Cost Comparison 2025

ViennavsNew York

Austria
United States

Overall

💰

+42.9%

Vienna is 42.9%more expensive

Rent

🏠

+122.2%

Housing is 122.2% higher

Dining

🍽️

+53.8%

Restaurants 53.8% pricier

Groceries

🛒

+42.9%

Food shopping 42.9% more

Comparing the cost of living between Vienna, Austria and New York, United States reveals significant insights for anyone considering relocation or travel in 2025. Our comprehensive analysis shows that Vienna is more expensive than New York by approximately 42.9%. This comparison covers essential living expenses including housing, food, transportation, and utilities, providing you with a complete picture of what to expect financially in each city.

Key Cost Differences

Housing costs in Vienna are lower than in New York by 55%. A one-bedroom apartment in Vienna's city center costs around €1,100, while the same in New York is approximately $3,500.

Dining out in Vienna offers significant savings compared to New York. An inexpensive restaurant meal costs €12 in Vienna versus $20 in New York.

Public transportation in Vienna is more affordable, with monthly passes at €51 compared to $127 in New York.

Grocery shopping in Vienna is more affordable by approximately 30%. Basic items like milk, bread, and eggs show lower prices across the board.

Monthly Budget Breakdown

When breaking down monthly expenses, a single person in Vienna can expect to spend approximately €507 per month (excluding rent), while in New York, the same lifestyle would cost around $779. For families, these figures increase significantly, with a family of four requiring about €1,774 monthly in Vienna versus $2,727 in New York. These estimates include groceries, dining out, transportation, utilities, and entertainment, providing a realistic picture of day-to-day living costs in each city.

Detailed Cost Comparison

Item
Vienna, Austria
New York, United States

🏠 Housing Costs (Monthly Rent)

1BR City Center
€1,100
$3,500
1BR Outside Center
€850
$2,500
3BR City Center
€2,200
$7,000

🍽️ Food & Dining

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
€12
$20
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant
€60
$120
Cappuccino
€4
$6
Domestic Beer (0.5L)
€4
$8

🛒 Groceries

Milk (1L)
€1
$2
Bread (500g)
€2
$4
Eggs (12)
€4
$5
Cheese (1kg)
€15
$15

🚌 Transportation

One-way Ticket
€2
$3
Monthly Pass
€51
$127
Taxi Start
€4
$5
Gasoline (1L)
€2
$1

💡 Utilities & Internet

Basic Utilities (85m²)
€200
$180
Internet (60 Mbps)
€30
$70
Mobile Minute
€0
$0

Tips for Moving Between Cities

For those considering a move from Vienna to New York, the cost savings can be substantial, particularly in housing and daily expenses. However, it's important to factor in salary differences and job opportunities. Conversely, moving from New York to Vienna requires careful financial planning. Consider negotiating salary adjustments that reflect the higher cost of living, and research neighborhoods outside the city center for more affordable housing options while maintaining reasonable commute times.

Quality of Life Indices

Vienna

Cost of Living Index70
Rent Index45
Purchasing Power Index95

New York

Cost of Living Index100
Rent Index100
Purchasing Power Index100

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vienna more expensive than New York?

Yes, Vienna is approximately 42.9% more expensive than New York overall. The biggest differences are in housing and restaurant prices.

How much salary do I need in Vienna compared to New York?

To maintain the same standard of living, you would need approximately 1.4x of your New York salary when living in Vienna. For example, if you earn $50,000 in New York, you'd need about $71,429 in Vienna for a comparable lifestyle.

What are the biggest cost differences between Vienna and New York?

The most significant cost difference is in housing. Rent prices differ by approximately 55%, making it a major factor in your budget planning. Transportation and utilities show notable variations between the two cities.

Which city is better for expats and digital nomads?

New York offers better purchasing power, making it more attractive for those earning in strong currencies. However, New York provides lower living costs, which benefits budget-conscious travelers. Consider Vienna if you prioritize cultural experiences, or New York for better value.

What's a reasonable monthly budget for Vienna vs New York?

In Vienna, a single person needs approximately €1,357 per month (including rent), while a family of four requires about €3,374. In New York, these figures are $3,279 for singles and $7,227 for families. These estimates include housing, food, transportation, and basic entertainment.

The cost of living comparison between Vienna and New York in 2025 shows significant differences across various expense categories. Whether you're planning a relocation for work, considering retirement options, or simply curious about living costs, understanding these differences is crucial for making informed financial decisions.

Need to calculate salary equivalence?

Find out how much you need to earn in New York to maintain your lifestyle from Vienna

Calculate Salary Equivalence

Last updated: 2025-01-15 • Data sourced from multiple providers