Livability scores

• Walkabilityⓘ 19 / 20

  Vienna’s compact historic core, dense mixed-use districts and pedestrian zones mean most daily errands can be done on foot.

  Sources:

  • SafeStreets – Vienna walkability overview
  • Global City Intelligence – Vienna mobility score
• Rail Connectivityⓘ 9.3 / 10

  Vienna Central Station is a major European rail hub with frequent national and international connections across Austria and neighboring countries.

  Sources:

  • ÖBB – Vienna Central Station information
  • ÖBB – Network and long-distance connections
• Public Transitⓘ 10 / 10

  Vienna’s network of U-Bahn, trams and buses provides high-frequency coverage citywide and is run by Wiener Linien.

  Sources:

  • Wiener Linien – Public transport in Vienna
  • Wiener Linien – Network maps
• Affordabilityⓘ 6.7 / 10

  Vienna’s moderate costs for a single person (~€1,000–€1,200/month excl.

  Sources:

  • Numbeo – Cost of Living in Vienna
  • Relocate.me – Cost of Living in Vienna
  • LivingCost – Prices in Vienna
  • HousingAnywhere – Cost of living in Vienna
• Safetyⓘ 9 / 10

  Vienna records low crime rates and is rated high for safety by international comparisons and local statistics.

  Sources:

  • Statistik Austria – Crime statistics
  • Numbeo – Crime in Vienna
• Air Qualityⓘ 9 / 10

  EEA data show Vienna generally has good to moderate air quality with pollutants mostly within EU limits.

  Sources:

  • EEA – Air quality in Austria
  • Umweltbundesamt Austria – Air quality
• Quality Of Lifeⓘ 10 / 10

  Vienna tops global liveability rankings thanks to strong healthcare, public transport, safety, green space and infrastructure.

  Sources:

  • Mercer – Quality of Living survey (Vienna)
  • Global City Intelligence – Vienna quality of life
• Food Cultureⓘ 8 / 10

  Vienna has a rich culinary scene from traditional coffee houses to multiple Michelin-starred restaurants.

  Sources:

  • Vienna Tourism Board – Eating & drinking
  • Michelin Guide – Vienna restaurants
• Car Free Practicalityⓘ 9 / 10

  Dense transit, bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly streets make living car-free in Vienna highly practical.

  Sources:

  • City of Vienna – Urban Mobility Plan
  • Wiener Linien – Public transport in Vienna

Advantages & drawbacks

Monthly costs

• Estimated monthly cost €2,150 – €2,850
• Monthly transit pass €51

Typical prices

• Inexpensive meal €15
• Dinner for two (mid-range) €70
• Cappuccino €3.8
• Beer (0.5L) €4.5
• Groceries / month €350

Prices are indicative and vary by season and venue.

Food guide

Vienna’s food culture blends imperial Austro-Hungarian traditions with a strong coffeehouse and pastry heritage, centered on **Wiener Schnitzel**, boiled beef, and elegant cakes. Today the city mixes classic beisl taverns, street sausage stands, diverse markets like Naschmarkt, and modern international dining.

Signature dishes

• Wiener SchnitzelBreaded, fried veal or pork cutlet served thin and crisp, often with potato salad or parsley potatoes.
• TafelspitzSlow-boiled beef served in broth with potatoes, root vegetables, and apple–horseradish sauce, a classic Viennese main.
• SachertorteDense chocolate cake layered with apricot jam and glazed in dark chocolate, traditionally served with whipped cream.
• ApfelstrudelPaper-thin pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins, and breadcrumbs, a staple of Viennese coffeehouse culture.
• KaiserschmarrnFluffy shredded pancake, caramelized in butter and sugar, typically served with fruit compote.
• Würstel (Viennese sausages)Grilled or boiled sausages served at würstelstands, often with bread, mustard, and ketchup as iconic street food.
• RindsgulaschRich paprika-spiced beef stew with Hungarian influence, common in beisl taverns.
• ZwiebelrostbratenPan-roasted beef steak topped with crispy fried onions, usually served with potatoes.

Where to eat

• Naschmarkt marketVienna’s largest historic market with 120+ stalls, combining local produce, street food, and global cuisine.
• Figlmüller restaurantLegendary beisl famous for oversized Wiener Schnitzel near Stephansplatz.
• Hotel Sacher Wien café/restaurantBirthplace of the original Sachertorte, a key stop for cake and coffee.
• Cafe Central historic coffeehouseGrand café offering classic Viennese pastries and coffee in a palatial setting.
• Bitzinger Würstelstand würstelstand (sausage stand)Popular central stand for late-night sausages and beer, near major attractions.
• Plachutta Wollzeile restaurantUpscale venue renowned for its Tafelspitz served in copper pots.

Markets & food shopping

• Naschmarkt
• Karmelitermarkt
• Brunnenmarkt
• Viktor-Adler-Markt