City Comparison · Updated May 2026
Germany
COL index 76.3
Austria
COL index 66.8
Munich vs Vienna — Cost of Living, Salary & Tax Compared (2026)
The verdict
Living in Vienna is 12.5% cheaper than Munich for the same lifestyle.
Based on Q1 2026 COL index and median single-person expenditure.
Side-by-side stats
| Munich | Metric | Vienna | Δ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 76.3 | Cost of living index | 66.8 | -12.5% |
| €50,000 | Median gross salary | €50,000 | 0.0% |
| €33,725 | Net at €50,000 gross | €32,660 | -3.2% |
| €1,980 | Rent — 1BR centre | €1,480 | -25.3% |
| €2,747 | Monthly COL (single) | €2,165 | -21.2% |
| €44,201 | PPP — net / COL | €48,893 | +10.6% |
| 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 €43,619 gross in Austria (≈ €2,461 net monthly, adjusted for cost-of-living index).
Affiliate disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. WorthOf may earn a commission if you sign up. This does not affect our data, our methodology, or our editorial independence.
Pros & cons
- −High cost of living (index 76)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (70.5%)
- +Significantly cheaper rent (€1,480)
- −High rent-to-income ratio (54.4%)
The verdict
Across the data, Munich delivers a higher take-home on a €50,000 gross salary; Vienna carries a lower cost-of-living index; Munich 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 Munich cheaper than Vienna?+
Vienna is cheaper. Cost-of-living index: Munich 76.3, Vienna 66.8 — a 12.5% difference (Q1 2026).
What is the cost of living difference between Munich and Vienna?+
Munich sits at 76.3 on our COL index, Vienna at 66.8. That works out to roughly 12.5% — Vienna being the cheaper of the two.
Is Munich a good place to live compared to Vienna?+
It depends on priorities. Munich 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: €1,980 vs €1,480.
How do salaries compare in Munich vs Vienna?+
On a €50,000 gross salary, take-home is €33,725/year (€2,810/month) in Munich and €32,660/year (€2,722/month) in Vienna.
Which city has lower taxes, Munich or Vienna?+
Germany has the lower effective rate at €50,000: Germany 32.5%, Austria 34.7%.