Linz, Austria
A former industrial powerhouse transformed into a cultural and tech hub, home to the Ars Electronica Center, the stunning Lentos Museum, and a vibrant Danube waterfront.
Overview
Linz is a city in Upper Austria with a population of 207,820. A former industrial powerhouse transformed into a cultural and tech hub, home to the Ars Electronica Center, the stunning Lentos Museum, and a vibrant Danube waterfront. 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: October 22, 2026
Below Average vs Austria Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Linz vs Austria Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 36.5%
- Sales Tax: 20.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: €40,000
- Unemployment: 4.8%
- Population: 207,820
Climate
- Sunny Days: 185/year
- Summer High: 77°F
- Winter Low: 27°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b
Internet Speed
- Average 200 Mbps: 120 Mbps
- Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations
Housing
- Median Home: €340,000
- 1BR Rent: €850/mo
Cost of Living
Linz's cost of living index is 95 (Austria average = 100).
| Category | Linz | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 95 | 100 | -5.0% |
| Housing | 105 | 100 | +5.0% |
Data source: Statistik Austria / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | €340,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | €850/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | €1,063/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | €226 |
Data source: Willhaben / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Linz:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | €100 | |
| Heating & Cooling | €116 | 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 | €316 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: E-Control, Wien Energie, A1 2025
Remote Work Score
Linz scores 68/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Linz has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 47°F | 27°F | 2.5" |
| April | 62°F | 42°F | 2.8" |
| July | 77°F | 52°F | 1.5" |
| October | 57°F | 45°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Linz 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 4.8%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Linz 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 Linz is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Demographic composition is derived from the Eurostat Urban Audit (city-level). Ethnicity figures are based on nationality / country of birth, as European statistics do not collect race or ethnicity data. Education figures reflect the highest level of education attained by the population aged 25-64.
Data source: Eurostat Urban Audit (2014)
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 Linz, Austria?
The cost of living index in Linz is 95, which is Lower the Austria national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Linz?
The median home price in Linz is €340,000. The housing index is 105.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Linz is approximately €850/mo.
Does Linz, OOE have income tax?
Linz is in OOE, which has an income tax rate of 36.5%.
What is the climate like in Linz?
Linz enjoys approximately 185 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 77°F, while winter lows can drop to around 27°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: October 23, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.