Best Places to Retire in Austria in 2022

Best Places to Retire in Austria in 2022

If you are looking to invest as an expat or high-net-worth individual, which is what I specialize in, you can email me (advice@adamfayed.com) or use WhatsApp (+44-7393-450-837).

Introduction

Check out our list of best places to retire in Austria if you wish to make the home of prominent psychologist Sigmund Freud, as well as famed musicians Mozart and Beethoven your new dwelling place. 

Austria has a large number of lovely cities and villages, each with its own unique qualities. Generally speaking, living expenses are greater in urban areas, especially in Vienna and Innsbruck. However, they are still lower than in the largest cities of the US, as well as the countries that are close by like Germany and France.

Below is a list of some of the most well-liked places to retire.

Best Places to Retire in Austria: Vienna

Vienna can be a good option for your home base. There are thousands of Americans living in this capital city, which boasts the largest population of foreigners. When retirees arrive in Vienna, they may instantly socialize with this expat population.

Retirement planning should take into account a number of aspects, including the expat population of the country you choose to retire to. In fact, immigrants are frequently welcomed in greater numbers in cities with a large expat population.

Furthermore, settling into a new nation can be made easier and more comfortable by the presence of English-speaking expats. The most common language in Austria is German, therefore this shift is particularly difficult for retirees who don’t know it. Vienna must be on top of your list considering such factors.

Additionally, Vienna is among Austria’s most developed cities. It has a staggering amount of museums, as well as hundreds of eateries, a handful of renowned theaters, and choices for public transit. In other words, if you live in this lovely city, you won’t run out of activities to engage in. People who lived in Vienna like Mozart, Beethoven, and Freud also left a lasting artistic and intellectual impact on the city.

Additionally, Vienna is home to more than a dozen cutting-edge hospitals, several of which are among the best in Austria. Austria also offers an excellent universal healthcare system for all of its citizens. Therefore, retired expat residents won’t need to make a long trip to get medical care.

In terms of real estate, it may be wise to pick a different Austrian location if you’re wanting to buy a detached property with a modest yard. Despite the high quality of living Vienna provides, there is a shortage of real estate, as most of it is in the form of apartments and town homes.

Renting a one-bedroom apartment within Vienna’s city center costs about 925 euros per month and 676 euros outside that area, according to global cost of living data aggregator Numbeo. The costs for buying apartment within and outside the city center can reach 8,948 euros and 5,821 euros per square meter, respectively.

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Vienna is estimated to cost 15 euros, while a mid-range restaurant can charge 55 euros for a three-course meal for two.

The overall cost of living in the city for a family of four can reach an estimated average of 2,903 euros per month, while a single person can live off 831 euros a month, both excluding rent. 

In its 2022 Cost of Living City Ranking, asset management company Mercer ranked Vienna as the 21st most expensive city in the world for expats. For comparison, Zurich, another European city ranked number two, while New York ranked seventh, and Hong Kong ranked first.

Best Places to Retire in Austria: Innsbruck

Austria is divided up into distinct areas known as states. Traveling southwest will bring you to the state of Tyrol (Tirol) and its capital city of Innsbruck, a charming European town that is bordered by the snow-capped Northern Limestone Alps. For German and Austrian residents, particularly those who enjoy winter sports like skiing, Innsbruck is well recognized as a vacation spot.

But for those who want to enjoy both urban amenities and natural beauty in their retirement, this city is also the best option. After all, Innsbruck is home to more than 200 dining establishments, approximately a dozen distinctive museums, and some of Austria’s most stunning hiking trails.

Only three public hospitals are located in this popular tourist area. As a result, pensioners with certain healthcare requirements might have to leave Innsbruck for a few different kinds of medical services.

Fortunately, Austria has a very effective and sophisticated public transportation system. The Innsbruck public bus system as well as the Austrian Federal Railways make it possible for retirees to travel within the city and to adjacent cities without owning a car.

Even a senior-friendly program for the national rail network was created to aid in the safe and secure transportation of elderly customers. Austria’s other cities and towns are easily accessible to retirees in Innsbruck.

However, because of Innsbruck’s fame as a top holiday spot as well as its condensed size, real estate here frequently sells for astronomically high rates.

Renting a one-bedroom apartment within Innsbruck’s city center costs about 819 euros per month and 744 euros outside that area, according to Numbeo. The costs for buying apartment within and outside the city center can reach 6,979 euros and 5,005.5 euros per square meter, respectively.

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Innsbruck is estimated to cost 15 euros, while a mid-range restaurant can charge 60 euros for a three-course meal for two.

The overall cost of living in the city for a family of four can reach an estimated average of about 3,100 euros per month, while a single person can live off 887 euros a month, both excluding rent. 

Best Places to Retire in Austria: Salzburg

Retirement seekers who wish to live out the fest of their lives close to stunning natural scenery and interesting historical sites might want to consider relocating to Salzburg, which is one of the four states enclosing Germany.

A move into history is what it’s like to live in Salzburg’s city center. There are numerous medieval structures as well as opulent Baroque city squares in this area, which also has modern structures and facilities. If you’re into musical, perhaps knowing that the city is where the 1965 musical drama film The Sound of Music (then highest-grossing film for five years) was taped will be another catch for you.

As you stroll through contemporary art works, it’s possible that you’ll witness horse-drawn carriages sauntering down the street. There are several parks, water features, temples, and cafes, so there is always something to do. Due to its harmonious blend of the old and the new, Salzburg is one of the best places to retire in Austria.

More than a dozen public hospitals and clinics can be found in the city, which has an abundance of healthcare facilities. As a result, retirees won’t have to leave town to go to doctor’s appointments or get specialist medical care.

Thankfully, Salzburg is a city where you can get around without owning a car, just like other Austrian cities. The city has easy access to electric buses and trolleys, which make it simple for citizens to get to nearby supermarkets, art galleries, and railway stations.

Renting a one-bedroom apartment within Salzburg’s city center costs about 878.5 euros per month and 675 euros outside that area, according to Numbeo. The costs for buying apartment within and outside the city center can reach 6,750 euros and roughly 4,578 euros per square meter, respectively.

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Salzburg is estimated to cost 13.5 euros, while a mid-range restaurant can charge 60 euros for a three-course meal for two.

The overall cost of living in the city for a family of four can reach an estimated average of about 2,961 euros per month, while a single person can live off 842 euros a month, both excluding rent. 

Best Places to Retire in Austria: Feldkirch

For retirees who don’t understand German, the locations mentioned above are a good choice because they have significant populations of English-speaking expats and locals. If you do speak German, though, and don’t enjoy the hectic pace of the city, it could be a good idea to settle down in a smaller Austrian town like Feldkirch.

Feldkirch is a town that borders Switzerland and Liechtenstein and is situated in Vorarlberg, the most western state in Austria. It is a mountainous town that is significantly smaller than Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Vienna.

Feldkirch is one of the best places to retire in Austria thanks to its serene location. It is also very picturesque, with high-steeped churches and Tudor-style buildings.

If you settle here, you can spend your weekends exploring the Schattenburg Castle, which dates back to the 12th century. Visit the Feldkirch Wildpark to take in the local fauna or go shopping in the Feldkirch Marktgasse.

Feldkirch boasts a robust public bus system with low-step entrances to make boarding and alighting from the bus a breeze, so traveling around town is never a problem. Feldkirch is a sanctuary for bikers because they can go around town on bicycles instead of cars.

There aren’t as many hospitals and clinics in this lovely town, though, because of its modest size. Residents only have access to three hospitals, so retired people may need to travel outside of Feldkirch to consult specialists.

In terms of cost of living, Feldkirch’s is a little lower than those other significant Austrian cities.

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Feldkirch is estimated to cost 14 euros, while a mid-range restaurant can charge 50 euros for a three-course meal for two, according to Numbeo.

Renting a one-bedroom apartment within Feldkirch’s city center costs about 730 euros per month and about 567 euros outside that area.

Best Places to Retire in Austria: Bregenz

Bregenz might be a preferable retirement location if you like the idea of living in Vorarlberg but would prefer to be nearer to more comprehensive healthcare services. Six hospitals are located in this city, which serves as Vorarlberg’s capital.

It is situated on the shore of Lake Constance and is geographically bigger than Feldkirch. As a result, Bregenz offers a wider selection of eateries, cafes, and retail establishments. Additionally, there is an extensive public transit network with buses, trams, and trains accessible to take you where you need to go.

Bregenz’s cost of living is higher than that of tiny towns like Feldkirch, yet rental house costs are still quite inexpensive. Renting a one-bedroom apartment within Bregenz’ city center costs about 733 euros per month and about 700 euros outside that area, according to Numbeo. The costs for buying apartment within and outside the city center can reach 4,875 euros and roughly 2,967 euros per square meter, respectively.

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Bregenz is estimated to cost 12 euros, while a mid-range restaurant can charge 55 euros for a three-course meal for two.

The exciting attractions and activities of Bregenz might make up for the high expense of living. Bregenz, after all, boasts a number of ancient chapels and churches, organizes an annual music festival in the summer, and is home to numerous art and history institutions.

Best Places to Retire in Austria:  Linz

Linz, one of the nicest cities in Upper Austria, is situated on the sinuous Danube River and is a beautiful example of how old-world architecture can coexist with contemporary style. Retirees who love opera, theater, and live music will adore living in Linz because it is renowned as Upper Austria’s arts and music hub.

Since Linz is a large city rather than a small town, expats who migrate here will have easy access to medical facilities. Linz is home to a number of clinics and medical offices besides the four hospitals that can be found in the city’s center.

While the cost of food and clothing is somewhat higher than in other places, such as Vienna, the variety of selections is also on pace with other major cities. Linz is one of the best places to retire in Austria, especially if you like to spend a night enjoying fine meals and sophisticated entertainment.

Moving to Linz has a variety of real estate options, which is a plus. Buyers interested in residing in this expanding metropolis have access to apartments and houses, which are priced reasonably for the standard of living provided.

Renting a one-bedroom apartment within Linz’ city center costs about 673 euros per month and 579 euros outside that area, according to Numbeo. The costs for buying apartment within and outside the city center can reach 4,140 euros and roughly 3,162.5 euros per square meter, respectively.

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Linz is estimated to cost 14 euros, while a mid-range restaurant can charge 60 euros for a three-course meal for two.

The overall cost of living in the city for a family of four can reach an estimated average of 3,094 euros per month, while a single person can live off about 876 euros a month, both excluding rent. 

Best Places to Retire in Austria: Alpbach

The Tyrol village of Alpbach is another one that welcomes retirees. It is a pastoral, mountainous haven where you may find peace and quiet.

Alpbach is a popular winter tourist destination, but it is also quite serene in the spring and summer. It’s the perfect location for raising a garden, making friends with the locals, and enjoying a leisurely ramble through the hills. As a matter of fact, it is frequently referred to as Austria’s most stunning village.

For people with health issues, the little town’s secluded location can be problematic. There are no hospitals in Alpbach, and the closest one is a private clinic in Wörgl, which can be reached by bus in an hour or by a private vehicle in around 30 minutes.

Only one main bus station is available to residents of Alpbach, which also has a rather limited public transit system.

In general, Aplbach is one of the best places to retire in Austria, particularly for individuals with a lot of savings and good health. Although Alpbach has few hospitals, public transportation options, and real estate options, if you can manage to live here, there are few places that can match the spectacular views and peaceful way of life.

Best Places to Retire in Austria: St. Gilgen

As Austria is a wholly landlocked country, there aren’t officially any seaside cities or towns there. Things appear rather different, though, when you cast your gaze towards St. Gilgen.

This awe-inspiring Austrian community is located on the shore of Lake Wolfgang, a six-mile-long body of glistening blue water. The lake is a well-liked location for boating, fishing, and other water activities.

Do you love the flavor of fresh seafood? Then settling in St. Gilgen will grant your wish. Aside from that, the beauty of nature and the quaintness of this community will surely win you over.

In the summer, streets and gardens come to life with vibrant, brilliant blooms and deep green leaves. However, due to the village’s elevation of 1,801 feet above sea level, the winters are quite chilly here.

A further drawback for retirees with serious health issues is that the closest top-notch hospitals are in the nearby city of Salzburg. Also, there are few public transportation options in St. Gilgen, where bicycles and public rail are the main modes of transportation. Cheap houses can be found in St. Gilgen, though.

Best Places to Retire in Austria: Lienz

Southeast of Innsbruck, in a charming green valley sandwiched between the Grossglockner Mountain and the Carnic Alps, is the little town of Lienz. Retirees looking to settle into a calm life in a picturesque Austrian village should head straight for Lienz.

Lienz is one of the most tranquil among all of Austria’s towns. Even though there are only two hospitals here, the bigger one offers many departments and eight specialists.

If you don’t speak German, though, or unwilling to even learn it, you may probably be better off settling at the other locations listed here. Few people live in Lienz, which is a little community, and very few of them speak English well.

Lienz, a little valley town, offers some of Austria’s lowest housing and food prices, so if you’re looking to cut costs, there’s nowhere better to go than here.

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Linz is estimated to cost 13 euros, while a mid-range restaurant can charge 50 euros for a three-course meal for two, according to Numbeo.

Renting a one-bedroom apartment within Linz’ city center costs about 500 euros per month and 300 euros outside that area.

Best Places to Retire in Austria: Villach

The southernmost part of Austria is home to the state of Carinthia. For retirees who want to take weekend trips to Italy, it is a great place to live because it borders Italy. The vibrant and colorful city of Villach, which has a lot to offer, is one of the greatest places in Carinthia and one of the best places to retire in Austria.

Villach is larger than any of the charming Austrian towns mentioned above. It is a wonderful compromise between rural and urban, yet it’s not nearly as busy as Vienna or Salzburg.

Because Villach has no less than five hospitals, this blend of small-town character and big-city assets is a blessing for people seeking top-notch medical treatment. Particularly when you take into account Villach’s size and contemporary conveniences, the cost of living here is relatively reasonable.

Renting a one-bedroom apartment within Villach’s city center costs about 595.5 euros per month and 518 euros outside that area, according to Numbeo. The costs for buying apartment within and outside the city center can reach 3,173 euros and roughly 2,900 euros per square meter, respectively.

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Villach is estimated to cost 17.5 euros, while a mid-range restaurant can charge 70 euros for a three-course meal for two.

The overall cost of living in the city for a family of four can reach an estimated average of 3,464 euros per month, while a single person can live off about 1,014 euros a month, both excluding rent. 

Best Places to Retire in Austria: Graz

Graz is well-liked by people of all ages since it has breathtaking scenery, a rich cultural history, and a lively nightlife. One of the most economical cities in Austria, it is situated directly in front of the Alpine region and is a UNESCO World Heritage city.

Renting a one-bedroom apartment within Graz’ city center costs about 596 euros per month and 495.5 euros outside that area, according to Numbeo. The costs for buying apartment within and outside the city center can reach 4,176 euros and roughly 3,367 euros per square meter, respectively.

A meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Graz is estimated to cost 11 euros, while a mid-range restaurant can charge 57.5 euros for a three-course meal for two.

The overall cost of living in the city for a family of four can reach an estimated average of 3,172 euros per month, while a single person can live off about 910 euros a month, both excluding rent. 

Best Places to Retire in Austria: Bottom Line

Whatever region you choose, retiring in Austria will provide you with access to a place that is almost crime-free and housing that is relatively cheaper for a European country.

You should eventually take into account your specific needs and preferences when choosing where to settle down. Take some time to consider your options and assess the benefits and drawbacks before deciding.

Pained by financial indecision? Want to invest with Adam?

Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters, with over 760.2 million answer views on Quora.com, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.