Wels, Austria
A historic city in Upper Austria with a well-preserved medieval old town, known for its agricultural trade fairs and the Wels Castle.
Below Average vs Austria Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Wels vs Austria Average
Taxes
- Income Tax: 36.5%
- VAT: 20.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: €36,000
- Unemployment: 4.8%
- Population: 63,181
Climate
- Sunny Days: 185/year
- Summer High: 77°F
- Winter Low: 27°F
Housing
- Median Home: €280,000
- 1BR Rent: €720/mo
Cost of Living
Wels's cost of living index is 88 (Austria average = 100).
| Category | Wels | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 88 | 100 | -12.0% |
| Housing | 90 | 100 | -10.0% |
Data source: Statistik Austria / Numbeo, 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | €280,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | €720/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | €900/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | €186 |
Data source: Willhaben / Numbeo, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Wels:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | €100 | Based on ~3,500 kWh/year typical Austrian household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | €116 | Estimated based on local climate. gas or district heating |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | €40 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | €40 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | €25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | €321 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: E-Control, Wien Energie, A1 2025
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Wels
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: €864/mo.
Wels Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: €792/mo.
East Wels
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: €648/mo.
West Wels
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: €684/mo.
Remote Work Score
Wels scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Wels 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" |
Taxes
- Income Tax: 36.5%
- VAT: 20%
- Property Tax: ~0.5% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.8%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Wels 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
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 Wels, Austria?
The cost of living index in Wels is 88, which is Lower the Austria national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Wels?
The median home price in Wels is €280,000. The housing index is 90.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Wels is approximately €720/mo.
Does Wels, OOE have income tax?
Wels is in OOE, which has an income tax rate of 36.5%.
What is the climate like in Wels?
Wels 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: July 19, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.