Cost of Living: Frankfurt vs Vienna (2026)
Germany vs Austria — relocation comparison
Open incentive regimes for newcomers
- VAT-free under €25k
- €1200/yr accountant
- VAT-free under €42k
- 27% social
- €1400/yr accountant
Sourced from Numbeo · Updated May 2026
Sources: Numbeo · UNODC · Ookla · WHO · EIU · World Bank · Freedom House · Updated May 2026
Sun
How much sky you actually get
Sun clocks out before 5pm in both cities come December. Plan accordingly.
Source: WeatherSpark (clear-sky share of daytime hours)
Settler Essentials
Visa stamps:Easy <90 daysModerate 3–6 moComplex 6+ mo
Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals
Reproductive Rights
Because your body shouldn't need a visa too
Not punishable within 12 weeks with mandatory counseling and 3-day waiting period.
Legal within first trimester. Counseling required.
Source: Center for Reproductive Rights
LGBTQ+ Rights
Can you hold hands without doing a risk assessment first
Source: Rainbow Europe (ILGA-Europe)
The Short Version
- •Rent is 4% cheaper in Vienna ($1303/mo vs $1358/mo for a 1BR city centre).
- •Summers are slightly warmer in Frankfurt (26°C vs 24°C).
- •Vienna is safer by homicide rate (1.0 vs 2.7 per 100k).
Frankfurt vs Vienna — Common Questions
Is Frankfurt cheaper than Vienna?▾
Vienna is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $1303/month in Vienna vs $1358/month in the other city (Numbeo data).
Which is safer, Frankfurt or Vienna?▾
Vienna is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Frankfurt has a rate of 2.67 per 100,000 and Vienna has 1.01 per 100,000.
Should I move to Frankfurt or Vienna?▾
Vienna edges ahead 78 to 73. Frankfurt isn't far behind — it depends what matters to you. See the full comparison above for rent, safety, internet speed, climate, and democracy scores to decide which city fits your priorities.
Is it easier to get residency in Frankfurt or Vienna?▾
Frankfurt: EU Blue Card (Germany) (complex process, Up to 4 years). Vienna: EU Blue Card (Austria) (complex process, Up to 4 years). See each city's profile page for full requirements.
What's the cost of rent in Frankfurt vs Vienna?▾
A 1-bedroom in the centre: $1303/month in Vienna, $1358/month in Frankfurt (Numbeo). That's 4% cheaper rent in Vienna.
Plot twist: other matchups exist
Maybe the real city was the comparisons we made along the way.
Compare Frankfurt
Frankfurt vs Graz
Compare Frankfurt
Frankfurt vs Salzburg
Compare Vienna
Vienna vs Graz
Let the algorithm judge you
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