Ordering From Amazon in Austria
Are you making Austria your new home and need to furnish your place. or maybe you're just on a holiday, and you need quick deliveries for your travel...
When you think of Vienna, it might stir up images of good coffee, crime-free streets and beautiful historic buildings - but did you know global consulting firm Mercer recently ranked it the number one best city in the world to live in?
It’s no surprise, considering the excellent food, fresh produce, exposure to culture, gorgeous infrastructure, access to the countryside and other parts of Europe, and other surface-level factors, combined with globally lauded work-life balance and a seriously low cost of living as compared to other European cities. In fact, renting a one bedroom apartment in the center of the city costs just €772, on average, a reflection of the city’s commitment to keep housing affordable.
Whether you’re heading to Vienna for a job, to start a business or just to enjoy all the city has to offer, the first and most important step is finding an apartment. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know as you begin your search.
Typically you’ll only be able to find apartments or condominiums in central Vienna, however, if you’re willing to venture out to one of the city’s suburbs you can find quintessentially Austrian detached houses with plenty of rooms and spacious lawns.
For the most part, long term rentals will come unfurnished, however, there are some specialty rental companies that can find you a furnished place. Short term rentals, on the other hand, almost always come with furniture intact.
Because the cost of living in the city is fairly low, roommates are less common than they are elsewhere in Europe, however, many students opt to live with friends and cut down on those costs even further. If you’re on a budget, you may be able to find a good living situation with a roommate or two that will allow you to live in the city’s most desirable neighborhoods without breaking the bank.
Where to live in Vienna depends heavily on the lifestyle and budget you’re looking for. Each neighborhood has a name, but they’re more commonly referred to by their numbers. The following districts are popular among expats:
The best place to start looking for a rental is undoubtedly online. Some of the best sites to check out include:
Searching for an apartment in any language is hard enough, let alone one you don’t speak well. Here are some key terms to keep in mind as you’re house hunting:
Once you’ve actually found an apartment that you like, the next step will be signing a rental contract. If you’re going to try to negotiate your rent, which never hurts, make sure to do so before you sign your lease, otherwise you’ll be locked in to the previously stated terms.
Make sure you and your landlord do a thorough walk through of the apartment before you agree to sign the lease, and take lots of pictures in case there is a dispute when you’re moving out. A standard deposit in Vienna is about three months rent, so it’s important to protect that investment up front.
You may also need to pay an Ablöse to the previous tenant, which is a fee that covers any non-removable upgrades (like new floors) as they move out. This should be covered by the landlord, but is sometimes reflected in a higher deposit or higher rent, or is simply included as a fee.
Most landlords in Vienna will ask you to make direct bank transfers, though some use online payment gateways. If the former is true in your case, it’s worth using a service like Wise to get the real exchange rate and save on expensive international transfer fees.
While it’s possible to find an apartment in Vienna without an agent, using one can help you seriously cut down on the time it takes to find a place to live. If you’re willing to pay a little more for the service in exchange for a less-stressful move, using a broker may be the best route for you. The following are all good places to start:
Renting in Austria is an exciting opportunity to take advantage of one of the world’s most popular cities. As is the case anywhere, however, there are people who will try to rip you off. Make sure you protect yourself while you’re looking. Don’t ever pay before a contract has been signed, avoid dealing in cash so you have an electronic trail, and don’t fork over any money without a working key to the apartment in hand. Most importantly, trust your gut. If something seems fishy, like a landlord asking for six months rent in deposit, that should raise a red flag.
With that, you’re all set to get started on your search. Good luck!
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
Are you making Austria your new home and need to furnish your place. or maybe you're just on a holiday, and you need quick deliveries for your travel...
The Austrian holiday calendar might look a little different to those who aren’t from the country. In Austria, religious holidays are taken very seriously,...
Seekers of a more relaxed way of life have been making their way to Austria for decades. The small, central European country is known for extended summer...
Voted most livable city in the world an amazing seven times in a row, Vienna is a popular place with locals and foreigners alike. Here you can find a...
As one of the richest countries in the European Union, Austria is a popular place for expats to live and work. Vienna, in particular, is well connected with a...