Cost of Living in Graz
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Graz helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Apartment Rentals | The average cost of renting an apartment in Graz is €717 per month for a one-bedroom apartment and €945 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. Prices can vary depending on the size and location of the apartment. |
Apartment Purchases | The average cost of purchasing an apartment in Graz is €2,500 per square meter. Prices can vary depending on the size and location of the apartment. |
Transportation | The cost of public transportation in Graz is €2.20 for a single ticket and €17.20 for a monthly ticket. Taxi fares start at €3.50 and increase depending on the distance traveled. |
Groceries | The average cost of groceries in Graz is €50-€100 per week. Prices can vary depending on the type of food purchased. |
Restaurants | The average cost of a meal at a restaurant in Graz is €10-€20 per person. Prices can vary depending on the type of restaurant. |
Utilities | The average cost of utilities in Graz is €100-€150 per month. This includes electricity, water, gas, and internet. |
Private School Tuition | The average cost of private school tuition in Graz is €3,000-€4,000 per year for preschool, €4,000-€5,000 per year for elementary school, €5,000-€6,000 per year for middle school, and €6,000-€7,000 per year for high school. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Graz
"The cost of living in Graz is generally considered to be quite reasonable. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all relatively affordable, while rent prices can vary depending on the area. Eating out can be a bit more expensive, but there are plenty of budget-friendly options available. Overall, Graz is a great place to live for those looking for a good quality of life without breaking the bank," said one expat living in Graz.
Can I live in Graz on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Graz for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Lend, Gries, or Eggenberg. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center, but they offer more affordable housing options. You can find a small apartment or a shared flat for around $500 to $700 a month. On the other hand, I'd avoid neighborhoods like Geidorf, St. Leonhard, or Jakomini, as they tend to be more expensive. Rent in these areas can easily go over $1,000 a month for a small apartment. As for other expenses, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on groceries, transportation, and leisure activities. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Hofer or Lidl can help you save on groceries. You can also save on transportation costs by using a monthly public transport pass, which costs around $50. Eating out and going out for drinks can be quite expensive in Graz, so you might have to cut back on that. Instead, consider cooking at home more often and inviting friends over for dinner or drinks. There are also plenty of free or low-cost activities to do in Graz, like visiting parks, going for hikes, or attending free events and festivals.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Graz is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your grocery and transportation expenses, and cutting back on eating out and leisure activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Graz.
Can I live in Graz on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Graz for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some adjustments and sacrifices. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. I'd recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Lend, Gries, or Jakomini, as they tend to be more affordable than areas like Geidorf or St. Leonhard. You can expect to pay around €600-€800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in these areas, which should leave you with enough money for other expenses.When it comes to transportation, I'd suggest getting a monthly public transport pass, which costs around €50. Graz has a great public transport system, so you won't really need a car. If you do decide to get a car, keep in mind that parking and fuel can be quite expensive.For groceries, I usually shop at discount supermarkets like Hofer or Lidl, where you can find good quality products at lower prices. Eating out can be pricey, so I try to cook at home most of the time. However, there are some affordable restaurants and cafes around town where you can grab a meal for under €10.As for entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to do in Graz. You can visit the Schlossberg, which offers great views of the city, or take a stroll along the Mur River. There are also many parks and outdoor spaces where you can relax and enjoy the scenery. If you're into culture, you can visit some of the city's museums, which often have reduced or free admission on certain days.In terms of sacrifices, you might have to cut back on some luxuries like frequent international travel or high-end shopping. However, I've found that the quality of life in Graz is excellent, and there's plenty to do and see without breaking the bank. Overall, I think you can live comfortably on $3,000 a month in Graz if you're willing to make some adjustments and be mindful of your spending," said one expat living in Graz.
Can I live in Graz on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Graz for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but overall, you can still enjoy a good quality of life here.First, let's talk about housing. If you want to save some money, I'd recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Lend, Gries, or Jakomini. These areas are more affordable, but still close to the city center and well-connected by public transport. On the other hand, if you're willing to spend a bit more on rent, you can consider living in Geidorf or St. Leonhard, which are more upscale neighborhoods.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you'll find that prices in Graz are generally reasonable. You can save money by shopping at discount supermarkets like Hofer or Lidl, and there are also plenty of affordable restaurants and cafes in the city. Of course, if you want to splurge on a fancy meal every once in a while, there are also some high-end dining options available.As for transportation, the public transport system in Graz is quite efficient and affordable. A monthly pass for the bus and tram network costs around €50, which is a great deal if you use it regularly. If you prefer to drive, keep in mind that parking in the city center can be expensive, so you might want to consider living in a neighborhood with good public transport connections.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there's plenty to do in Graz without breaking the bank. There are many parks and green spaces where you can enjoy outdoor activities, as well as numerous cultural events and festivals throughout the year. If you're into sports, there are also several gyms and sports clubs with reasonable membership fees.Overall, I think you can definitely live comfortably in Graz on $5,000 a month, as long as you're willing to make some compromises and be mindful of your spending. It's a beautiful city with a lot to offer, and I'm sure you'll enjoy your time here," commented an expat living in Graz.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Pros & Cons of Living in Graz
- Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Graz
- 7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Graz
- Public Transportation in Graz
- Retire in Graz Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Graz
- Pros & Cons of Living in Graz
- Tips for Expats Driving in Graz
- Cost of Living in Graz
- Health Care in Graz
- The Essential Guide to Graz
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Austria
- Best Places to Live in Austria
- Real Estate in Austria
- Pros & Cons of Living in Austria
- 15 Best Places to Live in Austria
- Pros and Cons of Living in Austria 2024