Graz is Austria's second-largest city and a hidden gem for expats seeking a high quality of life without Vienna's price tag. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town, world-class universities, thriving tech sector, and relaxed Styrian charm make it an ideal destination for students, young professionals, and families alike. If you value culture, green spaces, and a walkable city with a strong sense of community, Graz deserves a serious look.
With a population of roughly 300,000 and a metro area of around 450,000, Graz feels vibrant without being overwhelming. The city sits on the Mur river in the rolling green hills of Styria, Austria's southeastern state. It is the country's second-largest city by population, yet its compact centre and efficient tram network make it feel accessible and manageable from day one.
Graz at a Glance
Why Move to Graz
- Affordable living: Graz is noticeably cheaper than Vienna or Salzburg across rent, dining, and daily expenses while maintaining Austrian standards for safety and infrastructure.
- UNESCO Old Town: One of the best-preserved medieval city centres in Europe, with Renaissance courtyards, red rooftops, and the iconic Uhrturm clock tower atop the Schlossberg.
- University and research hub: Home to the University of Graz, TU Graz, and the Medical University of Graz, the city draws thousands of international students and researchers every year.
- Tech and innovation scene: Graz has built a reputation as Austria's Silicon Valley alternative, with strengths in automotive engineering, cybersecurity, AI, and semiconductor research.
- Compact and green: Most daily needs are within cycling distance, and the surrounding Styrian countryside offers vineyards, hills, and hiking within 20 minutes of the centre.
- Quality of life: Graz consistently ranks in the top ten for quality of life in European surveys, thanks to clean air, low crime, efficient public services, and abundant green space.
Finding Housing in Graz
Average Rents
How to Find Housing
- Willhaben.at: Austria's largest classifieds platform; the go-to for rental listings.
- Immowelt.at: Aggregates listings from agencies and private landlords.
- Gebag and Buwog: Major municipal and semi-public housing providers with lower-than-market rents.
- Facebook groups: "WG Zimmer Graz" and "Wohnung Graz" for shared flats and direct landlord listings.
- Genossenschaftswohnungen: Cooperative housing is popular in Graz. You buy a membership share (Genossenschaftsanteil, typically €3,000–€15,000) and pay below-market rent. Wait lists can be long, but the savings over time are significant.
Tips for Expats
- Prepare a "Mieterselbstauskunft" (tenant self-disclosure) with proof of income, ID, and a short introduction letter — landlords expect it.
- Budget for a deposit of two to three months' rent upfront.
- Avoid paying anything before viewing; rental scams exist even in Austria.
- Consider short-term furnished rentals (e.g., HousingAnywhere) while you search in person.
- Most flats in Austria are unfurnished — often without light fixtures or kitchen appliances. Clarify what is included before signing.
- Rent increases are regulated. Familiarize yourself with the Richtwertmiete (reference rent) system to avoid overpaying.
Neighborhoods Guide
- Lend: The cool side of the Mur river. Packed with galleries, independent cafés, and the Kunsthaus (Graz Art Museum). Ideal for young professionals and creatives who want nightlife and culture on their doorstep.
- Geidorf: A leafy district north of the Old Town with proximity to the university campus. Quiet streets, playgrounds, and the Augarten park make it popular with students and families.
- Jakomini: The transport hub of Graz, with the Jakominiplatz tram junction. Affordable, central, and diverse — great for newcomers who want easy access to everything.
- St. Leonhard: West of the centre, this district attracts professionals and older expats. It has excellent healthcare facilities, mature tree-lined streets, and higher-end rental stock.
- Gries: Once overlooked, Gries is rapidly gentrifying. It offers the most affordable rents in central Graz, a multicultural food scene, and is walking distance from the Old Town.
- St. Peter: On the southeastern edge, St. Peter offers a suburban atmosphere with good S-Bahn connections. Large apartments, green surroundings, and international schools nearby.
Cost of Living in Graz
Graz is one of the most affordable major cities in Austria. While prices have risen across Europe, Graz remains significantly cheaper than Vienna for rent, dining, and everyday purchases. A single person can live comfortably on €1,500–€1,800 per month, which is roughly 15–25% less than comparable budgets in the capital. Couples sharing a flat can reduce per-person costs substantially.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
For a shared flat (WG), expect to pay €350–€550 per month including utilities, which is the most popular option for students and young professionals. Families renting a 2–3 bedroom apartment should budget €1,000–€1,500 for rent alone, plus utilities.
Day-to-Day Costs
- Coffee: €3.50–€4.50
- Lunch (casual): €10–€14
- Monthly transport pass: €51 (Semesterticket for students: ~€70/semester)
- Beer (bar): €4–€5
- Cinema ticket: €10–€12
- Gym membership: €25–€50/month
- 1 litre of milk: €1.20–€1.50
- Dozen eggs: €3.50–€4.50
- Loaf of bread: €1.80–€2.50
- Monthly gym or fitness class: €25–€50
- Public parking (per hour, centre): €2–€4
Getting Around Graz
- Public transport: Graz operates six tram lines and an extensive bus network run by Holding Graz. A monthly pass costs €51 and covers all zones. The system is reliable, clean, and punctual. Night buses (Weekend-Schnellbus) run on Friday and Saturday nights, making it easy to get home after a night out.
- Cycling: Graz is flat in the centre and has expanding bike lanes along the Mur river. Citybike Graz offers short-term rentals; many residents commute by bicycle year-round. The city is investing heavily in cycling infrastructure, with new protected lanes added annually.
- Driving: A car is unnecessary for daily life in central Graz. Parking in the Altstadt is restricted, and public garages cost €2–€4 per hour. Car-sharing services like Sharetoo and ÖBB Rail&Drive are available for occasional trips.
- Airport: Graz Airport (GRZ) offers direct flights to Munich, Frankfurt, Vienna, and seasonal holiday destinations. Vienna International Airport is also reachable in 2.5 hours by Railjet train, providing access to a much wider route network.
- Intercity: ÖBB trains connect Graz to Vienna (2h 30m), Salzburg (3h), Klagenfurt (1h 30m), and Ljubljana (2h 45m). The Hauptbahnhof (main station) was modernized and is now a major rail hub. Flixbus provides budget options across Central Europe.
Healthcare in Graz
Austria has one of the best healthcare systems in Europe, and Graz benefits from the country's dual public-private model. As a legal resident, you will be covered by the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) through employer or social security contributions. This covers most doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and preventive care.
- Hospitals/Clinics: Universitätsklinikum Graz (LKH Graz) is the main public hospital and a teaching facility with a strong international reputation. There are also several private clinics, including the Barmherzige Brüder hospital and several specialist centres for cardiology, orthopaedics, and rehabilitation.
- English-speaking doctors: Available, especially at university-affiliated practices and private clinics. The medical university trains international students, so English is relatively common in clinical settings. Expat forums and the ÖGK directory can help locate English-speaking GPs. Many doctors in Graz also speak Italian or Croatian due to the city's diverse population.
- Pharmacies (Apotheken): Widely available during business hours, with rotating night-duty pharmacies (Notfallapotheke) posted on pharmacy doors and online. Over-the-counter medications are sold only at pharmacies, not supermarkets.
- Emergency number: 144 (ambulance), 112 (European emergency), 141 (Ärztefunkdienst for after-hours GP advice).
- Dental care: Dentists are plentiful. Public insurance covers basic dental care; private dentists charge higher fees but may offer faster appointments and English-speaking staff.
- Mental health: Counseling and therapy services are available through the university (for students) and through ÖGK-covered psychotherapists. Wait times for public therapy can be long; private sessions cost €80–€120 per hour.
- Insurance tiers: Self-employed and high earners can opt for private health insurance (private Krankenversicherung), which grants access to private hospitals and shorter wait times. Most expats on employment contracts are in the public system by default.
- Child healthcare: Pediatric care is well covered under the public system, including vaccinations, developmental check-ups, and dental care for children.
Culture & Lifestyle
- UNESCO Old Town: The entire Altstadt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, blending Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Walking its narrow streets — past the Landhaus, the cathedral, and the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II — is a daily pleasure.
- Schlossberg: The 473-metre hill in the city centre offers panoramic views, the Uhrturm clock tower, a landscaped park, a funicular, and a glass elevator. Locals picnic here in summer, and the Kasematten stage hosts open-air concerts and theatre in warmer months.
- Murinsel: A floating steel platform on the Mur river designed by Vito Acconci, serving as a café, event space, and pedestrian bridge. It has become one of Graz's most photographed landmarks.
- Kunsthaus Graz: The "Friendly Alien" — a striking contemporary art museum that anchors the Lend district's creative scene, alongside the Kunstverein and numerous small galleries.
- Styrian wine culture: The South Styrian wine road (Südsteirische Weinstraße) is less than an hour from the city centre. Locals take wine seriously — Heuriger taverns serve house wines with cold platters, and the Buschenschank tradition is a weekend staple.
- Arnold Schwarzenegger connection: The world-famous actor and former politician was born in nearby Thal. His childhood home is now a museum open to visitors.
- Festivals and events: Graz hosts numerous annual events, including the Styriarte classical music festival, the La Strada street theatre festival, and the Long Night of Museums. The Christmas markets in November and December transform the Old Town into one of Austria's most atmospheric seasonal destinations.
- Outdoor recreation: The Schöckl mountain (1,445m) is 20 minutes north of the city by bus and offers hiking, paragliding, and mountain biking. The nearby Thermenland (spa country) provides thermal baths and wellness centres within a 30-minute drive.
Food & Dining
- Styrian cuisine dominates: pumpkin seed oil (Kürbiskernöl), Backhendl (fried chicken), Käferbohnen (scarlet runner beans), and Styrian wine are local staples worth trying early.
- The Lendplatz and Kaiser-Josef-Markt farmers' markets are the best places for fresh produce and regional specialties. Saturday mornings at Lendplatz are a social ritual.
- Budget options: Kebab shops and Würstelstände serve filling meals for €4–€7; Gasthäuser offer lunch menus (Tagesteller) for €9–€13.
- International dining: Gries and Lend offer Vietnamese, Turkish, Italian, and Indian restaurants at reasonable prices.
- Billa, Spar, Hofer, and Lidl are the main supermarket chains. Hofer (Aldi) and Lidl are the cheapest; Spar and Billa have wider selections including international products.
- The Styrian Buschenschank tradition — a countryside tavern run by a vineyard serving cold platters and house wine — is a must-experience weekend outing. Many are accessible by bus or bike from the city.
Expat Community
- Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Graz: Large, active network organizing events, trips, and social activities for international students.
- InterNations Graz: Professional expat meetups and networking events, useful for working professionals outside the university sphere.
- Café International and Sprachcafé: Regular language exchange meetups at university and city venues — an easy way to meet locals and fellow newcomers.
- Facebook groups: "Expats in Graz" and "Internationals in Graz/Styria" are active communities for advice, housing leads, and social events.
- Volunteering: Organizations like the Red Cross Graz and Diakonie welcome international volunteers and offer a practical way to integrate into the community.
- Sports clubs: Graz has active running groups, climbing gyms (the Block climbing hall is popular), and outdoor clubs that organize hiking and skiing trips to nearby mountains like the Dachstein and Schladming.
- Co-working spaces: For remote workers and freelancers, Graz offers several options including Impact Hub Graz, Science Park, and Das Werk. Monthly hot-desk rates range from €150–€250.
- Public libraries: The Stadtbibliothek Graz (city library) offers a wide selection of books, e-books, and media. Annual membership costs around €20, and some branches have English-language collections.
Job Market in Graz
- Main industries: Automotive engineering, information technology, semiconductor manufacturing, renewable energy, life sciences, and higher education.
- Major employers: AVL List, Infineon Technologies, Magna Steyr, Andritz AG, Joanneum Research, TU Graz, and the Medical University of Graz.
- Average salaries by sector:
- Job search resources: Karriere.at, StepStone Austria, AMS (Austrian Public Employment Service), and the career portals of TU Graz and the University of Graz for research positions. LinkedIn is widely used for professional roles.
- Work permits: Non-EU nationals need a Red-White-Red Card or an EU Blue Card for employment. The points system considers qualifications, work experience, language skills, and age.
- Freelancing: Self-employment (Gewerbeschein) is straightforward to register but requires social insurance contributions and quarterly VAT filings. The WKO (Chamber of Commerce) provides guidance for new freelancers.
- Startup ecosystem: Graz hosts several coworking spaces, including Science Park, Impact Hub Graz, and Coworking Graz. TU Graz's incubator program supports early-stage tech startups with mentoring and funding access.
- Minimum wage: Austria has no statutory minimum wage, but collective bargaining agreements set sector-specific floors. Most full-time roles pay at least €1,800–€2,000 gross per month.
Education in Graz
- International schools: Graz International Bilingual School (GIBS) offers bilingual English-German education from primary through secondary levels. Additional private English-language options should be verified directly with the school or city.
- Universities: University of Graz (Karl-Franzens-Universität), TU Graz (Technical University), Medical University of Graz, and FH Joanneum (University of Applied Sciences). All offer programs in English, particularly at the master's and doctoral level. TU Graz is internationally recognized for computer science and engineering.
- Language schools: Deutsch in Graz, Berlitz Graz, and Volkshochschule (VHS) Graz offer German courses at all levels. VHS courses are often subsidized and cost-effective. The university also runs intensive German courses for incoming international students.
- Kindergartens and childcare: Public Kindergärten are subsidized and available through the city of Graz. Wait lists can be long for popular locations, so early registration is advisable. Costs are income-dependent and typically range from €70–€250 per month.
- Tuition fees: EU/EEA students pay no tuition at Austrian public universities if they complete their degree within the standard duration plus two semesters. Non-EU students pay approximately €1,500 per year. All students pay a student union fee (ÖH-Beitrag) of about €22 per semester.
- Research opportunities: Joanneum Research and the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) have significant presences in Graz, offering positions for PhD students and postdocs in applied sciences and engineering.
Related Guides
- [Moving to Austria] — comprehensive country guide
- [Moving to Vienna] — Austria's capital city guide
- [Moving to Salzburg] — nearby city in western Austria