Thinking about relocating to Norway or Austria? This comprehensive Norway 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
+1169.2%
Norway pays more
Norway
NOK 660,000
avg. salary
Austria
€52,000
avg. salary
Norway vs Austria Salary Comparison
Average salary, median salary, minimum wage and top earners
Average Salary
NOK 660,000€52,000Median Salary
NOK 600,000€44,000Minimum Wage
NOK 0€0Top 10%
NOK 900,000€85,000Work-Life Balance: Norway vs Austria
Annual leave, working hours, maternity & paternity leave comparison
Visual Comparison
Work Week
37.5 hours
38.5-40 hours
Annual Leave
25 working days (5 weeks)
25 days minimum (30 days after 25 years)
Public Holidays
10 days
13 days
Sick Leave
Up to 1 year at 100% salary (employer pays first 16 days, then NAV)
6-12 weeks at 100% (varies by tenure)
Maternity Leave
49 weeks at 100% or 59 weeks at 80% salary
16 weeks at 100% salary
Paternity Leave
15 weeks reserved for father (foreldrekvote)
1 month (Papamonat)
Norway vs Austria for Expats: Pros & Cons
Advantages and challenges for international workers in each country
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.
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 Norway vs Austria
Income tax, social security, and tax benefits comparison
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
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 Norway and Austria
Top destinations for tech jobs, expats and international professionals
Norway
Austria
How to Find Jobs in Norway vs Austria
Job portals, recruitment agencies, and networking platforms
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.
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: Norway vs Austria
Visa types, requirements, and duration for non-EU workers
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.
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: Norway vs Austria
Common questions about working in these countries
What is the average salary in Norway vs Austria?
The average salary in Norway is NOK 660,000 per year, while in Austria it is €52,000 per year. This represents a 1169.2% difference.
Which country has better work-life balance: Norway or Austria?
Norway offers 25 working days (5 weeks) annual leave and 10 public holidays with a 37.5 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 Norway and Austria?
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). In Austria, maternity leave is 16 weeks at 100% salary and paternity leave is 1 month (Papamonat).
Is it better to work in Norway or Austria as an expat?
Both are excellent choices for expats. Norway offers: Very High Salaries, Excellent Work-Life Balance. 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 Norway and Austria?
Norway: General income tax at flat 22% on net income (after deductions). 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 Norway or Austria
Use our free salary calculators to see exactly how much you'll earn after taxes in each country.
