City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Germany
COL index 72.8
Austria
COL index 66.8
Berlin vs Vienna — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Vienna is 8.2% cheaper than Berlin for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Berlin | Metric | Vienna | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72.8 | Cost of living index | 66.8 | -8.2% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €33,725 | Net at €50,000 gross | €32,660 | -3.2% |
| €1,500 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,480 | -1.3% |
| €2,206 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,165 | -1.9% |
| €46,326 | PPP — net / COL | €48,893 | +5.5% |
| 32.5% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 34.7% | +6.5% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Germany = €2,810 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Vienna, you would need roughly €46,509 gross in Austria (≈ €2,579 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- −High rent-to-income ratio (53.4%)
- +Lower rent (€1,480 vs €1,500)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (54.4%)
The verdict
Across the data, Berlin delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Vienna carries a lower cost-of-living index; Berlin has the lighter effective tax burden; Vienna wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Vienna edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Berlin cheaper than Vienna?+
Vienna is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Berlin 72.8, Vienna 66.8 — a 8.2% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Berlin and Vienna?+
Berlin sits at 72.8 on our COL index, Vienna at 66.8. That works out to roughly 8.2% — Vienna being the cheaper of the two.
Is Berlin a good place to live compared to Vienna?+
It depends on priorities. Berlin delivers €33,725 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 32.5% effective tax rate. Vienna delivers €32,660 at 34.7%. Centre 1-bed rent: €1,500 vs €1,480.
How do salaries compare in Berlin vs Vienna?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €33,725/year (€2,810/month) in Berlin and €32,660/year (€2,722/month) in Vienna.
Which city has lower taxes, Berlin or Vienna?+
Germany has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Germany 32.5%, Austria 34.7%.