Last Updated: May 9, 2026
💰 Europe Cost Calculator 2026 Updated
Country 1
Country 2
Table of Contents
- š Monthly Living Cost Breakdown by Category
- šļø City-Wise Living Cost Comparison
- š Accommodation Costs Explained
- š Food & Grocery Costs
- š Transport Costs
- š„ Health Insurance Costs
- š Austria vs Other Countries: Cost Comparison
- š” Money-Saving Tips for Indian Students
- š First Month Setup Costs
- ā Frequently Asked Questions
- ā Budget Checklist for 2-Year Master’s in Austria
🕑 6 min read
Planning to study in Austria but worried about living expenses? Here’s the good news: Austria is remarkably affordable compared to UK, USA, or even Germanyāand you can live comfortably on ā¬850-1,200 per month (ā¹76,500-1,08,000) depending on your city and lifestyle.
Austria offers an exceptional quality of life with world-class public transport, safe cities, and affordable groceries. Vienna consistently ranks as the world’s most liveable cityāand the cost of living here is significantly lower than London, Zurich, or even Munich.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down every expense you’ll face as an Indian student in Austria for the September 2026 intakeāfrom rent and food to transport and entertainment, with city-wise comparisons and practical money-saving tips.
Get the Complete Study in Germany (closest match for Austria-related topic) 2026 PDF
Top universities, costs, scholarships, visa, jobs, PR ā everything an Indian student needs. Written by Saumitra (14+ years Europe expert).
š° Quick Summary: Austria Living Cost 2026
- š Monthly Total: ā¬850-1,200 (ā¹76,500-1,08,000)
- š¢ Vienna: ā¬950-1,200/month (most expensive)
- šæ Graz/Linz: ā¬700-950/month (budget-friendly)
- šļø Innsbruck/Salzburg: ā¬800-1,100/month
- šµ First Month Setup: ā¬1,500-2,500 (deposit + essentials)
- š vs UK: 40-50% cheaper than London
š Monthly Living Cost Breakdown by Category
Here’s what Indian students typically spend each month in Austria:
šļø City-Wise Living Cost Comparison
Your city choice significantly impacts your monthly budget. Here’s how Austrian cities compare:
Key insight: Graz and Linz offer ā¹1.5-3 lakh savings over 2 years compared to Vienna!
š” EXPERT TIP
“I always recommend Graz to budget-conscious students. It has four excellent universities including TU Graz, costs 20-25% less than Vienna, and has a fantastic student atmosphere. You can save ā¹1.5-2 lakh over a 2-year Master’sāthat’s significant money for an Indian family.”
ā Saumitra Rajput, Founder, Kadamb Overseas
š Accommodation Costs Explained
Rent is your biggest monthly expense. Here are your options:
Student Dormitories (Studentenwohnheim)
- Cost: ā¬260-400/month (ā¹23,400-36,000)
- Includes: Utilities, internet, sometimes furniture
- Pros: Cheapest option, easy social life, Meldezettel-eligible
- Cons: Limited availability, apply early
- Providers: OeAD, ĆJAB, Akademikerhilfe, Wihast
Shared Apartments (WG – Wohngemeinschaft)
- Cost: ā¬350-500/month (ā¹31,500-45,000)
- Includes: Room in shared flat, may exclude utilities
- Pros: More privacy, practice German, central locations
- Cons: Roommate compatibility, finding reliable listings
- Platforms: WG-Gesucht, Willhaben, Housing Anywhere
Private Studio/Apartment
- Cost: ā¬600-1,000/month (ā¹54,000-90,000)
- Includes: Full apartment, may exclude utilities
- Pros: Complete privacy, couples-friendly
- Cons: Most expensive, harder to find
š Food & Grocery Costs
Good news: Austria has many discount supermarkets, making food affordable.
Monthly Food Budget
- Budget cooking at home: ā¬150-200/month
- Moderate (mix of cooking + eating out): ā¬200-300/month
- Comfortable (more dining out): ā¬300-400/month
Grocery Store Price Guide
Budget Supermarkets (Cheapest to Most Expensive)
- Hofer (Aldi): Cheapest, excellent quality
- Lidl: Very affordable, good selection
- Penny: Budget-friendly
- Spar: Mid-range, convenient locations
- Billa: Mid-range, student discounts
- Merkur: Premium selection
Indian Groceries in Austria
Good news for Indian students! Major cities have Indian grocery stores:
- Vienna: Kumar’s, India Bazaar, Prosi, Asian Supermarkets
- Graz: Asian markets, Indian spice shops
- Other cities: Asian supermarkets stock basic Indian essentials
Get Personalized Cost Estimates
We’ll help you plan your finances for studying in Austria based on your chosen city and lifestyle.
★ 4.9 Google · 250+ reviews š Book Free Consultation
š Transport Costs
Austria has excellent public transport, and students get major discounts:
City Transport Passes
- Vienna (Wiener Linien): ā¬75/semester or ā¬365/year
- Graz: ā¬180/semester for students
- Innsbruck: ā¬140/semester
- Salzburg: ā¬150/semester
Klimaticket (All-Austria Pass)
- Cost: ā¬821/year (students under 26: ā¬699)
- Coverage: All public transport across Austria
- Best for: Students who travel between cities frequently
Other Transport Options
- Biking: Very popular in Austrian cities, many students buy used bikes (ā¬50-150)
- Single ticket: ~ā¬2.40-2.60
- Day pass: ā¬5.80 (Vienna)
š„ Health Insurance Costs
Health insurance is mandatory for international students:
- Public insurance (ĆGK): ~ā¬65/month
- Private insurance: ā¬50-100/month
- Coverage: Doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions
Important: Register with ĆGK (Austrian Health Insurance) within 4 weeks of arrival to access public healthcare.
š Austria vs Other Countries: Cost Comparison
How does Austria compare with other popular study destinations?
Key insight: Austria costs 70% less than UK and 80% less than USA for the same quality education!
š STUDENT SUCCESS STORY
Ankit Patel from Surat completed his Master’s in Computer Science at University of Graz. “My total expenses for 2 years were ā¹24 lakhāincluding everything. I lived in student housing for ā¬320/month, cooked Indian food at home, and used the semester transport pass. Compare this to my friend who spent ā¹85 lakh for an MS in the UK. Same degree, same career prospects in Europe!”
Now working as Software Developer at SAP Austria, earning ā¬55,000/year š
š” Money-Saving Tips for Indian Students
Accommodation Savings
- Apply for student dorms early (6+ months before semester)
- Consider cities like Graz or Linz over Vienna
- Share apartments (WG) to split rent
- Look for housing outside city centerātransport is excellent
Food Savings
- Cook at homeāIndian groceries are available
- Shop at Hofer (Aldi) and Lidl for cheapest prices
- Eat at university Mensa (ā¬3-5 for full meals)
- Bring basic spices from India
Transport Savings
- Buy semester transport pass immediately
- Get a used bike for ā¬50-100
- Use ĆBB Sparschiene for cheap train tickets
General Savings
- Get an ISIC student card for discounts
- Use ĆH (student union) benefits
- Free museum days (often first Sunday of month)
- Open a free student bank account (e.g., Bank Austria, Erste)
š First Month Setup Costs
Budget extra for your first month in Austria:
ā Frequently Asked Questions
Plan for ā¬850-1,200 per month (ā¹76,500-1,08,000). Vienna is at the higher end, while Graz and Linz are more affordable at ā¬700-950/month. This includes rent, food, transport, insurance, and personal expenses.
Graz and Linz are the most affordable major university cities, with monthly costs of ā¬700-950. You can save ā¹1.5-3 lakh over 2 years compared to Vienna. Both have excellent universities and good quality of life.
Yes! International students can work 20 hours/week during semester. With minimum wage around ā¬10-12/hour, you can earn ā¬400-600/month to significantly offset living costs. Many students cover 50-70% of their expenses through part-time work.
Living costs are similar (ā¬850-1,200/month). Germany has free tuition in most states, while Austria charges ā¬727/semester for non-EU students. Overall, Germany might be slightly cheaper, but Austria offers excellent quality of life and easier work opportunities post-graduation.
Bring ā¬1,500-2,500 (ā¹1.35-2.25 lakh) for your first month. This covers security deposit (2-3 months rent), first month’s rent, transport pass, health insurance, and essential purchases. Have this amount as cash or easily accessible funds.
ā Budget Checklist for 2-Year Master’s in Austria
Need Help Planning Your Austria Budget?
Get personalized cost estimates based on your city choice and lifestyle preferences.
★ 4.9 Google · 250+ reviews š Book Free Consultation
š +91-9913333239 | š¬ WhatsApp Us
Saumitra Rajput
Founder & European Education Expert
14+ years helping Indian students plan affordable European education. 500+ students placed with 97% visa success rate.
š Related Articles
š Read next on Kadamb Overseas:
Saumitra Rajput
Saumitra Rajput is the founder of Kadamb Overseas Pvt. Ltd., India's leading Europe-focused study abroad consultancy based in Ahmedabad. With 14+ years of expertise in European education, he has personally counselled 2,500+ Indian families and helped 500+ students secure admission to top European universities including TU Munich, ETH Zurich, EPFL, KU Leuven, HEC Paris, Sapienza Rome, TU Wien, and Warsaw University of Technology. He has visited 25+ European universities, partners with 250+ EU institutions, and maintains a 97% visa success rate.
Planning to Study Abroad?
Get free expert guidance from our experienced counselors
Saumitra Rajput
Saumitra Rajput is the founder and lead counsellor at Kadamb Overseas, India's trusted Europe education consultancy based in Ahmedabad. With 14+ years of hands-on experience, he has personally guided 500+ students to universities across Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, Austria, and Spain. Saumitra has visited partner universities across Europe, holds deep expertise in European visa processes, scholarships, and student life, and has achieved a 97% visa success rate for his clients. He is the host of the YouTube channel "Europe with Saumitra", where he shares first-hand insights on studying and living in Europe. His mission: make Europe accessible to every Indian student, with zero consultancy fees.
Related Articles
- Graz City Guide for Students 2026: Austria's Best Kept Secret for Indian Students
- Law Studies in Austria for Indian Students 2026: LLM Programs, Fees & Complete Guide
- Business Universities in Austria 2026: WU Wien, Rankings & Complete Guide for Indian Students
- Austria University Admission Timeline 2026-27: Complete Month-by-Month Guide for Indian Students
- Free Tuition in Austria 2026: Complete Guide for Indian Students
