Living Costs In Austria
What Does A Stay In Austria Cost?
Planning to study in Austria? It’s essential to get a clear picture of the living costs. They affect not only where you live but also how much money you have available each month. Here, you’ll get an idea of what to expect in terms of rent, food, transportation, and leisure activities.
Keep in mind: These figures are estimates and can vary depending on the region and your lifestyle. They are meant to give you a rough guide to help with your planning.
Housing In Austria For 500 Euros On Average
Rent In Austria
If you’re studying in Austria, rent is a significant factor. Here’s a rough overview of costs in a few major cities:
- Vienna: The capital is known for its higher rents. A small apartment here costs around 600 to 900 Euros per month. Student dormitories are often cheaper, ranging from 300 to 500 Euros, depending on the amenities and location.
- Graz: In the second-largest city, rents are somewhat lower. Expect to pay about 500 to 750 Euros for a small apartment and 250 to 400 Euros for a bed in a student dorm.
- Linz: Here, you’ll also find more affordable prices. Small apartments cost around 450 to 700 Euros, while student dorms are priced between 250 and 400 Euros.
- Salzburg: Rent prices in Salzburg are relatively high, especially in the city center. A small apartment can cost between 600 and 850 Euros, while student dormitories range from 300 to 450 Euros.
- Innsbruck: In this Alpine city, rental prices are around 500 to 750 Euros for a small apartment and 300 to 450 Euros for a bed in a student dorm.
Student Dormitories vs. Private Apartments
Student dormitories are often the more cost-effective option, typically ranging from 250 to 500 Euros per month, depending on the amenities and location. They also frequently offer common areas, events, and activities that can help you settle in quickly and make new connections.
On the other hand, private apartments are generally more expensive, with rental prices between 450 and 900 Euros for smaller units. Private apartments provide more independence and privacy but also come with additional costs such as a deposit and possibly furniture.
Utility Costs
In addition to the base rent, most apartments and student dormitories come with extra costs for electricity, heating, water, internet, and garbage.
- Electricity: Costs for electricity are typically between 30 and 50 Euros per month, depending on your usage and the electricity provider. Your electricity bill covers lighting, kitchen appliances, and other electrical devices.
- Heating: Heating costs generally range from 40 to 80 Euros per month, but they can vary depending on the heating system and the season. In older buildings or during winter months, heating costs may be higher.
- Water: Water costs are approximately 20 to 40 Euros per month. This includes the cost of drinking water and wastewater disposal. The exact amount depends on your water consumption.
- Internet: If internet is not already included in the rent, you should expect to pay about 20 to 40 Euros per month. Costs can vary based on the provider and plan. Often, internet is included in the additional costs.
- Garbage Fees: Garbage fees typically range from 10 to 20 Euros per month and cover the disposal and collection of your household waste. These fees can vary depending on the region.
- Cable or Satellite TV: If not included in the rent, you might need to pay an additional 10 to 20 Euros per month for TV service. These costs can vary based on the package and provider.
- Other Costs: This may include fees for services like janitorial work, garden maintenance, or cleaning of common areas, which can be around 10 to 20 Euros per month. These vary based on your agreement with the landlord.
In summary, you can expect additional costs to be around 100 to 200 Euros per month. Be sure to check in advance which additional costs are included in the rent and which are charged separately.
Food Costs: 200–350 Euros
From weekly grocery shopping to meals in the cafeteria and dining out, here’s a breakdown of the costs:
Grocery Costs
For your weekly grocery shopping, you should budget around 40 to 80 Euros, depending on how much you eat and the products you buy. Basic staples like bread, milk, vegetables, and fruit generally cost the following in supermarkets and discount stores:
- Bread: About 2 to 4 Euros per loaf
- Milk: Around 1 to 1.50 Euros per liter
- Eggs: About 3 to 4 Euros per dozen.
- Fruit & Vegetables: Depending on the season and availability, around 2 to 5 Euros per kilogram.
Cafeteria & Cafés
If you prefer eating in the cafeteria or student cafés, the cost for a lunch often ranges between 5 and 10 Euros. Cafeterias typically offer affordable, healthy meals. Snacks and drinks in cafés usually cost between 2 and 5 Euros.
Dining Out
For occasional dining out, you should expect higher costs:
- Coffee or Tea: Around 2 to 4 Euros per cup
- Simple Lunch: About 10 to 15 Euros at a restaurant
- Dinner: Between 15 and 25 Euros, depending on the type and location of the restaurant.
In total, you should budget approximately 200 to 350 Euros per month for food, depending on how often you cook for yourself and how frequently you eat out.
Budget for Mobility Costs Between 50 and 150 Euros
In Austria, there are various ways to get around. On average, you should budget around 50 to 150 Euros per month for public transportation. This overview will help you realistically estimate your mobility costs.
Public Transportation
In the cities, public transport offers a convenient and often affordable way to get around. The prices for monthly or semester tickets are as follows:
- Vienna: A monthly ticket costs about 50 to 60 Euros. There is also a semester ticket for students, which can cost around 75 to 150 Euros for six months.
- Graz: Here, a monthly ticket is about 40 to 50 Euros, while the semester ticket costs around 60 to 120 Euros.
- Linz: The monthly pass costs about 35 to 45 Euros. The semester ticket is around 50 to 100 Euros.
- Salzburg: For public transport, you pay about 45 to 55 Euros per month or 70 to 130 Euros for a semester ticket.
- Innsbruck: The monthly pass costs about 40 to 50 Euros, and the semester ticket is around 60 to 120 Euros.
Bicycle & Car
If you prefer getting around by bicycle or car, here are the costs to consider:
- Bicycle: The cost of buying a good bicycle can range from 200 to 600 Euros. Additionally, you should budget for monthly maintenance, repairs, and possibly parking fees. Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle, which generally costs around 5 to 15 Euros per day or 30 to 100 Euros per month. In larger cities, there are often bike-sharing programs where you can use bicycles for short trips. The costs are usually lower, about 1 to 3 Euros per hour, and there are often also affordable weekly or monthly packages available.
- Car: Costs for a car include the purchase price, insurance, fuel, and parking fees. Monthly expenses can vary significantly depending on the vehicle and usage, typically between 150 and 300 Euros.
Travel Costs Within & Outside Austria
If you frequently travel within Austria or abroad, you'll need to budget for train and bus tickets: A train ticket for a domestic route can cost between 20 and 60 Euros, depending on the distance and booking time.
For international travel, prices vary widely based on the destination and booking time. For example, a train ticket from Vienna to Munich costs about 40 to 70 Euros, from Vienna to Zurich about 60 to 90 Euros, from Vienna to Milan around 70 to 100 Euros, and from Vienna to Budapest about 30 to 50 Euros. Plan for an additional 50 to 150 Euros per route.
Insurance & Health
As a student in Austria, it's important to be well-covered in terms of both health and other types of insurance. You should budget around 80 to 150 Euros per month for health insurance and medical expenses such as doctor visits and medications.
Health Insurance
In Austria, health insurance is mandatory for students. You can usually remain covered through your parents' family insurance or opt for your own insurance. The costs and options are as follows:
- Family Insurance: If you are covered under your parents' insurance, there are no additional costs for health insurance. This applies as long as you are under 27 years old and do not exceed the standard study period.
- Own Insurance: If you are not covered by your parents, you can get insurance through the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) or other providers. The cost for student health insurance is around 60 to 100 Euros per month.
Health Costs
In addition to insurance, you should also consider potential healthcare expenses:
- Doctor Visits: With valid health insurance, you usually only pay a small practice fee or co-payment for doctor visits. The costs can range from about 10 to 30 Euros per visit.
- Medications: The cost of medications varies depending on the prescription and type of medication. Expect to pay around 5 to 30 Euros per prescription. Many common medications are partially covered by insurance.
- Therapies & Examinations: If you need special therapies or examinations, the costs can vary depending on the type and extent. These may be partially covered by insurance, depending on your contract and the necessity.
Leisure & Culture
Studying isn't just about academics; it's also about enjoying your free time and experiencing culture. You should budget around 50 to 100 Euros per month for leisure activities and cultural events, depending on how often you attend such events and participate in recreational activities.
Cultural Events
Cultural activities like concerts, theater performances, and museum visits are a great way to explore Austria's cultural scene. The prices for cultural events are as follows:
- Cinema: A ticket costs around 8 to 12 Euros. Many cinemas also offer discounted rates for students.
- Theater: The prices for a theater play usually range between 15 and 30 Euros, depending on the performance and seating choice.
- Museums: Admission fees are often around 5 to 15 Euros. Many museums offer discounts or free entry for students.
Recreational Activities
Different costs apply for sports and leisure activities:
- Gym: A monthly membership costs around 30 to 50 Euros. Many gyms also offer student discounts.
- Sports Courses: Prices for sports courses like yoga or dance range from about 10 to 20 Euros per class.
- Amusement Parks & Excursions: Admission to amusement parks or larger excursions can cost between 20 and 50 Euros, depending on the type of attraction.
Going Out & Parties
Social activities and parties are also part of student life:
- Cafés & Bars: A visit to a café costs around 2 to 5 Euros for a coffee or snack, while a drink at a bar can cost around 4 to 8 Euros.
- Parties & Clubs: Entry to clubs or parties typically costs between 5 and 15 Euros, depending on the event and location.
Costs For Study Materials
In addition to rent and daily expenses, your studies will also incur costs for materials like books, software, and other learning resources. You should budget around 80 to 280 Euros per semester for these items.
- Textbooks: The cost of textbooks varies depending on your field of study and can range from about 50 to 150 Euros per semester. Many books are also available as used copies or in the library, which can help reduce costs.
- Copying & Printing Costs: Expenses for copies and prints can amount to about 10 to 30 Euros per semester, depending on the number of required documents and copies.
- Software & Learning Materials: Some courses require specific software or additional materials. The costs for these can vary between 20 and 100 Euros, depending on your study program and its requirements.
Living In Austria For An Average Of 1,400 Euros
Overall, you should budget around 1,400 Euros per month for your studies and living expenses, although costs can vary depending on the region. In larger cities like Vienna, Salzburg, or Innsbruck, expenses are often a bit higher, particularly for rent and leisure activities. On the other hand, in smaller towns or more rural areas, you can usually live a bit more affordably.