🧾 Cost of living
What life in Austria costs in 2026: rents, salaries, inflation, groceries, fees and transport, with sample monthly budgets for Vienna.
Cost of living in Austria in numbers
The key figures you need to plan your budget before you move. Updated November 2026.
Austria is not a cheap country. Rents in the big cities and restaurant prices add up fast. You get a lot in return: good public transport, affordable annual passes and, in Vienna, a large stock of council and subsidised flats. Read on for real figures and how to keep your costs down.
Planning your move step by step? See our guide to finding a flat and the moving checklist.
What things cost in Austrian cities
Numbeo collects prices from users. The figures are averages, not official statistics, but they give you a good first idea. Each city has its own update date.
| Item (monthly unless noted) | Graz | Linz | Salzburg | Innsbruck |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-bedroom flat, city centre | €640 | €702 | €1,242 | €1,155 |
| 1-bedroom flat, outside centre | €599 | €633 | €900 | €921 |
| Single person, costs without rent | €1,089 | €1,029 | €1,138 | €1,102 |
| Family of four, costs without rent | €3,793 | €3,650 | €3,960 | €3,776 |
| Utilities, 85 m² flat (power, heating, water, waste) | €327 | €258 | €350 | €377 |
| Internet, 60 Mbps or more | €32 | €34 | €29 | €34 |
| Monthly transport pass | €64.75 | €57.00 | €75.00 | €62.10 |
| Meal, inexpensive restaurant | €15.00 | €16.50 | €16.00 | €17.00 |
| Cappuccino | €4.02 | €4.04 | €4.36 | €4.25 |
| Numbeo update | 20 Feb 2026 | 28 Nov 2025 | 7 Dec 2025 | 31 Oct 2026 |
Source: Numbeo, checked 1 November 2026. Rounded to full euros except transport, meals and coffee.
Official rent figures
Statistik Austria measures rents in its Mikrozensus survey. In the second quarter of 2026, a main-tenancy flat cost on average €10.5 per m² including operating costs (Betriebskosten = service charges such as water, waste and building cleaning). That is €694.70 per flat and month on average across Austria.
Who pays what
Net rent without operating costs (Q2 2026, per m²):
- Private flat, built from 1945: €10.7
- Private flat, built before 1945: €8.5
- Cooperative flat (Genossenschaft): €6.5
- Council flat (Gemeindewohnung): €5.7
Statistik Austria gives these figures for Austria as a whole, not for single states. Vienna and the cities of Salzburg and Innsbruck usually sit above the average for private flats.
Monthly budgets for Vienna
These budgets add up only figures we could verify. They show your fixed costs for rent, transport and the ORF fee. Food, energy, phone and leisure come on top.
| Item | Single | Couple | Family of four |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat size (example) | 50 m² | 70 m² | 90 m² |
| Rent incl. operating costs at €12.1/m² | €605 | €847 | €1,089 |
| Wiener Linien annual pass (€461 / 12) per adult | €38 | €77 | €77 |
| ORF fee (one per household) | €15.30 | €15.30 | €15.30 |
| Fixed costs per month (average rent) | rund €660 | rund €940 | rund €1,180 |
| Rent for a new listing in Vienna at €22.45/m² | €1,123 | €1,572 | €2,021 |
| Fixed costs per month (new listing) | rund €1,180 | rund €1,660 | rund €2,110 |
The rent line uses the 2025 Austrian average for private main-tenancy flats, €12.1 per m² including operating costs (Statistik Austria). Free-market flats in Vienna often cost more. The new listing line uses ImmoScout24 asking rents for Vienna, January to April 2026, without heating and electricity. If you move to Vienna now, this line is closer to what you will pay. Children’s tickets are not included. „Rund“ means rounded.
Everyday costs
Numbeo puts monthly costs without rent at €1,029–1,138 for a single person in Graz, Linz, Salzburg and Innsbruck. Plan on a similar range in Vienna until you have your own numbers.
Families
For a family of four, Numbeo shows €3,650–3,960 per month without rent in the same four cities. School materials, childcare and clubs vary a lot. See our schools and kids guide.
Energy
Electricity and heating are not in the fixed costs above. Prices depend on your supplier and network area. Compare tariffs with the E-Control tariff calculator before you sign.
Typical salaries in Austria
Austrian salaries are quoted gross (brutto) per month and paid 14 times a year. Always ask whether an offer means 12 or 14 payments.
| Figure | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Median gross income, all employees | €38,043 per year | 2024, includes part-time and part-year work |
| Median gross income, full-time all year | €55,678 per year | 2024, about €3,977 gross per month over 14 payments |
| Retail employees, lowest grade (Handel, Beschäftigungsgruppe A, Stufe 1) | €2,090 gross per month | Full-time minimum from 1.1.2026, paid 14 times |
Sources: Statistik Austria (annual personal incomes), WKO (salary tables for retail employees 2026).
No statutory minimum wage
Austria has no general minimum wage set by law. Instead, a collective agreement (Kollektivvertrag, KV) sets the minimum pay for each sector and job grade. Your employer must pay at least the KV rate for your grade and years of experience. Unions and employer groups renegotiate most rates every year. You can look up your KV at the Chamber of Labour (Arbeiterkammer, AK) or your union.
13th and 14th salary
The holiday bonus (Urlaubsgeld) and Christmas bonus (Weihnachtsgeld) are usually one monthly salary each. There is no legal right to them in private jobs. They come from your KV or your contract, which almost always applies. Holiday pay usually comes in June or July, Christmas pay in November or December. If you start mid-year, you get a pro-rata share.
General information, not legal or tax advice.
Inflation and energy prices in 2026
Prices in Austria rose faster than in many EU countries. Energy is the main driver in autumn 2026.
| Indicator | Value | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer prices (VPI) | +3.6% | September 2026 vs. September 2025 |
| Consumer prices (VPI) | +3.2% | August 2026 |
| Energy | +14.5% | September 2026, up from +9.9% in August |
| Services | +4.2% | September 2026, the largest contributor |
| Annual inflation 2025 | 3.6% | Whole year 2025 |
Source: Statistik Austria. The September 2026 flash estimate put the rise in energy prices down to higher fuel and heating oil prices. The flash estimate for October 2026 is due on 4 November 2026.
Electricity and gas
The state price cap for household electricity (Strompreisbremse) ended on 31 December 2024. Your bill now has three parts: the energy price from your supplier, network fees for your area and taxes. Network fees differ by region and changed for 2026.
Example from Vienna: Wien Energie offered its Optima Entspannt plus tariff at 9.99 cents net per kWh plus €4.93 net per month for electricity, and 5.44 cents net per kWh plus €6.99 net per month for gas. New sign-ups ran until 30 September 2026 with a 12-month price guarantee. Network fees and taxes come on top.
How to keep energy costs down
- Read your contract: Check whether your price is fixed or floating and when it ends.
- Compare: Use the E-Control tariff calculator with your postcode and yearly use in kWh.
- Switch: Sign with the new supplier. In most cases the new supplier handles the switch for you.
- Check your heating type: Ask your landlord whether the flat uses gas (Gastherme), district heating (Fernwärme) or electric heating. This decides which bill you need to compare.
Supermarkets and shopping hours
Four chains cover most of your weekly shop. Opening hours are strict, so plan Saturday shopping.
Hofer
Austria’s discounter from the Aldi Süd group. Small range, low prices and many own brands. Check the weekly flyer for special offers.
Lidl
The other big discounter. Prices are close to Hofer. Use the Lidl Plus app for coupons.
Spar
Austrian chain with Spar, Eurospar and Interspar stores. Wide range and many regional products. The S-Budget line is the budget brand.
Billa
Part of the Rewe group, with Billa and the larger Billa Plus. Use the jö Bonus Club card for discounts. Clever is the budget line.
Opening hours and Sunday rules
- Monday to Friday: shops may open from 6:00 to 21:00.
- Saturday: shops may open from 6:00 to 18:00.
- Each shop may open up to 72 hours per week in total, so many close earlier than 21:00.
- Sundays and public holidays: shops stay closed by law.
- Exceptions: shops in railway stations and airports, petrol station shops (limited range), museum and theatre shops, and markets.
Vienna: Supermarkets inside large railway stations, such as Wien Hauptbahnhof, may open on Sundays. Expect long queues. Other states: Each governor (Landeshauptmann) can extend opening hours for special needs, for example in tourist areas or for festivals. That is why you may find shops open on Sundays in some ski resorts but not in your home town.
General information, not legal advice. Source: Federal Ministry for Economy (BMWET), opening hours rules.
The ORF fee in 2026
Every household with a main residence (Hauptwohnsitz) in Austria pays the ORF fee (ORF-Beitrag). It does not matter whether you own a TV or radio.
| Federal state | State levy | Total per month | Total per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vienna, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Salzburg, Vorarlberg | none | €15.30 | €183.60 |
| Tyrol | €3.10 | €18.40 | €220.80 |
| Burgenland, Carinthia | €4.60 | €19.90 | €238.80 |
| Styria | €4.70 | €20.00 | €240.00 |
- Register your address: When you register at the registration office, the ORF-Beitrags Service (OBS) gets your data. See our registration guide.
- Wait for the letter: OBS writes to one adult per household with the payment details.
- Pay or apply for exemption: People on low incomes can apply. In 2026 the net income limit is €1,465.40 per month for one person and €2,311.81 for two, plus €226.11 for each further person. A flat €500 for housing costs is deducted first.
General information, not legal advice. OBS hotline: 050 200 800, Monday to Friday 7:00 to 19:00.
Tips to lower your costs
Transport and housing are where you can save the most. These options are open to you once you live here.
| Ticket | Price | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Wiener Linien annual pass (Jahreskarte) | €461 digital, €467 printed, €500.40 by monthly direct debit | All Wiener Linien lines in Vienna for one year |
| Wiener Linien 31-day ticket | €65.20 (digital) | Vienna, 31 days |
| Wiener Linien 7-day ticket | €25.20 (digital) | Vienna, 7 days |
| Single ticket Vienna | €3.00 digital, €3.20 printed | One trip |
| Klimaticket Österreich Classic | €1,400 per year | All public transport in Austria, incl. ÖBB trains |
| Klimaticket Ö Jugend, Senior, Spezial | €1,050 per year | Under 26, from 65, or special groups |
| Klimaticket Ö family add-on | +€140 per year | Up to four children aged 6 to 15 travel with you |
Prices valid from 1 January 2026. Sources: Wiener Linien tariff factsheet, klimaticket.at prices as reported for 2026. Check the official sites before you buy.
Get the annual pass
The annual pass costs about €38 per month. That equals about 13 digital single tickets. 12 monthly tickets would cost €782.40, so the annual pass saves you over €300.
Klimaticket for commuters
Do you travel between cities often, for example Vienna to Linz or Graz? The Klimaticket Ö covers trains and local transport across Austria. Some employers and cities pay part of it. Ask before you buy.
Gemeindebau
Vienna’s council flats (Gemeindebau) have much lower rents than the private market. You need a Wiener Wohn-Ticket first. See the requirements below.
Who can get a Vienna council flat
- You are at least 17 years old.
- You have had your main residence in Vienna for two years in a row.
- You are an Austrian, EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, a recognised refugee, or you hold a „Daueraufenthalt EU“ permit.
- Your net income is below €61,280 per year for one person or €91,320 for two (2026 limits).
- You show a housing need. Since 2026 Vienna awards bonus points, for example for overcrowding or health reasons.
Apply at Wohnberatung Wien. Other states have their own subsidised housing rules, and cooperative flats (Genossenschaftswohnungen) exist in every state. For more ways to find a flat, read our finding a flat guide. If you plan to own a car, budget for the motorway vignette, insurance and parking, see cars and driving.
General information, not legal advice.
Useful German words
You will see these words on payslips, rental ads and bills.
| German | English | When you need it |
|---|---|---|
| Brutto / Netto | Gross / net | Job offers and payslips |
| Kollektivvertrag (KV) | Collective agreement | Checking your minimum pay |
| Urlaubsgeld | Holiday bonus (14th salary) | Payslip in June or July |
| Weihnachtsgeld | Christmas bonus (13th salary) | Payslip in November or December |
| Betriebskosten | Operating costs, service charges | Rental ads and your yearly statement |
| Hauptmietzins | Net rent | Rental contracts |
| Kaution | Deposit | Signing a lease |
| Jahreskarte | Annual pass | Buying public transport tickets |
| Gemeindewohnung | Council flat | Applying for cheap housing in Vienna |
| Aktion | Special offer | Supermarket shelves and flyers |
| Teuerung | Rising prices, inflation | News and wage talks |
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need to live in Vienna per month?
As a single person, plan with rent plus about €1,000–1,150 for everyday costs. A 50 m² private flat at the Austrian average of €12.1 per m² costs about €605 including operating costs, and Vienna is often higher. With the annual pass and ORF fee, your fixed costs come to rund €660 before food and energy.
Is Vienna more expensive than Graz or Linz?
Yes, mostly for rent. On Numbeo, a 1-bedroom flat in the centre costs about €640 in Graz and €702 in Linz. Salzburg (€1,242) and Innsbruck (€1,155) are the most expensive cities for rent. Vienna transport is cheap thanks to the €461 annual pass.
What is the average salary in Austria in 2026?
Statistik Austria’s latest figure is for 2024. The median gross income of full-time, year-round employees was €55,678 per year. For all employees, including part-time, the median was €38,043.
Does Austria have a minimum wage?
No, there is no statutory minimum wage. Collective agreements set minimum pay for each sector. For example, the lowest grade for retail employees pays €2,090 gross per month from 1 January 2026, 14 times a year.
How are the 13th and 14th salary taxed in Austria?
They are taxed at a reduced rate. The first €620 are tax free and most of the rest is taxed at 6%. Social insurance still applies. This is general information, not tax advice.
What is the inflation rate in Austria in 2026?
Inflation was 3.6% in September 2026, up from 3.2% in August, according to Statistik Austria. Energy prices rose 14.5% year on year. For 2025 as a whole, inflation was 3.6%.
How much is the ORF fee in 2026?
The ORF fee is €15.30 per household and month. Vienna adds no state levy. In Styria you pay €20.00, in Burgenland and Carinthia €19.90 and in Tyrol €18.40. Low-income households can apply for an exemption.
Are shops open on Sunday in Austria?
Most shops are closed on Sundays and public holidays by law. Shops in railway stations and airports, petrol station shops and some tourist areas can open. In Vienna, supermarkets inside large stations such as Hauptbahnhof may open on Sundays.
- Statistik Austria: consumer price index (VPI), September 2026
- Statistik Austria: flash estimate September 2026 (energy, services)
- Statistik Austria: annual personal incomes (median 2024)
- Statistik Austria: rents Q2 2026
- Statistik Austria: Wohnen 2025 (rent by tenure type)
- Numbeo: cost of living in Graz
- Numbeo: cost of living in Linz
- Numbeo: cost of living in Salzburg
- Numbeo: cost of living in Innsbruck
- WKO: salary tables for retail employees 2026
- AK Wien: holiday and Christmas bonus
- AMS: special payments and their taxation
- oesterreich.gv.at: ORF fee
- finanzinfo.at: ORF fee by state and exemption limits 2026
- BMWET: shop opening hours
- Wiener Linien: tariff changes from 1 January 2026 (factsheet)
- Klimaticket Österreich: prices 2026 (overview)
- vienna.at: Wien Energie tariff offer, July 2026
- Wohnberatung Wien: Wiener Wohn-Ticket requirements 2026
Rules change. Check the official source before you apply.