Life in Vienna

Vienna is amazing: once you come to the Austrian capital, you will never want to go back! Situated in the heart of Europe, and with a population of approx. 2 million people, Vienna so much more than only art and history. 

View from the Alte Donau (Old Danube).

The best city in the World

Vienna has been named the best city in the world for quality of living, according to several surveys, including the annual Mercer Quality of Living survey, which has crowned it first for the 11th year in a row.

Vienna scores almost perfectly in a number of categories:

  • Very well-functioning public transport and infrastructure: Public transport in the city is cheap, clean, safe, and reliable. The subway runs 24-hour at weekends.
  • Clean and green: In Vienna you can enjoy mountain spring water for free, straight from the tap. Parks and green areas make up 50% of the city.
  • Excellent education system and impressive healthcare system.
  • Flourishing economy: Vienna is the economic center of Austria, the 14th-richest country in the world. Austria has one of the highest GDP per capita, indicating a high standard of living for citizens.
  • Incredibly secure: Vienna has some of the lowest crime rates in Europe, making it very safe to walk home late at night.
  • Amazing cultural scene:  Vienna has a strong heritage in producing exceptional classical music, fine arts, and theater. It has incredible museums and amazing music venues.
Tram and bicycles at the Ring, in the city center.

An affordable city

One of the best things about Vienna is that it is not an expensive city to live in.

  • Housing: Viennese apartments generally offer high standards at affordable rents. Prices still remain relatively low in comparison to other major cities in the world. 
  • Public transport: With an annual ticket, you can travel through Vienna by subway, bus, and tram for just €1 a day
  • Culture: Standing tickets for the State Opera start at €3. Similar prices for standing tickets at most theatres and concert halls.
Summer sunset at the Donaukanal, in the city center.

An international city

If you are from abroad, you will never feel lonely in Vienna.

Vienna is one of Europe’s most international cities. Half of the population of Vienna has an international background and it is very easy to get around with English.

Vienna is home to a large number of international organizations, including the United Nations.There are 14 international schools, and you will find restaurants with cuisines from all over the world.

The connection from the city to the airport is excellent (19 minutes train ride from the Vienna BioCenter). From the airport you can reach all major European cities within 3 hours. There are also direct flights to many other international destinations.

Vienna BioCenter group at the Science Ball 2019

A hotspot for life sciences

Vienna is one of the leading European centers for research and innovation: More than 500 biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical device companies produce or develop products and processes in these fields in Vienna or are active as suppliers, service or sales companies. These enterprises employed 24,250 people and generated 13.3 billion euros in sales in 2020. Thereof, more than 200 companies carry out research or develop and produce innovative products
Source: Vienna Life Science Report 2021/22 (Data: 2020) by LISAvienna

Biotech Hub

Vienna is a top business location for start-ups according to several world rankings.

Vienna offers extensive support for national and international companies in the form of monetary incentives, real estate, and individual advice free of charge.

One example is the platform Health Hub Vienna, co-participated by the Vienna BioCenter.

LISAvienna

The Vienna BioCenter is part of Vienna’s life sciences network LISAvienna.

Further Information - External Links

Living & working in Vienna


Life Science in Vienna

Read about life at the Vienna BioCenter campus