Cost of Living in Vienna
Vienna has a high cost of living, ranking 39 overall out of 300 international cities, according to a recent survey.
This ranking is somewhat debatable for the expat as these numbers are based on the median Austrian salary. Many salaries for expats are based on the salary they would earn in their home country, and criteria such as hardship of adjusting to a new country are taken into consideration and compensated for. That said, Vienna has a wide selection of choice, catering to those who are on a budget to those desiring a bit more luxury. Accommodation and driving will be the two biggest expenses and car ownership is not even necessary for city living.
Grocery stores (Billa, Spar, and Hoffer) are in abundance and although they tend to be on the small side the quality is good and the prices reasonable. Of course you can go high end (Spar Gourmet and Merkur) or you can go budget (Penny Markt and Zielpunkt).
There are many good restaurants in Vienna, at every price range. Ethnic restaurants are not in abundance and the good ones tend to be pricey.
Fresh produce does tend to be on the expensive side, but not outrageous, and the quality is above average. It can be a challenge to find fruits and vegetables that are out of season.
Undoubtedly the biggest expense an expat will have in Vienna is accommodation.
As mentioned in the housing section, it can be challenging finding a place to live that suits your taste, and budget. And be aware of the additional fees (equivalent of 2-3 months rent to the estate agent, and approximately 2 months rent as a refundable deposit). So on a €1500 apartment you will be required to pay € 7500 up front, plus the first month's rent.
A 2-bedroom apartment in Vienna will cost between € 800 and upwards of
€ 2000 depending on the district, the size and the condition of the flat.
This ranking is somewhat debatable for the expat as these numbers are based on the median Austrian salary. Many salaries for expats are based on the salary they would earn in their home country, and criteria such as hardship of adjusting to a new country are taken into consideration and compensated for. That said, Vienna has a wide selection of choice, catering to those who are on a budget to those desiring a bit more luxury. Accommodation and driving will be the two biggest expenses and car ownership is not even necessary for city living.
Grocery stores (Billa, Spar, and Hoffer) are in abundance and although they tend to be on the small side the quality is good and the prices reasonable. Of course you can go high end (Spar Gourmet and Merkur) or you can go budget (Penny Markt and Zielpunkt).There are many good restaurants in Vienna, at every price range. Ethnic restaurants are not in abundance and the good ones tend to be pricey.
Fresh produce does tend to be on the expensive side, but not outrageous, and the quality is above average. It can be a challenge to find fruits and vegetables that are out of season.
Undoubtedly the biggest expense an expat will have in Vienna is accommodation.
As mentioned in the housing section, it can be challenging finding a place to live that suits your taste, and budget. And be aware of the additional fees (equivalent of 2-3 months rent to the estate agent, and approximately 2 months rent as a refundable deposit). So on a €1500 apartment you will be required to pay € 7500 up front, plus the first month's rent.
A 2-bedroom apartment in Vienna will cost between € 800 and upwards of
€ 2000 depending on the district, the size and the condition of the flat.
