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Wels, Austria

Data updated Oct 9, 2026

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

📊 Scores

74
FIRE
70
Retiree
72
Digital Nomad

Best fit: FIRE / Geoarbitrage (score: 74)

Wels, Austria, sits at an elevation of 317 meters above sea level in the temperate continental climate zone of Upper Austria, where winters can drop to lows around -16 degrees Celsius and summers can reach highs around 34 degrees Celsius, with high humidity year-round. The city has a population of 65 thousand and is located just 4 kilometers from the nearest airport (LNZ). Popular expat neighborhoods include Innenstadt and Lichtenegg, though the expat community size is small.

Living costs in Wels are moderate, with a cost of living index of 64 out of 100 (New York City = 100). A single person's monthly cost excluding rent is $980 per month, while a family of four's monthly cost excluding rent is $3,300 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $673 per month, and outside the centre it averages $561 per month; a three-bedroom in the city centre averages $953 per month, and outside the centre it averages $785 per month. Utilities run $338 per month, internet is $38 per month, and a mobile phone plan is $14 per month. A monthly public transport pass costs $38 per month, and a gym membership costs $45 per month. An inexpensive restaurant meal is $17 per person, a mid-range restaurant meal for two (three courses) is $84, and a cappuccino at a restaurant is $4. The average monthly net salary locally is $3,132 per month, and budget, mid-range, and comfortable tier totals for a single adult including rent are $992 per month, $1,438 per month, and $1,754 per month respectively.

Safety is a strong point in Wels, with a safety index of 88 out of 100 and a crime index of 12 out of 100 (lower is safer). Healthcare quality is rated as Excellent, and English proficiency is Widely Spoken.

For those considering a move, visa options include the settlement permit except gainful employment, which requires a minimum monthly income of $2,548 per month, and the Austria Digital Nomad Visa (Freelancer Visa). The nearest airport is LNZ, located 4 kilometers away. Wels suits digital nomads (digital nomad score 72 out of 100), those pursuing financial independence or early retirement (FIRE score 74 out of 100), and retirees (retiree score 70 out of 100), with an overall expat score of 74 out of 100.

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🏚️ Cost of Living

💰 Budgets and Costs

$1,527/mo, one person, rent included
Selected: mid-range lifestyle

Wels on a mid-range budget comes to about $1,527 a month for one adult, with $561 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $246 on groceries, $168 on dining out, $124 on entertainment and lifestyle, $390 on utilities and connectivity and $38.00 on transport.

Rent

$561/mo

1BR outside the centre

Groceries

$246/mo

Staples basket scaled to a full month

Dining out

$168/mo

10 inexpensive meals

Entertainment & lifestyle

$124/mo

gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos

Utilities & connectivity

$390/mo

utilities, mobile, internet

Transport

$38.00/mo

Monthly pass

Budgets (excl. rent)

Single person$966/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 $672.85/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

88
Safety Index

(Higher is safer)

12
Crime Index

(Lower is safer)

Wels is genuinely safe for expats, with low violent crime and a secure, orderly Austrian atmosphere. Petty theft and pickpocketing are minimal concerns; scams are rare. The main practical risks are standard European ones: occasional bike theft and the need for standard home security. No neighborhoods warrant avoidance. For Americans accustomed to major U.S. cities, Wels will feel noticeably safer and more predictable. Austria's strong rule of law and social stability make this an excellent choice for remote workers or retirees seeking peace of mind.

🏥 Healthcare

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

See how Wels's healthcare compares with Kufstein

🌤️ Climate

Summer Temp
34°C
Winter Temp
-16°C
Humidity
76%
Air Quality Index
45
Annual Rainfall
1116 mm

Best Months

MayJunSep

Climate Notes

Wels has a temperate continental climate with cold, snowy winters (lows around -16°C) and warm summers (highs around 34°C), featuring high humidity year-round and significant seasonal variation typical of Upper Austria.

💻 Digital Nomad

Avg Internet Speed
74.5 Mbps
Internet (monthly)
$38/mo
Coworking Availability
Moderate
Coworking Spaces Nearby
0
Digital Nomad Score
72/100

Community Notes

Wels combines Austrian charm with the practicalities needed for efficient remote work.

Coworking Spaces

NameNotes
CONECT Business Center WelsLocated in the central area of Wels, CONECT offers modern workspaces with flexible options. It's a good choice for those seeking a professional environment with networking opportunities.
Regus WelsRegus provides a reliable and globally recognized coworking experience in Wels. It's situated in a convenient location and offers a range of services, making it suitable for expats needing a straightforward workspace solution.
Coworking Wels - Haus der DigitalisierungLocated within the 'House of Digitalization', this coworking space caters to tech-focused individuals and startups. It offers a collaborative environment and access to relevant resources, ideal for digital nomads interested in the local tech scene.

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 Wels long-term? Austria Digital Nomad Visa (Freelancer Visa) lets remote workers live legally.

View full requirements →

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

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See how Wels's digital nomad life compares with Kufstein

🧳 Expat Life

English Proficiency
Widely Spoken
Expat Community
Small
Top Neighborhoods
Innenstadt, Lichtenegg
Banks Nearby
36
ATMs Nearby
17

Expat Life Notes

Wels is a major trade fair city. Expat life is mostly career-driven in the industrial and trade sectors.

Pros

  • ✓ Strong economic environment
  • ✓ Very safe
  • ✓ Excellent transport hubs

Cons

  • ✗ Can feel quiet/boring
  • ✗ German is essential for social life
  • ✗ Higher cost of living than peers

🏘️ Neighborhoods in Wels

Areas of Wels 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 Innere Stadt is Wels's historic center, offering easy access to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. It's very walkable and well-connected by public transport. Expect higher rental costs and some tourist activity, but the convenience is unmatched.

Neustadt

Residential, family-friendly, convenient

Neustadt is a primarily residential area just outside the city center. It's popular with families and offers a mix of apartments and houses. It's still walkable to the center, and public transport is good, making it a comfortable option for longer-term stays.

Lichtenegg

Quiet, green, suburban living

Lichtenegg is a more suburban area on the outskirts of Wels, offering a quieter lifestyle with more green spaces. It's ideal for those seeking peace and quiet, but you'll likely need a car or rely on public transport to get around. English may be less widely spoken here.

Wels-Nord

Affordable, up-and-coming, diverse

Wels-Nord offers more affordable housing options and is undergoing some development. It's a more diverse area with a mix of residents. While it may not be as polished as the city center, it provides good value and is still reasonably well-connected.

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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 Wels

Click any question to expand the answer.

Wels has a population of approximately 65,303 people.
A single person can expect to spend around $1,682 per month in Wels, including rent. A 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costs approximately $673/month.
The nearest airport to Wels is LNZ, approximately 3.9km away.
Wels is considered relatively safe, with a safety index of 88.0. As with any city abroad, expats should research specific neighborhoods before committing to a location.
Wels has an average internet speed of 74.5 Mbps. It is considered a well-established digital nomad destination.
Wels is ideal for FIRE seekers and retirees who want a low-cost Austrian base without the crowds. It’s less appealing for digital nomads needing a lively expat scene.
As a US citizen, you can enter Austria visa-free for 90 days. For longer stays, you'll likely need a residence permit, such as the 'Settlement Permit – Gainful Employment' if you have a job offer, or the 'Settlement Permit – Without Gainful Employment' if you can prove sufficient financial resources. Consult the Austrian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date requirements.
Austria has an excellent public healthcare system. As a resident, you'll be required to have health insurance, which provides access to a wide range of medical services. While some doctors speak English, it's beneficial to learn some German phrases for medical appointments. Private health insurance is also an option for more comprehensive coverage.
Wels generally has reliable and fast internet, suitable for remote work. You can expect download speeds of 50-100 Mbps or higher in most areas, especially with fiber optic connections. Check with your landlord or internet provider for specific speeds at your address.
Yes, Wels offers a few coworking spaces, though the selection is smaller than in larger cities like Vienna or Linz. These spaces provide a professional environment for remote workers, with amenities like high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and networking opportunities. Check out locations like 'Coworking Wels' for options.
Wels is a very walkable and bike-friendly city. The local bus network is efficient for longer distances. For travel outside of Wels, the train station offers excellent connections to other Austrian cities and neighboring countries. Owning a car is not necessary for most residents.
Wels has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Expect temperatures ranging from -5°C to 5°C (23°F to 41°F) in winter and 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) in summer. Rainfall is fairly consistent throughout the year, so pack accordingly.
The city center (Innere Stadt) is lively with shops and restaurants, but can be pricier. Neustadt offers a mix of residential and commercial areas, while Vogelweide is a quieter, more residential neighborhood. For budget-friendly options, consider areas further from the center, but ensure they have good transport links.
Groceries in Wels are generally comparable to other Western European cities. Expect to spend around €50-€75 per week for one person. Dining out can range from €10-€15 for a casual meal to €25+ for a more upscale restaurant. Local markets offer fresh produce at reasonable prices.
Wels has a smaller expat community compared to Vienna or Salzburg. While not as large, there are still opportunities to connect with other expats through online groups and local events. The international community is growing, but it may require more effort to find fellow English speakers.
As a US citizen, you're still required to file US taxes even when living abroad. You may be able to exclude a significant portion of your foreign earned income using the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE). Also, be aware of FBAR (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts) reporting requirements if you have foreign bank accounts exceeding $10,000 in aggregate.
Opening a bank account in Wels is relatively straightforward, but you'll typically need proof of residency (Meldezettel), your passport, and possibly proof of income. Several banks operate in Wels, including Erste Bank, Raiffeisen Bank, and Sparkasse. Shop around for the best fees and services.
Wels is generally a very safe city with low crime rates. There are no specific areas that are considered particularly dangerous. However, as with any city, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Living on $2,500 per month in Wels is possible, but requires careful budgeting. You'll likely need to live outside the city center and prioritize affordable activities. It's doable if you're mindful of your spending and take advantage of free or low-cost options, but it won't be a lavish lifestyle.
While some people in Wels speak English, especially younger generations, knowing some German will significantly improve your quality of life. Day-to-day tasks like grocery shopping, interacting with neighbors, and navigating local services will be much easier if you have basic German skills. Consider taking a language course before or after you arrive.
Several options exist for international money transfers. Traditional bank transfers are possible but can be expensive. Services like Wise (formerly TransferWise), Remitly, and Xoom often offer better exchange rates and lower fees. Compare the options to find the most cost-effective solution for your needs.

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