In 2015, right after finishing high school, I moved to Vienna to study my Bachelor’s at the University of Vienna, and stayed here for 5 years. During this time I studied, worked (a few part-time jobs, as well as one full-time), partied, met incredible people, traveled, and experienced Vienna as much as I could.
WIth a hand on my heart I can say that these were some of the best years of my life. This city brings this weird sense of calmness every time I set foot there, and I think the reasons for this would become clear in a minute – it’s because of all the pros of living in Vienna that I’ve listed below!
Here’s a list of the 15 things that made the biggest impression on me, may it be positive or negative, about living in Vienna. If you’re considering to move here, I’m sure this information will be quite useful – I wish I knew some of these things before moving to Vienna!
To not make this intro longer than it needs to be, here are 15 pros and cons of living in Vienna, Austria!
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1. Pro: The quality of life
We have to talk about the fact that Vienna has been named the most livable city for more than 10 years in a row (according to the Global Liveability Index).
The index takes into consideration and judges the cities across five categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. And to know that Vienna has topped all of them, speaks volumes.
“Vienna continues to offer an unsurpassed combination of stability, good infrastructure, strong education and healthcare services, and plenty of culture and entertainment, with one of its few downsides being a relative lack of major sporting events,” said the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), which is responsible for compiling the index.
After 5 years of living in Vienna, I can certainly vouch for this – it’s not just another metric or pointless “award”. It’s the reality. And you’ll definitely feel it when you move here.
2. Con: Finding an apartment
Vienna can be quite challenging when it comes to the housing situation. It’s a bit of a hit and miss.
While some people are lucky and manage to find an apartment relatively quickly, this is not the case for most people. The market is very dynamic, apartments appear and are gone in matter of days or even hours, and not to mention that prices can be quite high.
I have friends that have been looking for their dream (rental) apartment for a VERY long time. Don’t get scared off – they’re trying to find a very specific type of apartment that the government allows you to buy after a certain time period (yes, very specific, so I don’t think this would be your case).
Just make sure you start looking at least a couple of months in advance, just to be sure you’ll find what you need.
It’s also important to keep in mind that flats usually come unfurnished, so you’d have to buy your own furniture, which can be a pain in the ass. Especially when you don’t have a car.
3. Pro: The public transport
Talking about cars, most people in Vienna actually don’t commute by car. Many don’t even have one! If you’re coming from the US, where it’s absolutely unthinkable to not own a car, or any other country that works this way, you’ll probably be very surprised by this.
But the reason is simple. Vienna’s public transport system is absolutely incredible!
I’ve been to almost every European country and I haven’t seen a public transport system as good as the one in Vienna. Every part of the city is extremely well connected – buses, metro and trams all run on time and you usually don’t need to more than a few minutes.
Public transport can take you anywhere in no time, and it’s so easy to get around. Not the mention the night buses that allow you to get back home even after a night out every day of the week, and the underground which runs all night on Fridays and Saturdays!
Ah, you gotta love Vienna.
4. Con: The cars situation
If you, however, decide you can’t live without a car, you might face some challenges. Firstly, the city is a nightmare to find parking, and everywhere you have to pay. So having a car would not only be inconvenient, but it will also be expensive.
Secondly, you’ll find that often times it would be faster to get to your destination by public transport. That’s because trams and the underground don’t get stuck in traffic, for example.
My recommendation would be to think twice before deciding to get a car in Austria, and more specifically Vienna – it might not be worth it.
5. Pro: Vienna is very bike-friendly
Instead of a car, get a bike! With its endless bike lanes, Vienna is extremely bike-friendly.
Even if you don’t want ot buy your own bike, you can still use the public bike service which is pretty much free. I talk more about it in my article about the best free things in Vienna.
6. Con: The language
To some extent, this can also be put as a pro, depending on what side you look at it from. Vienna is a very international city, so you shouldn’t have an issue finding English-speaking people. And most Austrians (especially from the younger generations) speak English fluently.
However, if you’ve decided to take on German as a language to learn, you might have some difficulties. At least I did in the first few months.
I had previously studied German back home in high school and had received a C1 DSD certificate. I moved to Vienna all confident that I already know German at C1 level, but my confidence was quickly slammed on the ground.
Austrian German is not exactly the same as German German (or Hochdeutsch). In fact, they consider it its own language, with MANY different dialects. Sometimes even Austrians have difficulties understanding each other, if they come from different Bundesländer.
So around the first 6 months of living in Vienna, I was getting used to the Viennese dialect (which is actually okay), as well as some other dialects like from Upper Austria, Lower Austria, Carinthia etc., as I had many colleagues who were coming from these places.
Now I just adore the Austrian language and how melodic it is, but it was definitely a struggle. So keep this in mind if you’re planning on communicating in German here.
7. Pro: The location
Vienna is literally in the heart of Europe. The city is located quite close to many other popular European destinations, which you can reach by land. It’s also very well-connected in terms of flights – there are direct flights to SO many destinations.
While living in Vienna, I got to visit some places like Bratislava, Budapest, Prague and other cities, and I went there by bus! Not to mention that the public transportation system between the countries is very well-developed as well. You can commute by buses or trains – it’s always quite easy to do so.
8. Con: Store hours
This is something I had to get used to and it took me some time, as it’s not like this back home in Bulgaria. In fact, not many countries have this, but Austria is one of them.
Stores are closed on Sundays. If you’re thinking you can spend your last day of the weekend out shopping with friends – you can’t be more wrong. Almost all stores are closed on Sundays, apart from some ones that are in very key locations, such as Westbahnhof, Praterstern etc.
So you need to become more organised with your grocery shopping than before (or at least I had to!). And if I found out I didn’t have potatoes and I couldn’t cook my planned meal, for example, I had to either go to one of the very few open supermarkets, wait in a huge line to get my stuff and waste a couple of hours, or just get some takeaway.
I usually opted for the second option because it was so much easier.
9. Pro: The 14th salary
Now this is something you can easily get used to and it’s absolutely amazing. In Austria, people receive a 13th salary around Christmas time, and a 14th salary mid-year.
So essentially you get 14 salaries instead of 12 for the whole year! And you’re all set for your Christmas presents shopping, or your summer vacation before it arrives.
I’m sure you’ll love this as well.
10. Con: The taxes
If you work in Austria, you’ll pay more taxes compared to quite a few other countries, like the U.S. and Bulgaria, for example.
They use a system where the more you earn, the higher percentage of tax you pay. For instance, if you make around €60,000 yearly, almost half of it goes to taxes in Austria. But in the U.S., for the same income, you pay around 11.5% on part of it and then 22% on the rest.
Austria’s higher taxes support things like education and healthcare, so I guess it’s worth pouring all that money into the government, but it still hurts seeing it come out of your income.
11. Pro: The culture
Vienna is a city so rich in culture, that I sometimes had to pinch myself. All the beautiful buildings – churches, castles, and even the regular apartment buildings that are absolutely stunning.
It’s not just the architecture that’s impressive. Vienna is also known as being the capital of music – you can go to a classical concert pretty much every day. And not to mention the Viennese balls, that are a big part of Austrian culture. I had the chance to go to a few Vienna balls myself – you can read all about my experience and how you can go to one in this article.
There’s more to Austrian culture than this, but you get the jyst. It’s a whole new world and to me it’s absolutely magical. Cultural events are a big part of the life of locals and you can feel it.
12. Pro/con: The cost of living
Living in Vienna is a balancing act. It’s not the cheapest European city, but it’s not the priciest either. Your lifestyle choices will dictate your expenses. Renting in the outer suburbs, biking through the city, and home cooking can save you a pretty penny.
To get an idea of the daily costs, a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant would set you back around €55, while a monthly public transport ticket is around €40-€50. Rent varies widely depending on location and size, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costing around €600 – €1000 per month.
I have it both as a pro and a con as it’s not the cheapest city (it’s actually the most expensive one in Austria), but I’ve still found some things to be cheaper in Vienna than in Bulgaria! For example, a lot of the food in the supermarket is more affordable, so if you stick to cooking at home, you can save a lot.
Services in Vienna are quite expensive – for example hairdresser, getting a massage, getting your nails done etc.
The good thing is you can stay on a budget, if you wanted to. And the salaries are quite good.
Locals usually use the platform Karriere.at to look for jobs in Austria.
13. Pro: Safety
I have always felt quite safe in Vienna, also when I’d go back home in the middle of the neight either from a night shift at work, or just from partying.
But don’t just take my opinion. Here are some statistics.
Violent crime per 100,000 people was only 0.72 in Austria in 2020, compared to 6.52 in the United States.*
I mean, I definitely feel more safe out in the middle of the night in Vienna, than in Sofia. Not that Sofia is unsafe, it’s just that Vienna feels safer! 😀
*Data from Macro Trends
14. Con: The winters
Even though the climate changes have been the reason for the milder winters, Vienna can actually get cold during the winter months.
And it’s not so much the temperatures, but more so the wind. Even if it’s not that cold, the wind makes everything 10 times worse. So be prepared with hats, gloves and thick winter jackets. Good thing that the public transport is very regular, so you don’t have to freeze at the bus stop for very long!
There’s another good side to winters here – all the Vienna Christmas Markets are absolutely breathtaking!
15. Pro: The healthcare
Let’s end this list on a high and with one of the most important things for a good quality life. Austria has one of the best healthcare systems in Europe and many things are included in the health insurance that you get just by being employed here.
For those who prefer or cannot use public healthcare, private healthcare options are available. Private healthcare typically offers benefits like no waiting times, a wider choice of doctors, and the option to use public or private hospitals.
Vienna’s Neighborhoods: Where’s the best place to live in Vienna?
Here are just some of the Viennese districts (Bezirke) and what charactarizes them. I personally wouldn’t mind living in any of them.
1st District, Innere Stadt: The Heart of History and Luxury
Innere Stadt, the 1st district, is Vienna’s historic core, offering an unparalleled living experience, surrounded iconic landmarks like The Hofburg and Rathaus Town Hall. Living here means embracing the vibrancy of city life, however with a higher price tag on rentals. It’s a place where history greets you at every corner, ideal for those who crave the quintessential Austrian lifestyle, right in the heart of the action.
3rd District, Landstrasse: The Family-Friendly District with a Cultural Twist
The 3rd district, Landstrasse, is an ideal choice for families and those seeking a quieter neighborhood. It’s home to several embassies, the Belvedere Palace, and the Wien Mitte transportation hub, offering excellent connectivity. The district balances its quieter residential areas with cultural attractions like the Belvedere Museum and Hundertwasser’s iconic apartment block, making it a well-rounded place to call home.
4th District, Wieden: The Original Hipster District
Wieden, the 4th district, is the birthplace of Vienna’s hipster culture. Stretching from Karlskirche to the indie-hipster area around Schönbrunnerstrasse and Naschmarkt, this district is a hub for culinary delights, funky bars, indie fashion stores, and vibrant street life. It’s a place that appeals to students, artists, and young families, offering a dynamic and culturally rich living experience.
5th District, Margaretengürtel: The Area with Potential
Margaretengürtel, the 5th district, is an up-and-coming area that blends urban accessibility with a more relaxed suburban vibe. It offers a mix of multicultural influences, affordable housing, and a community-oriented lifestyle. While it might not have the fame of its neighboring districts, Margaretengürtel is a hidden gem that’s increasingly attracting those looking for an alternative, more affordable living option in Vienna.
6th District Mariahilf: The Shopping Paradise and Family-Friendly District
Mariahilf, the 6th district, is famous for Mariahilfer Strasse, the main shopping street, lined with popular retail brands and restaurants.
Beyond the commercial bustle, Mariahilf reveals quiet residential streets, spacious family homes, reputable schools, and green spaces, making it an ideal spot for families. It’s a district that balances urban excitement with suburban tranquility, providing a well-rounded living experience in Vienna.
7th District Neubau: The Artistic and Trendy Haven
Neubau, the 7th district, is Vienna’s cultural heartbeat, known for its bohemian spirit and creative flair. This neighborhood is home to the famous Museum Quarter, alongside a number of cool cafes, bars, and art galleries. It’s a melting pot of the old and the new, where historic buildings house contemporary art spaces. Neubau attracts a younger crowd, but it’s also a welcoming spot for families and older residents who appreciate its vibrant, forward-thinking community.
8th District Josefstadt: The Elegant Blend of Serenity and Urbanity
Josefstadt, the 8th district, offers a unique mix of urban convenience and suburban charm. Known for its grandeur, the area is home to organic supermarkets, specialty wine bars, yoga studios, and elegant boulevards. Despite its upscale ambiance, Josefstadt has a diverse community, including students, thanks to its proximity to the university. It’s perfect for those who seek a balance between a serene residential life and the proximity to Vienna’s bustling city center.
Choosing the right neighborhood in Vienna for you
If you’re currently looking to move here and wondering which district (Bezirk) to choose, I wouldn’t dwell on it too much! You can usually reach any destination quite quickly, unless you’re living somewhere in the far ends of the most outer districts.
I personally used to first in the 2nd district, which is super close to the very center of Vienna, and I loved it. I was just 2 stops away from university, a few stops from the Innere Stadt (city center) and so on.
Then I moved to the 19th district (Döbling, also known as Dö-bling-bling, or the Orange County of Vienna). It’s an outer district with a lot of houses and municipalities, and it’s a super quiet and green area. I absolutely loved it as well.
I know some districts are famous for having certain minorities predominantly living there, which makes them somewhat unatractive for other people. I’ve personally stayed for a few days in some of these districts, like the 10th district, and I didn’t feel unsafe or anything like that.
The only places that might be a bit more ‘sketchy’ are around the main train stations – Hauptbahnhof and Praterstern.
Here’s a tip – before deciding to rent an apartment, check all the possible connections on Google Maps – what transportation you’d need to get to work, how long would it take you, as well as all the other places you visit regularly. This helped me pick both locations that I lived in, and it proved to be a great tactic as my commute was a breeze!
Final Thoughts
Living in Vienna is like stepping into a beautifully complex waltz – it’s elegant, sometimes challenging, but always rewarding. Remember, every district has its personality, much like the unique experiences each season in Vienna offers.
I feel like the pros of living in Vienna are much more convincing than the cons, and if someone asked me if I’d like to move to Vienna again – I’d do it in a heartbeat!
I feel like these 5 years of living here were the best 5 years of my life. It might also have to do with the fact that I went to uni here, and the uni years are absolutely care-free and full of exciting adventures. But the fact that I got to spend these years in Vienna just made everything so much more magical.
If you have any questions about living in Vienna, feel free to drop them in the comments below!
