Every time I visit Austria, I catch myself browsing real estate listings instead of booking my flight home. I’m serious—this country has completely stolen my heart. The magic of places like Graz just gets me, where students pack cozy coffee houses and the morning markets smell like heaven, or Salzburg’s Old Town, where classical music drifts from every other window.
These are the best places in Austria to call home, and trust me, each one is special in its own way. From mountain towns where ski slopes are basically your backyard to cities where old meets new in the coolest ways, I’m sharing the 12 spots that made me seriously consider learning German and never leaving.
Most Amazing Places to Live in Austria
Looking for the best places to live in Austria? Experience the rich history and vibrant culture of Vienna, known for its stunning architecture and high quality of life. Enjoy the charm of Graz, a city blending historical elegance with a dynamic student atmosphere. Settle in Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart, offering breathtaking Alpine views and a strong cultural scene. Embrace outdoor adventures in Innsbruck, a paradise for skiing and mountain lovers. Whether you seek urban sophistication, historical charm, or outdoor beauty, these are some of the top places to live in Austria.
- Best for cultural richness: Vienna
- Best for innovation and youth: Graz
- Best for music and history: Salzburg
- Best for outdoor activities: Innsbruck
- Best for contemporary arts: Linz
- Best for festivals and lakeside living: Bregenz
- Best for affordability and leisure: Klagenfurt
- Best for scenic beauty and tranquility: Hallstatt
- Best for Alpine charm: Alpbach
- Best for nature lovers and active lifestyles: Zell am See
- Best for medieval history and nature: Feldkirch
- Best for sunny climate and mountain views: Lienz
1. Vienna
- 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,500 – $5,000 (varies by lifestyle)
- 🌟 Unique Features: Imperial architecture, world-class museums, excellent public transport
- 📅 Best Time to Live There: April to October 🌞 (mild weather)
- 🏆 Perfect For: Culture lovers 🎭, professionals 💼, students 🎓
Vienna is consistently ranked among the world’s most livable cities, offering a mix of historic charm and modern convenience. From grand imperial palaces like Schönbrunn to world-class museums and elegant coffeehouses, the city is a hub of culture, history, and quality living.
The public transport system is highly efficient, making it easy to navigate neighborhoods like Neubau (artsy and vibrant), Döbling (green and upscale), and Mariahilf (lively and central). The city’s affordable rent (compared to other European capitals), universal healthcare, and international schools make it an attractive option for expats and families.
Vienna also offers plenty of green spaces, including the Prater, the Vienna Woods, and local vineyards, making it easy to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re drawn to its strong job market, cultural scene, or high quality of life, Vienna is an excellent place to call home.
2. Graz
- 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,800 – $3,500 (cheaper than Vienna)
- 🌟 Unique Features: Historic old town, vibrant student life, green spaces
- 📅 Best Time to Live There: May to September 🌤️ (pleasant temperatures)
- 🏆 Perfect For: Students 📚, families 👨👩👧👦, creatives 🎨
Austria’s second-largest city is a vibrant mix of historic charm, modern innovation, and a laid-back lifestyle. With its well-preserved Renaissance courtyards, baroque palaces, and futuristic architecture, Graz feels both timeless and cutting-edge.
Home to several universities, Graz has a young, dynamic atmosphere with a buzzing arts scene, cool cafés, and a thriving startup culture. The historic Schlossberg hill offers panoramic views of the city, while spots like Lendplatz Market and Murinsel bring a trendy, creative vibe.
Graz is also known for its focus on sustainability, with extensive bike lanes, green spaces, and organic farmers’ markets. The cost of living is lower than in Vienna, making it a great choice for students, professionals, and families. If you’re after a city that blends culture, innovation, and a relaxed pace of life, Graz is an excellent pick.
3. Salzburg
- 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,200 – $4,500 (higher-end but high quality of life)
- 🌟 Unique Features: Birthplace of Mozart, Alpine scenery, baroque architecture
- 📅 Best Time to Live There: May to September 🎶 (festivals & warm weather)
- 🏆 Perfect For: Music lovers 🎼, retirees 🌄, expats 🌍
If you love music, history, and breathtaking alpine scenery, Salzburg is hard to beat. Best known as the birthplace of Mozart and the setting of The Sound of Music, this city blends baroque beauty with a relaxed pace of life.
The Old Town (Altstadt) is a UNESCO World Heritage site, packed with ornate churches, medieval alleyways, and historic cafés. The Hohensalzburg Fortress offers stunning panoramic views, while Mirabell Gardens and the Salzach River provide scenic spots to unwind.
Despite its small size, Salzburg has a strong job market, excellent public transport, and affordable living costs compared to Vienna. It’s also a dream for outdoor lovers, with skiing, hiking, and lake escapes just a short drive away. If you want a picturesque, culture-rich city with easy access to nature, Salzburg is a fantastic choice.
4. Innsbruck
- 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,000 – $4,000 (ski town pricing)
- 🌟 Unique Features: Surrounded by the Alps, winter sports paradise, university city
- 📅 Best Time to Live There: December to March ⛷️ (ski season) or May to September 🌞 (hiking)
- 🏆 Perfect For: Skiers ⛷️, students 🎓, nature enthusiasts 🌲
City life with a side of adventure? That’s Innsbruck. Nestled in the Austrian Alps, this stunning city is a paradise for skiers, hikers, and outdoor lovers while still offering the conveniences of urban living.
Known as the “Capital of the Alps,” Innsbruck offers world-class ski resorts, breathtaking mountain views, and endless hiking trails—all within minutes of the city center. The Nordkette cable car takes you from downtown to the mountains in just 20 minutes!
But Innsbruck isn’t just about nature. The city has a lively student population, historic old town, and a growing tech sector. You’ll find colorful baroque buildings, trendy cafés, and a thriving cultural scene. And with excellent public transport and a relaxed vibe, Innsbruck is a top pick for those who love a mix of outdoor adventure and urban convenience.
5. Linz
- 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,800 – $3,800 (affordable for an Austrian city)
- 🌟 Unique Features: Modern art scene, industrial heritage, cultural festivals
- 📅 Best Time to Live There: May to October 🎨 (festival season)
- 🏆 Perfect For: Artists 🎭, professionals 💼, students 📖
Linz might not be as famous as Vienna or Salzburg, but this hidden gem is one of Austria’s most forward-thinking cities. Sitting on the banks of the Danube, it blends historic charm with modern innovation, making it a fantastic place to live.
The city is known for its thriving tech industry, cutting-edge art scene, and excellent universities. The Ars Electronica Center, a museum dedicated to future technologies, highlights Linz’s status as Austria’s innovation hub. But don’t worry—there’s plenty of history too! Stroll through the Old Town, visit Linz Castle, or relax along the riverbanks.
With a lower cost of living than Vienna and Salzburg, Linz is great for young professionals, students, and families. Its efficient public transport, lively cultural scene, and proximity to nature make it one of Austria’s most underrated cities to call home.
6. Bregenz
- 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,000 – $4,000 (small city charm, lakeside location)
- 🌟 Unique Features: Lake Constance views, Bregenz Festival, great cycling routes
- 📅 Best Time to Live There: June to August 🎭 (Bregenz Festival)
- 🏆 Perfect For: Culture seekers 🎶, retirees 🌅, outdoor lovers 🚴
If you prefer lakefront living with a cultural twist, Bregenz is the place to be. Located on Lake Constance (Bodensee) and bordering Germany and Switzerland, this charming lakeside city offers a relaxed yet vibrant lifestyle with stunning natural beauty and rich artistic heritage.
Bregenz is famous for the Bregenz Festival, where opera performances take place on a floating stage over the lake—an experience like no other! The city center is full of art galleries, museums, and cozy cafés, making it a haven for creatives and culture lovers. Outdoor enthusiasts will love hiking up Pfänder Mountain for panoramic Alpine views, while the lake offers swimming, sailing, and cycling along its scenic shores.
Despite its luxurious setting, Bregenz remains surprisingly affordable, with excellent public transport, job opportunities, and a high quality of life.
7. Klagenfurt
- 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,700 – $3,500 (cheaper than Vienna & Salzburg)
- 🌟 Unique Features: Mediterranean-style climate, beautiful lake, historical charm
- 📅 Best Time to Live There: May to September 🌊 (Wörthersee lake activities)
- 🏆 Perfect For: Water lovers 🚣, families 👨👩👧👦, retirees 🌿
Sitting on the shores of Lake Wörthersee, Klagenfurt offers a perfect mix of city convenience and lakeside relaxation. With warm summers, historic architecture, and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s a dream destination for those seeking a high quality of life at an affordable price—without sacrificing natural beauty or modern amenities.
The city’s Old Town is filled with Renaissance-style buildings, boutique shops, and lively cafés, making it a charming place to explore. Meanwhile, Lake Wörthersee provides endless outdoor activities like swimming, sailing, paddleboarding, and cycling along scenic trails. Klagenfurt is also one of Austria’s sunniest cities, making it ideal for those who love spending time outdoors year-round.
With lower living costs than Vienna or Salzburg, Klagenfurt is a great choice for families, retirees, and remote workers. Plus, its proximity to Slovenia and Italy means weekend getaways to Ljubljana, Venice, or the Alps are always within reach!
8. Hallstatt
- 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,000 – $4,500 (popular but limited housing options)
- 🌟 Unique Features: Fairy-tale village, lakeside living, stunning mountain views
- 📅 Best Time to Live There: April to October 🌄 (avoid tourist rush in summer)
- 🏆 Perfect For: Nature lovers 🌿, photographers 📷, peaceful living seekers 🏡
Ever wanted to live in a real-life fairy tale? Hallstatt, a UNESCO-listed lakeside village, is easily one of the most picturesque places in Austria—and the world. With its charming wooden houses, crystal-clear lake, and dramatic mountain scenery, this tiny town looks like it was plucked straight from a storybook.
Life in Hallstatt is all about peace, nature, and stunning views. You can spend your days hiking scenic trails, boating on the lake, or simply soaking in the breathtaking Alpine landscape. The town’s historic churches, traditional Austrian cafés, and famous salt mines—the oldest in the world—add to its unique charm.
While housing is limited and expensive, Hallstatt is perfect for those seeking tranquility, natural beauty, and a slower pace of life. If you don’t mind the tourists and want to wake up to postcard-worthy views every morning, Hallstatt is as dreamy as it gets.
- Read next: 21 Amazing Hidden Gems in Europe
9. Alpbach
- 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,500 – $3,500 (affordable mountain living)
- 🌟 Unique Features: One of Austria’s prettiest villages, strong community vibe, great skiing
- 📅 Best Time to Live There: December to March 🎿 (winter sports) or May to September 🌸 (hiking season)
- 🏆 Perfect For: Ski enthusiasts ⛷️, remote workers 💻, retirees 🏔️
Often called “Austria’s Most Beautiful Village,” Alpbach is the epitome of charming Alpine living, with its traditional wooden chalets, flower-filled balconies, and breathtaking mountain views. This picturesque village blends old-world charm with modern sustainability, making it an idyllic place to call home.
Alpbach transforms with the seasons—winter turns it into a skier’s paradise, while summer offers lush meadows, scenic hiking trails, and endless outdoor adventures. Despite its small size, it has a close-knit community, excellent schools, and a strong focus on eco-friendly living. Adding an intellectual flair, the annual Alpbach Forum brings together global thinkers and innovators, proving that even the most tranquil villages can have a dynamic side.
If you’re looking for peaceful Alpine living with a touch of tradition, Alpbach is the perfect place to embrace a slower, more scenic way of life.
10. Zell am See
- 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $2,200 – $4,800 (higher due to tourism)
- 🌟 Unique Features: Stunning lake, year-round outdoor activities, mountain views
- 📅 Best Time to Live There: December to March ❄️ (skiing) or May to September 🌞 (hiking & water sports)
- 🏆 Perfect For: Adventure lovers 🚵, expats 🌍, wellness seekers 🧖♂️
For those who love lakes, mountains, and year-round adventure, Zell am See is an outdoor paradise that offers the best of every season. Nestled beside the crystal-clear Lake Zell and surrounded by the majestic Alps, this charming town is perfect for anyone who thrives in nature.
Winters bring world-class skiing and snowboarding, while summers offer swimming, sailing, and hiking with breathtaking mountain views. The town center is alive with cozy cafés, boutique shops, and classic Austrian architecture, giving it a welcoming, small-town feel. Despite its size, Zell am See has great public transport, modern amenities, and easy access to Salzburg and Innsbruck.
With a strong expat community, excellent quality of life, and endless outdoor activities, Zell am See is ideal for nature lovers, retirees, and anyone craving an active, scenic lifestyle.
11. Feldkirch
- 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,800 – $3,600 (affordable for the region)
- 🌟 Unique Features: Historic old town, close to Switzerland & Liechtenstein, great local markets
- 📅 Best Time to Live There: May to October 🏰 (outdoor explorations)
- 🏆 Perfect For: History buffs 🏛️, cross-border workers 🚆, small-town lovers 🌳
Tucked away in Vorarlberg, near the borders of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Feldkirch is a medieval town that looks straight out of a storybook. With cobblestone streets, colorful townhouses, and a beautifully preserved castle, it’s one of Austria’s most charming small cities.
At the heart of Feldkirch is Schattenburg Castle, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the town’s rich history. The Old Town is filled with lively squares, boutique shops, and cozy Austrian cafés, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Beyond its historic appeal, Feldkirch is surrounded by lush forests and mountain trails, perfect for hiking, biking, and skiing.
Despite its fairy-tale setting, Feldkirch has excellent transport links, making travel to Switzerland, Germany, and other parts of Austria a breeze. With a strong sense of community, a relaxed pace of life, and easy access to nature, it’s a fantastic choice for those looking for a peaceful yet well-connected home.
12. Lienz
- 💰 Average Monthly Cost: $1,700 – $3,500 (affordable Alpine town)
- 🌟 Unique Features: Mild climate, Dolomites backdrop, charming small-town feel
- 📅 Best Time to Live There: May to September 🏔️ (hiking & outdoor fun)
- 🏆 Perfect For: Retirees 🌿, outdoor lovers 🚶♂️, slow-paced living seekers 🏡
Saving one of Austria’s sunniest spots for last, Lienz is where Alpine charm meets a Mediterranean vibe. Nestled in East Tyrol, this lively small city enjoys more than 2,000 hours of sunshine per year, earning it the nickname “The Sun City.”
Lienz offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and laid-back living. The Lienz Dolomites provide a breathtaking backdrop for hiking, mountain biking, and skiing, while the Isel River is great for rafting and kayaking. The town center is packed with colorful buildings, bustling cafés, and a thriving local market, giving it a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Despite its resort-like setting, Lienz remains affordable compared to larger Austrian cities. With excellent healthcare, great schools, and a relaxed pace of life, it’s an ideal destination for those wanting a sunny, active lifestyle in the heart of the Alps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Best Places to Live in Austria
Want to delve deeper into Austria’s living options? Here’s a compilation of frequently asked questions that will help you guide your decision.
Where do most expats live in Austria?
Most expats in Austria favor cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Graz for their vibrant cultural scenes and high quality of life. Vienna, as the capital, offers a mix of international communities, diverse culinary experiences, and a thriving arts scene, making it one of Austria’s best places to live. Salzburg, with its rich musical heritage, and Graz, known for its youthful energy and innovation, are also popular among expats. These cities provide a balanced lifestyle, combining historical charm with modern amenities, which appeals to those relocating from abroad.
What is the nicest place in Austria?
Identifying the nicest place in Austria is subjective, as it depends on personal preferences. However, Hallstatt is often celebrated for its extraordinary beauty. This idyllic village, nestled by a stunning lake and surrounded by mountains, looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. Its UNESCO World Heritage status underscores its charm and historical significance. For those seeking natural beauty and tranquility, Hallstatt is a top contender and truly one of Austria’s best places to live. Its picturesque setting, combined with a serene lifestyle, makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
What is the cheapest city to live in Austria?
In Austria, Klagenfurt and Graz are often considered among the more affordable cities for living. Klagenfurt, with its beautiful lakeside setting and relaxed atmosphere, offers a lower cost of living compared to larger cities like Vienna or Salzburg. Graz, known for its vibrant student population, also provides more budget-friendly living options. Both cities boast reasonable housing costs, daily living expenses, and maintain a high quality of life, making them attractive for those seeking affordability without sacrificing the charm and amenities Austria is known for.
What is the safest city in Austria?
Austria, known for its overall safety, boasts several cities with exceptionally low crime rates. Innsbruck stands out as one of the safest cities. Its small size contributes to a close-knit community feel, enhancing the sense of security among residents and visitors. The city’s effective law enforcement and community-based approach to safety make it an ideal place for those prioritizing a secure living environment. Additionally, its high quality of life and beautiful alpine setting further cement Innsbruck’s reputation as not only one of the best Austria cities but also one of the safest.
What is the poorest region in Austria?
In Austria, the region generally considered to be less affluent compared to others is cities. Located in the eastern part of the country, Burgenland is known for its rural landscapes and winemaking. The region’s economic situation is often attributed to its lower industrial development and reliance on agriculture, which contrasts with the more prosperous, urbanized regions like Vienna or Upper Austria. Despite this, Burgenland boasts a rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural scenery, and a slower pace of life, which many find appealing.
Is Austria a good place to live for foreigners?
Yes, Austria is a fantastic place to live for foreigners. It’s known for its high quality of life, robust healthcare system, and excellent public transportation. Cities like Vienna and Salzburg are multicultural and welcoming to expatriates, offering diverse communities and plenty of English-speaking residents, which eases the transition for many foreigners. The country’s scenic beauty, from the Alpine mountains to historic cities, along with its rich cultural life, make Austria not just a tourist destination but also a desirable place to call home. Safety, cleanliness, and a strong sense of community are additional factors that make Austria appealing to people from around the world.
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