Austria has become a favorite destination for expats and foreigners looking to relocate. Austria is a European country, so getting a Schengen visa for a third-world country like South Africa is a must., The beautiful mountain ranges are simply a bonus for anyone searching for some new scenery.
Best Places to Live in Austria for…
- Expats: Salzburg
- English Speakers: Vienna
- Digital Nomads: Graz
- Solo Travelers: Linz
- Couples: Innsbruck
- Groups: Bregenz
Top 10 Places to Live in Austria
1. Salzburg
Best City to Live in for Expats
Cost of Living: $$
Skiing, snowboarding, surfing, and mountain climbing are just a few of the sports available in Salzburg. There is something for everyone, with attractions like the Haus für Mozart and events like the Sound of Music tour. The Krimml Waterfalls, Europe’s largest waterfalls, are a must-see.
Tip: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the famed composer, was born in Salzburg.
Who Would Like to Live There: Expats, Families, Outdoor enthusiasts
Pros:
- The crime rate is low.
- Healthcare is affordable and of excellent quality.
- The internet is high-speed.
Cons:
- The traffic is horrible because the roads are very narrow.
- The winters are frigid. Consider a warm travel hoodie when going to Austria.
- There isn’t much nightlife in Salzburg.
2. Graz
Best City to Live in for Digital Nomads
Cost of Living: $$
Graz is like a playground for Digital Nomads, with fast Wi-Fi and numerous co-working spaces. There are many things to see and do, such as Altstadt, one of Central Europe’s best-preserved city centers.
Tip: In Graz, you can attend a Silent Disco.
Who Would Like to Live There: Digital Nomads, Young Professionals
Pros:
- The crime rate is low.
- Graz is very eco-friendly.
- Graz has excellent festivals like the Aufsteirern Festival and Oktoberfest.
Cons:
- The cost of living is relatively expensive.
- The summers can be humid because of the Oceanic climate.
- Most places will be closed on Sundays.
3. Innsbruck
Best City to Live in for Couples
Cost of Living: $$
Innsbruck is a magnificent city with cathedrals, palaces, and an actual gold roof. Consider taking a stroll along the Inn River or climbing to the summit of the Nordkette mountain for a spectacular view of Innsbruck.
Tip: Alpenzoo Innsbruck, a zoo in Innsbruck, is the highest located zoo in Europe.
Who Would Like to Live There: Couples, People looking for the in-between of city and town life.
Pros:
- The crime rate is low.
- Healthcare is affordable and of excellent quality.
- The city is not overcrowded.
Cons:
- The cost of living is relatively expensive.
- The weather is cold and cloudy all year round.
- Most places will be closed on Sundays.
4. Vienna
Best City to Live in for English Speakers
Cost of Living: $$
Vienna is one of the best cities to live in Europe for foreigners due to its high quality of living and plenty of amazing sights and activities. Visit one of the city’s many famous cafés, learn about some history at the Jewish Museum, and take in the view from the top of the Riesenrad Ferris wheel.
Tip: Famous Austrian neurologist, Sigmund Freud, received his medical degree from the University of Vienna.
Who Would Like to Live There: English Speakers, Culture Seekers
Pros:
- The crime rate is low.
- English is widely spoken.
- The public transportation system is well developed.
Cons:
- The cost of living is relatively expensive.
- Most places will be closed on Sundays.
- The weather is cold and gray throughout most of the year.
5. Linz
Best City to Live in for Solo Travelers
Cost of Living: $$
If you opt to relocate here, you will be spoiled for choice, with everything from the verdant hills of Upper Austria to the cultural center of Linz. Visit the Ars Electronica Centre, often known as the Museum of the Future, to satisfy your inner tech nerd, and then unwind with a Danube Riverboat ride.
Tip: Linz is famous for the Linzer torte, which is considered the world’s oldest cake.
Who Would Like to Live There: Solo Travelers, People looking for traditional Austrian life.
Pros:
- The crime rate is low.
- You are very close to the countryside.
- Trains connect Vienna, Salzburg, and Graz to Linz.
Cons:
- The cost of living is relatively expensive.
- The weather is cold and cloudy throughout most of the year.
- English is not widely spoken in Linz.
6. Feldkirch
Best City to Live in for People Who Want a Small-Town Life
Cost of Living: $
Feldkirch is a lovely little hideaway with wild parks and the Drei Schwestern Mountain on the Ill River. You’ll never be bored with attractions like the Radio Museum and Schattenburg Castle. If you like cats, pay a visit to The Katzenturm, commonly known as Cat Tower.
Tip: Feldkirch can be explored on foot with the Countess Mechthild of Montfort, whose husband established the town.
Who Would Like to Live There: Architecture Enthusiasts, People looking for small-town life
Pros:
- Feldkirch has one of the lowest crime rates in Austria.
- The cost of living is relatively low.
- The public transportation system is well developed.
Cons:
- The weather is cold and cloudy throughout most of the year.
- English is not widely spoken in Feldkirch.
- Most places will be closed on Sundays.
7. Villach
Best City to Live in for Water Activity Enthusiasts
Cost of Living: $$$
Villach is a sight to behold. Enjoy Lake Faak’s water activities, drive the Villach Alpine Road, and visit Affenberg Zoo, commonly known as Monkey Mountain.
Tip: The Museum of the City of Villach was founded in 1873 and is one of Austria’s largest and oldest municipal museums.
Who Would Like to Live There: Outdoor Enthusiasts, History Buffs
Pros:
- The crime rate is low.
- The public transportation system is well developed.
- Villach has thermal springs.
Cons:
- The cost of living is very high.
- The public healthcare system is not well developed.
- The winters are freezing.
8. Sankt Pölten
Best City to Live in for Nature Lovers
Cost of Living: $$$
Sankt Pölten is a charming city in Lower Austria, surrounded by nature and a beautiful lake. Hiking, mountain biking, and watching the sunset over Viehofner Lake are all options.
Tip: Sankt Pölten was chosen to replace Vienna as the state capital in 1986.
Who Would Like to Live There: Outdoor Enthusiasts, Nature Lovers
Pros:
- The weather is enjoyable throughout the year.
- It is 30 minutes away from Vienna.
- The public transportation system is well developed.
Cons:
- The cost of living in Sankt Pölten is high.
- The crime rate is low, but there’s still a moderate chance of attack.
- Most places will be closed on Sundays.
9. Bregenz
Best City to Live in for Groups
Cost of Living: $$$
Bregenz offers various outdoor activities and excellent quality of life. You can stroll along the Promenade or travel into the Rappenlochschlucht to observe breathtaking waterfalls. Don’t miss the Bregenz Festival, which takes place every year in July and August.
Tip: Heat is stored and reflected by Lake Constance, contributing to Bregenz’s relatively sunny and warm environment.
Who Would Like to Live There: Groups, Students
Pros:
- The summers are warm and comfortable.
- The closest ski hills are only 30 minutes away.
- The border of Switzerland is only 20 minutes away.
Cons:
- The cost of living is one of the most expensive in Austria.
- The crime rate is low, but there’s still a moderate chance of being attacked.
- Most places will be closed on Sundays.
10. Klagenfurt
Best City to Live in for Students
Cost of Living: $$
Klagenfurt am Wörthersee is known for its charming Old Town quarter, Hochosterwitz Castle, and, of course, the Wörthersee, a lake that connects Klagenfurt and Velden. Take a trip to the Happ Reptile Zoo and feed a baby crocodile at the petting zoo if you’re an animal lover.
Tip: Klagenfurt has an annual timber fair.
Who Would Like to Live There: Students, History Buffs
Pros:
- The summers are pleasant and warm.
- The public transportation system is well developed.
- There are many flexible part-time jobs for students.
Cons:
- The cost of living is relatively expensive.
- The crime rate is moderate, with chances of vandalism, theft, and attack.
- Not many people speak English.
FAQs
1. Is It Safe in Austria
Austria has a meager crime rate in general. In most cities, it is safe to stroll around at night. Pickpockets are rampant throughout Europe, so keep an eye out for them.
2. What Currency Do They Use in Austria
Austria’s national currency is the Euro. Remember to keep cash on you, as Austria is still a cash-based society.
3. What Language Do They Speak in Austria
Although German is Austria’s official language, the dialect of German spoken in Austria, save in the west, is Bavarian, also known as Austro-Bavarian.
4. How to Travel Around Austria
The most cost-effective option to travel around Austria and neighboring countries is using public transit, such as buses and trains.