How Austria compares across key indices
Cost of Living
70 vs NYC
100 = NYC
Safety Index
71/100
Healthcare
77/100
Quality of Life
202/200
Climate
77/100
How far your money goes in Austria
Cost of Living
70
100 = NYC baseline
Rent Index
23
100 = NYC rent
Groceries
71
100 = NYC groceries
Restaurant Prices
70
100 = NYC dining
$1,943/mo
$2,026/mo
$2,048/mo
$2,503/mo
$2,695/mo
$2,801/mo
How safe residents feel in Austria — based on surveys of people living there
Safety Index
71/100
Crime Index
29/100
Lower is better
Crime Trend
60/100
Crime perceived as increasing
19 point drop from day to night
0 = no problem, 100 = severe problem
Based on 1,382 survey responses. 0 = not worried, 100 = very worried.
Austria has 6 cities with Numbeo data. Monthly costs for a single person range from $1,943 in Villach to $2,801 in Salzburg. Graz leads on safety, scoring 73/100. Vienna ranks highest for quality of life at 207/200.
Villach
$1,943/mo
Graz
73/100
Vienna
207/200
Vienna
80/100
| City | Monthly Cost | Safety | Quality of Life | Healthcare | Pollution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Villach | $1,943 | 71/100 | 198/200 | 69/100 | 35 |
| Graz | $2,026 | 73/100 | 190/200 | 77/100 | 38 |
| Linz | $2,048 | — | — | — | — |
| Vienna | $2,503 | 70/100 | 207/200 | 80/100 | 16 |
| Innsbruck | $2,695 | — | — | — | — |
| Salzburg | $2,801 | — | — | — | — |
Data from Numbeo. Monthly cost estimates are for a single person including rent. Pollution: lower score = cleaner air. Click column headers to sort.
Compare Cities Side by Side
Detailed comparison of cost of living, safety, and quality of life
Healthcare system overview for Austria
Healthcare Index
77/100
How satisfied residents are with healthcare costs relative to quality
Based on 366 survey responses
Real coverage for real life abroad. Not travel insurance. Not hoping for the best.
A portion of affiliate revenue is donated to UNHCR
Air quality, water, and environmental conditions in Austria
Pollution Index
16/100
Lower is better
0 = no concern, 100 = severe concern
Based on 774 survey responses. Perception scores are 0–100 where higher is better unless noted.
How people get around in Austria
Average One-Way Commute
24minutes
Short
Traffic Index
77
Below average congestion
Inefficiency
76
Time wasted in traffic
CO2 Emissions
1.5kg/trip
Based on 284 survey responses.
Common questions about living in Austria, answered with data
Austria has a cost of living index of 70 relative to New York City (100). It is comparable in cost to most US cities. Monthly costs for a single person start around $1,943 in Villach and reach $2,801 in Salzburg.
Villach is the most affordable city in Austria with Numbeo data, with estimated monthly costs of $1,943 for a single person including rent. Graz is the next most affordable at $2,026/mo.
Austria has a safety index of 71/100, making it very safe for expats and travellers. Among cities with data, Graz scores highest on safety at 73/100.
Vienna ranks highest for quality of life in Austria, scoring 207/200 on Numbeo's quality of life index. Monthly costs there run around $2,503/mo for a single person. For budget-conscious expats, Villach offers the lowest monthly costs at $1,943/mo.
Austria scores 77/100 on Numbeo's healthcare index, making it excellent by global standards. This index reflects the overall quality of the healthcare system, medical staff, and facilities.
Yes. Austria's cost of living is roughly 30% lower than New York City and generally cheaper than most major US cities. Rent specifically is around 77% cheaper. This makes it a popular destination for remote workers looking to stretch their dollar.
Austria has a pollution index of 16/100 (lower = cleaner). This is relatively clean by global standards, making it appealing for those prioritising air quality and outdoor lifestyle.
Your pre-departure checklist for Austria
Escape Plan Quiz
Find your best-fit country based on budget, climate, safety, and lifestyle priorities.
Salary Calculator
See what your income is actually worth after taxes and cost of living adjustments.
Compare Countries
Side-by-side breakdown of cost of living, safety, healthcare, and more.
90-Day Move Planner
Your personalized countdown checklist — visas, banking, housing, and logistics.
Real coverage for real life abroad. Not travel insurance. Not hoping for the best.
A portion of affiliate revenue is donated to UNHCR
Get a multi-currency account before you leave. Essential for managing money abroad.
eSIM, VPN, and reliable internet — sorted before you land.
Secure at least your first week. Having a home base makes everything else easier.
Find the cheapest flights with flexible date search. Set alerts for price drops on your route.
Freedom Abroad helps you figure out the part nobody talks about: how to actually build a life in another country. Films, tools, and data. No fluff.
Learn about our mission