Vienna’s reputation for unfriendliness is improving, according to the annual Expat Insider survey.

Once ranked last for friendliness, the Austrian capital now sits third from the bottom, ahead of Berlin and Munich. However, expats still find it hard to feel welcome, with 24% dissatisfied with social life – though this is an improvement from 40% last year.

Quality of Life Shines

Despite social challenges, Vienna excels in quality of life, ranking third globally after Valencia and Alicante. Expats praised its affordable public transport (3rd place), urban and natural environments (3rd and 7th place, respectively), and leisure activities (9th place). Healthcare also received high marks, with over 80% of expats satisfied, placing Vienna 6th globally.

Housing and Finances

Housing remains a bright spot, with Vienna ranking 16th for ease of finding accommodation and 10th for affordability. Financially, the city climbed to 10th in the Personal Finance Index, with 82% of expats saying their income is sufficient for a comfortable life. Work-life balance (16th place) and fair pay (17th place) also contributed to Vienna’s rise in the Working Abroad Index.

Persistent Issues

Vienna lags behind in cashless payment options, with only 32% of expats finding it easy to pay without cash, compared to a global average of 56%. Language barriers remain a challenge, ranking the city 36th in this category, with 53% citing it as a concern before moving to Austria.

Significant Gains

Overall, Vienna climbed 21 spots to rank 15th in the survey, which includes responses from over 12,500 expats worldwide. While challenges persist, Vienna’s quality of life, affordability, and strong infrastructure continue to make it a top choice for expats.