Retire in Austria
Featured city: Graz
US State Dept · Level 1 — Exercise Normal PrecautionsMid-range benchmark for a couple. Use the Matcher for FX- and inflation-adjusted comparisons.
Austria offers pristine Alpine landscapes, imperial cities, and a very high standard of living. Graz is Austria's second-largest city, with a charming old town, vibrant cultural scene, and lower costs than Vienna.
Alpine scenery, safe, excellent healthcare
- Healthcare
- Safety
- Modern Infrastructure
- English is not widely spoken outside major cities — plan for a language learning curve.
- Long-term residency requires meeting specific income, investment, or paperwork thresholds — engage a licensed immigration attorney.
Retirement visa
The Settlement Permit (Gainful Employment Excepted) requires proof of significant liquid assets and monthly income but has a limited annual quota.
Cost of living
In Graz, a comfortable apartment costs about $1,100/month, and high taxes are reflected in the premium quality of public infrastructure.
Numbeo cost indexHealthcare
Austria offers one of the best public healthcare systems in the world; expats can opt into the public system for a monthly fee.
Healthcare indexSafety
Austria consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world; it is listed as Level 1.
travel.state.govReady to compare with your budget?
Run the calculator or open the Destination Matcher to see how Austria fits.
Other destinations in Europe
Educational content only — not immigration, tax, legal, or financial advice. Visa, golden-visa, and citizenship-by-investment rules change frequently. Verify with the official government source above and a licensed professional before making any relocation, investment, or citizenship decision.