Vienna Cost of Living, Rent Prices, Salaries & Quality of Life (2026)
Austria · Europe
$2,600
Monthly Cost
avg/person
70
Cost Index
NYC=100
62
Rent Index
NYC=100
92
Quality of Life
Excellent
80
Safety Index
Excellent
1.9M
Population
EUR
Quality Indices
Currency
Data collected from contributors and public sources.
Updated: July 2026
Prices are indicative.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Meal (inexpensive) | $13 |
| Meal for 2 (mid-range) | $55 |
| McMeal at McDonald's | $9 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L) | $4.5 |
| Imported Beer (0.33L) | $5 |
| Cappuccino | $3.5 |
| Coke/Pepsi (0.33L) | $3 |
| Water (0.33L) | $2.5 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Milk (1L) | $1.1 |
| Bread (500g) | $2 |
| Rice (1kg) | $1.8 |
| Eggs (12) | $3 |
| Chicken (1kg) | $7.5 |
| Beef (1kg) | $13 |
| Apples (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Banana (1kg) | $1.2 |
| Tomato (1kg) | $2.5 |
| Potato (1kg) | $1.3 |
| Onion (1kg) | $1 |
| Water (1.5L) | $0.9 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1-way Ticket (local) | $2.4 |
| Monthly Pass | $51 |
| Taxi 1km | $2 |
| Gasoline (1L) | $1.7 |
| Volkswagen Golf | $29000 |
| Toyota Corolla | $24000 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Basic (85m² apt) | $200 |
| Mobile Plan | $20 |
| Internet (60 Mbps) | $30 |
| Fitness Club/month | $40 |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1BR Center | $1,400/mo |
| 1BR Outside | $950/mo |
| 3BR Center | $2,800/mo |
| 3BR Outside | $1,800/mo |
| Price/m² Center | $8,000/m² |
| Price/m² Outside | $5,000/m² |
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Average Net Salary | $2700 |
| Mortgage Interest Rate | 4% |
Cost of Living in Vienna — Complete Guide (2026)
Monthly Budget Overview
The average cost of living in Vienna, Austria is approximately $2,600 per month for a single person. This includes rent, groceries, local transport, and utilities. Compared to New York City (index 100), Vienna has a cost index of 70, making it around 30% more affordable. Individuals and couples should budget higher depending on housing size and lifestyle choices, while students and solo remote workers often spend near the lower end of this range.
Rent and Housing Costs
Renting a one-bedroom apartment outside major population centers in Vienna costs around $950/month, while a one-bedroom in a central area is approximately $1,400/month. A three-bedroom apartment in a central area averages $2,800/month. The rent index for Vienna is 62 compared to New York City (NYC = 100).
Food, Groceries & Dining Out
Everyday grocery costs and restaurant prices in Vienna play a major role in the overall monthly budget. Prices vary between local markets, mid-range restaurants, and imported goods, so residents who cook at home and shop at local markets typically spend noticeably less than those who eat out often. See the Restaurants and Markets & Groceries tables above for a full item-by-item price breakdown.
Transportation Costs
Public transport, taxis, fuel, and vehicle costs in Vienna are detailed in the Transportation table above. A traffic and commute score of 70/100 indicates how easy day-to-day travel around the country generally is, which matters when comparing regions before relocating.
Quality of Life and Safety
Vienna scores 92/100 on the quality of life index and 80/100 on safety. Healthcare is rated 90/100. The climate index is 60/100. These scores are based on factors including infrastructure, pollution levels, healthcare access, and crime rates reported by residents and contributors, and are updated regularly to reflect current conditions.
Salaries and Purchasing Power
The average net salary in Vienna is approximately $2,700/month. With a purchasing power index of 78/100, residents can cover basic expenses and save modestly. The local currency is EUR, though all prices on this page are displayed in USD for easy international comparison.
Utilities & Monthly Bills
Electricity, water, heating/cooling, and internet costs are broken down in the Utilities & Services table above. Combined with rent, these fixed monthly costs form the core of any relocation budget for Vienna.
Is Vienna Good for Digital Nomads?
Remote workers evaluating Vienna should weigh the 70 cost index against the 92/100 quality of life score and 80/100 safety rating. Combined with reliable internet infrastructure (see Utilities above), these numbers help determine whether Vienna fits a remote-work budget and lifestyle.
Monthly Budget Breakdown in Vienna
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rent — 1BR Outside Center | $950 |
| Rent — 1BR City Center | $1,400 |
| Rent — 3BR City Center | $2,800 |
| Average Net Salary | $2,700 |
| Total Avg. Monthly Cost (single person, all-inclusive) | $2,600 |
See the Restaurants, Markets & Groceries, Transportation, and Utilities tables above for a full itemized breakdown.
Cost of Living for Families in Vienna
Families relocating to Vienna typically need a larger home, higher grocery spend, and budget for schooling and healthcare. A 3-bedroom apartment in a central area runs around $2,800/month, and with a healthcare index of 90/100 and safety index of 80/100, Vienna is generally considered a solid option for raising children. Total household budgets usually run well above the single-person average of $2,600/month once housing size, schooling, and childcare are factored in.
Student Living Costs in Vienna
Students in Vienna generally spend less than the citywide single-person average by sharing accommodation, using public transport, and cooking at home. With a cost index of 70 (NYC = 100) and a rent index of 62, budget-conscious students can often keep total monthly spend meaningfully below the $2,600 average, especially if renting outside the city center at roughly $950/month or splitting that cost with roommates.
Quick Summary
The average cost of living in Vienna is $2,600 per month for a single person. Housing costs average $950for a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center. The country scores 92/100 for quality of life and 80/100 for safety. Compared with New York City, Vienna has a cost index of 70, making itmore affordable.
Pros and Cons of Living in Vienna
Pros
- Affordable overall cost of living (index 70, NYC = 100)
- Strong safety rating (80/100)
- Good healthcare access and quality (90/100)
- Solid purchasing power for residents (78/100)
- Manageable traffic and commute times (70/100)
- Favorable climate year-round (60/100)
Cons
How does Vienna compare to other countries?
Vienna is located in Europe with a population of approximately 1.9M. At a cost index of 70 (NYC = 100), it is a moderately affordable country, offering good value compared to most Western countries. Use the free comparison tool to see how Vienna stacks up against any other city or country worldwide across rent, groceries, transport, and salaries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vienna
What is the cost of living in Vienna?
The average cost of living in Vienna, Austria is approximately $2,600 per month for a single person, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. The cost index is 70 relative to New York City (NYC = 100).
How much does rent cost in Vienna?
Rent in Vienna varies by neighborhood and apartment size. The rent index is 62 (NYC=100). A 1-bedroom apartment outside the center averages around $950/month, while a 1-bedroom in the center runs closer to $1,400/month.
Is Vienna expensive to live in?
Vienna has a cost index of 70 compared to New York City (100). At 70, Vienna is moderately priced, more affordable than most Western countries. The average monthly budget for a single person is around $2,600.
What is the quality of life in Vienna?
Vienna has a quality of life index of 92/100 and a safety index of 80/100. Located in Europe, it offers a excellent quality of life rating based on factors including safety, healthcare, climate, and infrastructure.
What is the average salary in Vienna?
The average net salary in Vienna is approximately $2,700/month, with a purchasing power index of 78/100.
Is Vienna good for digital nomads and remote workers?
Vienna has a cost index of 70 and a quality of life score of 92/100, making it an attractive option for remote workers looking for a strong balance of affordability and livability. Check current rent, transport, and utility costs above before planning a move.
What is the best city to live in Vienna?
Check the individual city pages for Vienna to compare quality of life, safety, and cost data across locations.
How does the cost of living in Vienna compare to other countries?
Use Worldlivingcost's free comparison tool to compare Vienna with any city or country worldwide. Vienna's cost index is 70 (NYC=100), making it cheaper than New York. Compare rent, groceries, transport, healthcare, and salaries side by side at https://worldlivingcost.com/compare