Moving to Graz
A step-by-step guide for people who actually plan to stay in Graz, Austria. Not a vacation itinerary.
Monthly cost
$1,820
solo, city centre
Livability
77/100
strong
Safety
89/100
Safe enough to stop thinking about it
PR timeline
—
varies
How to move to Graz
Visas, residency, and the paperwork you can't avoid
Residency data coming soon for Graz.
What it costs to move to Graz
First-month sticker shock, decoded
$772
1-bed, city centre / mo
Cheaper than 79% of 111 cities
$1,463
3-bed, city centre / mo
Monthly burn (solo)
$1,820/moRent + groceries + transport + utilities. No avocado toast budget.
First month in Graz
The to-do list nobody gives you at the airport
- ☐
Research visa options for Austria
- ☐
Open a local bank account
Bring a German-speaking friend or prepare for mime-based banking
- ☐
Get a local SIM card
~$14/mo for 10GB+
- ☐
Find an apartment
Budget $772/mo for a 1-bed in the centre
- ☐
Register with local authorities
Most countries require address registration within 30 days
- ☐
Get health insurance
Sort this before you need it, not after
- ☐
Start learning basic German
Not strictly necessary, but your landlord will like you more
Language in Graz
Can you order coffee without pointing?
German
primary language
Very High
English proficiency
Most people speak English well enough. You can survive without learning German, but your landlord will like you more if you try.
Will the government leave you alone?
Democracy, freedom, and regime vibes
8.3/10
democracy index (EIU)
🏛️ Full democracy
regime type
#4 of 163
Global Peace Index (lower = more peaceful)
Travel advisory: Level 1 — Exercise normal precautions
Is Graz safe?
Crime stats for people who read footnotes
👍
Safe enough to stop thinking about it
0.9
homicides per 100k
Weather in Graz
What the thermometer actually says
25°C
summer highs
-3°C
winter lows
If you get sick
Healthcare access for new arrivals
System:
Before residency:
The honest take
What we'd tell a friend
Going for it
- ✓ Graz's $772/mo rent means you get to save money. Imagine.
- ✓ Safety in Graz: 0.9/100k rate. Focus on other things.
- ✓ Real mountain access from Graz. Not just scenery.
Think twice about
- ✗ -3°C winter lows in Graz. Heavier coat incoming.
- ✗ German at the bank and the doctor in Graz isn't optional. Work English won't save you there.
This is the settler summary. For the full data dump:
Full Graz profile →