Austria combines a high quality of life, social security, strong healthcare and education and some remarkable scenery, which makes it one of the more appealing countries in Europe to move to. Choosing the country is only the first step. Once the decision is serious, you also have to choose a city, and that choice depends on your lifestyle, your budget, your work and your own circumstances.
This article introduces the best cities in Austria for living, working and studying, and compares them. If you are on the path to moving to Austria, read on so you can make the choice with better information.
Why move to Austria?
Austria is one of the safest, most developed and most attractive countries in Europe, and in recent years it has become a popular destination for study, work and family migration. Its social services, its range of job opportunities and its quality of life make it a strong option for anyone looking for a stable future in Europe. The main advantages of living in Austria include:
- A high quality of life
- A low-cost public health system
- Good quality healthcare for residents
- Affordable education
- Very low tuition fees at public universities
- High levels of safety and low crime rates
- Clean, striking countryside, the Alps and quiet lakes
- Reliable, reasonably priced public transport in the larger cities
- A wide range of job opportunities with good salaries
- A rule-based culture with respect for civil rights
- An active labour market in fields such as engineering, healthcare, IT and tourism
- A supportive social structure that works well for families, students and new arrivals
- A central position in Europe with easy access to neighbouring countries
The best cities in Austria to live in
There are several routes into Austria: admission to a university and an Austrian student visa, an investment route, a job offer and a work permit, or family reunification. Whichever route you are on, here are the cities worth considering for living and studying.
Vienna, the cultural capital of Europe
Vienna, the Austrian capital, offers a high quality of life, a varied job market and a safe, multicultural setting in which to raise a family, which makes it the first city most people consider. It has repeatedly been ranked the best city in the world for quality of life by Mercer and the Economist Intelligence Unit, and it combines history, culture, modern infrastructure and social provision in a way few cities manage. It is also one of the safest capitals in Europe, with an advanced public health system available free or at low cost to residents.
With institutions such as the University of Vienna and other respected schools, the city suits students too. The trade-off is that, given what it offers, Vienna is the most expensive city in Austria. A one-bedroom flat in the centre rents for roughly 700 to 900 EUR, and monthly living costs for one person run to between 1,100 and 1,500 EUR excluding rent. On that basis, a family with two children should budget between 3,500 and 4,500 EUR a month in Vienna.
Salzburg, the city of music and culture
Salzburg is one of the best cities in Austria, combining a rich cultural life, remarkable scenery and a calm urban setting. It sits in western Austria near the German border, is the birthplace of Mozart and is known as the city of music, which is why it hosts classical music, theatre and performing arts festivals for much of the year. With an Austrian tourist visa you can visit the country and see it for yourself.
Quality of life in Salzburg is high, and unlike the busier capital it offers a calm, safe, low-stress way of living that works well for families, retirees and freelancers. Its concert halls, museums and UNESCO-listed buildings make it a draw for anyone interested in culture, art and history. It is also close to the Alps, to clear mountain lakes and to a network of cycling routes.
The University of Salzburg (Universitat Salzburg), one of the older established institutions in Europe, makes the city a practical place to study at a reasonable cost of living. A one-bedroom flat in the centre rents for roughly 600 to 800 EUR, and monthly living costs for one person run to between 1,000 and 1,400 EUR. A family of four with two children can live comfortably enough on around 4,000 EUR a month.
Graz, Austria’s best student city
Graz is one of the best cities in Austria for students, with lively academic institutions, reasonable living costs and a young feel. It is widely known as the country’s student city.
Graz hosts more than 60,000 students at institutions including the University of Graz, Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) and the Medical University. That keeps the city energetic and modern. One of the biggest advantages of living there is the affordable cost of rent, transport and food, which matters a great deal to students. The large international student population also supports a wide range of cultural venues, cafes, festivals and social activities.
A student flat or small apartment in Graz rents for roughly 450 to 650 EUR a month, and monthly living costs for a student come to between 900 and 1,200 EUR. Public transport also carries a student discount.
Innsbruck, a city in the heart of the Alps
If you love the outdoors, the mountains and winter sports, Innsbruck is worth a serious look. It is another of the best cities in Austria, set in the heart of the Alps and known as the country’s winter sports capital: it has hosted the Winter Olympics twice and offers excellent facilities for skiing, climbing, mountain biking and hiking.
Innsbruck is an active, international city that combines unspoilt scenery, a rich cultural life and a healthy way of living, and institutions such as the Leopold-Franzens University of Innsbruck (University of Innsbruck) make it a popular destination for students as well.
Clean air, green space, a high quality of life, quiet neighbourhoods, welcoming residents, street festivals and traditional markets have all made Innsbruck a popular destination for new arrivals. A one-bedroom flat rents for roughly 700 to 950 EUR a month, and monthly costs for one person come to somewhere between 1,200 and 1,500 EUR. Like Graz, the city offers a student discount on public transport, which works out at between 30 and 50 EUR a month.
Linz, a modern city for people building something new
Linz has grown alongside its technology sector, and offers a varied job market and a high quality of life. It sits in the north of the country on the Danube. Linz is known as Austria’s centre for technology, innovation and advanced industry, and is home to large industrial companies and technology start-ups. With rapid growth in IT, digital marketing, engineering and artificial intelligence, it is an attractive destination for specialists, entrepreneurs and skilled workers from abroad.
The advantages of living in Linz include:
- A wide range of jobs in technology and engineering
- Industrial automation, robotics, IT and software companies
- A modern setting with continuous investment in digital infrastructure
- Smart transport
- Universities and advanced research centres
- A high quality of life at reasonable cost
- Close links between research centres and industry
- Good prospects for students to find work after graduating
Living costs in Linz come to roughly 1,000 to 1,300 EUR for one person, with a one-bedroom flat in the centre at between 600 and 800 EUR, which makes Linz one of the best cities in Austria to live in.
Bregenz, Austria’s quiet city
If you want a calm, green city surrounded by countryside, Bregenz is an excellent choice. This small city sits at the westernmost point of the country, in the state of Vorarlberg, on the shore of Lake Constance (Bodensee). With mountain views, a mild climate and an unhurried way of life, Bregenz counts among the best cities in Austria.
Life in Bregenz suits people looking for a balance between work, calm and the outdoors. Its small urban footprint, low population density, clean streets and strong cultural life make it a pleasant place for families, retirees and anyone trying to get away from the noise and stress of a larger city. Bregenz is also one of the safest cities in Austria, with a low crime rate, and despite its size it hosts respected arts events such as the Bregenz Festival.
Living costs in Bregenz come to around 1,000 to 1,300 EUR a month for one person, with a one-bedroom flat in the centre at roughly 650 to 800 EUR, well below Vienna or Salzburg.
The best cities in Austria compared
| City | Job opportunities | Advantages | Disadvantages | Cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vienna | Very varied and plentiful | Very high quality of life, advanced public transport, respected universities | High cost of living, crowding and traffic in central districts | Relatively expensive |
| Salzburg | Moderate | Strong cultural scene, beautiful nature, high level of safety | Job market limited to tourism and the arts | Good |
| Graz | Dynamic and active | Student atmosphere, affordable costs, room to grow for young people | Fewer job opportunities than Vienna | Good |
| Innsbruck | Moderate | Mountain setting, suited to a healthy lifestyle and winter sports | Jobs limited to specific sectors such as tourism and sport | Affordable |
| Linz | Dynamic and active | Technology and innovation hub, jobs in industry and engineering | More limited cultural scene than the larger cities | Good |
| Bregenz | Narrow job market | Quiet, close to nature, well suited to family life or retirement | Small job market, suited to a limited range of specialist roles | Affordable |
Applying for an Austrian visa with Aval Visa
If you are planning to move to one of the best cities in Austria, whether Vienna, Graz or Bregenz, specialist advice and a professional team make the process easier to manage. Aval Visa has years of experience with Austrian visa applications, including student, work and tourist visas, and our advisers work with you at each stage.
Because living conditions, job prospects and costs differ so much from one Austrian city to another, the choice of destination deserves careful research and specialist advice. Our team can review your circumstances and suggest the options that fit them. Fill in the free assessment form and we will get back to you.
Frequently asked questions
- Which is the most expensive city in Austria? Vienna, where living costs, tuition, rent and everyday expenses are all higher than elsewhere.
- Which Austrian cities have the best facilities for study? Vienna, Salzburg, Graz and Innsbruck are the strongest cities in Austria for higher education.
- What are the drawbacks of living in Austria? The main ones are the high cost of living in the larger cities, the difficulty of learning German, and strict rules on irregular migration.
