How much does it cost to move to Graz?

Monthly living costs in Graz range from EUR 1,050 to EUR 1,400 for a single person. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment runs EUR 600 to 850 depending on the district. Add EUR 130 to 180 for utilities, EUR 220 to 300 for groceries, and EUR 50 to 60 for a monthly transit pass. Graz is roughly 20 to 30 percent cheaper than Vienna.

Moving to Graz: Your First 30 Days Checklist (2026)

Q: What do I need to do in my first 30 days after moving to Graz?

In your first 30 days you need to: secure housing, register your address (Meldezettel) at Magistrat Graz within 3 days, open an Austrian bank account, get an Austrian SIM card, and apply for your Anmeldebescheinigung (EU/EEA citizens) or residence permit at BH Graz-Umgebung. You should also register for health insurance and explore your district.

Jules de Bruin

Expat in Vienna

Updated: May 19 2026 | Found helpful by 7 others

Graz is Austria's second-largest city with 290,000 residents, four universities, and a UNESCO World Heritage old town. Rent is 20 to 30 percent cheaper than Vienna. Your first 30 days require: securing housing, Meldezettel registration at the Magistrat, opening a bank account, getting a SIM card, and applying for your Anmeldebescheinigung at the Bezirkshauptmannschaft.

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What Are the Essential Steps in Your First 30 Days in Graz?

Whether you are an EU citizen or a third-country national, these six steps will get you legally settled in Graz. Complete them in order during your first month.

1
Secure housing before you arrive
You need a signed rental contract to register your address. Search on willhaben.at, ImmobilienScout24, or local Facebook groups for Graz housing. Budget EUR 600 to 850 for a one-bedroom apartment depending on the district.
2
Register your address (Meldezettel) at Magistrat Graz
You must register within 3 days of moving in. Go to the Magistrat Graz, Servicestelle für Meldewesen at Schmiedgasse 26. Bring your passport, rental contract, and the Meldezettel form signed by your landlord. Registration is free and takes about 15 minutes.
3
Open an Austrian bank account
You need a local bank account for rent payments, salary, and direct debits. Popular options in Graz include Erste Bank, Raiffeisen Steiermark, and online banks like George (Erste Bank). Bring your passport and Meldezettel.
4
Get an Austrian SIM card
Pick up a prepaid SIM from A1, Magenta, or Drei at any electronics store or phone shop. Plans start at EUR 5 to 15 per month. You will need your passport for registration. A local number is essential for bank verification, appointments, and two-factor authentication.
5
Apply for your Anmeldebescheinigung or residence permit
EU/EEA citizens must apply for an Anmeldebescheinigung at the Bezirkshauptmannschaft Graz-Umgebung (BH Graz-Umgebung) if you plan to stay longer than 3 months. Third-country nationals should apply for their residence permit at the same office. Bring your passport, Meldezettel, proof of income or employment, and health insurance confirmation. The fee is approximately EUR 15.
6
Register for health insurance
If you are employed, your employer registers you with the Österreichische Gesundheitskasse (ÖGK). Self-employed individuals must register themselves. Students can use the student insurance through ÖGK. You will receive your e-card (health insurance card) by mail within two weeks.

Book your Magistrat appointment online

Magistrat Graz offers online appointment booking for Meldezettel registration. Book in advance at graz.at to avoid long wait times, especially during the university semester start in September and October.

Which Graz Districts Are Best for Expats?

Graz has 17 districts, but five stand out for expats depending on your budget, lifestyle, and commute preferences. Rents listed are for a one-bedroom apartment as of April 2026.

District	Avg. Rent (1BR)	Transit	Best For
Innere Stadt	EUR 850	Tram	Young professionals
Geidorf	EUR 750	Bus	Students
Lend	EUR 650	Tram	Creatives
St. Peter	EUR 700	Bus	Families
Jakomini	EUR 650	Tram, Bus	Budget-conscious

Rents as of April 2026. Prices vary by apartment size, condition, and exact location within each district.

What Does It Cost to Live in Graz?

Graz is one of the most affordable major cities in Austria. Here is a monthly budget breakdown for a single person as of April 2026. For a full Austria-wide comparison, see our cost of living guide.

Category	Monthly Cost (EUR)
Rent (1BR apartment)	600 to 850
Utilities (electricity, heating, water)	130 to 180
Groceries	220 to 300
Public transport (monthly pass)	50 to 60
SIM card / mobile plan	5 to 15
Total	1,050 to 1,400

All figures as of April 2026. If you hold a Klimaticket (Österreich), your local transport is included in the EUR 3/day nationwide pass.

What Makes Graz Different From Vienna for Expats?

Graz and Vienna offer very different expat experiences. Here is how they compare across the factors that matter most when choosing where to settle.

Factor	Graz	Vienna
City size	290,000 residents	2 million residents
Cost of living	20 to 30% cheaper	Higher across the board
German requirement	Essential for daily life	Helpful but not critical
English friendliness	Limited outside universities	Widely spoken
Community feel	Close-knit, student-oriented	Large, diverse, anonymous
Job market	Automotive, tech, engineering	Broad, international companies
Climate	Warmer summers, milder winters	Continental, colder winters

Graz is ideal if you want deeper integration

Because the expat bubble is smaller in Graz, you are more likely to build genuine friendships with locals and become part of the community. This also means German language skills pay off faster here than in Vienna.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to do in my first 30 days after moving to Graz?

Secure housing, register your address (Meldezettel) at Magistrat Graz within 3 days, open an Austrian bank account, get a local SIM card, and apply for your Anmeldebescheinigung or residence permit at BH Graz-Umgebung. You should also register for health insurance and explore your neighborhood.

Do I need to speak German to live in Graz?

German is more important in Graz than in Vienna. While the four universities bring some international atmosphere, daily life, government offices, and most workplaces operate in German. Having at least A2 level German will make your first months significantly easier. B1 is recommended for long-term comfort.

What is the best district in Graz for expats?

It depends on your priorities. Innere Stadt is the historic center with the best walkability. Geidorf is ideal for university students and staff. Lend is the trendy, affordable neighborhood popular with creatives. St. Peter suits families. Jakomini offers central living at budget-friendly prices.

How much does it cost to live in Graz?

Monthly living costs range from EUR 1,050 to EUR 1,400 for a single person. Rent is the largest expense at EUR 600 to 850 for a one-bedroom apartment. Graz is roughly 20 to 30 percent cheaper than Vienna across all categories. See the cost breakdown above for a detailed budget.

What is the job market like in Graz for expats?

Graz has a strong job market in automotive engineering (Magna, AVL), technology, and manufacturing. The city is also a university hub with research positions at TU Graz, University of Graz, and Medical University of Graz. German language skills are generally required for most positions. The tech startup scene is growing but smaller than Vienna.