Thinking about relocating to Italy or Austria? This comprehensive Italy 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
-36.5%
Austria pays more
Italy
33.000 €
avg. salary
Austria
€ 52.000
avg. salary
Italy vs Austria Salary Comparison
Average salary, median salary, minimum wage and top earners
Average Salary
33.000 €€ 52.000Median Salary
28.000 €€ 44.000Minimum Wage
0 €€ 0Top 10%
65.000 €€ 85.000Work-Life Balance: Italy vs Austria
Annual leave, working hours, maternity & paternity leave comparison
Visual Comparison
Work Week
40 hours
38.5-40 hours
Annual Leave
20-26 days (varies by contract)
25 days minimum (30 days after 25 years)
Public Holidays
12 days
13 days
Sick Leave
Up to 180 days at 50-100% salary
6-12 weeks at 100% (varies by tenure)
Maternity Leave
5 months at 80% salary
16 weeks at 100% salary
Paternity Leave
10 days at 100% salary
1 month (Papamonat)
Italy vs Austria for Expats: Pros & Cons
Advantages and challenges for international workers in each country
Italy
Why Work in Italy
Quality of Life
Excellent food, culture, climate, and work-life balance with emphasis on enjoying life.
Lower Cost of Living
Outside Milan, living costs are significantly lower than Northern Europe.
Strong Worker Protections
Robust labor laws, generous leave, and mandatory severance fund (TFR).
Cultural Experience
World-class art, history, cuisine, and lifestyle opportunities.
Healthcare
Universal healthcare system ranked among the best in the world.
Challenges of Living in Italy
Lower Salaries
Wages are generally lower than Northern Europe, especially in tech.
Bureaucracy
Complex administrative processes and paperwork can be frustrating.
Language Barrier
English proficiency in workplaces varies; Italian is often necessary.
Economic Uncertainty
Higher unemployment rates, especially for youth, and slower economic growth.
Regional Disparities
Significant economic gap between North and South Italy.
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 Italy vs Austria
Income tax, social security, and tax benefits comparison
Italy
- Progressive IRPEF tax with 3 brackets: 23%, 33%, 43%
- Regional tax (1.23%-3.33%) and municipal tax (0%-0.9%) on top of national tax
- Social security contribution around 9.19% for employees
- Mandatory 13th month salary (Tredicesima)
- TFR severance fund accrual of ~6.91% per year
- Flat tax regime available for new residents (Impatriati regime)
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 Italy and Austria
Top destinations for tech jobs, expats and international professionals
Italy
Austria
How to Find Jobs in Italy vs Austria
Job portals, recruitment agencies, and networking platforms
Italy
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: Italy vs Austria
Visa types, requirements, and duration for non-EU workers
Italy Work Visas
EU Blue Card
For highly qualified non-EU workers with a university degree or equivalent experience.
Work Visa (Nulla Osta)
Standard work permit for non-EU nationals with a job offer.
Self-Employment Visa
For freelancers, entrepreneurs, and self-employed professionals.
Digital Nomad Visa
New visa for remote workers employed by foreign companies (from 2024).
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: Italy vs Austria
Common questions about working in these countries
What is the average salary in Italy vs Austria?
The average salary in Italy is 33.000 € per year, while in Austria it is € 52.000 per year. This represents a 36.5% difference.
Which country has better work-life balance: Italy or Austria?
Italy offers 20-26 days (varies by contract) annual leave and 12 public holidays with a 40 hours 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 Italy and Austria?
In Italy, maternity leave is 5 months at 80% salary and paternity leave is 10 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 Italy or Austria as an expat?
Both are excellent choices for expats. Italy offers: Quality of Life, Lower Cost of Living. 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 Italy and Austria?
Italy: Progressive IRPEF tax with 3 brackets: 23%, 33%, 43%. 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 Italy or Austria
Use our free salary calculators to see exactly how much you'll earn after taxes in each country.
