Graz | Cleared for Departure

Graz, Austria’s second city, blends Renaissance streetscapes and a youthful university energy beneath its red-tiled roofs. Trams glide through a compact old town ringed by wooded hills, making daily life feel quietly effortless. The Schlossberg crowned by its clock tower anchors the skyline like a watchful guardian.

Est. monthly cost €1,400 – €1,850

Overall score 81

Remote Workers Families Car Free Living Budget Expats

Livability scores

Walkability 17 / 20
Central Graz has dense mixed-use blocks and pedestrian zones that make most daily needs reachable on foot.
Sources:
- City of Graz - Pedestrian and cycling traffic
- City of Graz - Mobility and transport overview
Rail Connectivity 7.3 / 10
Graz Hauptbahnhof offers frequent ÖBB long-distance and regional services connecting major Austrian and neighboring cities.
Sources:
- ÖBB - Graz main station timetable and services
- Rail Europe - Trains to and from Graz
Public Transit 8 / 10
Graz Linien runs an integrated network of trams and buses with high-frequency service in the urban area.
Sources:
- Graz Linien - Public transport in Graz
- Holding Graz - Mobility services
Affordability 6.7 / 10
Graz has moderate living costs with cost-of-living-plus-rent index around 47, slightly lower than Vienna and some German cities, indicating decent but not low affordability.
Sources:
Safety 9 / 10
Numbeo reports a low crime index around 27 and high safety index above 72 for Graz, indicating generally low crime and good perceived safety.
Sources:
Air Quality 7 / 10
EEA and national data show Graz generally meeting EU air quality standards, with occasional PM peaks but mostly good levels.
Sources:
- EEA - Air quality in Austria (including Graz stations)
- Umweltbundesamt Austria - Air quality data
Quality Of Life 10 / 10
Indicators for cost of living, safety, healthcare and pollution give Graz a high overall quality of life score.
Sources:
- Numbeo - Graz Quality of Life Index
- Statistics Austria - Regional well-being indicators
Food Culture 8 / 10
Graz has a recognized culinary scene with Styrian specialties but only a small number of internationally rated fine-dining venues.
Sources:
- Graz Tourismus - Culinary overview
- Falstaff Restaurant Guide - Graz listings
Car Free Practicality 8 / 10
A compact center, extensive tram network and bike infrastructure support living in Graz without a private car.
Sources:
- City of Graz - Mobility strategy and car-reduced inner city
- Graz Tourismus - Getting around Graz without a car

Score changes since Sep 2026 · v2026.1 Overall ▲ +1, 1 signal changed

Overall 80 81 (+1) 1 signal improved.

Quality Of Life910+1
Indicators for cost of living, safety, healthcare and pollution give Graz a high overall quality of life score.
Sources:
- Numbeo - Graz Quality of Life Index
- Statistics Austria - Regional well-being indicators

Advantages & drawbacks

Advantages

High overall quality of life with good healthcare and safety.
Compact, walkable core with reliable tram and bus network.
Moderate living costs compared with larger Austrian cities.

Drawbacks

Job market smaller and more specialized than Vienna.
Air quality only moderate, with some traffic-related pollution.
Limited international flight connections; rail needed for hubs.

Monthly costs

Estimated monthly cost €1,400 – €1,850
Monthly transit pass €69

Where expats live

Districts where international residents concentrate. Pins show neighborhood locations; shaded boundaries are approximate.

Geidorf Leafy district north of the centre, home to the University of Graz and many students, researchers and internationals, with cafés and easy tram access downtown. City of Graz district map u2013 Geidorf Expat forum discussion on Graz neighborhoods
Lend Creative, up-and-coming quarter west of the Mur with markets like Lendplatz, arts spaces and relatively affordable rents, popular with young expats. City of Graz district map u2013 Lend Travel/relocation blog on living in Lend
Jakomini Dense, centrally located district south of the old town, with strong tram and bus links, mixed residential blocks and amenities that attract professionals and students. City of Graz district map u2013 Jakomini Local real estate overview of Jakomini

Sources

Figures on this page are compiled from the following references. Data is indicative and may change over time.