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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Vienna 2024
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 Gardens at Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna


Cost of Living in Vienna

By Betsy Burlingame

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: If you're moving to Vienna, understanding the the cost of living in Vienna helps you know 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 Vienna is €1,000-€1,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, and €1,500-€2,000 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. Prices can vary depending on the size, location, and amenities of the apartment.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing an apartment in Vienna is €3,000-€4,000 per square meter. Prices can vary depending on the size, location, and amenities of the apartment.
Transportation Public transportation in Vienna is very affordable. A single ticket costs €2.20, and a monthly pass costs €50. Taxi fares start at €3.90 and increase by €1.50 per kilometer.
Groceries The cost of groceries in Vienna is relatively low. A loaf of bread costs €1.50, a liter of milk costs €1.00, and a dozen eggs costs €2.00.
Restaurants The cost of eating out in Vienna is relatively low. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs €15-€20 per person, and a meal at a fast food restaurant costs €7-€10 per person.
Utilities The cost of utilities in Vienna is relatively low. The average monthly cost for electricity, heating, water, and garbage is €100-€150.
Private School Tuition The cost of private school tuition in Vienna varies depending on the school. Preschool tuition costs €400-€600 per month, elementary school tuition costs €600-€800 per month, middle school tuition costs €800-€1,000 per month, and high school tuition costs €1,000-€1,500 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Vienna

"The cost of living in Vienna is generally quite high, but variable depending on the lifestyle of the individual. Basic necessities such as groceries, transportation, and utilities are costly but affordable for most people. Housing prices can vary significantly, with the cost of an average two-bedroom apartment being around 1,300 euros per month in the city center. Eating out is also pricey, but food from supermarkets is fairly affordable. Vienna has low taxes and fees, making it a good place to live on a budget," said one expat living in Vienna, Austria.

Can I live in Vienna on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Vienna for a few years 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 an affordable place to live. I'd recommend looking for a shared apartment in neighborhoods like Favoriten, Ottakring, or Simmering. These areas are more affordable than districts like Innere Stadt, Mariahilf, or Neubau, which are quite expensive.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Vienna has an excellent public transportation system, but the monthly pass costs around $50. If you can, try to walk or bike to work to save on transportation costs. Also, consider shopping at discount supermarkets like Hofer or Penny, and cook at home instead of eating out. Eating out in Vienna can be quite expensive, especially in the city center.When it comes to entertainment, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities in Vienna. You can visit many of the city's beautiful parks, like the Prater or Schönbrunn Palace Gardens, or take advantage of free museum days. However, you might have to cut back on going to concerts, movies, or other paid events.In general, living on $1,500 a month in Vienna is doable, but you'll need to be disciplined with your spending and make some sacrifices. By living in a more affordable neighborhood, cutting back on transportation and dining out, and taking advantage of free activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Vienna.

Can I live in Vienna on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Vienna for a few years 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 neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into districts like Favoriten, Simmering, or Ottakring, as they tend to have more reasonably priced apartments. You might have to compromise on the size or the modernity of the apartment, but you can still find a decent place to live.On the other hand, I'd avoid neighborhoods like Innere Stadt, Mariahilf, or Neubau, as they tend to be more expensive and cater to a more upscale crowd. If you're used to living in a luxurious apartment with all the latest amenities, you might have to give that up and settle for something more modest.When it comes to transportation, Vienna has an excellent public transport system, so you can save money by using the U-Bahn, trams, and buses instead of owning a car. A monthly public transport pass costs around €50, which is quite affordable.Eating out can be expensive in Vienna, especially in the more touristy areas. To save money, I'd recommend cooking at home more often and shopping at local markets and discount supermarkets like Hofer or Penny. When you do eat out, try to find local, non-touristy spots where the prices are more reasonable.Entertainment and leisure activities can also add up, so you might have to be more selective about what you do in your free time. Instead of going to the theater or concerts regularly, you could take advantage of the many free or low-cost events and attractions in the city, like visiting museums on their free admission days or attending outdoor festivals.In summary, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Vienna is possible, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transport, cooking at home, and being selective about your leisure activities, you can make it work," said one expat living in Vienna.

Can I live in Vienna on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Vienna for a few years 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.First, let's talk about housing. If you want to save some money, I'd recommend looking for an apartment in more affordable neighborhoods like Favoriten, Ottakring, or Simmering. These areas are a bit further from the city center, but they're well-connected by public transportation, and you can find nice apartments for a reasonable price. On the other hand, if you're willing to spend more on rent, you can consider more expensive neighborhoods like Innere Stadt, Alsergrund, or Wieden. These areas are closer to the city center and offer a more upscale living experience, but you'll have to pay a premium for that.When it comes to transportation, Vienna has an excellent public transportation system, so you don't necessarily need a car. A monthly pass for public transportation costs around €50, which is quite affordable. If you do decide to get a car, keep in mind that parking can be expensive, especially in the city center, and gas prices are higher than in the US.As for groceries and dining out, you'll find that prices are generally reasonable, although some items might be more expensive than what you're used to. For example, imported products and specialty items can be pricey. However, if you shop at local markets and discount supermarkets like Hofer or Lidl, you can save a lot on groceries. When it comes to eating out, there are plenty of affordable options, especially if you're open to trying local cuisine. Of course, there are also more upscale restaurants, but you might want to save those for special occasions.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, Vienna offers a wide range of options, from museums and theaters to parks and outdoor activities. Many of these can be enjoyed for free or at a low cost, so you don't have to worry about breaking the bank. For example, you can visit the beautiful Schönbrunn Palace gardens for free, or get a yearly museum pass for around €100, which gives you access to many of the city's top museums.Overall, I think you can live comfortably in Vienna on $5,000 a month, as long as you're willing to make some adjustments 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 Vienna.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.


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Gardens at Schonbrunn Palace in Vienna

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