City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Slovakia
COL index 50.4
Austria
COL index 66.8
Bratislava vs Vienna — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Bratislava is 24.6% cheaper than Vienna for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Bratislava | Metric | Vienna | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50.4 | Cost of living index | 66.8 | +32.5% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €34,962 | Net at €50,000 gross | €32,660 | -6.6% |
| €1,020 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,480 | +45.1% |
| €1,528 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,165 | +41.7% |
| €69,368 | PPP — net / COL | €48,893 | -29.5% |
| 30.1% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 34.7% | +15.3% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Slovakia = €2,913 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Vienna, you would need roughly €77,839 gross in Austria (≈ €3,862 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€1,020)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (35.0%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (54.4%)
The verdict
Across the data, Bratislava delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Bratislava carries a lower cost-of-living index; Bratislava has the lighter effective tax burden; Bratislava wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Bratislava edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Bratislava cheaper than Vienna?+
Bratislava is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Bratislava 50.4, Vienna 66.8 — a 24.6% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Bratislava and Vienna?+
Bratislava sits at 50.4 on our COL index, Vienna at 66.8. That works out to roughly 24.6% — Bratislava being the cheaper of the two.
Is Bratislava a good place to live compared to Vienna?+
It depends on priorities. Bratislava delivers €34,962 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 30.1% effective tax rate. Vienna delivers €32,660 at 34.7%. Centre 1-bed rent: €1,020 vs €1,480.
How do salaries compare in Bratislava vs Vienna?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €34,962/year (€2,913/month) in Bratislava and €32,660/year (€2,722/month) in Vienna.
Which city has lower taxes, Bratislava or Vienna?+
Slovakia has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Slovakia 30.1%, Austria 34.7%.