Cost of living in Vienna
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and high quality of life. Understanding the cost of living in this vibrant city is crucial for anyone considering moving here or planning an extended stay.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect in Vienna, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you budget effectively for your life in this European metropolis.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $15.80 on average, with a range between $11.59 and $23.18.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $73.76, with prices ranging from $52.68 to $105.37.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.54, with a range between $9.48 and $12.64.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4.21 to $6.32, imported beer $4.11 to $6.32, cappuccino $3.16 to $5.27, and Coke/Pepsi $1.90 to $4.21.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.15 and $1.99 per liter, averaging $1.56.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.32 and $4.21, with an average price of $2.83.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $3.16 to $5.90, averaging $4.32.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.57 to $3.16 per kg, while oranges range from $1.05 to $5.27 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.94 and $3.15 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.05 to $2.11 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.53 and $2.63, with a monthly pass priced between $32.05 and $54.79.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.56 and $1.90 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4.00, with a cost of $1.37 to $2.57 per km and $26.34 to $36.67 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $842.93 to $1369.76, averaging $1091.30.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $632.20 to $1053.66, averaging $800.26.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1580.50 to $3687.82, averaging $2167.76.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1053.66 to $1896.60, averaging $1421.10.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $6111.25 to $15804.96, averaging $9399.51.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $3567.71 to $8429.31, averaging $5874.75.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $189.66 and $522.44, averaging $302.89.
- Internet - Internet services range from $26.34 to $52.68, with an average cost of $36.18.
Cost of Living Rankings
Vienna ranks 2nd on the Cost of Living rankings in Austria. The cost of living indices for Austria are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Austria, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Vienna offers a balanced cost of living with relatively affordable public transportation and dining options. However, housing costs, especially in the city centre, can be quite high.
Grocery prices are moderate, with some variation in costs for fresh produce and meats. Utilities are on the higher side, reflecting the city's developed infrastructure.
For those planning to buy property, the real estate market in Vienna is competitive, with significant differences in prices between the city centre and outskirts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vienna presents a diverse cost of living landscape, with affordable options in dining and transportation but higher expenses in housing and utilities.
Prospective residents should carefully consider their budget, especially regarding accommodation, to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in this culturally rich city.