Graz, Austria
Austria's second-largest city, a UNESCO City of Design with a beautifully preserved medieval old town, a thriving culinary scene, and a dynamic student population.
Overview
Graz is a city in Styria with a population of 302,749. Austria’s second-largest city, a UNESCO City of Design with a beautifully preserved medieval old town, a thriving culinary scene, and a dynamic student population. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5b growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. Reported crime rates are relatively low.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
Below Average vs Austria Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Graz vs Austria Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 36.5%
- Sales Tax: 20.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: €42,000
- Unemployment: 4.5%
- Population: 302,749
Climate
- Sunny Days: 195/year
- Summer High: 78°F
- Winter Low: 26°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b
Housing
- Median Home: €380,000
- 1BR Rent: €900/mo
Cost of Living
Graz's cost of living index is 100 (Austria average = 100).
| Category | Graz | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 100 | 100 | 0.0% |
| Housing | 115 | 100 | +15.0% |
Data source: Statistik Austria / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | €380,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | €900/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | €1,125/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | €253 |
Data source: Willhaben / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Graz:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | €100 | |
| Heating & Cooling | €118 | Estimated based on local climate. |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | €40 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | €40 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | €20 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | €318 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: E-Control, Wien Energie, A1 2025
Remote Work Score
Graz scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Graz has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 46°F | 26°F | 2.5" |
| April | 63°F | 41°F | 2.8" |
| July | 78°F | 53°F | 1.5" |
| October | 58°F | 44°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Graz faces the following natural hazards:
Austria experiences severe winter storms in the Alps.
Alpine region with frequent avalanches.
Moderate seismic activity with occasional earthquakes.
River flooding along Danube.
Alpine region with landslides.
Austria experiences occasional tornadoes.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 36.5%
- Sales Tax: 20%
- Property Tax: ~0.3% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Graz per 100,000 residents:
City-level crime data is not available for this location. The figure shown is the national average, which may differ significantly from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Eurostat
Schools & Education
Academic Schedule
Semester break in February. National curriculum with state-level administration.
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Graz is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
City-level demographic data is not available for this location. The figures shown are national averages, which may differ from actual conditions in this city.
Data source: Statistics Austria (2022)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Graz, Austria?
The cost of living index in Graz is 100, which is Lower the Austria national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Graz?
The median home price in Graz is €380,000. The housing index is 115.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Graz is approximately €900/mo.
Does Graz, ST have income tax?
Graz is in ST, which has an income tax rate of 36.5%.
What is the climate like in Graz?
Graz enjoys approximately 195 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 78°F, while winter lows can drop to around 26°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Statistik Austria / Numbeo, 2026
- Housing Data: Willhaben / Numbeo, 2026
- Income & Employment: Statistik Austria Labour Force Survey, 2024
- Utilities E-Control, Wien Energie, A1 2025
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.