A Comprehensive Guide to Living Comfortably in Vienna: Income and Expenses

Living comfortably in Vienna can depend on various factors, including lifestyle choices, family size, and personal preferences. As of my last knowledge update in August 2023, here are some general guidelines to help you determine your financial needs for a comfortable lifestyle in Vienna.

Overview and Reliability

It’s important to note that the cost of living in Vienna can vary widely, depending on your location and your personal preferences. Viennese quality of life and cost-effectiveness are often praised, making it a more affordable option compared to other major Western cities like London, New York, Paris, and Los Angeles. Vienna’s small size offers residents the benefit of proximity to amenities, as most areas are within a reasonable commute.

Monthly Expenses Breakdown

Average Monthly Expenses

A single person's monthly living expenses in Vienna, including rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, and leisure, can range from €1500 to €2500. For a family of four, these costs can range from €3000 to €5000.

Rent

Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost between €800 and €1500 per month. Outside the center, it can range from €600 to €1200. There are also various public housing options available, with a 3-room 90 sqm flat costing around €650 per month.

Utilities

Monthly utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, can cost around €150 to €250 per month.

Groceries

A single person might spend about €200 to €300 per month on groceries, while a family might spend €600 to €800. Eating out and entertainment can add significantly to your budget, depending on your habits.

Transportation

A monthly public transportation pass costs about €50. If you do not own a car, public transport is the most affordable option in Vienna.

Leisure and Dining Out

Eating out and entertainment can add significantly to your budget depending on your habits. A gym membership might cost from €20 to €30 per month, with a beer at a bar costing €3.50 for a half liter and dinner at a sit-down restaurant ranging from €12 to €25 euros per meal.

Income Requirements for Comfortable Living

Based on the above breakdown, a single person might need a net monthly income of around €2500 to €3500 to live comfortably in Vienna. For a family of four, the required income might range from €4500 to €6500. Personal circumstances and preferences should be factored in when determining your specific needs.

Cost-by-Category in Detail

Rent

The following prices reflect a decent location, maybe not in the city center but in the inner districts and/or close to a metro station. Prices have increased significantly in the past 2.5 years since I wrote this post. Prices have increased by around €150 for privately rented 1-2 room flats, as of 11/21. Public housing options are still accurate.

Studio (1-room flat): €475 2-room flat: €650

Once you are established here, various public housing options are available. My ex received a 3-room 90 sqm flat for €650 per month.

Utilities

Gas and electricity for a studio-2 room flat can cost between €60 and €100 per month, with larger flats costing more. The cost of a phone with data is around €10-20 per month, and internet costs €15-25 per month.

The best deal in the world! is the €365 annual transit pass for buses, trams, metro, and trains. I don’t have a car and always use public transport, so I cannot provide details on parking, gas, or taxi costs.

Food

The cost of living with affordable prices for essential items:

Liter of milk: €0.80 KG of chicken breast: €9 Pack of 10 eggs: Under €2 Beer in supermarket: From €0.50 per 0.5-liter bottle KG apples: ~€2

Consumer Goods and Services

Drug-store products like soap and household items are relatively cheap compared to other Western countries. Electronics may be relatively expensive, but check the website of consumer electronics chain Saturn Online for an overview of prices.

A haircut for a cheap men’s cut is around €12, while women’s haircuts are likely to be at least double. Salon prices are unknown.

Entertainment

Finances for leisure include gym membership from €20 to €30 per month, with a beer at a bar costing between €3 and €4 per half liter. Dinner at a sit-down restaurant can range from €12 to €25 per meal. Tipping is up to 10%, with a common practice of rounding up to the nearest half euro at a bar. Movie tickets range from €7 to €10, depending on the day of the week. There are many free options, especially in the summer, such as free concerts and movies in the park.

Annual library membership costs €30 for adults and €9 for students. There are also options for free cultural activities throughout the year, such as public concerts and screenings.

Additional Life Costs

Key life costs for families include:

Kindergarten: Around €60 per month for public, €150–200 per month for private. My child was in a private one but is moving to public. Public kindergartens are generally considered better. University: Free Health and social insurance: Included if you have a job; based on your income if you are self-employed

I know there’s a lot of important stuff I’m missing, but I hope this guide helps you understand the financial requirements for a comfortable lifestyle in Vienna.