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Graz, Austria
Capital City

Follows Austria Residency Rules. Check Digital Nomad & Retiree Pathways →
Est. Monthly Cost (1 Person)
$2,000
Retiree Score
74.2
Safety Index
82.4
Healthcare
—

Graz feels like Vienna’s quieter, more manageable cousin. It’s Austria’s second-largest city, but the pace is slower, the streets are cleaner, and the historic center is impeccably preserved. Living here means walking past UNESCO-listed architecture daily, but without the tourist crowds of Salzburg or Innsbruck. The city punches above its weight culturally—design, food, and education are serious business here, with four universities and over 63,000 students keeping things lively.

Costs are reasonable for Austria, but don’t expect dirt cheap. Rent in the city center hovers around $700 for a one-bedroom, and groceries add up fast if you’re not careful. The bureaucracy can be a headache—getting your residence permit sorted takes patience and paperwork. Winters are cold and gray, but the summers are perfect for exploring the nearby Styrian wine country. Graz works if you want a mid-sized European city with good infrastructure and a laid-back vibe, but it’s not for those chasing low costs or year-round sunshine.

Can I afford Graz?

$

Graz

You could save

1,000/mo

Savings Rate33%

Monthly Costs

Rent $950
Living (Country Average Adjusted)$1,050

Attractiveness Scores

FIRE Score
(i)
33/100
Retiree Score
(i)
50/100
Lifestyle Score
(i)
50/100
💻Nomad Score
(i)
50/100
Meets Austria Digital Nomad Visa Income Rule.
82
Safety
0
Healthcare
50
Walkability
50
Nomad

Grocery Basket

Milk (1L) $2
Bread (loaf) *$2
Eggs (12) $5
Rice (1kg) *$2
Chicken (1kg) *$14

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Eating Out

Meal (Inexpensive) *$17
Meal (Mid-range) $111
Cappuccino $5
Water (0.33L) *$3

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Utilities & Lifestyle

Utilities (mo) $395
Mobile Plan (mo) $15
Gym (mo) *$47
Cinema Ticket $15

* Estimated based on regional averages.

Housing

1BR Center (mo) $760
1BR Outside (mo) *$654
3BR Center (mo) $1,440
3BR Outside (mo) *$1,164

* Estimated based on regional averages.

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Common in Tourist Areas
Expat Community
Large & Active
Top Neighborhoods
Innere Stadt, Geidorf, Lend
Best For
students, creatives

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

🌐 Infrastructure & Lifestyle

Avg Internet
—
Temperature
-2°C°C - 25°C°C
Annual Rainfall
1015 mm
Coworking Spaces
—
Best Months to Visit
May, Jun, Aug, Sep, Oct

Also Consider

Wolfsberg, AustriaLiving in Wolfsberg, Austria offers alpine tranquility and low rents, but isolation and limited amenities make it best for retirees or nomads on a budget.Wiener Neustadt, AustriaLiving in Wiener Neustadt, Austria offers affordable rents and orderly administration near Vienna. Ideal for retirees and FIRE seekers seeking Austrian stabilitMount Isa, AustraliaLiving in Mount Isa, Australia offers a rugged, remote lifestyle dominated by mining. With high costs and isolation, it suits miners but challenges retirees andSquamish, CanadaLiving in Squamish, Canada offers outdoor adventure and proximity to Vancouver, but high rents make it a pricey FIRE option despite its natural appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

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 $2,375 per month in Graz, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $950/month.

The nearest airport to Graz is GRZ, approximately 9km away.

Graz is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 82.4. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.

Graz is ideal for expats who want a mid-sized European city with a strong focus on education, design, and culture. It’s less crowded than Vienna but still offers good infrastructure and a high quality of life.

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