Moving to Vienna: the complete guide to preparing for your move

The Austrian capital, repeatedly named the best city in the world to live in, has already attracted over 930,000 expats. At the same time, as soon as you arrive in Vienna, you are struck by the cleanliness of the streets (and the underground!), the breathtaking architecture and the city’s underlying vibrancy. Among Vienna’s major assets are its exceptional quality of life, high level of safety, efficient healthcare system and strong economic stability.

But as with any move abroad, there are certain challenges to overcome, notably choosing the right neighborhood, the language barrier and cultural differences to be aware of. Whether you are looking to change your life, pursue a passion or realize a personal project, moving to Vienna can be the start of a rewarding new adventure.

In this guide, find everything you need to know to move to and thrive in Vienna, whether on your own or with your family!

Living in Vienna: pros and cons

The pros

• Plenty to see, from remarkable architecture to a rich cultural heritage
• An exceptional cultural life, particularly thanks to classical music, with renowned concert halls such as the Musikverein and the State Opera
• A particularly clean city
• A safe city, with a lower crime rate than many other major European cities.
• An excellent public transport network and a very pedestrian-friendly urban layout
• An ideal location in Central Europe for travelling to neighboring countries (Hungary, Germany…) and reaching the Alps quickly
• A less stressful pace of life than in other major capitals
• Viennese people (and Austrians in general) are very punctual, a real bonus in everyday life!

The cons

• Speaking German will help a lot when settling in, even though English is widely spoken 
• Demand for housing is high, which can make finding a place difficult
• Viennese people are often reserved and not always easy to approach, but the city’s cosmopolitan atmosphere makes it easy to meet other expats before forming bonds with the locals

Formalities for settling in Vienna

To live in Austria, European Union nationals do not need a visa, whilst third-country nationals must apply for one in advance.

If you are staying for more than three months, you must register your residence within three days of arrival. You will then receive your residence registration certificate (Meldezettel), a document required for all administrative procedures (bank account, internet subscription, etc.). This registration is carried out at the Meldeamt, the local authority responsible for registering residents.

You then have a maximum of four months to obtain your registration certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung).

For non-EU nationals, particularly non-European students wishing to study in Austria for more than six months, it is necessary to obtain a residence permit to prove their admission, sufficient financial resources, health insurance and accommodation during their stay.

For highly skilled professionals, there are specific schemes to facilitate access to the Austrian labour market. The European Blue Card is notably an option for higher education graduates with a high salary, enabling greater professional mobility within the European Union.

Useful links:

• Vienna residence registration form: form;
• To apply for a registration certificate: Vienna City Council;
• Business agency in Vienna assisting expatriates with their administrative procedures: Vienna Business Agency.

Finding accommodation in Vienna: three essential points

1. Understanding the layout of Vienna

Vienna is divided into 23 districts (Bezirke), arranged in an almost perfect spiral pattern starting from the 1st district.

Districts 1 to 9 form the historic and vibrant heart of the city, whilst districts 10 to 23 are predominantly residential.

Generally speaking, the lower the district number, the closer you are to the city center. This is something to bear in mind depending on where you work and your lifestyle.

2. It’s better to choose the district before the neighborhood

One thing is certain: every district in Vienna has its own unique atmosphere. Here is a brief overview of the main ones to know:

• 1st (Innere Stadt): the city center, the most expensive district and the one with the fewest residents. Expats who settle here are generally diplomats or senior executives;
• 2nd (Leopoldstadt): an upmarket area with a property market more affordable than the 1st and a pleasant setting around the Prater;
• 7th (Neubau): the number one destination for young professionals, freelancers and creatives thanks to its many cafés and co-working spaces;
• 8th (Josefstadt) and 9th (Alsergrund): close to the University of Vienna, very popular with students, particularly medical students;
• 12th (Meidling), 15th (Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus) and 16th (Ottakring): more artistic and alternative neighborhoods, perfect for lovers of culture and the ‘hipster’ lifestyle, often more affordable;
• 13th (Hietzing): a residential neighborhood with many villas in the heart of Vienna, favored by families looking for spacious homes and green surroundings;
• 18th (Währing) and 19th (Döbling): very residential neighborhoods, popular with families thanks to the many international schools and green spaces. Some of these schools offer programmes inspired by the British education system, which can help expatriate children settle in and ensure compatibility with British qualifications;
• 22nd (Donaustadt) and 23rd (Liesing): rapidly growing outlying districts, popular with young families and investors.

In terms of housing costs in Vienna, here are the latest averages (March 2026):

• Purchase price: approx. €3,210/m²
• Rental price: approx. €15/m² (i.e. €750 for 50 m²)

3. Over 60% of the population lives in social housing

When you visit social housing in Vienna, you quickly realize that it is (very) different from what you find in other European countries!

The properties are of high quality, managed by the city and built after 1930. To be eligible, you must:

• Have lived in Vienna for more than two years;
• Be Austrian, an EU citizen or have lived in Austria for five years;
• Have an income below the set limits (which are quite generous).

All the criteria are detailed here: Vienna Housing Service.

Generally, many expats settle into private accommodation before moving into social housing a few years later.

The cost of living in Vienna

Here are a few figures to give you an idea of the cost of living in Vienna.

As an expat, if you are living alone in Vienna, you should budget for around €2,000 per month. For a family of four, the average budget is closer to €5,400 per month.

These estimates include rent as well as the main day-to-day expenses (groceries, transport, healthcare, leisure and education). If you are interested in this topic, check out our guide on the cost of living in Austria.

The cost of living in Vienna compared to other European capitals

When you spend several months in Vienna, you quickly realize that the cost of living there is more affordable than in Paris, London or Amsterdam, but remains higher than in neighboring capitals.

This is confirmed by the latest Numbeo rankings. The Austrian capital is cheaper than several major Western European capitals – around 15% cheaper than Paris, for example – but more expensive than Central European capitals:

• 32% more expensive than Budapest
• 23% more expensive than Rome
• 35% more expensive than Bratislava

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Vienna? 

According to Trading Economics, the average gross monthly salary in Austria stands at €4,450. This is enough for a single person to live comfortably, though it obviously depends on each expat’s spending habits.

Banking and money in Vienna

Managing your money in Vienna is simple and secure, even for newcomers. Expatriates have access to a wide range of banks, such as Erste Bank, Bank Austria and Raiffeisen Bank, which offer services tailored to their needs. Opening a bank account in euros is a common procedure, made easier by the presence of numerous branches and English-speaking advisors.

Credit and debit cards are accepted in most shops, and cash machines are found throughout the city, making withdrawals and payments very convenient. International bank transfers are also fast and reliable, a major advantage for those who maintain financial ties with their home country.

Receiving medical treatment in Vienna

Vienna has several state-of-the-art medical facilities, such as the Vienna General Hospital or the Hanusch-Krankenhaus in the public sector, as well as the Rudolfinerhaus in the private sector.

The Austrian healthcare system relies largely on public health insurance. Employees are automatically enrolled via their employer, whilst the self-employed must register with the social security body, the SVS (Sozialversicherungsanstalt der Selbständigen).

Although this insurance covers a wide range of treatments, many expats choose to supplement it with international private health insurance. This allows them, in particular, to:

• Choose their doctor and healthcare provider freely;
• Reduce waiting times;
• Benefit from broader cover (dental, optical, etc.);
• Be protected both in Austria and abroad. For example, should you require urgent medical care whilst travelling abroad, international cover proves particularly valuable.

At Global Health, we offer personalised international health insurance plans personalised insurance plans for expats. Behind our plans lies a genuine community of expats who understand the realities of international mobility and the challenges of settling abroad. That’s why you benefit from:

• Teleconsultations for second medical opinions;
• Multilingual medical assistance;
• Local support in Austria to help you find reliable doctors and clinics near you;
• Additional wellness programmes (fitness and mental health coaching).

Getting around Vienna

A pedestrian-friendly city: Vienna is ideal for pedestrians! The city is relatively flat and easy to navigate on foot. We even really enjoy doing so, given that the architecture is often a feast for the eyes. Not to mention that the streets are very clean.

Excellent public transport: the public transport network includes five underground lines (U-Bahn), strangely numbered 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6, as well as a dense network of buses and trams, running until 5am.

Driving – to be avoided: fortunately, the Austrian capital is very well served by public transport, which helps to mitigate the rather… challenging traffic.

Rush hour, sometimes lax adherence to the rules, absolute priority for trams, restricted parking zones… believe us, don’t jump straight behind the wheel.

Useful apps 

We recommend downloading the WienMobil app as soon as you arrive, which allows you to track routes and timetables to plan your journeys. Also consider:

• Mytaxi to book a taxi;
• Handy Parken to find a place to park;
• ÖBB Scotty to plan your train journeys from Vienna.

Working in Vienna

EU nationals do not need a work permit to work in Austria. For non-EU citizens, several schemes facilitate access to the labour market, notably:

• Red-White-Red Card: allows qualified professionals to live and work in Austria for 2 years;
• Red-White-Red Card Plus: subsequently grants unlimited access to the labour market.

Vienna’s economy is particularly stable, and several sectors are actively recruiting:

• Technology and engineering
• Tourism
• Healthcare
• Education
• Agri-Food

The city is also known for its dynamic ecosystem of start-ups and micro-entrepreneurs.

Note :

Before working in Austria, bear these points in mind:

• Punctuality is golden: being on time is the norm and arriving early is highly appreciated
• Work stays at work: the work-life balance is highly respected
• Sunday is sacred: it is a true day of rest! Most shops are closed

Learning German in Vienna

Mastering German is a real asset for fully integrating into Viennese life. Although English is often understood, speaking Austria’s official language greatly facilitates communication with locals, access to employment and dealing with administrative procedures. In Vienna, numerous language schools, such as the Austrian Language Institute or the Volkshochschule, offer courses tailored to all levels, in groups or one-to-one. It is also possible to take online courses or hire a private tutor to progress at your own pace.

Learning German not only allows you to better understand the local culture, but also to forge more authentic bonds with the Viennese and to make the most of all the opportunities the city has to offer.

Education and schools in Vienna

Education in Vienna is renowned for its quality and diversity. Expat families can choose between free state schools, which teach in German, and a wide range of international schools offering programmes in English or other languages. Among the most prestigious institutions are the University of Vienna and the Technische Universität Wien, which offer varied courses and internationally recognized degrees. Vienna’s schools and universities cover a wide range of fields, from medicine and engineering to the arts and social sciences. This educational diversity allows every pupil or student to find a path suited to their ambitions, within a stimulating and multicultural environment.

And what about family life in Vienna?

The Austrian capital offers a family-friendly living environment. Several neighborhoods are full of parks and green spaces, the city is safe, and there are several renowned schools, such as:

• The American International School
• The Vienna International School
• The French Lycée in Vienna
• The International Christian School

To support expat families moving to Vienna, the Vienna Business Agency Expat Center offers valuable assistance, promoting integration and the local expat community.

Some expats choose to enroll their children in state schools to encourage their integration, but a period of adjustment is still necessary, particularly when it comes to learning German.

During the week, there are plenty of activities, including the city’s museums, parks and cultural events (particularly musical ones).

Sundays are often an opportunity for most families to get out and about for an outdoor activity, a hike, a trip to the Austrian Alps, and so on.