Best Places for Digital Nomads to Live in Austria
Austria, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, has become an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads. This central European country offers a perfect blend of modern infrastructure, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. In this article, we'll explore seven captivating Austrian cities and towns that are sure to inspire and enrich the digital nomad lifestyle.
1. Innsbruck
Nestled in the Alps, Innsbruck boasts an enchanting old town and a modern vibe. Digital nomads can work from cozy cafes or take advantage of the city's numerous coworking spaces. Don't miss the Nordkette Funicular, which offers breathtaking views of the Alps, or the Hofburg Fortress, a historic palace with a museum and beautiful gardens.
Cost of Living: Renting a nice apartment in the city center costs around €700 to €900 per month. A week's worth of groceries for one person is around €30. Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant and one drink costs around €20.
Nomad Tip: Visit the Alpine Zoo and enjoy the panoramic views of the city while observing over 2,000 animals from Europe and Asia.
Where to Stay & Eat: The Old Town and Wilten districts offer a range of furnished rentals. For young nomads, check out the hip and trendy Maria-Theresien-Strasse for delicious food and lively nightlife.
2. Graz
Graz, Austria's second-largest city, is famous for its elegant old town and modern architecture. Digital nomads will find plenty of inspiration here, as well as excellent coworking spaces and charming cafes. Don't miss the Schloss Eggenberg, an impressive Renaissance castle with beautiful gardens and a museum showcasing the history of the region.
Cost of Living: Monthly rent for a nice apartment in a central neighborhood is approximately €550 to €750. A week's worth of groceries for one person costs around €25. Dining out for dinner and one drink at a moderate restaurant is around €15.
Nomad Tip: Explore the fascinating Murinsel, a man-made floating island located in the Mur River, which houses a museum, shops, and bars.
Where to Stay & Eat: The Stadtpark and Jakomini districts are popular among digital nomads for their abundance of furnished rentals and diverse dining options.
3. Salzburg
Salzburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a cultural gem known for its baroque architecture, beautiful gardens, and the iconic Hohensalzburg Fortress. Digital nomads can work from cozy cafes or the modern Areal 3001 coworking space. Don't miss the Mirabell Palace and Gardens, a stunning complex with beautiful fountains, terraced gardens, and an orangery.
Cost of Living: Monthly rent for a nice apartment in a central neighborhood is around €800 to €1,200. A week's worth of groceries for one person is around €35. Dining out for dinner and one drink at a moderate restaurant is around €25.
Nomad Tip: Take a stroll through the charming Getreidegasse, Salzburg's most famous shopping street, and explore the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Where to Stay & Eat: The Linzergasse and Akademiestrasse districts offer a variety of furnished rentals and a range of dining options for young nomads.
4. Leoben
Leoben, a charming town nestled in the heart of Styria, offers digital nomads a relaxed and inspiring environment. With its picturesque old town, beautiful parks, and numerous hiking trails, Leoben is the perfect place to unwind and focus on work. Don't miss the Museum of Mining and Steel, which showcases the region's industrial heritage and offers interactive exhibits.
Cost of Living: Monthly rent for a nice apartment in a safe and central neighborhood is around €500 to €700. A week's worth of groceries for one person is around €20. Dining out for dinner and one drink at a moderate restaurant is around €15.
Nomad Tip: Spend an afternoon at the Schlossberg Park, which offers stunning views of the town and the surrounding mountains. Don't miss the Schlossberg Lift, a funicular that takes you to the top of the hill.
Where to Stay & Eat: The city center and the districts of Hinterbrühl and Neuhaus offer a range of furnished rentals and diverse dining options.
5. Linz
Linz, the cultural heart of Upper Austria, is a bustling city with an impressive modern architecture scene and a rich history. Digital nomads will find plenty of inspiration here, as well as excellent coworking spaces and charming cafes. Don't miss the Ars Electronica Center, an interactive museum dedicated to digital art, culture, and technology.
Cost of Living: Monthly rent for a nice apartment in a central neighborhood is around €650 to €900. A week's worth of groceries for one person is around €30. Dining out for dinner and one drink at a moderate restaurant is around €18.
Nomad Tip: Visit the Linz Castle, a beautiful baroque palace with an impressive collection of art, and take a stroll through the charming historic center.
Where to Stay & Eat: The city center and the districts of Pöstlingberg and Pichling offer a variety of furnished rentals and a range of dining options for young nomads.
6. Klagenfurt
Klagenfurt, the capital city of Carinthia, is a beautiful lakeside city with a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant modern scene. Digital nomads will find plenty of inspiration here, as well as excellent coworking spaces and charming cafes. Don't miss the Minimundus, a miniature city park featuring replicas of famous buildings from around the world.
Cost of Living: Monthly rent for a nice apartment in a central neighborhood is around €600 to €850. A week's worth of groceries for one person is around €25. Dining out for dinner and one drink at a moderate restaurant is around €18.
Nomad Tip: Spend an afternoon at the Wörthersee Lake, which offers beautiful views, water sports, and numerous cafes and restaurants.
Where to Stay & Eat: The city center and the districts of Villach and Maria Loretto offer a variety of furnished rentals and a range of dining options for young nomads.
7. Hallstatt
Hallstatt, a picturesque lakeside village, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination for digital nomads seeking inspiration and tranquility. With its stunning views, beautiful lake, and rich cultural heritage, Hallstatt is the perfect place to unwind and focus on work. Don't miss the Salt Mine, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's history and natural wonders.
Cost of Living: Monthly rent for a nice apartment in a safe and central neighborhood is around €800 to €1,200. A week's worth of groceries for one person is around €40. Dining out for dinner and one drink at a moderate restaurant is around €25.
Nomad Tip: Take a boat tour of the lake and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the picturesque village of Hallstatt.
Where to Stay & Eat: The village center and the nearby district of Obertraun offer a range of furnished rentals and a variety of dining options for digital nomads.
Conclusion
Austria offers digital nomads a unique and inspiring environment, with its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and modern infrastructure. Whether you're seeking tranquility or excitement, Austria has something for everyone. With its affordable cost of living and a variety of stunning cities and towns to choose from, Austria is an excellent destination for digital nomads looking to enrich their lives and focus on their work.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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