HR consultancy Mercer, who is running yearly the top liveable cities chart, considers several factors such as housing, economy, political and social environment, and health considerations, to determine the quality of living in each city. And Vienna consistently gets top ratings in all these areas.
Plus, even though Vienna is the main city of Austria, rents are more affordable than in many other European capitals. Together with reliable 24h public transport, overall safety and easy access to an international airport, Vienna is a great city to live in.
In this “Moving to Vienna” guide, we are going to help you understand what you need in order to move to Vienna, Austria, what you should expect and what not to forget.
Entry and residence in Austria
The documents required to enter Austria and remain here legally depend on your nationality, the purpose and the duration of your planned stay.
We collected the usual required documents HERE. TIP We also recommend consulting the Austrian Embassy or Consulate in your home country prior to your departure to make sure you have all needed!
Accommodation prices in Vienna
The Austrian cost of living is slightly higher than the European averages (in comparison to the Czech Republic or Bulgaria), but it is still less expensive than European countries like Switzerland and Great Britain. Rural regions offer cheaper rent and food than urban centers, but transportation is usually more expensive.
In Vienna, expect to pay around €570/month for a furnished room in a shared flat, or €630–€930/month for a studio apartment (2025 figures). City-centre locations and furnished apartments sit at the higher end of these ranges. There are many possibilities to choose from.
For context, here is how Vienna’s rent compares to other highly-ranked liveable cities (source: Numbeo, indicative figures):
| City | Rent compared to Vienna, Austria |
|---|---|
| Zurich | significantly higher |
| Vancouver | higher |
| Munich | comparable / slightly higher |
| Auckland | comparable |
| Copenhagen | higher |
There are many places to search for a flat in Vienna and a lot of things to consider while moving in, so make sure you check our Accommodation Guide in Vienna.