Cost of living
With the cost of living on the rise in Austria, it’s important to keep up to date with the latest news and advice. We regularly add new articles and update existing information as it changes so check back here regularly to get the latest advice and tips.
From fuel to taxes: How to save money in Austria
With fuel and heating-oil prices once again pushing up the cost of living, we explore a few different ways to spend less and save money in Austria without sacrificing quality.
COMPARE: How expensive are fuel prices around Europe right now?
Fuel prices are rocketing around Europe but in some countries the cost of filling a tank is far higher than in others, partly because governments are taking different measures to tackle the crisis.
How much Vienna's water, sewer and rubbish fees will rise in 2027
Several everyday municipal charges are going up again from January under Vienna's inflation-linked fee system, although parking is one notable exception this time.
Reader question: Do I need special permits to buy a home in Austria?
Austria’s rules for buying property differ depending on your nationality. Learn what permits are needed, and what taxes to expect.
LISTED: Which foods will actually get cheaper in Austria?
Austria’s VAT cut on selected basic foods starts on July 1st, but shoppers should not expect every “basic” item in the supermarket or bakery to automatically become cheaper.
Cuts and priorities: What Austria's new budget means for residents
Austria’s 2027/28 double budget is now in parliament, giving residents a clearer picture of where the government plans to save and where it still wants to spend.
In numbers: What's a 'normal' monthly budget in Austria in 2026?
New data on spending trends in Austria has revealed what residents are doing with their hard-earned income and how spending power depends very much ion where you live.
Austrian public health insurer to save €34 million a year with cuts
Austria’s public health insurer ÖGK is expected to save €23.3 million this year and €34.4 million a year from 2027 through recently introduced cuts, according to figures from the Health Ministry.
What's getting more expensive in Austria right now?
People living in Austria will notice that prices for some products are rising. Here's a look at how increasing inflation is impacting everyday life and what to expect.
What could change for families and jobseekers under Austria’s 2027/28 budget plan
Austria is sketching out savings on taxes, AMS support and family payments, but not everything is fixed. Which measures look most concrete so far?
3.2 percent: Why is inflation rising in Austria?
Fuel prices surged month-on-month in Austria, helping drive an inflation jump. Here’s what rose fastest, and what eased slightly.
Austrian drivers to pay more for fuel as Slovakia restricts diesel sales
The Slovak government said it would limit diesel purchases and increase prices for foreign drivers, including from Austria, after supplies through the Druzhba pipeline were suspended.
EXPLAINED: What is Austria’s plan to stop fuel price increases?
Austria’s government has agreed on a package of temporary measures aimed at limiting further rises in petrol and diesel prices. Here's what's changing and how it could impact your expenses.
REVEALED: How Austria wants to curb fuel and energy price swings
With the war in the Middle East bringing fuel prices to a spike, Austria's government is looking for ways to lessen the impact on everyday lives.
How does war in Iran impact life in Austria?
The world is watching the dramatic events continue to unfold in the Middle East. What are the consequences of this war for people in Austria?
Does Austria still offer a high quality of life?
Austria scores highly across several areas in a popular ranking, but one weak spot stands out in long-term life planning.
How Salzburg wants to manage visitors in Austria without entry fees or caps
Salzburg’s visitor numbers are rising again, and the mayor wants ‘smaller adjustments’ to ease pressure for locals, without entry fees or formal caps
Cost of living: Inflation falls in Austria as energy prices drop
A flash estimate puts Austria’s January inflation rate at 2.0 percent. The breakdown reveals what is pushing prices up overall and what is pulling them down
What Vienna's big hike in taxes and fees in 2026 will mean for residents
From dog taxes to kindergarten meals, Vienna’s planned 2026 fee hikes show how the city hopes to plug its budget gap, but many are left wondering who will pay the cost for the city's budget cuts.
Austria's leading energy provider to reduce electricity costs by a third
People in Austria have been struggling with the cost of energy in recent years, but there is good news ahead. From March, more than 400,000 households in Austria will see a drop in electricity prices.
Why buying a home in Austria remains unaffordable for so many
Many foreign residents dream of owning their own home in Austria. However, new research shows that buying a place is still unaffordable for much of the population, even as house prices have dipped in recent years and incomes have risen.
Why Austria’s economy is improving while many households feel worse off
Austria’s economy is set to grow again in 2026, but new forecasts suggest many households will see their incomes fall despite the recovery.
How to know if your landlord in Austria might be charging too much rent
Thousands of tenants in Austria are unknowingly paying more rent than legally allowed, especially in formerly non-profit cooperative flats. Here’s how you can check if you're affected and defend yourself.