Austria Shines in Quality of Life Index, but Settling In Factors Influence Overall Ranking

Austria has emerged as a top contender in the Expat Insider 2022 ranking, securing an average position of 24th out of 52 countries. However, Austria truly shines in the Quality of Life Index, securing the third spot. The country owes its remarkable placement in this index, trailing only behind Spain (1st) and Taiwan (2nd), to its outstanding performance in three subcategories: Travel & Transit (2nd), Health & Well-Being (3rd), and Environment & Climate (5th).

A staggering 94% of expats in Austria express their appreciation for the abundant travel opportunities, surpassing the global average of 82%. Furthermore, 91% of expats are satisfied with the accessibility of public transportation, far exceeding the global average of 73%. Additionally, 85% approve of its affordability, compared to the worldwide average of 70%.

Affordability and accessibility also extend to healthcare services in Austria. 83% of expats describe it as affordable, surpassing the worldwide average of 61%. Moreover, more than three-quarters of expats (77%) confirm they can access all the healthcare services they need, compared to the global average of 67%.

Austria’s commitment to a clean environment is evident in the positive ratings given by expats. A remarkable 96% of expats express happiness with the natural environment, surpassing the global average of 83%. Similarly, 85% of expats are content with the urban environment, exceeding the global average of 67%. The availability of green goods and services also garners approval from 84% of expats, compared to the global average of 64%.

Despite Austria’s high quality of life, it is reasonably affordable, securing the 16th spot out of 52 countries in the Personal Finance Index. Over half (53%) of expats rate the cost of living positively, surpassing the global average of 45%. Furthermore, 64% express satisfaction with their financial situation, compared to the global average of 60%.

Regarding working abroad, Austria secures a solid 19th place in the Working Abroad Index, although it falls short of outstanding performance. Expats express satisfaction with several key aspects, with 68% providing a positive rating for job security, surpassing the global average of 59%. Moreover, 85% describe the state of the local economy positively, exceeding the global average of 64%. However, only 62% believe they are fairly compensated based on industry, qualifications, and role, aligning with the global average.

Despite potential dissatisfaction with salaries, ample leisure time contributes to overall job satisfaction, with 72% of expats expressing happiness with their working hours, surpassing the global average of 63%. However, expats are more critical of the Career Prospects (25th) and the Work Culture & Satisfaction (28th) Subcategories. A notable 35% of expats believe the local business culture stifles creativity and unconventional thinking, surpassing the global average of 26%. Furthermore, 26% express dissatisfaction with their career prospects, compared to the global average of 22%. An expat from Italy comments, “The international job market is very small and limited to specific positions.”

Although Austria falls below the global average in the Expat Essentials Index, securing the 32nd position, there are noteworthy factors in favor and against the country. Expats appreciate unrestricted access to online services, with 93% expressing satisfaction, surpassing the global average of 82%. Moreover, 47% of expats find local housing affordable, compared to the global average of 39%. However, 14% find it difficult to pay without cash, exceeding the global average of 8%. Additionally, 31% of expats who required a visa encountered challenges obtaining one, surpassing the global average of 24%.

Unfortunately, Austria ranks a mere 38th in the Language Subcategory, with expats finding it challenging to live in the country without speaking the local language (39th) or to learn it (31st). A British expat shares, “Fluent German would be a huge benefit, but I do not see myself achieving this.”

In a disappointing turn of events, Austria secures the 49th position in the Ease of Settling In Index, placing it among the most minor welcoming destinations worldwide. The country also ranks among the bottom 10 in two subcategories: Local Friendliness (51st) and Culture & Welcome (47th). However, Austria fares slightly better in the Finding Friends Subcategory, securing the 41st position.

Expats in Austria face challenges when it comes to making local friends, with 52% expressing unhappiness, compared to the global average of 37%. A respondent from Chile remarks, “It takes such a long time to make local friends here.” Additionally, 41% describe the local population as unfriendly towards foreign residents, doubling the global average of 18%. Furthermore, 34% find it difficult to acclimate to the local culture, surpassing the global average of 19%, while 28% do not feel welcome, compared to the global average of 16%.