Cost of Living: Austria vs France

Detailed comparison of living costs and expenses between Austria and France.

Data updated: October 2026

Quick Comparison Summary

In simple terms, living in Austria is 11.0% more expensive than France. The biggest difference is in Household Utilities, where costs are 78.2% higher. This means that for every $100 you spend in France, you would spend about $111 in Austria for the same standard of living.

Key Differences

Household Utilities 78.2%

Austria is 78.2% more expensive

Property Prices 22.6%

Austria is 22.6% more expensive

Sports And Leisure 21.5%

Austria is 21.5% more expensive

Cost of Living Index

Overall Difference 11.0%

Austria is 11.0% more expensive than France

Most Expensive Categories

  • Household Utilities +78.2%
  • Property Prices +22.6%
  • Sports And Leisure +21.5%

Is Austria cheaper than France?

No, France is cheaper than Austria

Overall, living costs in France are 11.0% lower than in Austria.

Where France is cheaper:

  • Household Utilities 78.2% cheaper
  • Property Prices 22.6% cheaper
  • Sports And Leisure 21.5% cheaper

Where France is more expensive:

  • Other Expenses 45.8% more expensive
  • Transportation 18.6% more expensive
  • Markets 6.5% more expensive

Practical Examples

1-bedroom apartment in city center

Austria: 1,001.92 $ France: 875.36 $
14.5% more expensive in Austria

Monthly public transport pass

Austria: 58.05 $ France: 70.58 $
17.8% cheaper in Austria

1 liter of milk

Austria: 1.65 $ France: 1.31 $
26.0% more expensive in Austria

1 liter of gasoline

Austria: 1.77 $ France: 2.04 $
13.2% cheaper in Austria

Summary

Based on comprehensive cost of living data, France is indeed cheaper than Austria. You would spend approximately 11.0% on living expenses by choosing France over Austria. This includes all major expense categories such as housing, food, transportation, and utilities.

Overall Cost of Living Comparison

11.0%

Austria is 11.0% more expensive than France

Restaurants

8.3%

Austria is 8.3% more expensive than France in this category

Markets

6.5%

Austria is 6.5% cheaper than France in this category

Other Expenses

45.8%

Austria is 45.8% cheaper than France in this category

Transportation

18.6%

Austria is 18.6% cheaper than France in this category

Household Utilities

78.2%

Austria is 78.2% more expensive than France in this category

Mobile and Internet

0.7%

Austria is 0.7% cheaper than France in this category

Sports And Leisure

21.5%

Austria is 21.5% more expensive than France in this category

Childcare

15.1%

Austria is 15.1% more expensive than France in this category

Clothing And Shoes

1.6%

Austria is 1.6% more expensive than France in this category

Rent Per Month

11.7%

Austria is 11.7% more expensive than France in this category

Property Prices

22.6%

Austria is 22.6% more expensive than France in this category

Salaries And Financing

4.7%

Austria is 4.7% more expensive than France in this category

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item Austria France Difference
Basic Restaurant Meal 17.07 $ 17.07 $ 0.0%
Austria is 0.0% more expensive
Three-Course Dinner for Two in Mid Range Restaurant 79.68 $ 68.30 $ 16.7%
Austria is 16.7% more expensive
McDonald's Fast Food Combo Meal 11.38 $ 12.52 $ 9.1%
Austria is 9.1% cheaper
Regular Cappuccino 4.38 $ 3.63 $ 20.7%
Austria is 20.7% more expensive
Soft Drink (330ml) 3.64 $ 3.19 $ 14.1%
Austria is 14.1% more expensive
Bottled Water (330ml) 2.93 $ 2.21 $ 32.6%
Austria is 32.6% more expensive
Bottled Water (1.5L) 0.85 $ 0.78 $ 9.0%
Austria is 9.0% more expensive
Local Beer (500ml) 1.47 $ ? N/A
Imported Beer (330ml) 5.00 $ 3.33 $ 50.2%
Austria is 50.2% more expensive
Mid-Range Wine 7.65 $ 11.38 $ 32.8%
Austria is 32.8% cheaper
Local Beer (500ml bottle) 1.34 $ ? N/A
Milk (1L) 1.65 $ 1.31 $ 26.0%
Austria is 26.0% more expensive
Fresh Bread (500g) 2.83 $ 2.04 $ 38.7%
Austria is 38.7% more expensive
White Rice (1kg) 2.61 $ 2.59 $ 0.8%
Austria is 0.8% more expensive
Eggs (12 pack) 4.57 $ 4.29 $ 6.5%
Austria is 6.5% more expensive
Local Cheese (1kg) 18.45 $ 20.08 $ 8.1%
Austria is 8.1% cheaper
Chicken Breast (1kg) 14.79 $ 13.86 $ 6.7%
Austria is 6.7% more expensive
Beef (1kg) 22.77 $ 21.30 $ 6.9%
Austria is 6.9% more expensive
Apples (1kg) 2.84 $ 3.12 $ 9.0%
Austria is 9.0% cheaper
Bananas (1kg) 2.36 $ 2.33 $ 1.3%
Austria is 1.3% more expensive
Oranges (1kg) 3.07 $ 3.10 $ 1.0%
Austria is 1.0% cheaper
Tomatoes (1kg) 4.47 $ 3.63 $ 23.1%
Austria is 23.1% more expensive
Potatoes (1kg) 2.13 $ 2.35 $ 9.4%
Austria is 9.4% cheaper
Onions (1kg) 2.02 $ 2.45 $ 17.6%
Austria is 17.6% cheaper
Lettuce (1 head) 1.87 $ 1.57 $ 19.1%
Austria is 19.1% more expensive
Monthly Transit Pass 58.05 $ 70.58 $ 17.8%
Austria is 17.8% cheaper
Cigarettes (20 pack) 7.40 $ 13.66 $ 45.8%
Austria is 45.8% cheaper
Single Bus/Train Ticket 2.85 $ 2.16 $ 31.9%
Austria is 31.9% more expensive
Taxi Base Fare 5.63 $ 5.46 $ 3.1%
Austria is 3.1% more expensive
Taxi per Kilometer 2.28 $ 2.28 $ 0.0%
Austria is 0.0% more expensive
Taxi Waiting Hourly Rate 34.15 $ 37.22 $ 8.2%
Austria is 8.2% cheaper
Gasoline (1L) 1.77 $ 2.04 $ 13.2%
Austria is 13.2% cheaper
New Economy Car 29,015.93 $ 36,876.07 $ 21.3%
Austria is 21.3% cheaper
New Mid-Range Car 30,432.98 $ 36,162.84 $ 15.8%
Austria is 15.8% cheaper
Monthly Utilities (80m² size) 375.77 $ 210.87 $ 78.2%
Austria is 78.2% more expensive
10 GB Mobile Plan with Data 20.01 $ 25.59 $ 21.8%
Austria is 21.8% cheaper
High-Speed Internet (> 60 Mbps) 39.38 $ 34.21 $ 15.1%
Austria is 15.1% more expensive
Gym Membership 46.30 $ 37.20 $ 24.5%
Austria is 24.5% more expensive
Tennis Court (Weekend) 24.23 $ 18.42 $ 31.5%
Austria is 31.5% more expensive
Movie Ticket 13.66 $ 13.66 $ 0.0%
Austria is 0.0% more expensive
Private Preschool (Full Day) 365.99 $ 800.37 $ 54.3%
Austria is 54.3% cheaper
International School (Yearly) 13,902.65 $ 11,595.44 $ 19.9%
Austria is 19.9% more expensive
1 Pair of Jeans 104.13 $ 102.59 $ 1.5%
Austria is 1.5% more expensive
1 Summer Dress 44.92 $ 43.82 $ 2.5%
Austria is 2.5% more expensive
1 Pair of Running Shoes 103.80 $ 104.20 $ 0.4%
Austria is 0.4% cheaper
1 Pair of Business Shoes 142.37 $ 138.28 $ 3.0%
Austria is 3.0% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,001.92 $ 875.36 $ 14.5%
Austria is 14.5% more expensive
1-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 807.03 $ 692.40 $ 16.6%
Austria is 16.6% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center) 1,782.11 $ 1,634.03 $ 9.1%
Austria is 9.1% more expensive
3-Bedroom Apartment (Suburbs) 1,423.27 $ 1,289.02 $ 10.4%
Austria is 10.4% more expensive
Apartment Price (City Center) per m² 7,675.26 $ 6,484.72 $ 18.4%
Austria is 18.4% more expensive
Apartment Price (Suburbs) per m² 5,697.22 $ 4,425.62 $ 28.7%
Austria is 28.7% more expensive
Average Monthly Salary (after tax) 2,812.93 $ 2,687.45 $ 4.7%
Austria is 4.7% more expensive
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate 3.70 3.66 1.1%
Austria is 1.1% more expensive

Cost of Living Calculator

Calculate how your current expenses would change if you moved to France. Enter your monthly expenses in Austria to see the equivalent costs.

Housing

Food & Dining

Transportation

Other Expenses

Our Methodology

Our cost of living comparisons are based on a robust methodology that combines multiple data sources and regular updates to ensure accuracy:

Data Collection

  • Regular price surveys conducted in major cities
  • Official government statistics and economic indicators
  • User-contributed data from expatriates and local residents
  • Real estate market reports and rental price indices
  • Consumer price indices and inflation data

Calculation Methods

  • Prices are normalized to USD for consistent comparison
  • Exchange rates are updated monthly
  • Regional price variations are weighted by population
  • Seasonal fluctuations are accounted for in the averages
  • Quality of life factors are considered in the overall assessment

Quality Assurance

  • Data is verified by local experts
  • Regular cross-checking with multiple sources
  • User feedback is incorporated into updates
  • Statistical outliers are identified and reviewed
  • Methodology is reviewed quarterly

Note: While we strive for accuracy, cost of living data can vary significantly within countries and cities. These comparisons should be used as a general guide, and we recommend conducting additional research for specific locations.

Lifestyle Impact

Understanding the cost of living differences between Austria and France goes beyond just numbers. Here's how these differences might affect your daily life:

Daily Living

  • Grocery shopping habits and meal planning
  • Public transportation usage vs. car ownership
  • Frequency of dining out and entertainment
  • Healthcare access and insurance coverage
  • Housing choices and neighborhood selection

Long-term Planning

  • Savings and investment strategies
  • Retirement planning considerations
  • Education costs for children
  • Property ownership opportunities
  • Business and career development

Quality of Life Considerations

While cost of living is important, it's just one aspect of quality of life. Consider also:

  • Healthcare system quality and accessibility
  • Education system standards
  • Public safety and security
  • Environmental quality
  • Cultural and recreational opportunities
  • Work-life balance norms

Making the Most of Your Budget

Tips for adapting to cost of living differences:

  • Research local shopping habits and markets
  • Learn about public transportation options
  • Understand local tax systems and benefits
  • Explore community resources and discounts
  • Network with locals for insider tips

Local Insights for Austria vs France

While both countries have similar overall costs, there are nuanced differences in how money is spent on daily necessities.

Cultural Cost Differences

Austria

  • Basic groceries tend to be more expensive, suggesting different shopping patterns.

France

  • Lower fuel costs indicate different transportation infrastructure.

Seasonal Cost Variations

Both countries experience moderate seasonal variations in living costs, with prices typically higher during peak tourist seasons and major holidays.

Explore more

Cost of living in Austria Cost of living in France

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