Cost of Living in Austria: Essential Expenses Guide

The cost of living in Austria is a primary concern for students opting to study in Austria. Before starting their journey in some of the top universities in the world, overseas students must consider determining factors like education quality, accommodation facilities, transportation options, and career perspectives among others.

As the cost of living in Austria includes all basic amenities required for survival, international students must get a thorough idea of the prices of all the necessities. This will enable them to create a budget and manage their finances accordingly. Additionally, planning a budget will also help students apply for and avail of study abroad loans to make their journey convenient and fruitful. 

Cost of Living in Austria

The average cost of living in Austria for an individual, including rent, is about EUR 1,900. According to Numbeo, it is about 8% less expensive than the cost of living in United States without rent. Austria is a popular destination for foreigners due to its superior living standards, competitive pay, and high-quality education system.

We have incorporated the approximate cost of living in Austria for students who want to study in Austria. The prices may vary from city to city and person to person, depending on the needs and consumptions of an individual. Let us get a bird’s eye view of the prices of daily needs in this European country. 

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Cost of Transportation in Austria

Austria has a well-connected and technologically advanced public transportation system. All major cities of this country have trams, electric trains, and subways for communication. For a one-time ticket, the Austria public transport system costs EUR 2.50, whereas, for a weekly pass it charges EUR 17.10. Here is the average cost of travelling in Austria via public transport:

Mode of Transportation	Average Charges
Taxi/km	EUR 1.80
Train Fare (one-way ticket)	EUR 2.40
City Centre Bus (one-way ticket)	EUR 2.40
Regular Price for Monthly Pass	EUR 50.00

Apart from public transport, some students also opt for a car while studying in Austria. The car owners can get a litre of gasoline for nearly EUR 1.61.

Food and Restaurants in Austria

Food products in Austria are higher than in Ukraine but lower than in most of the European countries. Which can affect the cost of living in Austria’s budget. However, restaurants are pretty expensive than homemade food. Owing to this, it is advisable to consume homemade meals on a regular basis and visit restaurants occasionally. To prepare meals at home, students should check out the average price of the following grocery and dairy products:

Food Items	Average Prices in Austria
Apples (1 kg)	EUR 2
Milk (1 litre)	EUR 1.25
Rice (1 Kg)	Eur 1.80
Eggs (1 dozen)	EUR 3.50
Bread (1 loaf)	EUR 2.45
Chicken Fillet	EUR 11
Potatoes	EUR 1.60
Wine (1 bottle)	EUR 7
Cheese	EUR 16

As for restaurants, food prices are extremely high throughout Austria. However, Vienna (the capital of Austria) is the most expensive of all, owing to the footfall of thousands of tourists from all over the world. In Austria, an individual can have a coffee for around EUR 3 to EUR 4 and lunch at a normal restaurant for approximately EUR 15. Whereas, in a fast food restaurant, overseas students can have a meal at nearly EUR 10. 

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Cost Accommodation in Austria

The average student accommodation rent in Austria varies between EUR 200 to EUR 500 per month. Students residing alone need to pay around EUR 400 per month, whereas, those living in student accommodations end up paying EUR 260 per month. Furthermore, any individual residing with a friend or a colleague in a rented apartment or house pays approximately EUR 370 each month. 

The cost of accommodation in Austria covers the major portion of cost of living in Austria. Here is the monthly rent for different types of accommodation in Austria:

Types of Accommodation in Vienna	Average Monthly Rent in Vienna
1 BHK in City Centre	EUR 915
1 BHK on the Outskirts of City Centre	EUR 670
3 BHK in City Centre	EUR 2000
2 BHK on the Outskirts of City Centre	EUR 1300

Cost of Utility Bills in Austria

In addition to all the aforementioned expenditures, utility bills are also a quintessential ingredient of the monthly cost of living in Austria. However, utility expenses cover electricity, water, gas, heating, etc. The average estimated cost of basic utilities in Austria is tabulated below:

Utilities	Average Monthly Cost
Water, Electricity, Heating, Waste management	EUR 327
Internet	EUR 30 to EUR 40
Mobile Communication	EUR 10 to EUR 30

Healthcare Expenses in Austria

Non-EU/EEA citizens may have to bear for the cost of health insurance in Austria. If they meet the criteria for student insurance, they will be charged approximately EUR 60 per month. However, if they do not meet the requirements for student insurance, they have the option to apply for coverage through a public Austrian insurance provider, but the monthly cost increases to EUR 427.

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Average Tuition Fees in Austria

EU/EEA students attending public universities are exempt from paying tuition fees if they are enrolled in a full-time degree program or participating in an exchange program. Instead, they are only required to pay a nominal fee of EUR 20 per semester, which covers student union membership and student accident insurance.

On the other hand, non-EU/EEA students enrolled at public universities are typically required to pay an average of EUR 726.72 per semester as tuition fees, in addition to the EUR 20 semester fee. However, certain exceptions are made for students from developing countries, who are exempt from paying any tuition fees.

Whereas, private academic institutions generally have higher tuition fees compared to public universities. The exact cost varies depending on the specific study program, but foreign students can expect to pay anywhere between EUR 3,000 and EUR 23,000 yearly. Some specialised programs may even require tuition fees of EUR 35,000 annually or more. However, along with the the average cost of living in Austria it is very important to estimate average tuition fee in Austria’s privet universities so that you can estimate the overall budget.

Why Choose Austria to Study Abroad?

Austria is abode to some of the top universities in the world, owing to which students from all across the world opt to study in this European nation. To experience diversity and embark on an exceptional academic journey, study abroad students must consider the following reasons to study in Austria:

• Strategically located nation in the European continent: One of the primary reasons to study in Austria is its vital location, owing to which students can discover the central and eastern parts of Europe readily and conveniently. This education hub shares borders with 8 European nations viz; Slovakia, Germany, Lichtenstein, the Czech Republic, Italy, Switzerland, Slovenia, and Hungary. All these nations are easily accessible through the bus or railway networks of Austria.
• Affordable education: Student-centric education system of Austria imparts a quality academic environment to overseas students at affordable rates. As this nation has numerous public universities, non-EU/EEA students need to pay EUR 726.72 (average) per semester as tuition fees. Additionally, some Austrian universities also exempt tuition fees for students from developing nations. 
• Opportunity to learn German language: German is the native language of most of the people in Austria, on account of which most universities provide German language courses for overseas students. Furthermore, learning this ancient language will empower students to gain employment in numerous European countries. 
• Safe and Student-Friendly Environment: Austria is known for its safety and security, making it an ideal study destination for international students. The country provides a supportive and inclusive environment, with a high standard of living and excellent healthcare facilities. Additionally, the Austrian education system places great importance on student welfare and support services.
• Affordable cost of living: Austria provides economical student accommodation and public transport facilities for students. Moreover, the low cost of food also attracts students from all over the world. 
• Rich cultural diversity and historical legacy: Austria is renowned for its rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning landscapes. Studying in Austria provides students with an opportunity to immerse themselves in a vibrant and diverse cultural environment. One can explore classical music, visit historical sites, and experience traditional festivals

Best Universities in Austria

Austria is home to various prestigious universities that are recognised for their excellent academic, and research contributions, Moreover Austria has a vibrant campus life in its universities. Here are the top universities in Australia for international students:

S. No.	Universities	QS World University Rankings 2024
1	University of Vienna	130
2	University of Innsbruck	362
3	Technische Universität Wien	184
4	Graz University of Technology	421
5	University of Klagenfurt	580
6	Johannes Kepler University Linz	446
7	Karl-Franzens-Universitaet Graz	661-670
8	Paris Lodron University of Salzburg	681-690

Things to Consider When Moving to Austria

It’s a thrilling experience to move to a new country like Austria, but there are a few important things to think about, particularly along with the average cost of living Austria. It is good to think about a few key items prior to moving to Austria so that you may budget wisely and make effective plans. So, overseas students must consider the following factors:

• Availability of desired courses at Austrian universities
• Terms and conditions of acquiring a student visa
• Accommodation options
• International money transfer options
• International Student account options
• Health insurance
• Part-time jobs
• Nearby train stations, bus stops, and other necessities

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FAQs on Cost of Living in Austria

So, this was all about the cost of living in Austria. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.