City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Slovenia
COL index 55.8
Austria
COL index 66.8
Ljubljana vs Vienna — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Ljubljana is 16.5% cheaper than Vienna for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Ljubljana | Metric | Vienna | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55.8 | Cost of living index | 66.8 | +19.7% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €28,568 | Net at €50,000 gross | €32,660 | +14.3% |
| €1,080 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,480 | +37.0% |
| €1,627 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,165 | +33.1% |
| €51,197 | PPP — net / COL | €48,893 | -4.5% |
| 42.9% | Effective tax @ €50,000 | 34.7% | -19.1% |
Monthly expenses — paired
Salary equivalence
€50,000 gross in Slovenia = €2,381 net monthly.
To have the same purchasing power in Vienna, you would need roughly €53,132 gross in Austria (≈ €2,850 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
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Pros & cons
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€1,080)
- −Heavy tax burden (42.9%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (45.4%)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (54.4%)
The verdict
Across the data, Vienna delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Ljubljana carries a lower cost-of-living index; Vienna has the lighter effective tax burden; Ljubljana wins on purchasing power after costs are netted out. If purchasing power is your north star, Ljubljana edges it.
Frequently asked
Is Ljubljana cheaper than Vienna?+
Ljubljana is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Ljubljana 55.8, Vienna 66.8 — a 16.5% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Ljubljana and Vienna?+
Ljubljana sits at 55.8 on our COL index, Vienna at 66.8. That works out to roughly 16.5% — Ljubljana being the cheaper of the two.
Is Ljubljana a good place to live compared to Vienna?+
It depends on priorities. Ljubljana delivers €28,568 net on a €50,000 gross salary at a 42.9% effective tax rate. Vienna delivers €32,660 at 34.7%. Centre 1-bed rent: €1,080 vs €1,480.
How do salaries compare in Ljubljana vs Vienna?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €28,568/year (€2,381/month) in Ljubljana and €32,660/year (€2,722/month) in Vienna.
Which city has lower taxes, Ljubljana or Vienna?+
Austria has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Slovenia 42.9%, Austria 34.7%.
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