Thinking about relocating to Austria or Spain? This comprehensive Austria vs Spain 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
+67.7%
Austria pays more
Austria
€ 52.000
avg. salary
Spain
31.000 €
avg. salary
Austria vs Spain Salary Comparison
Average salary, median salary, minimum wage and top earners
Average Salary
€ 52.00031.000 €Median Salary
€ 44.00023.000 €Minimum Wage
€ 017.094 €Top 10%
€ 85.00060.000 €Work-Life Balance: Austria vs Spain
Annual leave, working hours, maternity & paternity leave comparison
Visual Comparison
Work Week
38.5-40 hours
40 hours
Annual Leave
25 days minimum (30 days after 25 years)
22-30 days (22 minimum)
Public Holidays
13 days
14 days
Sick Leave
6-12 weeks at 100% (varies by tenure)
12-18 months (60-75% salary)
Maternity Leave
16 weeks at 100% salary
16 weeks at 100% salary
Paternity Leave
1 month (Papamonat)
16 weeks at 100% salary
Austria vs Spain 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.
Spain
Why Work in Spain
Excellent Quality of Life
Mediterranean climate, rich culture, and a lifestyle that prioritizes enjoyment and social connections.
Lower Cost of Living
Housing, food, and daily expenses are significantly cheaper than Northern Europe.
Growing Tech Scene
Barcelona and Madrid have thriving startup ecosystems with increasing international opportunities.
Equal Parental Leave
Both parents receive 16 weeks of fully paid leave, among the most equal in Europe.
Generous Holidays
Up to 14 public holidays plus 22+ vacation days means ample time for rest and travel.
Challenges of Living in Spain
Lower Salaries
Average salaries are significantly lower than in Germany, Netherlands, or France.
High Unemployment
Spain historically has higher unemployment rates, especially among young professionals.
Language Barrier
Spanish is essential for most roles; English-only positions are mainly in multinational companies.
Late Work Hours
Many offices work until 7-8 PM, which may not suit those preferring early finishes.
Temporary Contracts
Temporary employment contracts are common, providing less job security.
Tax Rates Austria vs Spain
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
Spain
- Progressive tax system from 19% to 47%
- Regional variations in tax rates
- Social security around 6.35% for employees
- Special regime for expats (Beckham Law)
- Two extra salary payments (14 payments/year)
Best Cities to Work in Austria and Spain
Top destinations for tech jobs, expats and international professionals
Austria
Spain
How to Find Jobs in Austria vs Spain
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.
Spain
Work Visa Options: Austria vs Spain
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.
Spain Work Visas
Highly Qualified Professional Visa
For skilled workers with job offers in Spain meeting salary thresholds.
Digital Nomad Visa
New visa for remote workers employed by non-Spanish companies.
Entrepreneur Visa
For entrepreneurs planning to start or move a business to Spain.
EU Blue Card Spain
For highly qualified workers with degree and high-salary job offer.
Frequently Asked Questions: Austria vs Spain
Common questions about working in these countries
What is the average salary in Austria vs Spain?
The average salary in Austria is € 52.000 per year, while in Spain it is 31.000 € per year. This represents a 67.7% difference.
Which country has better work-life balance: Austria or Spain?
Austria offers 25 days minimum (30 days after 25 years) annual leave and 13 public holidays with a 38.5-40 hours work week. Spain offers 22-30 days (22 minimum) annual leave and 14 public holidays with a 40 hours work week.
How does parental leave compare between Austria and Spain?
In Austria, maternity leave is 16 weeks at 100% salary and paternity leave is 1 month (Papamonat). In Spain, maternity leave is 16 weeks at 100% salary and paternity leave is 16 weeks at 100% salary.
Is it better to work in Austria or Spain as an expat?
Both are excellent choices for expats. Austria offers: Exceptional Quality of Life, 13th and 14th Month Salary. Spain offers: Excellent Quality of Life, Lower Cost of Living. Consider your priorities like salary, language requirements, and lifestyle preferences.
What are the main tax differences between Austria and Spain?
Austria: Progressive tax rates from 0% to 55%. Spain: Progressive tax system from 19% to 47%. Both countries have different tax benefits and deductions that can significantly impact your take-home pay.
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay in Austria or Spain
Use our free salary calculators to see exactly how much you'll earn after taxes in each country.
