Living costs
How much money will I need?
Although Austria is counted among the richest countries of the world, the general cost of living in Austria is not so high compared to other European countries. In the following listing you will find an estimate of the monthly living costs for students (in euros). These figures only serve as a guideline and cannot be seen as binding. Under accommodation costs, a place in a student hall of residence has been used as the basis of calculation.
Accommodation approx. 450 euros
The costs depend on the city in which you want to study, what is included in the rent and the arrangements made by the institution. Housing in Vienna, for example, is more expensive than in smaller towns. You can find more information about housing in our section on accommodation.
Food (excluding luxuries and tobacco) approx. 350 euros
Fortunately, Austria has many discount supermarkets, which offer food at reasonable prices. Many universities have so called self-service student cafeterias (Mensa) where you can get a good meal at a good price. But the cheapest way to eat is to do your own cooking. Some average prices: a cup of coffee/tea in a café: 3,50 euros, a sandwich at a bakery: 4.50 euros, a dinner in a typical student restaurant: 12 euros.
Studies and personal requirements (books, culture, recreation): approx. 400 euros
A metro or bus ticket cost around 2.50 euros for a single fare in the city, a cinema ticket cost approximately 10 euros and a ticket for a museum about 14 euros. However, students are eligible for a number of price concessions. Public transportation authorities and many museums, cinemas, theatres and other cultural venues give student discounts when you show your student card.
Total per month approx. 1,200 Euros
The average monthly living expenses for a student in Austria are approximately 1,200 euros. This may vary a bit, depending on your study location – for example, accommodation and other living costs may be higher in Vienna and other larger cities than for example in Wr. Neustadt. And, of course, the amount of money you will need greatly depends on how economically you live. Therefore, it is difficult to say exactly how much money a student in Austria needs per month.