Austria ranks among Europe’s top choices for international students. With its world-class universities, rich cultural heritage, and central European location, it continues to attract thousands of international students every year. However, before applying for your Austria student visa, it is essential to understand the cost of living in Austria for international students. Having a clear budget plan ensures a smooth student life abroad.
Average Monthly Cost of Living in Austria
International students in Austria spend an average of €950 – €1,200/month, depending on the city and lifestyle. Vienna, being the capital, is more expensive as compared to other small cities, like Graz or Innsbruck, which are more affordable.
| Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 350 – 600 |
| Food & Groceries | 250 – 350 |
| Transportation | 30 – 60 (with student discounts) |
| Health Insurance | 65 – 80 |
| Study Materials & Internet | 50 – 100 |
| Miscellaneous (leisure, clothing, etc.) | 150 – 250 |
| Total Estimated Cost | 950 – 1,200 |
Detailed Breakdown of Living Expenses
1. Accommodation
- Student dormitories/hostels: €250 – €400 per month.
- Shared apartments (WG – Wohngemeinschaft): €350 – €500 per month.
- Private apartments: €500 – €800+ per month in Vienna, but cheaper in smaller cities.
👉 Apply early for student housing as it is cheaper and more convenient.
2. Food & Groceries
- Cooking at home is cost-effective; monthly groceries cost around €200 – €250.
- Eating out in student-friendly restaurants: €8 – €12 per meal.
- Affordable supermarket chains: Hofer, Lidl, Spar, Billa.
3. Transportation
- Public transport is an efficient and student-friendly choice.
- Semester ticket, which is valid for 4–5 months in Vienna: ~€75 – €150.
- Monthly student pass: €30 – €60.
- Many cities are bicycle-friendly, reducing costs further.
4. Health Insurance
- Mandatory for all non-EU international students.
- ÖGK student health insurance costs around €65 – €80/month.
5. Study Materials & Internet
- Books, stationery, and printing: costs around €20 – €40 per month.
- Internet & mobile consume €20 – €30 per month.
6. Miscellaneous Expenses
- Leisure activities, cinema, gym: €100 – €200/month.
- Clothing & personal care: €50 – €100/month.
City-wise Living Costs in Austria
| City | Average Monthly Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Vienna | 1,100 – 1,300 |
| Graz | 900 – 1,050 |
| Salzburg | 950 – 1,150 |
| Innsbruck | 950 – 1,100 |
| Linz | 850 – 1,000 |
👉 Vienna is the most expensive, while Graz and Linz are budget-friendly for international students.
Also read: Austria Student Visa Bank Balance Requirement
Tips to Reduce Living Costs in Austria
- Apply for student dormitories early, which are cheaper than private rentals.
- Use student discount cards for transport, museums, and events.
- Shop at affordable supermarkets like Hofer & Lidl.
- Cook at home instead of dining out frequently.
- Look for part-time jobs (allowed up to 20 hours/week)
Scholarships & Financial Aid in Austria
Many scholarships are available for international students, including:
- OeAD Scholarships (Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalisation).
- Erasmus+ grants for EU and partner countries.
- University-specific scholarships and tuition waivers.
These financial aids can potentially decrease your overall expenses.
Austria vs Other European Destinations
- Austria vs Germany: Similar living costs, but Austria has more affordable student health insurance.
- Austria vs France: Austria is cheaper than Paris or Lyon in terms of rent.
- Austria vs Italy: Comparable, but Austrian cities are generally better organized for student life.
Conclusion
The cost of living in Austria for international students ranges between €950 – €1,200 per month, depending on student lifestyle and city of residence. With a proper budgeting plan, scholarships, and student discounts, studying in Austria can be both affordable and rewarding.
FAQs
Q1. Is Austria expensive for international students?
Not as expensive as countries like France, Italy or the UK. With good budgeting, costs remain between €950 – €1,200 per month.
Q2. Which Austrian city is the cheapest for students?
Cities like Graz and Linz are more affordable compared to Vienna or Salzburg.
Q3. Can international students work part-time in Austria?
Yes, students with an Austrian student visa can work up to 20 hours/week during their course of studies.
Q4. Is health insurance mandatory in Austria?
Yes, international students must have valid health insurance, costing around €65 – €80/month.
