What is the healthcare system like in Austria?

Austria has a healthcare quality index of 84/100. A doctor visit is listed as Covered by public healthcare, and private health insurance is listed as Public healthcare coverage. A comparable national English-speaker percentage is not available.

What is the climate like in Austria?

Austria has an average temperature of 6.7. The comparable climate indicator records 33 wet days of at least 10 mm per year. Sunshine hours and preferred travel months are not included in this dataset.

Country research

Retire in Austria

Retirement planning in Austria depends on its local cost levels, healthcare coverage, safety record, climate, and residence rules. This page combines comparable national indicators with city-level planning ranges.

At a glance Costs and planning

72.7Overall research score

98.2Safety index

At a glance

The first numbers to check before you compare destinations.

Cost of living62.3/100Relative PPP score; lower is cheaper

Safety98.2/100Safety index

Healthcare84/100Quality index

Average temperature6.7°CYearly average

Why Austria

A practical starting point for deciding whether the country fits your plans.

Whether Austria fits your retirement depends on budget, healthcare eligibility, climate preferences, and the residence route available to you. Compare the city ranges and verify current rules before moving.

What stands out

Public healthcare coverage; newcomer eligibility varies
Established social services and transport infrastructure

Costs and planning

Monthly essentials, taxes, and residency details in one view.

Housing

One bedroom, city center: 1000-1600 EUR
One bedroom, suburbs: 800-1300 EUR
Three bedrooms, city center: 1700-2800 EUR

Monthly essentials

Groceries: 400-600 EUR
Restaurant meal: Varies by city and provider
Utilities: 200-300 EUR
Health insurance: Public healthcare coverage

Residency and taxes

Visa or permit: Settlement Permit – Except Gainful Employment (financially independent applicants)
Minimum annual income: Not listed
Processing time: Varies by authority and quota
Income tax: 55% Max. CGT: 27.5%. Inherit: None (Abolished).

Safety, climate, and healthcare

The conditions that shape everyday life after the move.

Safety

Safety index: 98.2/100
Intentional homicide: 0.009 per 1,000 (latest comparable national rate)
Police response: Not published as a comparable national statistic; varies by city

Climate and healthcare

Sunshine: Not listed
Rainfall days ≥10 mm: 33 days per year
Doctor visit: Covered by public healthcare
English speakers: Not available as a comparable national statistic

Cities to consider in Austria

Start with the places that make the country feel real, not just the national averages.

Innsbruck

Alpine Views, Skiing and mountain setting

Rent: 750-1100 EUR/month
Safety: 88

Read city guide

Salzburg

Baroque Architecture, Music Festival

Rent: 800-1200 EUR/month
Safety: 85

Read city guide

Vienna

Imperial Palaces, Music Scene

Rent: 1000-1600 EUR/month
Safety: 90

Read city guide

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about retiring in Austria

What is the cost of living in Austria?

The relative PPP price-level score for Austria is 62.3/100 (lower means lower relative prices). Monthly rent for a one bedroom apartment in the city center is listed as 1000-1600 EUR, while health insurance is Public healthcare coverage.

Is Austria safe for expats and retirees?

Austria has a safety index of 98.2/100. The latest comparable national intentional-homicide rate is 0.009 per 1,000 people; city-level crime can differ substantially.

How is the healthcare system in Austria?

The healthcare system in Austria has a quality index of 84/100. A doctor visit costs Covered by public healthcare, and health insurance typically costs Public healthcare coverage per month.

What are the visa requirements for retiring in Austria?

Austria lists the route “Settlement Permit – Except Gainful Employment (financially independent applicants)”. The published minimum-income field is not a single fixed annual amount and processing is Varies by authority and quota. Requirements can change, so confirm them with the relevant government office.

What is the tax situation for retirees in Austria?

Retirees in Austria face income tax rates of 55% Max. CGT: 27.5%. Inherit: None (Abolished).. Property tax is Municipal property tax varies; transfer tax is separate and inheritance tax is No inheritance tax; other transfer and real-estate taxes may apply. Where applicable, tax treaties can affect double-taxation treatment.

How large is the expat community in Austria?

Austria has approximately 2,327,064 international migrants in the latest comparable estimate. A comparable national English-speaker percentage is not available. Major city profiles include Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck.