Our comprehensive guide compares living and work between Austria and the Czech Republic. Discover the pros and cons of each country to find the best place for you.
Austria and the Czech Republic stand out as everyday options when considering where to live and work in Central Europe. Austria has a strong, diverse economy with well-known industrial and service sectors, whereas the Czech Republic is a rising economic power with export-oriented businesses. So when deciding the most suitable country, your unique preferences come into play.
Consider the following comparison factors to find the best match for your lifestyle.
- Economy
Austria Economy
Austria, located in the center of Europe, has a strong and developed economy. It is well-known for its stability, innovative thinking, and good living standards. With a GDP of roughly $471 billion in 2022, Austria is one of the world’s top 20 economies. The country’s diverse economy includes manufacturing, services, and technology.
Manufacturing contributes significantly to Austria’s economy, with the car industry standing out. Renowned firms like BMW and Volkswagen have manufacturing plants in the nation. Austria is also a significant producer of innovative machinery and equipment.
The services industry, notably tourism, is critical to the Austrian economy. Austria’s economic stability is reflected in the country’s low unemployment rate, which was 4.7% in 2022.
Czech Republic Economy
The Czech Republic, located in Central Europe, is emerging as one of the region’s fastest-growing economies. With a GDP of over $290 billion in 2022, it is one of the top 30 world economies. The Czech Republic’s economy is known for being export-oriented, with significant linkages to Western Europe.
The country is a prominent automaker, with businesses such as Skoda, part of the Volkswagen Group. Machinery, electronics, and engineering sectors are also flourishing.
Tourism and other services contribute significantly to the Czech Republic’s GDP. Prague’s capital is a popular tourist destination noted for its rich history and architecture. In 2022, the Czech Republic had an exceptionally low unemployment rate of roughly 2.37%.
- Cost of living
Austria Cost of living
Austria, known for its breathtaking Alpine scenery and rich cultural legacy, is frequently linked with a higher cost of living. Large cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck have become known for their high quality of life but also have a heavy price tag. Accommodation expenses can be high, with typical monthly rates in Vienna above €900 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center.
Restaurant meals can cost between €15 and €20, while grocery costs are slightly more expensive compared to nearby countries. On the other hand, Austria has sophisticated transportation facilities that are both efficient and dependable.
Czech Republic Cost of living
The Czech Republic, on the other hand, is considered one of Europe’s least expensive getaways. Prague, the capital city, provides a wide range of activities at an affordable price. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be rented for €400 to €700 per month, much less than in Austria.
Dining out in Czech restaurants is likewise reasonably priced, with dinners ranging from €8 to €15 per person. Grocery prices, in general, are cheaper than in Austria, making daily spending more affordable. The economical and effective public transport system in the Czech Republic adds to the country’s overall affordability.
- Healthcare
Austria Healthcare
Austria is well-known for its well-established healthcare system, which is frequently ranked among the finest in the world. It’s an example of efficiency and accessibility, with required health insurance providing universal coverage. Austrian citizens and legal residents can access extensive healthcare services, including doctor visits, hospitalization, and medicines.
The government spends around 11.4% of its GDP on healthcare to ensure good standards. In Austria, patients frequently enjoy lower wait times for non-emergency operations and have access to an extensive pool of experts. Furthermore, Austria has world-class medical facilities and highly qualified healthcare staff.
Czech Republic Healthcare
While the Czech Republic has a reliable healthcare system, it has serious problems. It spends a lesser proportion of its GDP on healthcare, around 7.9%. Despite this, the government offers its citizens and residents affordable healthcare through a universal insurance system. There are sometimes huge waiting periods for some non-urgent procedures, which is a disadvantage. The Czech Republic has a well-trained medical profession and usually acceptable healthcare quality; however, it may not provide the same degree of luxury and accessibility as Austria.
- Education
Austria Education
Austria’s education system provides a wide range of options from school to higher education. Austrian schools have a broad curriculum promoting academic knowledge and practical abilities. The dual education system, where students combine classroom learning with hands-on apprenticeships, is one significant feature, particularly in vocational subjects.
Austria has some prominent institutions, such as the University of Vienna and the University of Innsbruck, which are mentioned for their research contributions. According to UNESCO, the country’s dedication to education is mirrored in its investment, with around 5.07% of its GDP committed to education. Austria has a literacy rate of 98%, demonstrating the country’s prosperity.
Czech Republic Education
The Czech Republic also maintains an outstanding education system that highly values accessibility and quality. Primary and secondary education are obligatory, ensuring students have a firm foundation. The country is well-known for its high literacy rate of 99.8%.
One of the primary benefits of education in the Czech Republic is its low cost. Public colleges provide low-cost or even tuition-free education to domestic and international students, making it an appealing location for higher education. The Charles University in Prague, one of Europe’s oldest universities, illustrates the country’s dedication to high-quality higher education.
- Work Hours
Austria Work Hours
The work culture in Austria is noted for its efficiency and timeliness. The normal workday begins early, between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.; however, this differs based on the company and area. While a typical weekday is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., some companies have a shorter workweek that ends around 4:00 p.m. Lunch breaks are a beloved tradition in Austria, lasting from 30 minutes to one hour and allowing employees to enjoy a meal and a quick relaxation. It’s worth remembering that many companies close for lunch, particularly in smaller towns.
Czech Republic Work Hours
Work hours and starting times in the Czech Republic are generally flexible and differentiated by industry and area. The typical weekday begins between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m., corresponding with the traditional 9-to-5 schedule. On the other hand, some businesses embrace more flexible schedules, allowing employees to start earlier or later to satisfy personal demands. Lunch breaks, often lasting 30 minutes to an hour, are a cornerstone of the workplace culture. Employees are frequently given the option of when they take their lunch break, which develops a sense of autonomy.
- Work Leaves
Austria Work Leaves
Work leaves are an important aspect of the job landscape in Austria, representing the country’s strong emphasis on work-life balance. Employees often receive extensive paid yearly leave, which varies according to criteria like years of service and collective bargaining agreements. Employees in Austria are entitled to around 30 days of paid leave each year on average. This implies more time for holidays and personal interests, all contributing to a more outstanding quality of life.
For example, if you have just been in Austria for a year, you can be entitled to 25 days of paid vacation. This leave allowance promotes a healthy work-life balance by allowing people to recharge their batteries and spend quality time with family and friends.
Czech Republic Work Leaves
Work leaves are also an essential component of employment in the Czech Republic. However, in comparison to Austria, leave entitlements are fewer. Employees typically receive 20 days of paid leave each year. While this may appear to be less than in Austria, it still allows you enough time for holidays and personal requirements. The cheaper cost of living in the Czech Republic can compensate for the somewhat fewer vacation days, making it an appealing choice for people seeking a work-life balance.
For instance, the Czech Republic’s first year of employment usually includes 20 days of paid vacation.
- Salary
Austria Salary
Austria’s average gross monthly pay is roughly €4333, making it one of Europe’s highest. Finance, engineering, and information technology all provide decent incomes, with specialists in Vienna, the capital, earning more due to the more significant cost of living. In Vienna, for example, software developers are likely to earn more than €50,000 per year. This higher income level in Austria corresponds to the country’s higher housing, transportation, and healthcare cost of living.
Czech Republic Salary
While less economically sophisticated than Austria, the Czech Republic still provides a decent way of life. This country’s average gross monthly pay is around €1780, much lower than in Austria. However, it is critical to remember the Czech Republic’s cheaper cost of living. Rent, food, and dining out are often less expensive. Prague, the capital, provides significantly higher wages, particularly in fields such as banking and IT, where experts can earn between €25,000 and €30,000 per year.
When comparing living and working in Austria with the Czech Republic, it is clear that each country has its unique advantages. Austria has a broad economy with secure job prospects, although at a higher cost of living. Its healthcare system is efficient and provides high-quality care, and its educational system is comprehensive. However, you’re not likely to save a lot from your pay due to higher living costs.
The Czech Republic, on the other hand, has a lower cost of living, making it an appealing alternative for individuals looking to save money. While the economy is strong, salaries are lower than in Austria. Healthcare and education are reliable but can fall short of Austrian standards. The Czech Republic’s work culture is flexible, with cheaper living costs compensating for somewhat fewer vacation days.
Ultimately, the decision between the two countries comes down to personal interests, with Austria providing stability and better earning potential while the Czech Republic gives affordability and flexibility.
