Vienna vs Graz
Cost of Living Comparison 2026
Graz is ~29% cheaper overall
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · Reviewed April 2026
Vienna
Austria
COL+Rent
55.3
Rent Index
30.6
Groceries
81.3
Restaurant
82.2
Graz
Austria
COL+Rent
39.4
Rent Index
18.1
Groceries
61.7
Restaurant
58
Monthly Cost Comparison
| Category | Vienna | Graz | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR City) | $1,391 | $821 | +$570 |
| Rent (1BR Outside) | $1,068 | $630 | +$438 |
| Groceries | $487 | $370 | +$117 |
| Restaurant Meal | $20 | $15 | +$5 |
| Transit Pass | $62 | $47 | +$15 |
| Utilities | $224 | $170 | +$54 |
Monthly Budget Comparison
| Lifestyle | Vienna | Graz |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal | $1,775/mo | $1,166/mo |
| Typical | $2,464/mo | $1,633/mo |
| Comfortable | $3,070/mo | $2,055/mo |
Purchasing Power Equivalence
| Budget in Vienna | ≈ in Graz | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500/mo | $1,069/mo | -$431 |
| $2,000/mo | $1,425/mo | -$575 |
| $3,000/mo | $2,137/mo | -$863 |
Detailed Budget Analysis
See exactly how specific monthly budgets break down in each city:
Analysis: Vienna vs Graz for Expats & Remote Workers
Our data shows Graz is approximately 29% more affordable than Vienna when combining rent and daily living costs. Vienna's COL+Rent Index of 55.3 vs Graz's 39.4 (both measured against New York City = 100) reflects a meaningful difference that adds up over months of living expenses.
Housing is the biggest differentiator: a city-center one-bedroom in Vienna costs $1,391/month versus $821/month in Graz — giving Graz a $570/month advantage on housing alone. Over a full year, this rent difference alone amounts to $6,840 in annual savings.
Day-to-day costs tell a more nuanced story. Groceries in Vienna ($487/mo) vs Graz ($370/mo) reflect Graz's lower food prices, while restaurant meals at $20 vs $15 show Graz offers cheaper dining. For digital nomads and remote workers who eat out frequently, this difference compounds quickly.
Bottom line: If you earn in a strong currency (USD, EUR, GBP) and work remotely, Graz offers meaningfully better value — your typical monthly budget of $1,633 buys a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings. Use the purchasing power table above to see exactly how far your specific budget stretches in each city.