A relaxed university city with a beautiful old town and a strong engineering scene. Cheaper and slower than Vienna, with the Alps within weekend reach.
What it costs to live in Graz
A one-bed runs around EUR 800 a month, roughly 20% below the national baseline for Austria, which is a large part of why people look here instead of the capital. Across the 60 EU cities we profile, that lands Graz in the middle of the range.
Against a typical net salary in Austria of about EUR 2,300, rent takes roughly 35% of take-home pay, which leaves more room than most of Western Europe.
What the economy runs on
Automotive engineering, universities.
Graz rewards anyone bringing income from elsewhere: the cost base is low, though the country is less geared toward freelance and remote status than the EU's easiest options.
How far English gets you
English works in international offices, with younger people and in the centre of Graz, but shops, tradespeople and anything official will expect German.
Graz rates 62/100 for English, a little below the 65/100 we give Austria overall, so do not assume the capital's habits apply here. There is a fuller breakdown on the English in Austria page.
What day-to-day life leans on
Mountains are close enough to change your weekends, with Austria at 95/100 for alpine access. Skiing and hiking stop being trips you plan a year ahead and become things you do on a Saturday.
Austria is landlocked or nearly so, at 0/100 for coastal access, so if you want the sea within reach you will be flying or driving to it.
Worth weighing
Small international job market outside engineering.
Graz is the cheapest of the cities we cover in Austria. For comparison: Vienna (about EUR 1,000 a month).
City picked, country still open? See the full Austria overview including cost of living, safety, healthcare and the path to residence, or compare Austria with other EU countries.