Austria vs Germany
Germany costs roughly 4% less than Austria, though Austria scores higher on safety. Use our tool below to personalize the estimate based on your income and lifestyle.
Germany is approximately 4% less expensive than Austria based on cost of living including rent. This makes Germany a more budget-friendly option for expats considering a move.
Germany has a FIRE Score of 44/100, indicating its suitability for financial independence and early retirement. The country's safety index is 60.6, which is relatively safe.
Recommended profile: Germany is well-suited for retirees seeking a balanced lifestyle.
About Austria
Austria has a digital nomad visa available or a fast path to citizenship, neither exists here. High earners also face a 55% top tax rate above EUR 1M. But retirees clearing EUR 2,548/mo qualify for a settlement permit, and with a 70.5 safety index and strong healthcare, it suits those prioritizing stability over low taxes or easy paperwork.
$774/mo
Not sure which Austria visa you qualify for?
Answer 11 questions and get a personalized match in under 2 minutes.
Living Costs (excl. rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness Scores
Country Details →
About Germany
Germany suits retirees with steady income and no rush toward citizenship shortcuts. A EUR 1,200/mo retirement visa threshold is trivial to clear, and $942.63 rent for a city-center 1BR beats most Western Europe. Healthcare scores 71.9 with English-speaking doctors widely available. The catch: progressive tax up to 45% and no digital nomad visa is currently offered.
$911/mo
Not sure which Germany visa you qualify for?
Answer 11 questions and get a personalized match in under 2 minutes.
Living Costs (excl. rent)
Rent Per Month
Attractiveness Scores
Country Details →Battle of Lifestyles
Scroll to compare
| Metric | Austria | Germany |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Advisory | Level 1: Normal Precautions | Level 2: Increased Caution |
| Quality of Life Index | 192.9 +2.7 | 190.2 |
| Healthcare Index | 77.9 +6.0 | 71.9 |
| Safety Index | 70.5 +9.9 | 60.6 |
| Cost of Living Index | 60.7 | 58.4 +2.3 |
| Living Costs (Single, excl. rent) | $1,223.3 | $1,145.9 +77.4 |
| Living Costs (Family, excl. rent) | $4,250.6 | $3,961.4 +289.2 |
| 1BR Apartment (Center) | $1,002.63 | $942.63 +60 |
| 1BR Apartment (Outside) | $817.87 | $730.07 +87.8 |
| 3BR Apartment (Center) | $1,814.94 | $1,762.32 +52.62 |
| 3BR Apartment (Outside) | $1,455.52 | $1,351.47 +104.05 |
| Avg Internet Speed | 199.98 Mbps +97.9 | 102.03 Mbps |
Expat taxes filed by specialists
Greenback Expat Tax handles US taxes for Americans living in Germany. File confidently from abroad.
File your taxes →International health insurance from $45/mo
Get covered before you move to Germany. Genki Traveler offers insurance designed for nomads and expats.
Get a quote →Related Comparisons
Explore Germany
Popular Comparisons
Cities
Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Click any question to expand the answer.