Live and work in Austria

Gemutlichkeit culture in Austria

Austrian culture is about enjoying life (Gemutlichkeit), which also means the feeling of friendliness, warmth, and happiness. This includes their way of socialising with other people and it’s very common to socialise during outdoor events. So if you’re the extrovert type who likes to meet and greet people, coffee shops are a perfectly fine way to approach people and have a nice talk.

Austrians have a deep appreciation for arts, especially in music due to their famous classic composers. Vienna is also known for two genres of music,  the operetta and the waltz, and this is something that has been preserved even in the younger generations.  There are many conservatories and private music schools in Austria so it’s common to see many children being part of a band or a choir.

Austrian food 

The typical Austrian dishes are rich in dairy, meat and calories and vary depending on the region. It has been influenced by their neighbours’ kitchens containing a lot of different spices and sauces. They use a lot of vegetables and some of their favourite veggies are definitely tomatoes, potatoes, onions, and carrots. Different kinds of meat, various cheeses, mouthwatering desserts, and great wine and beer are also great bases for a culinary experience. 

Cuisine in Austria is quickly associated with Wiener Schnitzel, Würstchen, Apfelstrudel, Goulash or Speck. But there’s much more to discover and the list of delicacies we prepared for you below could be much longer. Some of the popular dishes are:

1. Sachertorte (chocolate cake)
2. Käsespätzle (Austria’s answer to macaroni and cheese)
3. Erdäpfelgulasch (perfect for vegans)
4. Chicken Paprikash (paprika chicken)
5. Topfenknödel (Austrian dumplings)

 Finding accommodation in Austria

The majority of expats decide to rent a property while living in Austria. Finding accommodation remotely is not an easy task, but it is possible. You can do it after arrival, but living in a hotel or taking Airbnb for a few days or weeks might take a large part of your budget. 

An easy way to find an apartment or room in Austria is to do it through estate agencies, however, you have to remember that the cost of their services may be between one or two months of rent. Alternatively you can look at websites with accommodation offers like this one: nestpick.com/austria/. You can also join Facebook groups about room and apartment rentals in Austria. Sometimes people are also looking for a flatmate, which is a way to get to know someone in the beginning in the new city.

Some seasons are better to look for accommodation than others. At the beginning of the academic year there is such a big interest in properties. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that utilities are often paid separately. 

Cost of living in Austria

While accommodation prices in Austria are comparable to other European capitals, expenses for everyday living are one of the highest, and similar to cities like Berlin or Brussels. Prices of public transport are set by the European standard. The cheapest way to move around the city is by bicycle. The cities are incorporating bike lanes into city plans which make it safe and easy to get around. Unlucky for sports lovers, In Austria there are the most expensive gyms worldwide. In the table below we gathered some of the basic costs of everyday life: 

Description	Cost in Euro
Accommodation (1 Bedroom outside the centre – in the city centre)*	550 – 800
Food**	220
Fitness club pass	107
Cinema ticket	9.20
Mobile rate (per minute)	0.6
Public transport (single bus ticket)	2.40
Pint of beer	3.90
Total	1150

* Prices can vary depending on the neighbourhood, the number of people living in the apartment and facilities.

**Depends greatly on your diet and which shops you buy food and drinks from.

Expats in Austria

When moving to Austria you will experience minimal cultural shock since the country offers excellent healthcare, transportation, and education. Many expats claim to feel right at home. You can find expat groups on social media – and don’t hesitate to introduce yourself. Many people are or were in situations similar to yours, so expand your network and exchange useful advice and tips. Having good contact with people from work is also good. Often your colleagues will become friends for life.  

Be open to Austrians. Despite the fact that Austrians are slow in making friends with foreigners, once you make contact you will enjoy a great time in a local pub or restaurant. You can also practise speaking German with them: that is the best form of training you can get.

Where to learn German?

Talking about languages, the language barrier might be a challenge when moving to Austria. The national language is German, however Austrian German differs from German spoken in Germany. English is spoken widely in business environments, however despite the fact that a lot of nationals can speak English, they are not really willing to use it, unless there is a real need.

For this reason, it’s good to know some basic German. In the beginning you will find it helpful to learn courtesies and numbers. You can start by taking an online course or using an app for your phone. There are many platforms and both paid and unpaid ones. Do what fits you best and you will be able to learn even while commuting. For those interested in learning on-site, there are courses offered for expats already in Austria and you can find them for free or paid. Look for websites like https://www.actilingua.com/ and get to know more about what lessons look like. 

And a good tip: speak German on a daily basis! E.g. in a grocery store or in a library. The Austrians will appreciate your effort for sure. Remember, practice makes perfect and it may also help you to make friends with Austrians easier. 

Still not convinced about Austria?

Embracing the Austrian lifestyle means enjoying a rich blend of tradition and modernity, making it an ideal destination for young minds seeking diverse experiences. Austria is a modern country that efficiently develops. Even though costs of living and language might appear to be a little bit of a barrier, they are not impossible to handle at all. You get a very high standard of living, breathtaking nature, warm welcomings from nationals, and a professional work environment that will make you have the time of your life. 

Austria’s central location within Europe allows for easy travel to neighbouring countries. The people are known for their welcoming nature and vibrant cultural scene, featuring classical music, art, and delicious cuisine. Austria’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices ensures a clean and green environment. Moreover, the country enjoys a high standard of safety, providing peace of mind for residents. Whether you seek adventure in the mountains, a rich cultural experience, or a comfortable and safe lifestyle, Austria offers a fulfilling place to call home.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us, you can make it by clicking HERE and let us know how we can help you!