So, you’re considering living in Austria. First off, well done! Living in Austria can be a fantastic thing! But just like any significant life decision, you need to know what you’re getting yourself into before leaving your home country.
There are pros and cons of moving to a whole new country, from learning a new language, in this case, Austrian German. Finding your way around and, most importantly, making sure that you are happy with your choice to live in the beautiful alpine country.
1. 73% of the population speak English
You’re not going to have to start speaking German right away when living in Austria. Like many other countries in Europe, nearly 3/4 of the Austrian people speak English. Granted, if you learn German, it will help you make new friends among the locals faster.
Just remember that Austrian German includes regional quirks that distinguish it from standard German and make learning more challenging.
2. The cost of living in Austria
Living in Austria as an expat can be expensive due to the high cost of living. This is especially true in big cities like Vienna. Affordable housing is tough to come by; in fact, over 60% of Vienna citizens live in social housing for this very reason. Even food produced in Austria has a limited selection and is often pricey.
The good news is that there are a few ways to get around this. First off, most employers do offer high enough salaries so that you can live well enough to offset the high cost of living.
Your cost of living in Austria will also be determined by where you live. For example, in Vienna’s city center, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom flat is around 846 EUR. However, you’ll find a much more prominent place in a smaller city or town for the same price.
With its high cost of living, it is possible that living in Austria will put a strain on your finances.
3. The weather can vary significantly
Austria is divided into nine regions or Länder. Vorarlberg, Tyrol, Salzburg, Carinthia, Upper Austria, Styria, Lower Austria, Burgenland, and Vienna state from east to west.
Depending on where you are in the country, the weather will vary greatly. But on the whole, like most western European countries, the winters are cold with wind and snow. The summers are warm but don’t expect any blistering hot temperatures. The best time for friendly weather activities is between June and September.
4. Visa requirements to live and work in Austria
To live in the country, a points system is used to decide which category applicants fit into, such as highly qualified workers, skilled workers, start-up founders, graduates of local higher education institutions, self-employed vital workers, and other key workers.
These groups are eligible for a Red-White-Red Card, which most international workers in Austria apply for.
There are two other types of visas worth mentioning when working in Austria as an expat. The Jobseeker visa is only for people who fall into the highly qualified worker category.
The second is the Blue Card, an alternative to the Red-White-Red Card, which gives applicants the same job rights as Austrian citizens.
5. Austria offers excellent healthcare
In fact, according to the WHO, Austria has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Health insurance is required for the whole of the Austrian population whether you are employed, self-employed, receiving unemployment benefits, a pensioner, or a dependent of one of these groups.
The good news is that the public healthcare service covers everyone. You also can choose your private health insurance if you want to.
6. Work-life balance in Austria
The work-life balance in Austria is good. The Austrian population is very family-oriented, and the need for flexibility in the workplace is reflected in how businesses approach maintaining that balance.
Many Austrian offices operate on an 8–5 schedule, except Fridays, when employees are allowed to leave at 3 p.m. A maximum of 48 hours per week is permitted by law, but the usual amount worked by most is 40 hours.
Austria is one of the best places in the world to move; according to recent research, 80 percent of expats in Austria claimed their work-life balance has improved since they moved there. We’re pretty sure that the beer and snow-capped mountains of the Alps may have had something to do with that.
7. Austrian culture and traditions
Learning about a country’s culture and traditions is an excellent place to start when making friends in a new country. Although we feel we should warn you, Austrians aren’t exactly known for their warm and friendly nature. They tend to be private and protective about their personal lives.
Coffeehouses are a big part of Austrian culture, so you can expect to spend a lot of time conversing with your new buddies over a great cup of joe.
Austria has long been regarded as one of the cultural hubs of Europe. Living in Austria lets you easily visit its most significant buildings and public spaces. Furthermore, you will be surrounded by gorgeous architecture, stately cathedrals, and charming coffee shops.
Don’t assume that Austrians and Germans are the same. There are significant cultural, customary, and value distinctions between the two countries. As a result, never refer to an Austrian as a German.
8. The quality of education in Austria is quite a good
Austria has one of the best educational systems in the world. It has a diverse range of schools that offer teaching in various languages.
Austria aims to train over half of its students to learn another language besides German. If you have older children, why not send them to the University of Vienna? Did you know that it’s rated 143 out of 1000 among the best universities in the world?
9. Housing and accommodation in Austria
In Austria, there are many different types of homes to choose from. These include everything from wooden lodges and mountain cottages if you want to take advantage of living in the Alps. You can choose from historic city houses, restored flats, and stylish studio apartments if you prefer city life.
Short-term rentals are also readily accessible, and renting and purchasing a home for both residents and foreigners is a relatively uncomplicated process. You can expect to pay anywhere from 300 EUR to 900 EUR across the country for rent.
Renting is simple because real estate brokers handle everything. Once again, be warned that this will most certainly be problematic if you do not speak German, so you’ll be better off using an online housing agency.
10. Stunning natural wonders in Austria
The country, which is right in the Alps, is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts in both winter and summer.
How about hiking in the forest or taking a dip in one of the many lakes? If that tires you out just by thinking about it, then why not take a plunge in a bubbling thermal bath? You can take in the breathtaking snow-covered mountains and admire the scenic view with a cup of hot chocolate.
If the Alps are practically on your doorstep, how can you not jump at opportunities like these?
11. Public transport in Austria is among the best in Europe
The Austrians are big fans of public transportation. In terms of population, no other European country can hold a candle to the Austrian public transport system.
This is due to it being well-developed, modern, and efficient. The U-Bahn (subway), Schnellbahn or S-Bahn (local train), Straßenbahn (tram), and Autobus (bus) are the four main modes of transportation .
Vienna’s subway system is one of the best organized in the world. It’s fast, regular, covers the entire city, and safe and clean. Furthermore, it’s pretty cheap to use.
12. Austrian food and drink
Hearty meals characterize authentic Austrian cuisine, dominated by meat and carb-heavy dishes.
The Schnitzel is the dish that most people associate with Austrian food. The Wiener Schnitzel is one of Austria’s national meals. It’s a delicious fried pork cutlet that comes with a side of fried potatoes, sour cream, and onions.
Viennese Apfelstrudel is the Austrian national food. A traditional Viennese dessert. An apple filling is encased by flaky layers of strudel dough studded with raisins and almonds.
Suppose you are looking for a cheap meal after a night out indulging in the wonders of Austrian adult beverages. In that case, street vendors sell fast and affordable food, including various sausage-based snacks, which should be no surprise.
Speaking of no surprises, beer is wildly popular. Austria has been brewing beer since the 14th century and now has Europe’s highest concentration of breweries. The most popular alcoholic beverages in Austria are beer and wine. Each area, though, has its favorites.
13. Attractive shopping and recreational infrastructure
Just because there aren’t as many malls as, say, compared to the US, shopping in Austria doesn’t mean you can’t get your retail therapy fix from its shopping streets in city centers. Granted, you may find the experience a little taxing on the wallet.
If you feel the need to get out and about a little after that, the recreation infrastructure in Austria is very well set up. Skiing, hiking, and biking are all popular national pastimes, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy all three.
14. High quality of life
Vienna has been named “Metropolis with the Highest Living Standard in the World” several times. You can find delight in some of Austria’s various coffee shops, magnificent opera houses, and gourmet restaurants.
From majestic historical buildings and museums to a thriving nightlife, the city’s rich cultural life and diverse artistic scene leave little to be desired and ideal leisure, sports, shopping activities, and recreation.
15. The crime rate is quite a low
Austria is usually viewed as one of the world’s safest countries. It has some of the lowest rates of robbery, assault, and car theft in the developed world, and violent crimes are rare.
16. Austria has the largest ice cave in the world
“World of Ice Giants” is how Eisriesenwelt is translated. It is a natural wonder located a short distance from Salzburg, near the town of Werfen.
The cave system is 42 kilometers long and reaches deep into the mountain.
17. They have one of the oldest flags in the world
The Austrian flag or Flagge Österreichs is considered one of the world’s oldest flags, being adopted way back in 1230 and still being used today.
18. Austria is home to many great composers
The list includes Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (probably their most famous), Schubert, Johann Strauss II, Gustav Mahler, and Schoenberg, to name a few.
19. …and the Terminator
Arnold Schwarzenegger, need we say more?
20. Tiergarten Schönbrunn – the oldest zoo in the world
It was founded in 1752 by the Habsburgs in the garden of Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna’s 13th district of Hietzing, and it is now the world’s oldest functioning zoo.
21. Austria is an incredibly safe country
Austria has one of Europe’s lowest crime rates. At any time of day, even tiny towns and isolated locations such as forests are very safe.
FAQs
How much is private health insurance in Austria?
The average monthly cost of private health insurance is around 220 EUR. The prices you will pay vary depending on the health insurance plan.
Is moving to Austria a good idea?
It all depends on what you’re looking for in the first place. Living there is relatively inexpensive. Education and health care are provided for free. But there are cons to living in Austria as well.
How many public holidays are there in Austria?
There are 13 national public holidays in Austria each year.
What is the main religion in Austria?
Religious freedom is protected in Austria. Most Austrians claim to be Roman Catholics as far as a leading religion goes.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Austria can be amazing if it is the right place for you. Remember, there are pros and cons, just like any other country. Even though it is a safe place with a high standard of living, it can be costly to live there.
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