Accommodation and living costs in Europe

Austria is not a cheap country. According to OeAD (based on the Austrian student social survey, Studierenden-Sozialerhebung 2025), a student spends on average around €1,300 a month:

• a room in a student residence – around €450–700,
• food – around €300,
• studies, transport, culture and everything else – around €500.

Vienna, Graz and Salzburg are more expensive than smaller towns. Student canteens (Mensa), discount supermarkets and student discounts – on public transport and in museums, cinemas and theatres – all help.

You have to find accommodation yourself – universities do not assign rooms automatically. You can choose between student residences, OeAD housing (oeadstudenthousing.at), a room in a shared flat (WG) or renting on your own. Also have a look at home4students.at and the website of the students' union ÖH.