Are you planning to study in Austria but worried about the cost of living? The good news is that not all Austrian cities are expensive. In fact, several student-friendly cities offer affordable tuition, low-cost housing, and a great quality of life — making Austria a top destination for international students on a budget.
In this guide, we’ll explore the cheapest cities to study in Austria, along with tips on how to save money and find affordable student accommodation.
Why Study in Austria?
Austria is a fantastic choice for international students thanks to:
- Affordable or free tuition at public universities
- English-taught programs across various fields
- Safe, welcoming cities with excellent infrastructure
- Strong academic reputation across Europe
- Student work rights and part-time job opportunities
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🏠 Top 5 Cheapest Cities to Study in Austria
Here are the most budget-friendly cities in Austria for international students:
1. Leoben
Average Monthly Rent: €250 – €400
Top University:Montanuniversität Leoben
Why It’s Affordable:
Leoben is a small, student-centered city where everything is within walking distance. Living costs are among the lowest in Austria, and the university offers a strong focus on mining, materials science, and engineering.
2. Graz
Average Monthly Rent: €300 – €450
Top Universities: University of Graz, TU Graz, FH Joanneum
Why It’s Affordable:
Graz is Austria’s second-largest city and a major student hub with more than 60,000 students. Despite its size, rent and food costs remain lower than in Vienna or Innsbruck.
3. Klagenfurt
Average Monthly Rent: €280 – €420
Top University: University of Klagenfurt
Why It’s Affordable:
Located near the border with Slovenia and Italy, Klagenfurt is scenic, calm, and student-friendly. Cost of living is low, especially for accommodation and transport.
4. Linz
Average Monthly Rent: €350 – €500
Top Universities: Johannes Kepler University Linz, University of Arts Linz
Why It’s Affordable:
Linz offers a great mix of technology, arts, and culture. It’s cheaper than Vienna but still has all the amenities of a big city. Student discounts are widely available.
5. Wels
Average Monthly Rent: €280 – €400
Top University: University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria – Wels Campus
Why It’s Affordable:
Wels is a small, practical city with a strong focus on applied sciences and engineering. It’s perfect for international students looking for peace, lower living costs, and solid academic support.
💸 Cost Breakdown: Average Monthly Student Expenses
| City | Rent | Food | Transport | Total Est. Monthly Cost |
| Leoben | €300 | €250 | €30 | €600 – €700 |
| Graz | €350 | €250 | €35 | €650 – €750 |
| Klagenfurt | €320 | €240 | €30 | €630 – €730 |
| Linz | €400 | €250 | €40 | €700 – €800 |
| Wels | €300 | €240 | €30 | €600 – €700 |
👉 Need housing? Austria Student Housing helps you find verified and affordable dorms, flats, and shared apartments in these cities — with Meldezettel, legal contracts, and support included.
🏫 What About Tuition Fees?
- Public universities:
- EU/EEA students: €0 – €363.36 per semester
- Non-EU/EEA students: €726.72 per semester
- Universities of Applied Sciences:
- Typically €363 – €726 per semester
Tuition is the same across Austria, but the cost of living varies by city, making these cities more budget-friendly for long-term stays.
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✅ Tips to Save More Money as a Student
- Choose cities like Leoben, Graz, or Klagenfurt for cheaper rent
- Use public student dorms or shared flats (WGs)
- Apply for student transportation discounts
- Shop at budget-friendly supermarkets (Hofer, Lidl)
- Take advantage of student jobs (part-time, freelance)
📌 Final Thoughts
Studying in Austria doesn’t mean you have to live in an expensive city. Cities like Leoben, Graz, Klagenfurt, Linz, and Wels offer a balance of quality education, low rent, and an affordable lifestyle.
Whether you’re here for a full degree or an Erasmus exchange, Austria Student Housing is here to help you settle into affordable and comfortable accommodation in the city that suits your budget best.
👉Search for Student Housing Now in the cheapest cities in Austria!
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