Thinking about relocating to Austria or Norway? This comprehensive Austria vs Norway 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
-92.1%
Norway pays more
Austria
€52,000
avg. salary
Norway
NOK 660,000
avg. salary
Austria vs Norway Salary Comparison
Average salary, median salary, minimum wage and top earners
Average Salary
€52,000NOK 660,000Median Salary
€44,000NOK 600,000Minimum Wage
€0NOK 0Top 10%
€85,000NOK 900,000Work-Life Balance: Austria vs Norway
Annual leave, working hours, maternity & paternity leave comparison
Visual Comparison
Work Week
38.5-40 hours
37.5 hours
Annual Leave
25 days minimum (30 days after 25 years)
25 working days (5 weeks)
Public Holidays
13 days
10 days
Sick Leave
6-12 weeks at 100% (varies by tenure)
Up to 1 year at 100% salary (employer pays first 16 days, then NAV)
Maternity Leave
16 weeks at 100% salary
49 weeks at 100% or 59 weeks at 80% salary
Paternity Leave
1 month (Papamonat)
15 weeks reserved for father (foreldrekvote)
Austria vs Norway 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.
Norway
Why Work in Norway
Very High Salaries
Among the highest salaries in Europe, especially in oil & gas, tech, and maritime sectors.
Excellent Work-Life Balance
37.5-hour work week, 5 weeks holiday, and generous parental leave up to 59 weeks.
World-Class Welfare State
Free healthcare, free education, generous sick leave (1 year at 100%), and strong pension system.
Safe and Stable
One of the safest countries in the world with high political stability and low corruption.
Stunning Nature
Fjords, mountains, northern lights. Strong outdoor culture with "allemannsretten" (right to roam).
Challenges of Living in Norway
High Cost of Living
One of the most expensive countries. Food, dining, and alcohol costs are among the highest in Europe.
High Tax Rates
Combined marginal rates can reach 47%+ for high earners. Trinnskatt adds 1.7-17.8% on top of 22% base.
Cold and Dark Winters
Northern Norway has polar nights. Even Oslo has very short days in winter (6 hours of daylight).
Language Barrier
While English is widely spoken, Norwegian is expected in many workplaces and for integration.
Remote Location
Further from continental Europe. Travel can be expensive and time-consuming.
Tax Rates Austria vs Norway
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
Norway
- General income tax at flat 22% on net income (after deductions)
- Trinnskatt (bracket tax) from 1.7% to 17.8% on personal income
- Trygdeavgift (social security) at 7.6% on wages (2026 rate)
- Generous minstefradrag: 46% of wages deducted (max NOK 92,000)
- Personfradrag (personal allowance) of NOK 108,550
Best Cities to Work in Austria and Norway
Top destinations for tech jobs, expats and international professionals
Austria
Norway
How to Find Jobs in Austria vs Norway
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.
Norway
LinkedIn for international roles; Finn.no is Norway's dominant job portal for all sectors.
Recruitment Agencies
Agencies like Adecco Norway, Manpower, and Hays specialize in professional placements.
Company Career Pages
Major employers like Equinor, DNB, Telenor, and Kongsberg recruit directly.
Work Visa Options: Austria vs Norway
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.
Norway Work Visas
EU/EEA Free Movement
EU/EEA citizens can live and work freely in Norway with registration.
Skilled Worker Permit
For non-EU workers with a concrete job offer in Norway.
Job Seeker Visa
For skilled workers to come to Norway to look for work.
Intra-Company Transfer
For employees transferred within a multinational company to Norway.
Frequently Asked Questions: Austria vs Norway
Common questions about working in these countries
What is the average salary in Austria vs Norway?
The average salary in Austria is €52,000 per year, while in Norway it is NOK 660,000 per year. This represents a 92.1% difference.
Which country has better work-life balance: Austria or Norway?
Austria offers 25 days minimum (30 days after 25 years) annual leave and 13 public holidays with a 38.5-40 hours work week. Norway offers 25 working days (5 weeks) annual leave and 10 public holidays with a 37.5 hours work week.
How does parental leave compare between Austria and Norway?
In Austria, maternity leave is 16 weeks at 100% salary and paternity leave is 1 month (Papamonat). In Norway, maternity leave is 49 weeks at 100% or 59 weeks at 80% salary and paternity leave is 15 weeks reserved for father (foreldrekvote).
Is it better to work in Austria or Norway as an expat?
Both are excellent choices for expats. Austria offers: Exceptional Quality of Life, 13th and 14th Month Salary. Norway offers: Very High Salaries, Excellent Work-Life Balance. Consider your priorities like salary, language requirements, and lifestyle preferences.
What are the main tax differences between Austria and Norway?
Austria: Progressive tax rates from 0% to 55%. Norway: General income tax at flat 22% on net income (after deductions). Both countries have different tax benefits and deductions that can significantly impact your take-home pay.
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay in Austria or Norway
Use our free salary calculators to see exactly how much you'll earn after taxes in each country.
