Moving to Austria: Housing options & real estate market for emigrants

Finding the perfect apartment is often the first major hurdle for newcomers when moving to Austria. The Austrian real estate market is characterised by high demand and rising rental prices in metropolitan areas such as Vienna, Salzburg and Innsbruck, while rural regions often offer significantly more affordable housing. This guide provides you with a comprehensive overview of the various housing options, the most important legal framework of the Austrian rental market, as well as a current rental price comparison for the cities of Vienna, Graz, Linz, Innsbruck, Salzburg and rural regions, to help you make your decision.

Unlike in Germany, most rental apartments in Austria are unfurnished, but generally have their own kitchen ("kitchenette"). Listings on real estate portals always include the Nettomiete zuzüglich der Betriebskosten net rent plus operating costs – these include all recurring costs for wastewater, waste disposal, lift, or staircase cleaning. Other ancillary costs such as electricity, heating and hot water are not included nicht and must be added separately.

On the tight Austrian rental market, a professional and complete application is crucial. This includes a dossier with a copy of your ID, your employment contract, proof of income, and a tenant self‑disclosure form (a form with personal and financial information). Without proof of income, it often becomes difficult – many landlords require a net monthly income that exceeds the monthly rent by a multiple.

Also particularly important is the rental deposit: three months' gross rent is common; the Supreme Court has set a guideline value of six months' gross rent as the maximum – so that much can be demanded, but three is the norm.

In addition to classic rental apartments, there are a number of housing models in Austria that can make it easier for emigrants and expats to get started:

 

– SHARED FLATS (WGs): A very popular and more flexible option, especially for younger professionals or students, offering a communal living arrangement with existing social contacts.

– FURNISHED APARTMENTS: Particularly for a short‑term start or the first few months, furnished apartments are a time‑saving solution – especially if you are not bringing your own furniture.

– HOUSING COOPERATIVES: A special feature of Austria: in many municipalities, the state promotes affordable housing. Cooperative apartments are often significantly cheaper, but are subject to income limits and sometimes waiting periods. In many cities, cooperative housing is the most economical form of housing – you can quickly save several hundred euros per month compared to the open market.

Rental prices in Austria vary greatly between regions, depending on economic strength, attractiveness and housing shortages.

 

– Vienna is the most expensive state capital in Austria: gross rents (incl. operating costs) rose by 10% in 2025 to an average of €21.0/m² – for a 70 m² apartment, that is around €1,470 per month.

– Innsbruck remains the absolute top among the state capitals: at €24.75/m² (+12%), Tyrol's capital is the most expensive city in Austria for private rental apartments.

– Salzburg follows with €19.9/m² (+9%) – here a 70 m² apartment costs around €1,400 per month.

– Graz is the cheapest of the large state capitals in the east at €12.7/m² (+3%) (70 m²: approx. €890).

– Rural regions such as Burgenland or parts of Lower Austria are significantly more affordable. Here you can also find modern apartments, often costing only 50% to 70% of urban rental prices.

Moving to Austria requires careful preparation regarding apartment search, costs and legal framework. The real estate market is highly competitive in metropolitan areas, and prices in cities such as Innsbruck, Vienna and Salzburg are among the highest in Austria. However, those willing to move to more rural federal states or move into a Genossenschaftswohnung cooperative apartment can find significantly cheaper and often quieter housing. A detailed look at the rental contract, deposit and etiquette during viewings will help you successfully master your start in Austria.