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From Abroad

One of the more prevalent differences between Austria and the USA is the cost of living. At first glance, one thinks, wow, it is so expensive to live in Austria (especially with the current exchange rate So, as a student without much money to begin with, how can it be possible to live on a modest pension?

Let me start with my eating habits here because food is my biggest expense (chocolate mostly (-; ). I have been told Vienna has nearly the highest amount of grocery stores per capita in the world. In fact, a 5 minute walk from my student flat and I can reach 7 individual stores. The immediate availability of fresh food is astounding! I would classify the grocery stores into 3 categories; Gourmet, middle-range and cheap. I typically shop at the Hofer (pronounced Hoofah), the Aldi equivalent of America, because it is the cheapest and often the freshest (here they have excellent food turnover (obvious popularity)- not the case at Aldi in America). It is important to note that one must get to the Hofer quite early to get the good food, I like to arrive at 8, when the store opens, guaranteeing myself the best possible selection. Other stores are often twice the price of Hofer, for essentially the same products. The gourmet stores typically have the best selections, and very often the finest specialty cuisine!

Vienna is a city, so yes, housing is expensive. Most people live in flats (apartments), at what seem to be really high prices, but the utilities are often included in the rent or are quite cheap. Often, several families will live in large houses and many buildings that seem to be one large residence are actually broken into several flats. However, in my district, many of Vienna’s affluent reside, as well as foreign embassies.

Since everything here is atleast half again more expensive than in America, I have devised a way of minimalist, frugal living. I save money is by doing my laundry myself (sink-style), riding my bike instead of take the public transport. The bike I am borrowing from Hannes, which seems to need a new inner tube every week (at 9 EURO per tube- that is $14.02!). I also try to purchase only what I absolutely need, as well as waiting for special deals to purchase. If I have to spend anymore than 20 EURO, I conduct extensive research on the item or service. I hardly go out for drinks, and when I do, we go to the cheap, students joints. I almost feel like a dirtbag here, but I can blame the exchange rate for most of that claim (-;

Taxes are very high in Austria, but these monies are well appointed. The income tax in Austria is quite complex. It varies depending upon the level of income, the duration of employment, and many other factors. All Austrians enjoy free-health care (increases life expectancy- take note America! Movie recommendation- Sicko by Michael Moore). As previously mentioned, all Austrians have free education through University. Taxes are also apportioned to the many excellent city parks and the overall infrastructure.

Please note, I may be mistaken on a few facts about Austria, my writings are merely a consensus of my observations of Vienna, so if I am wrong, by all means correct me, or feel free to add to it! Although it may seem the cost of living in Vienna is high, the quality of life here more than makes up for it. Vienna has repeatedly been named to the top 5 cities in international quality of life surveys. Perhaps later I will compose a blog outlining the Austrian quality of life!