Thinking about relocating to Austria or Belgium? This comprehensive Austria vs Belgium comparison covers everything expats and international workers need to know: average salaries, tax rates, work-life balance, annual leave policies, maternity and paternity leave, and cost of living considerations. Whether you're a software developer, engineer, or professional considering a move to Europe, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Average Salary Difference
-3.7%
Belgium pays more
Austria
€ 52.000
avg. salary
Belgium
€ 54.000
avg. salary
Austria vs Belgium Salary Comparison
Average salary, median salary, minimum wage and top earners
Average Salary
€ 52.000€ 54.000Median Salary
€ 44.000€ 45.000Minimum Wage
€ 0€ 24.846Top 10%
€ 85.000€ 85.000Work-Life Balance: Austria vs Belgium
Annual leave, working hours, maternity & paternity leave comparison
Visual Comparison
Work Week
38.5-40 hours
38-40 hours
Annual Leave
25 days minimum (30 days after 25 years)
20 days minimum (+ additional by sector)
Public Holidays
13 days
10 days
Sick Leave
6-12 weeks at 100% (varies by tenure)
30 days at 100% salary (guaranteed period)
Maternity Leave
16 weeks at 100% salary
15 weeks at ~82% salary
Paternity Leave
1 month (Papamonat)
20 days (3 days at 100%, rest at 82%)
Austria vs Belgium for Expats: Pros & Cons
Advantages and challenges for international workers in each country
Austria
Why Work in Austria
Exceptional Quality of Life
Vienna regularly tops global livability rankings. Beautiful nature, rich culture, and excellent public services.
13th and 14th Month Salary
Employees receive 14 salary payments per year, with special payments taxed at only 6%.
Strong Worker Protections
Extensive collective agreements (Kollektivvertrage) ensure good working conditions and benefits.
Central European Location
Easy access to Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Eastern Europe for business and travel.
Excellent Healthcare & Education
High-quality public healthcare and education system, including free university education.
Challenges of Living in Austria
High Tax Rates
Progressive tax rates up to 55% on very high incomes. Effective rates around 35-45% for most earners.
German Language Required
Unlike Netherlands, German is essential for most jobs. English-only positions are limited.
No Statutory Minimum Wage
Wages depend on collective agreements, which can be complex to navigate.
Bureaucracy
Austrian bureaucracy can be slow and requires patience, particularly for foreign nationals.
Conservative Business Culture
More traditional than Netherlands or UK; building relationships takes time.
Belgium
Why Work in Belgium
Heart of Europe
Central location with easy access to Paris, London, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt. Home to EU institutions.
Multilingual Environment
Three official languages (Dutch, French, German) make it easy for internationals to integrate.
Strong Social Security
Comprehensive healthcare, pension, and unemployment benefits. High level of worker protection.
Excellent Quality of Life
World-renowned cuisine, rich cultural heritage, and good work-life balance.
International Business Hub
Many multinational headquarters and EU institutions offer English-speaking career opportunities.
Challenges of Living in Belgium
High Tax Burden
One of the highest income tax rates in Europe, with top marginal rate of 50%.
Complex Tax System
Regional variations (Flanders, Wallonia, Brussels) add complexity to tax calculations.
Language Barriers
Different regions require different languages; some jobs require bilingual or trilingual skills.
Traffic Congestion
Belgium has some of the worst traffic jams in Europe, especially around Brussels and Antwerp.
Weather
Similar to Netherlands - often grey and rainy, which can be challenging for newcomers.
Tax Rates Austria vs Belgium
Income tax, social security, and tax benefits comparison
Austria
- Progressive tax rates from 0% to 55%
- Tax-free amount of EUR 12,816
- 13th/14th month salaries taxed at 6% flat rate
- Social security contribution of 17.99%
- Family Bonus Plus of EUR 2,000/child/year
Belgium
- Progressive tax system with rates from 25% to 50%
- Tax-free allowance of EUR 10,570 (indexed)
- Social security contribution of 13.07%
- Work bonus for low-wage workers
- Regional tax variations (Flanders job bonus)
Best Cities to Work in Austria and Belgium
Top destinations for tech jobs, expats and international professionals
Austria
Belgium
How to Find Jobs in Austria vs Belgium
Job portals, recruitment agencies, and networking platforms
Austria
LinkedIn for international roles, karriere.at is Austria's leading job portal.
University Career Services
TU Wien, WU Vienna, and other universities have strong industry connections.
Belgium
Primary platforms for professional and international roles across all sectors.
Work Visa Options: Austria vs Belgium
Visa types, requirements, and duration for non-EU workers
Austria Work Visas
Red-White-Red Card
Austria's main skilled worker visa with points-based system.
EU Blue Card Austria
For highly qualified workers with university degrees.
Red-White-Red Card Plus
For family members and transition from initial RWR Card.
Job Seeker Visa
For highly qualified individuals to search for work in Austria.
Belgium Work Visas
Single Permit (Combined Permit)
Combined work and residence permit for non-EU workers - most common for employment.
EU Blue Card Belgium
For highly qualified workers with higher salary requirements.
Highly Skilled Worker
For workers in shortage occupations or with high qualifications.
Professional Card (Self-Employed)
For self-employed professionals and entrepreneurs.
Frequently Asked Questions: Austria vs Belgium
Common questions about working in these countries
What is the average salary in Austria vs Belgium?
The average salary in Austria is € 52.000 per year, while in Belgium it is € 54.000 per year. This represents a 3.7% difference.
Which country has better work-life balance: Austria or Belgium?
Austria offers 25 days minimum (30 days after 25 years) annual leave and 13 public holidays with a 38.5-40 hours work week. Belgium offers 20 days minimum (+ additional by sector) annual leave and 10 public holidays with a 38-40 hours work week.
How does parental leave compare between Austria and Belgium?
In Austria, maternity leave is 16 weeks at 100% salary and paternity leave is 1 month (Papamonat). In Belgium, maternity leave is 15 weeks at ~82% salary and paternity leave is 20 days (3 days at 100%, rest at 82%).
Is it better to work in Austria or Belgium as an expat?
Both are excellent choices for expats. Austria offers: Exceptional Quality of Life, 13th and 14th Month Salary. Belgium offers: Heart of Europe, Multilingual Environment. Consider your priorities like salary, language requirements, and lifestyle preferences.
What are the main tax differences between Austria and Belgium?
Austria: Progressive tax rates from 0% to 55%. Belgium: Progressive tax system with rates from 25% to 50%. Both countries have different tax benefits and deductions that can significantly impact your take-home pay.
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay in Austria or Belgium
Use our free salary calculators to see exactly how much you'll earn after taxes in each country.
