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Cost of Living: Graz vs Rotterdam (2026)

Austria vs Netherlands — relocation comparison

TL;DRGraz is 57% cheaper on rent ($772/mo vs $1805/mo). Both countries will let you complain about the government in public — and mean it.
77
Livability Score
🇦🇹 Graz
Austria
Full profile
74
Livability Score
🇳🇱 Rotterdam
Netherlands
Full profile
Too close to call — 77 vs 74. Graz has a slight edge, but Rotterdam might suit you better depending on your priorities.
Graz
Rotterdam
$772/mo
Rent
$1805/mo
8.3/10
Democracy
9.0/10
0.9/100k
Safety
0.7/100k
74/100
English
76/100
Time to PR
5 yr
💰
Cost of Living
Graz
$1033/mo cheaper on rent alone
🗳️
Democracy
Rotterdam
9.0/10 EIU index
☀️
Weather
25°C vs 21°C summers
🗣️
English
Rotterdam
higher proficiency score
Graz
Metric
Rotterdam
$772/mo
🏠
Rent (1BR centre)
$1805/mo
$909/mo
🛒
Living costs (no rent)
$888/mo
🧳
Cost to land
$7,746
0.9 / 100k
🔒
Homicides
0.7 / 100k
🚨
Crime perception
lower is better
26 / 100
25°C
☀️
Summer high
21°C
-3°C
❄️
Winter low
1°C
Internet speed
141 Mbps
15.1 μg/m³
🌬️
Air quality (PM2.5)
11.4 μg/m³
8.3 / 10
🗳️
Democracy
9.0 / 10
74/100
🗣️
Street English
76/100
$74k
💼
GDP per capita
$86k
2.9% · Boringly steady
📈
Inflation
3.3% · Boringly steady
77 / 100
🏅
Livability Score
74 / 100
Grid reliability
94/100 — Reliable
🗽
Freedom House
97/100
📋
Time to PR
5 years

Settler Essentials

Democracy trend
stable
Industries
logisticspetrochemicalsmaritimecleantech
Startup ecosystem
active
Grid reliability
94/100
Time to PR
5 yrs
EU visa
Easy
RU visa
Complex
UA visa
Easy

Sources: EIU · Freedom House · Startup Genome · IEA · official immigration portals

The Short Version

  • Rent is 57% cheaper in Graz ($772/mo vs $1805/mo for a 1BR city centre).
  • Summers are noticeably warmer in Graz (25°C vs 21°C).
  • Rotterdam scores higher on democracy (9.0 vs 8.3 / 10 EIU).

Graz vs Rotterdam — Common Questions

Is Graz cheaper than Rotterdam?

Graz is cheaper. A 1-bedroom apartment in city centre costs around $772/month in Graz vs $1805/month in the other city (Numbeo data).

Which is safer, Graz or Rotterdam?

Rotterdam is statistically safer based on UNODC homicide data. Graz has a rate of 0.88 per 100,000 and Rotterdam has 0.73 per 100,000.

Should I move to Graz or Rotterdam?

Too close to call — 77 vs 74. Graz has a slight edge, but Rotterdam might suit you better depending on your priorities. 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 Graz or Rotterdam?

Graz: no specific remote work visa. Rotterdam: Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant (complex process, Up to 5 years). See each city's profile page for full requirements.

Which has better weather, Graz or Rotterdam?

Graz is warmer in summer (25°C vs 21°C). Rotterdam has milder summers, which suits those who prefer cooler weather. Climate preference is personal — use the weather section above to compare seasons.

Don't agree? Take the quiz and see what fits you.

Factor in your salary, family size, weather preferences, and deal-breakers.