19 Mar 2025
Austria is known for its high quality of life, excellent public services, and strong economy. But as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Austria, is earning €1000 per month enough to cover expenses and still have savings to send money to Philippines from Austria? Let's break it down by comparing it with the actual cost of living.
Austria offers great opportunities, but managing finances wisely is key for OFWs. From rent and groceries to transportation and healthcare, expenses can add up quickly. Understanding the cost of living will help you budget effectively and ensure you can still support your loved ones back home. Let’s dive into the numbers and see if €1000 is enough!
Here are detailed costs associated with living in Austria for OFW.
Housing is often the biggest expense for anyone living in Austria. If you're staying in Vienna, the capital city, expect to pay significantly more for rent. A single-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around €900-€1200 per month, which is already beyond a €1000 budget. However, in smaller cities like Graz or Linz, rent is much lower, with prices ranging from €500-€700 per month for a similar apartment. Sharing accommodations can further reduce expenses, with a room in a shared apartment costing around €300-€500 per month.
Grocery shopping in Austria is relatively affordable compared to other European countries. A single person can expect to spend around €250-€350 per month on groceries, depending on shopping habits. Cooking at home instead of dining out helps save a lot, as restaurant meals can cost between €10-€20 per meal. Discount supermarkets like Hofer and Lidl offer lower-priced goods, making it easier to manage food expenses.
Austria has an efficient public transportation system, and most people rely on trams, buses, and trains to get around. A monthly public transport pass in Vienna costs around €51, which is reasonable compared to other European cities. In smaller cities, public transport costs even less. Cycling is another cost-effective option, as many Austrian cities have bike-friendly infrastructure.
In Austria, income tax and social security deductions apply to salaries. If you earn €1000 per month, you may receive around €850-€900 after deductions, depending on your employment contract and tax class. These deductions cover health insurance, pension contributions, and other social benefits, ensuring some financial security.
According to Tax Foundation, Austria has a high personal income tax rate of 55 percent, which is among the third-highest in the OECD and applies to earnings that are 19 times the average wage.
Here are a few tips on how you can manage your life in Austria with a monthly income of 1000 euros as an OFW.
Finding budget-friendly housing is key to surviving on €1000 in Austria. Consider living in smaller towns where rent is cheaper or opting for shared housing. Websites like Willhaben and WG-Gesucht list affordable rental options.
Austria offers financial support for low-income workers, including housing assistance and child benefits. If eligible, applying for these benefits can help reduce the burden of living expenses.
Creating a budget and tracking expenses can help maximize savings. Prioritizing rent, groceries, and transport over unnecessary spending is crucial. Taking advantage of student or worker discounts, buying in bulk, and meal prepping can reduce monthly costs significantly.
Many OFWs in Austria take up part-time jobs or freelancing gigs to supplement their income. Some common side jobs include babysitting, tutoring, and hospitality work. Austria allows certain categories of foreign workers to work additional hours, so checking employment regulations is essential.
Living on €1000 per month in Austria can be challenging, but it is possible with careful budgeting, affordable housing, and additional income sources. However, aiming for a higher salary or better job opportunities can provide more financial security to cover your own needs.
It is difficult to live comfortably on €1000, especially in Vienna, but with shared housing and strict budgeting, it can be manageable.
OFW salaries vary depending on the industry, but many skilled workers earn between €1500-€2500 per month.
A single person can expect to spend around €250-€350 on groceries each month, depending on shopping habits.
Yes, some low-income workers qualify for benefits like housing assistance, healthcare support, and family benefits.
