Vienna and the rest of Austria are quite different in many aspects, from political beliefs to cost of living, sustainability efforts, and cultural offerings.
Vienna is not only the capital but also the largest city in Austria, with slightly over 2 million residents. This figure rises to over 2.9 million when you include the surrounding metropolitan area.
Here are some of the main aspects of how Vienna differs from the rest of the country.
Business and economy
Diversity
Vienna is Austria's most multicultural city.
As the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna was historically a hub of various ethnic groups, including mainly Germans, Hungarians, Czechs, Slovaks, and Serbians.
At the beginning of 2023, 34.2 percent of Vienna's residents were foreign nationals, 39.3 percent were born abroad and 44.4 percent were of foreign origin, meaning they either held foreign citizenship or were Austrian nationals born abroad.
Vienna is also home to many students and young professionals from many different countries, attracted by the city’s universities, quality of life, and job opportunities.
In the city, you can enjoy hearing different languages, eating food from all over the world and exploring markets where you feel like you might actually be in Balkan or Turkey, such as when you visit Brunnenmarkt in the district of Ottakring.
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Politics
Vienna is the political heart of the country. Here, you will find the National Council, the Federal Parliament, and many international organisations.
Due to its population size and importance, Vienna has a larger representation in the Austrian Parliament than other cities. This representation gives the city a stronger voice in national discussions and decision-making processes.
Furthermore, Vienna is the city in Austria where the Social Democratic Party (SPÖ) is currently, and has traditionally been, the strongest party, often winning a significant portion of the vote.
In contrast, the SPÖ's presence has not been as significant in other cities, such as Innsbruck and Graz, where the Communist Party (KPÖ) and the People's Party (ÖVP) currently hold the most power.
The SPÖ is the country's oldest political party, focusing on social justice, workers' rights, and welfare. It supports controlled immigration and policies that help immigrants integrate into Austrian society, ensuring access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities.
The SPÖ believes that well-integrated immigrants can positively impact the economy and society, promoting values of solidarity and inclusion.
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Sustainability
Vienna is consistently ranked as one of the most sustainable cities in the world, surpassing other Austrian cities and towns.
The city strongly focuses on green infrastructure, energy efficiency, and public transportation.
The Austrian capital is also one of Austria's (and Europe's) greenest cities, particularly if you count its surrounding areas (such as the Vienna Woods). It has made significant progress towards sustainability.
Almost half of the capital city has parks, gardens and forests. The largest green areas are the Vienna Woods (Wiener Wald) and the Danube Island (Donauinsel).
The Municipal Department of Parks and Gardens oversees nearly a half million trees: 95,000 trees lining public streets and paths, 188,400 trees on private property, 1,900 on commercial property, and about 200,000 forest trees in public green spaces such as Vienna’s Prater.
Another factor that makes Vienna sustainable is the city's affordable and effective public transport system, which stands out in comparison to other cities, both within and outside of the country. A yearly card costs €365 and provides transport to all areas within the city without long waiting times.
Vienna's commitment to renewable energy sources is another critical factor contributing to its sustainability. Renewable sources currently meet 30 percent of the city's energy needs.
The city also supports regional agriculture and promotes sustainable food systems through initiatives such as farmers' markets, community gardens, and organic food certification programs.
Cultural hub
Vienna is a unique cultural hub in Austria and the world.
The city has beautiful architecture, historical buildings, theatres, museums, opera houses, cathedrals, famous festivals and other events.
Many of Vienna's historical landmarks, palaces, and museums reflect its imperial past, such as the Schönbrunn Palace and the Hofburg Palace, which are known globally and visited by large numbers of tourists every day.
Vienna was also, for a long time, home to famous musicians such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Joseph Haydn, as well as the psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud.
In the city, you can visit museums to learn more about them and explore the places and apartments where they used to live.
In general, there is always something to do in the Austrian capital, which is different to in some of Austria's smaller cities and towns.
Whether enjoying an opera performance, exploring art exhibitions, or attending lively street festivals, Vienna always offers many possibilities.
The city also hosts famous festivals and events globally, such as Wiener Festwochen and the Donauinselfest during the summer.
During Christmas, the many different Christmas markets draw locals and tourists from everywhere to the city.
While other cities have their own festivals and cultural institutions, the scale and variety in Vienna cannot be beaten.
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Wages and cost of living
Vienna is the city in Austria with the highest salaries.
According to the Stepstone's analysis, released at the start of 2024 and based on findings from the end of 2023, Vienna leads the cities and provinces regarding the highest median income.
In 2023, the median income in Vienna was €56,880 gross per year, while in Tyrol and Carinthia, it was about €10,000 lower.
Burgenland, with a median salary of €50,750, and Upper Austria, with €49,667, were positioned in the middle of the range.
While looking at the average salary in the city, current figures show that it is €2,532 after taxes.
When it comes to living costs, Vienna is a slightly more expensive choice compared to most other Austrian towns and cities. Groceries, for example, tend to be a bit more expensive in the capital.
Regarding housing, it can either be more expensive or a bit cheaper than in other places.
Vienna is famous for its affordable social housing. More and less one in four flats in the city is a Gemeindebau, offering homes to around 500,000 people.
If you get your hand on one of these flats, you will have very affordable rent, but if you do not, your rent is likely to be higher than in most other Austrian cities, such as Graz, Innsbruck or Linz.
Furthermore, if you want to buy an apartment, the most expensive place to do so is in Vienna.
Opportunities to speak English
Vienna has more English speakers than Austria's other cities, towns, and rural areas. This is partly due to the city's large expat community, international businesses, and institutions, which create an environment where English is commonly spoken.
Vienna has many language schools, universities, and institutes providing English courses.
Many educational institutions, such as the University of Vienna, offer English programs, making it easier for non-German speakers to study and integrate into academic life.
In general, you can get around quite easily using only English and find jobs and educational opportunities in English.
However, if you need to handle something bureaucratic, want to be part of a German-speaking friend group or work at a local company, you might want to consider improving your German.
Grumpiness
The Viennese have developed a reputation for complaining and being rude, often called "Wiener Grant" (rudeness).
This might explain why Vienna, despite being considered the most liveable city, is also often regarded as one of the unfriendliest.
However, Wiener Grant is an important part of many residents' cultural identity. It shows a common understanding of the city’s unique quirks and helps create a sense of community among the Viennese through humour.
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