the benefit of availing financial aid and scholarships provided by the Austrian government in the form of general family allowance, the tax credit for children, schools start amount, and a supplement for children with disabilities, etc to support the impartial study facilities and opportunities to the children in the country.

• Only about 8% of the total education institutions in Austria are private owned.
• The public schools in Austria provide free education for children about the age of 5 to secondary school
• The country offers bilingual schools for kids who are not fluent in German language

Also Read: Education System in Austria

Living in Austria: Finance Factors for Expats 

In 2024, Personal Finance Index, Austria was ranked 20 according to the InterNations, and is ranked among the top 10 for working abroad Index. 

• 53% of the expats have rated the cost of living on the positive side and 64% of the expats have mentioned that they are happy with their current financial situation.

• 68% of expats rated the country's job security as good, while 85% rated the local economy as positive.

Living in Austria: Social Security Benefits in Austria

The social security system is mandatory for every employed person in Austria. The premium amount is incurred from the pockets of both employer and employee. Social benefits insurance covers the insured against emergency health or illness, accidental coverage, self-employment provisions, and pension.

The voluntary unemployment insured has the benefit to choose from the available payment packages i.e., €89.78, €179.55, and €269.33.

Austria Social Security Contributions Percentage

Transportation Hub of Europe: Ease of Travelling While Living in Austria

The transport system in Austria is one of the most highly developed networks in the entire European Union. 35% of the Austrian residents prefer Public transport considering the affordable costs i.e. the annual pass only costs about EUR 1,095.

• The train network in Austria boosts a punctuality rate of 97%, departing over 1.3 million passengers daily.
• Austria offers free transport passes for pupils and apprentices issued by the transport association which is applicable to all public transportation in the chosen route.
• 35% of the people in Austria access public transport, supporting sustainability and an eco-friendly approach to travel.
• Austrian residents can access public transport for only EUR 1 in Vienna and EUR 3 throughout Europe

Also Read: Austria Travel and Tourism from India

Experience the Balance of Work and Leisure that Life in Austria Offers

Living in Austria offers a harmonious blend of modern comforts, national beauty and cultural heritage with excellent healthcare, education and public services. It is an ideal destination for individuals and families seeking a high standard of living abroad The country's safety and environmental consciousness and vibrant communities make it a top choice for expats

Even though working in Austria can be a delightful experience due to its work-life balance, the immigration process might be challenging for many.

The Solution?

Well, hiring an immigration consultant could ease off most of your burden to self-work on every minor thing that too in an unstructured way.

So, why delay?

Learn about the facilities offered by GetGIS, one of the top immigration experts, and reserve your consultation slot to discuss your plans with the best!

Thinking of Moving Abroad? Here's How We Can Help

• Point calculation: In GetGIS, we calculate your points on your behalf to eliminate any chances of rejection or failure.
• Visa application: GetGIS helps you to complete your visa application properly and we even train you for your visa interview process, to make your immigration journey easier.
• Preparation for Language Test: GetGIS offers you expert guidance for your preparation for language tests like IELTS/PTE/CELPIP.
• Expert guidance for each step of your immigration: With GetGIS, you rest assured about your immigration journey. We help you to take every step in the right direction to make your immigration journey smooth.
• Job Search assistance: At GetGIS, you receive complete job search assistance, from CV optimization, to mock interviews everything is covered by GetGIS. And we won’t leave you alone until you get your job in your dream country.

So don’t waste your time thinking about the best time to visit Austria. Start your career in Austria with GetGIS Book Your Free Consultation today!

Also Read

• How To Get Job in Austria from India
• Unlocking the Perks of Austria: Secure Country & Tax Benefits
• A Guide To Find The Best Cities To Work in Austria
• Top 10 Jobs in Austria for Expats in 2025