Thinking about relocating to France or Austria? This comprehensive France vs Austria 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
-17.7%
Austria pays more
France
42 800 €
avg. salary
Austria
€ 52.000
avg. salary
France vs Austria Salary Comparison
Average salary, median salary, minimum wage and top earners
Average Salary
42 800 €€ 52.000Median Salary
36 000 €€ 44.000Minimum Wage
21 876 €€ 0Top 10%
70 000 €€ 85.000Work-Life Balance: France vs Austria
Annual leave, working hours, maternity & paternity leave comparison
Visual Comparison
Work Week
35 hours (legal limit)
38.5-40 hours
Annual Leave
25 days minimum (5 weeks)
25 days minimum (30 days after 25 years)
Public Holidays
11 days
13 days
Sick Leave
Unlimited (50% from Social Security + employer top-up)
6-12 weeks at 100% (varies by tenure)
Maternity Leave
16 weeks at 100% salary
16 weeks at 100% salary
Paternity Leave
28 days at 100% salary
1 month (Papamonat)
France vs Austria for Expats: Pros & Cons
Advantages and challenges for international workers in each country
France
Why Work in France
35-Hour Work Week
France has one of the shortest legal work weeks in Europe, promoting excellent work-life balance.
Strong Labor Protections
Extensive worker rights, including protection against unfair dismissal and strong union representation.
Excellent Healthcare
One of the world's best healthcare systems, with most costs covered by social security.
Generous Parental Leave
Comprehensive maternity, paternity, and parental leave policies supporting families.
Quality of Life
Rich culture, excellent food, and a lifestyle that prioritizes enjoyment and personal time.
Challenges of Living in France
High Tax Burden
Combined income tax and social contributions can reach 45% or more of gross salary.
Language Requirement
French is essential for most workplaces; English-only positions are limited mainly to Paris.
Complex Bureaucracy
French administration is notoriously complex and often requires patience and paperwork.
Lower Salaries Than Neighbors
Compared to Germany or Netherlands, French salaries can be lower in similar roles.
Rigid Labor Market
Strong protections can make it harder to find positions as employers are cautious about hiring.
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.
Tax Rates France vs Austria
Income tax, social security, and tax benefits comparison
France
- Progressive tax system from 0% to 45%
- Family quotient system reduces tax for families
- CSG (9.2%) and CRDS (0.5%) on 98.25% of salary
- PASS (Social Security ceiling) €48,060/year in 2026
- Wealth tax on real estate over €1.3 million (IFI)
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
Best Cities to Work in France and Austria
Top destinations for tech jobs, expats and international professionals
France
Austria
How to Find Jobs in France vs Austria
Job portals, recruitment agencies, and networking platforms
France
Primary platforms for professional roles. Indeed France has extensive French and international listings.
Popular French platform focused on startups and tech companies with company culture insights.
French Tech Visa Companies
Startups with French Tech Visa label can fast-track hiring of international talent.
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.
Work Visa Options: France vs Austria
Visa types, requirements, and duration for non-EU workers
France Work Visas
Talent Passport (Passeport Talent)
Multi-year visa for highly skilled workers, researchers, artists, and entrepreneurs.
French Tech Visa
Fast-track visa for employees of French Tech-labeled startups.
EU Blue Card France
For highly qualified workers meeting EU-wide standards.
Temporary Worker Visa (Salarié)
For workers with job offers not meeting Talent Passport requirements.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions: France vs Austria
Common questions about working in these countries
What is the average salary in France vs Austria?
The average salary in France is 42 800 € per year, while in Austria it is € 52.000 per year. This represents a 17.7% difference.
Which country has better work-life balance: France or Austria?
France offers 25 days minimum (5 weeks) annual leave and 11 public holidays with a 35 hours (legal limit) work week. Austria offers 25 days minimum (30 days after 25 years) annual leave and 13 public holidays with a 38.5-40 hours work week.
How does parental leave compare between France and Austria?
In France, maternity leave is 16 weeks at 100% salary and paternity leave is 28 days at 100% salary. In Austria, maternity leave is 16 weeks at 100% salary and paternity leave is 1 month (Papamonat).
Is it better to work in France or Austria as an expat?
Both are excellent choices for expats. France offers: 35-Hour Work Week, Strong Labor Protections. Austria offers: Exceptional Quality of Life, 13th and 14th Month Salary. Consider your priorities like salary, language requirements, and lifestyle preferences.
What are the main tax differences between France and Austria?
France: Progressive tax system from 0% to 45%. Austria: Progressive tax rates from 0% to 55%. Both countries have different tax benefits and deductions that can significantly impact your take-home pay.
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay in France or Austria
Use our free salary calculators to see exactly how much you'll earn after taxes in each country.
