Public Transport
Austria has an excellent public transport network. The Klimaticket (approx. €1,095/year) offers nationwide mobility with trains, buses, and trams. Vienna has one of the best metro systems in Europe.
Living in Austria
Your comprehensive guide to a new life in Austria — from housing and healthcare to culture.
Overview
Why Austria Becomes Home
Austria consistently ranks among the world's top countries for quality of life. Clean, safe, and culturally rich — the country offers a unique combination of modern city living and pristine nature. For international nurses, this means excellent working conditions and a fulfilling life outside of work.
Whether you're drawn to Vienna's coffee house culture, Tyrol's mountains, or the Mediterranean atmosphere of Graz — you'll find your home in Austria.
#1
Quality of Life Worldwide (Mercer)
Daily Life
Daily Life in Austria
Shopping & Daily Life
Supermarkets like Billa, Spar, and Hofer offer high-quality groceries. Markets (e.g., Naschmarkt in Vienna) are popular. Shops are closed on Sundays — plan ahead.
Healthcare System
Austria has one of the best healthcare systems globally. Mandatory insurance through your employer, e-card for doctor visits, free hospital choice, and low co-payments.
Education & Childcare
Free public schools with high standards. Kindergartens are free or heavily subsidized in many states. Universities are largely free for EU citizens.
Housing & Rent
Rent varies: Vienna approx. €12–18/m², Graz approx. €10–14/m². Council housing and cooperative apartments offer affordable options. Deposit is usually 2–3 months' rent.
Banking & Finance
Open a current account at banks like Erste Bank, Raiffeisen, or Bank Austria. Online banking is standard. Cash is still preferred in many places.
Cost of Living
What Does Life in Austria Cost?
The cost of living in Austria is moderate compared to other Western European countries. A nursing salary allows for a comfortable life.
Rent (1-bed, Vienna)€600–€900
Monthly Transport Pass Vienna€51
Groceries / Month€250–€400
Dining Out (meal)€12–€20
Internet€25–€40
Gym Membership€30–€60
Cities
Top Cities for International Professionals
Vienna
2M residents
Capital city, international hub, #1 quality of life worldwide. Largest job market for nurses.
Graz
330K residents
Second largest city, university town, UNESCO World Heritage. Growing healthcare sector.
Linz
210K residents
Industrial city with high quality of life. Kepler University Hospital as a major employer.
Salzburg
155K residents
Mozart's city at the foot of the Alps. Tourism and healthcare as main employers.
Innsbruck
130K residents
Alpine metropolis with a university hospital. Ideal for nature lovers and winter sports enthusiasts.
Culture & Lifestyle
Culture, Cuisine & Nature
Austrian Cuisine
Wiener Schnitzel, Tafelspitz, Kaiserschmarrn — Austrian cuisine is hearty and diverse. Coffee house culture is UNESCO Intangible Heritage.
Arts & Culture
From the Vienna State Opera to Salzburg's festivals — Austria lives and breathes culture. Museums, theaters, and concerts are accessible everywhere.
Nature & Recreation
The Alps offer hiking, skiing, and breathtaking landscapes. Over 60% of the country is mountains. Lakes like Wörthersee invite summer swimming.
Community & Clubs
Clubs (Vereine) are at the heart of social life. Sports, music, volunteering — joining a club is the best way to build connections.
Experience Four Seasons
Spring & Summer
15–35°C
Beer gardens, swimming lakes, hikes, open-air festivals, and long evenings in nature.
Autumn & Winter
-5–10°C
Christmas markets, skiing, mulled wine, thermal spas, and cozy coffee houses.
Ready for Your New Life?
We guide you every step of the way — from planning to settling into Austrian life.