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Moving from Germany to Austria: What to Expect

Everything you need to know about relocating from Germany to Austria -- cost of living, taxes, healthcare, visa requirements, and which cities offer the best lifestyle for your salary.

Currency

EUR

Healthcare

Public (ÖGK)

0/mo

Work Visa

2-3 months

processing time

Deposit

3 mo

of rent

Visa & Work Permits

Work permit: Red-White-Red Card for skilled workers. Points-based system.
EU citizens: Free to work. Register Meldezettel within 3 days.
Processing time: 2-3 months

Cities in Austria to Consider

CityMedian Salary1BR Rent RangeEnglishNeighborhoods
Vienna€4,200€730 - €1,7004/512
Salzburg€3,700€850 - €1,4004/56
Graz€3,500€700 - €1,2003/58
Linz€3,800€850 - €1,5003/55

Tax Comparison: Germany vs Austria

Based on a gross monthly salary of 5,000 (EUR)

Germany

3770.0%

effective tax rate

Net: 3,116/mo

Austria

3530.0%

effective tax rate

Net: 3,236/mo

Tax rates are approximate for a single person with standard deductions. Actual rates depend on income, city, and personal circumstances.

Cost of Living in Austria

Vienna

1BR Rent
€730 - €1,700
Groceries/mo
€350
Transport Pass
€51
Full breakdown

Graz

1BR Rent
€700 - €1,200
Groceries/mo
€300
Transport Pass
€52
Full breakdown

Salzburg

1BR Rent
€850 - €1,400
Groceries/mo
€330
Transport Pass
€58
Full breakdown

Relocation Costs in Austria

Rental Deposit

3 month(s) of rent

Agency Fee

2 month(s) of rent

Registration & Admin

0

Usually 3 months deposit. Agent fees often 2 months.

Calculate your salary in Austria

Enter your gross salary to see take-home pay, affordable neighborhoods, and monthly savings potential across cities in Austria.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Austria compared to Germany?

Cost of living in Austria varies by city. In Vienna: 1BR rent from €730 to €1,700, groceries around €350/month. In Graz: 1BR rent from €700 to €1,200, groceries around €300/month. In Salzburg: 1BR rent from €850 to €1,400, groceries around €330/month.

Do I need a visa to work in Austria from Germany?

Red-White-Red Card for skilled workers. Points-based system. For EU citizens: Free to work. Register Meldezettel within 3 days.. Typical processing time: 2-3 months. Always verify current requirements with the official Austria immigration authority.

How does healthcare work in Austria for expats?

Austria has a Public (ÖGK) healthcare system. Public insurance ~7.6% of salary. Additional private optional. Monthly public healthcare costs approximately €0, while private insurance averages €100/month.

How much tax will I pay in Austria?

On a gross salary of €5,000/month in Austria, the effective tax rate is approximately 3530.0%, leaving you with €3,236/month net. Tax rates vary based on income level, city, and personal circumstances.

What should I budget for relocation from Germany to Austria?

Plan for a rental deposit of 3 month(s) of rent plus 2 month(s) agency fee. Registration and administrative costs are around €0. Usually 3 months deposit. Agent fees often 2 months.