Austria

Monthly cost of living

Visa processing time (days)

Rent index (2020 = 100)

Tax on average salary (€47,000)

Savings by experience level

Income Tax Brackets (Single Filer)

+ 18.0% social contributions (on first €72,720)

Source: Bundesministerium für Finanzen · 2026

Tax Notes

• No joint filing — each person files individually.
• Familienbonus Plus: €2,000/year per child under 18 (tax credit).
• 13th and 14th month salaries taxed at flat 6% (significant benefit).
• Social contributions capped at ~€6,060/month gross.

Child allowance: €2,000 per child/year

• Engineering, manufacturing, and healthcare are strong sectors.
• Vienna has broad international opportunities.
• German language remains important for many local roles.

Strong social insurance model

A2 to B1 for integration pathways

• Review operating cost components in lease contracts.
• Use registered real-estate intermediaries when possible.
• Avoid cash deposit handovers without documentation.

• Transaction costs can materially increase total price.
• Legal review is essential for ownership structure.
• Mortgage terms can differ for non-EU buyers.

• Apartment scams around semester start.
• Unlicensed agency offers for admission support.
• Phishing around residence appointment booking.

• Validate schools through official Austrian directories.
• Use secure and traceable payment channels.
• Confirm landlord identity and property control.

Utilities to set up

• 1Energy and heating contracts
• 2Internet and telecom setup
• 3Residence registration-linked local services
• 4Insurance and emergency contacts setup

First 30 days

• 1Complete address registration
• 2Set social insurance and healthcare process
• 3Open local account and salary setup
• 4Activate transport and mobile tools
• 5Finalize utility and home insurance arrangements