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Graz, Austria

Data updated Oct 8, 2026

Follows Austria Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →

📊 Scores

73
FIRE
72
Retiree
84
Digital Nomad

Best fit: Digital Nomad (score: 84)

Graz sits in the southeast of Austria at 353 m above sea level, in the Europe/Vienna timezone, and it runs on a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The city holds 253 thousand residents, and newcomers tend to settle in Innere Stadt, Geidorf, or Lend, where the expat community is large and active and English is widely spoken. The nearest airport is GRZ, 9 km away, which keeps weekend escapes and family visits simple.

Rents and daily costs are moderate by Western European standards. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre runs $821/mo, while outside the centre it drops to $693/mo. Three-bedroom units go for $1,474/mo centrally and $1,162/mo further out. Utilities add $382/mo, internet $35/mo, and a mobile plan $14/mo. A monthly public transport pass costs $75/mo and a gym membership $39/mo. Eating out is affordable: an inexpensive restaurant meal is $17 per person, a mid-range three-course meal for two is $59, and a cappuccino is $4. Excluding rent, a single person spends about $1,191/mo and a family of four about $4,111/mo. Budget, mid-range, and comfortable tiers for a single adult, rent included, come to $1,196/mo, $1,676/mo, and $1,994/mo. The average monthly net salary is $3,132/mo, and the cost of living index is 68/100 against New York City at 100.

Safety is a strong point, with a safety index of 85/100 and a crime index of 15/100, where lower is safer. Air quality is good at an index of 35, again lower being better. Healthcare quality is rated excellent, and average internet speed reaches 120 Mbps, which supports remote work and streaming without friction.

For longer stays, Austria offers a settlement permit except gainful employment, which requires a minimum monthly income of $2,548/mo, and the Austria Digital Nomad Visa (Freelancer Visa) for independent workers. GRZ is the closest airport at 9 km. With an overall expat score of 84/100, a digital nomad score of 84/100, a retiree score of 72/100, and a FIRE score of 73/100, Graz suits remote professionals, freelancers, retirees, and students who want a compact, safe, walkable city with a mild cost profile and a well-established international community.

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🏚️ Cost of Living

💰 Budgets and Costs

$1,777/mo, one person, rent included
Selected: mid-range lifestyle

Graz on a mid-range budget comes to about $1,777 a month for one adult, with $693 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $294 on groceries, $168 on dining out, $116 on entertainment and lifestyle, $431 on utilities and connectivity and $75.00 on transport.

Rent

$693/mo

1BR outside the centre

Groceries

$294/mo

Staples basket scaled to a full month

Dining out

$168/mo

10 inexpensive meals

Entertainment & lifestyle

$116/mo

gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos

Utilities & connectivity

$431/mo

utilities, mobile, internet

Transport

$75.00/mo

Monthly pass

Budgets (excl. rent)

Single person$1,084/mo

Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.

Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.

A 1BR in the center runs about $820.66/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.

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🛡️ Safety & Crime

85
Safety Index

(Higher is safer)

15
Crime Index

(Lower is safer)

Graz is genuinely safe for expats, with low violent crime and a relaxed, walkable city center. Petty theft and pickpocketing occur occasionally in crowded areas and on public transport, but serious crime is rare. The main practical concerns are standard European ones: secure your bike, watch bags on trams, and avoid isolated areas late at night—though these are precautions rather than frequent problems. For an American accustomed to major U.S. cities, Graz will feel noticeably safer. No significant geopolitical risks affect daily life here.

🏥 Healthcare

Excellent
Public Hospitals
Yes
Private Clinics
Yes
English-Speaking Doctors
Available

See how Graz's healthcare compares with Hollabrunn

🌤️ Climate

Summer Temp
25°C
Winter Temp
-2°C
Humidity
72%
Air Quality Index
35
Annual Rainfall
1015 mm

Best Months

MayJunAugSepOct

Climate Notes

Humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters.

💻 Digital Nomad

Avg Internet Speed
120 Mbps
Internet (monthly)
$35/mo
Coworking Availability
Abundant
Coworking Spaces Nearby
21
Digital Nomad Score
84/100

Community Notes

Popular among nomads for its lively atmosphere and excellent amenities.

Coworking Spaces

NameNotes
Sektor5 Coworking GrazLocated in the Lend district, Sektor5 offers a creative and collaborative atmosphere popular with startups and freelancers. They have flexible desk options, meeting rooms, and host regular events, making it easy to connect with the local community.
Office Lab GrazOffice Lab Graz provides modern coworking spaces with a focus on flexibility and professional services. Situated near the city center, it's easily accessible and offers a range of amenities including 24/7 access, meeting rooms, and networking opportunities.
Regus Graz CityRegus Graz City offers a professional and well-equipped coworking environment in a central location. It's a reliable option for those seeking a more corporate setting with various office solutions and business support services.
Coworking Space by ZWETTLERLocated in the Jakomini district, this coworking space provides a modern and comfortable environment with a focus on community. It offers flexible desk options, meeting rooms, and a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for digital nomads and remote workers.

Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).

Planning to live in Graz long-term? Austria Digital Nomad Visa (Freelancer Visa) lets remote workers live legally.

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Working remotely from Graz? Nomad health insurance covers you across borders, month to month.

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See how Graz's digital nomad life compares with Hollabrunn

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Large & Active
Top Neighborhoods
Innere Stadt, Geidorf, Lend
Banks Nearby
104
ATMs Nearby
94

Expat Life Notes

A major university city with a vibrant, artsy atmosphere and very high quality of life.

Pros

  • ✓ Walkable
  • ✓ Safe
  • ✓ Lively food scene

Cons

  • ✗ Strict recycling/rules
  • ✗ Housing market is tight

🏘️ Neighborhoods in Graz

Areas of Graz that expats often consider.

Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.

Innere Stadt

Historic heart, vibrant, central

The city center, filled with stunning architecture, shops, and restaurants. Expect higher prices and more tourists. Very walkable with excellent public transport, but can be noisy at night.

St. Leonhard

Student vibe, lively, convenient

Close to the university, St. Leonhard is popular with students and young professionals. It offers a mix of apartments and houses, with good access to amenities and public transport. Can be noisy due to student population.

Geidorf

Green, residential, family-friendly

A more relaxed residential area with parks and green spaces. Popular with families and retirees. Good public transport links to the city center, but less nightlife than other areas.

Lend

Up-and-coming, multicultural, artsy

Lend has transformed in recent years, becoming a vibrant and multicultural district. Home to the Kunsthaus Graz and Murinsel, it offers a mix of modern and traditional architecture. More affordable than Innere Stadt, but some areas can be a bit rough around the edges.

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🛂 Visa Options for Austria

Austria Self-Employed Residence Permit (Gewerbeschein Route)Austria Red-White-Red CardAustria Digital Nomad Visa (Freelancer Visa)

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Graz

Click any question to expand the answer.

Graz has a population of approximately 253,000 people.
A single person can expect to spend around $2,052 per month in Graz, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $821/month.
The nearest airport to Graz is GRZ, approximately 9.2km away.
Graz is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 85.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.
Graz has an average internet speed of 120 Mbps. It is considered a well-established digital nomad destination.
Universities and some tech companies operate in English, but most jobs require conversational German. Healthcare, government services, and local businesses expect German fluency. Start learning immediately if you plan to stay long-term.
With 253,000 people, job options are limited compared to Vienna. However, the university ecosystem, automotive industry, and growing tech sector provide decent opportunities. Many professionals commute to Vienna or work remotely.
The city skews young due to students, but there's a solid professional expat community around universities and international companies. Cultural events are frequent, outdoor activities abundant, and Vienna is just 2.5 hours away for bigger city experiences.
Graz is generally very safe. Petty theft exists, like anywhere, especially around Jakominiplatz, but violent crime is rare. You'll feel comfortable walking alone at night in most areas.
Overall, Graz is significantly more affordable than most major US cities. Expect to pay around €800-€1200 for a decent apartment, and groceries are noticeably cheaper. Dining out can range from budget-friendly to upscale, but is generally less expensive than in the US.
Austria doesn't have a specific retirement visa. Americans typically pursue a residence permit, often based on proof of sufficient financial resources and health insurance. Consulting an Austrian immigration lawyer is highly recommended to navigate the process.
Internet speeds in Graz are excellent. You can easily find apartments with fiber optic connections offering speeds of 50-100 Mbps or higher. Coworking spaces like Sektor5 also provide reliable high-speed internet.
Austria has a high-quality public healthcare system. As an expat, you'll likely need to obtain health insurance. Many doctors in Graz speak English, especially younger ones; online directories and expat groups can help you find them.
Lend and Gries are popular choices for budget-conscious expats. They're close to the city center and offer more affordable housing options. However, be aware that these areas can be a bit grittier than others.
Graz has an excellent public transportation system, including trams and buses, making it easy to get around without a car. A monthly pass is a cost-effective option. The city is also very bike-friendly.
Graz has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Expect snow in the winter and temperatures that can reach 30°C (86°F) in the summer. Spring and autumn are generally mild and pleasant.
While German is the official language, many people in Graz, especially younger generations and those working in tourism or international businesses, speak English. However, learning some basic German will significantly enhance your daily life.
ATMs are readily available throughout Graz. Check with your bank about international withdrawal fees, as they can vary. Some Austrian banks may also charge a small fee. Consider using a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees.
As a US citizen, you're still required to file US taxes even when living abroad. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) can help you exclude a certain amount of your foreign-earned income from US taxes. Consult a tax professional specializing in expat taxes.
Several options exist for transferring money, including bank transfers, Wise (formerly TransferWise), and Remitly. Compare fees and exchange rates to find the most cost-effective method. Bank transfers are generally more expensive.
Retiring in Graz on $2500 USD (approximately €2300) per month is feasible, but requires careful budgeting. You'd likely need to live modestly, perhaps in a smaller apartment outside the city center, and prioritize affordable activities. Healthcare costs should also be factored in.
While you can get by with English, learning German will significantly improve your quality of life in Graz. Expect some initial challenges with bureaucracy and local customs, but the friendly locals and relaxed pace of life make it a pleasant place to live.

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