Vienna has been listed as the “Most livable city in the world” in recent years, and there are many good reasons for that: beautiful architecture, low crime, walkability, great public transportation, and central location relative to the rest of Europe. Here is one retired couple’s experience of living in Vienna.

Our Life as U.S. Retirees in Vienna

When we first considered retiring abroad, Vienna quickly rose to the top of our list. It seemed to have everything we wanted: a beautiful cityscape, rich culture, and a central location that would make traveling around Europe easy. Now, having settled here, we can say that living in Vienna as a retired couple has been one of the best decisions we’ve made. Here’s a bit about our daily life, the occasional adventures we take, and the practicalities that make it all work.

Our Daily Life in Vienna

Our typical day in Vienna starts slowly. We wake up, enjoy a cup of coffee, and head out for a morning walk. There’s something magical about strolling through Stadtpark or taking a leisurely walk along the Danube Canal. We often find ourselves stopping at a café for a second cup of coffee and a fresh pastry. It’s easy to fall in love with the coffeehouse culture here—there’s nothing quite like settling into a cozy café, savoring a slice of sachertorte, and watching the world go by. We almost always sit outside even when the weather is iffy. It’s so much fun.

During the day, we mix things up. Sometimes we head to the local markets, like the famous Naschmarkt, where we can pick up fresh vegetables, fruits, and even specialty items from around the world. We eat so much healthier here partially because it’s easier to do so. It reminds us of our trips to farmers’ markets back in the U.S., but there’s a distinct Austrian charm here and it’s much more convenient. Other days, we might visit a museum or gallery—Vienna’s rich art scene means there’s always something new to see. We’ve even invested in annual passes, so we can pop into a museum for just an hour or two without feeling rushed.

Staying active is important to us, and Vienna makes it easy. We’ve joined a fitness center that offers everything from swimming to yoga classes. On weekends, we take our bikes out and explore the city’s extensive network of bike lanes. It’s a great way to see parts of Vienna that we might otherwise miss.

Weekly and Monthly Activities

Once a week, we try to attend a concert or show. Vienna’s love affair with music is contagious, and it’s not hard to find affordable tickets to the opera or a classical concert. We’ve been lucky enough to attend performances at the Vienna State Opera and the Musikverein—places we used to dream about visiting. There are also concerts in local churches and concert halls practically every day. In the springtime, the outdoor concerts are amazing.

Occasionally, we take a day trip outside of the city. It’s amazing how much there is to see within just a couple of hours. We love visiting the vineyards in the Wachau Valley, especially during the wine harvest season. And on sunny days, we head to nearby Baden or Krems, charming towns that offer a slower pace of life and beautiful scenery. There is always something to do.

Exploring Austria

We knew we wanted to see more of Austria, and living in Vienna has made that easy. Salzburg is one of our favorite destinations—it’s just a 2.5-hour train ride away, and we love its baroque architecture and connection to Mozart. In the summer, we head to Hallstatt, a picturesque village by the lake, where we can hike and take in the breathtaking mountain views. In winter, we’ve even managed to take up skiing again with a trip to the Austrian Alps. The resorts in Innsbruck and Kitzbühel are perfect for a little adventure, and we don’t have to travel far to get there. Skiing in the Alps should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Traveling Around Europe

One of the best parts of living in Vienna is how easy it is to travel to other European cities. We’ve taken weekend trips to Bratislava—it’s less than an hour by train—and we’ve explored nearby cities like Budapest and Prague. The train rides are comfortable, and it’s so convenient to be able to visit these incredible places without the hassle of long flights.

We’ve also taken longer trips, flying out of Vienna’s international airport to destinations like Paris, Rome, and Barcelona. With budget airlines and fast trains, travel here is much more affordable and straightforward than we were used to in the U.S. I don’t think we’ve paid more than $125 for a roundtrip ticket anywhere.

Practical Considerations

English Use & Language Barriers: Before we moved, one of our concerns was the language barrier. Fortunately, we’ve found that English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, restaurants, and shops. We’ve picked up a bit of German, which has made day-to-day life easier and helped us connect with locals. Even so, we’ve never felt lost or frustrated because of the language—people here are very friendly and accommodating.

Cost of Living: Vienna’s cost of living has been quite reasonable. Our apartment, a comfortable two-bedroom in a lovely district, costs about €1,400 a month. Groceries and eating out are affordable, and we find that we’re spending less than we did back in the States. Public transportation is efficient and inexpensive, so we’ve decided not to own a car here, which cuts down on costs and stress. We have occasionally rented a car for drives in the countryside and to explore. It’s good to keep the driving skills polished.

Healthcare: Healthcare was another big factor for us. Austria’s public healthcare system is excellent, and after registering as residents, we had access to it. We did choose to get supplementary private insurance, just for peace of mind. The best part? Healthcare costs here are so much lower than what we were used to in the U.S., and we’ve been able to find English-speaking doctors without any trouble.

Residency Permits & Paperwork: Getting a residence permit took a bit of work, but it was manageable. We had to prove we had enough financial means, show that we had health insurance, and submit a background check. It’s worth seeking advice from a local lawyer or relocation service to make sure everything is in order. There are specific visas for non-EU retirees, so it’s important to review the requirements carefully.

Banking & Taxes: Setting up a bank account was easy, and the staff at our local bank were more than willing to help us navigate the paperwork. We also worked with a tax professional to understand our obligations both in Austria and the U.S. It’s a bit of a balancing act, but with the right guidance, it’s manageable.

Social Life & Community

It didn’t take long for us to feel at home here. We joined a few clubs, took some German classes, and started attending local events. There’s a vibrant expat community, and we’ve met other Americans who’ve moved here, as well as locals who are eager to share their city with us. Groups like the American Women’s Association of Vienna and social clubs for retirees have been great for making friends and staying active.

Final Thoughts

When we made the decision to retire in Vienna, we hoped it would be a beautiful adventure—and it has been. The city offers so much culture, history, and charm, and its location makes it the perfect base for exploring Europe. Of course, there were practical concerns to address, but with a bit of planning, we’ve been able to settle into a comfortable, fulfilling lifestyle. We’re so glad we chose Vienna, and we can’t wait to see what other experiences await us here.