Thinking about relocating to Austria or Greece? This comprehensive Austria vs Greece 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
+136.4%
Austria pays more
Austria
€52,000
avg. salary
Greece
€22,000
avg. salary
Austria vs Greece Salary Comparison
Average salary, median salary, minimum wage and top earners
Average Salary
€52,000€22,000Median Salary
€44,000€18,000Minimum Wage
€0€12,320Top 10%
€85,000€40,000Work-Life Balance: Austria vs Greece
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)
20 working days minimum (25 after 10 years)
Public Holidays
13 days
14 days
Sick Leave
6-12 weeks at 100% (varies by tenure)
Up to 6 months at 50% via social security (EFKA)
Maternity Leave
16 weeks at 100% salary
17 weeks at full pay
Paternity Leave
1 month (Papamonat)
14 days paid
Austria vs Greece 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.
Greece
Why Work in Greece
Low Cost of Living
One of the most affordable countries in the eurozone, especially outside Athens
Mediterranean Lifestyle
Excellent climate, food, culture, and a relaxed quality of life year-round
Tax Incentives
Special regimes for foreign workers: 50% tax exemption for new residents, digital nomad programs
Growing Tech Scene
Athens is becoming a notable startup hub with increasing venture capital investment
EU Membership
Full eurozone member with freedom of movement for EU citizens
Challenges of Living in Greece
Lower Salaries
Wages are below the EU average, though cost of living partially compensates
High Social Security
Combined employee + employer contributions exceed 36% of gross salary
Bureaucracy
Administrative processes can be slow and complex, especially for non-Greek speakers
Limited Industries
Job market is concentrated in tourism, shipping, and services; fewer opportunities in manufacturing
Tax Rates Austria vs Greece
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
Greece
- Progressive income tax with 6 brackets from 9% to 44% (Law 5246/2025)
- Social Security (EFKA): 13.87% employee + 22.04% employer
- 14 monthly payments (12 regular + Christmas, Easter & vacation bonuses)
- Tax credit of €777 (phased out above €12,000 income)
- Solidarity surcharge abolished since 2023
- Minimum wage: €880/month (2026)
Best Cities to Work in Austria and Greece
Top destinations for tech jobs, expats and international professionals
Austria
Greece
How to Find Jobs in Austria vs Greece
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.
Greece
Work Visa Options: Austria vs Greece
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.
Greece Work Visas
Digital Nomad Visa
For remote workers employed by foreign companies or freelancing for foreign clients
EU Blue Card
For highly qualified workers from outside the EU
National Work Visa (Type D)
Standard work visa for non-EU nationals with a job offer
Frequently Asked Questions: Austria vs Greece
Common questions about working in these countries
What is the average salary in Austria vs Greece?
The average salary in Austria is €52,000 per year, while in Greece it is €22,000 per year. This represents a 136.4% difference.
Which country has better work-life balance: Austria or Greece?
Austria offers 25 days minimum (30 days after 25 years) annual leave and 13 public holidays with a 38.5-40 hours work week. Greece offers 20 working days minimum (25 after 10 years) annual leave and 14 public holidays with a 40 hours work week.
How does parental leave compare between Austria and Greece?
In Austria, maternity leave is 16 weeks at 100% salary and paternity leave is 1 month (Papamonat). In Greece, maternity leave is 17 weeks at full pay and paternity leave is 14 days paid.
Is it better to work in Austria or Greece as an expat?
Both are excellent choices for expats. Austria offers: Exceptional Quality of Life, 13th and 14th Month Salary. Greece offers: Low Cost of Living, Mediterranean Lifestyle. Consider your priorities like salary, language requirements, and lifestyle preferences.
What are the main tax differences between Austria and Greece?
Austria: Progressive tax rates from 0% to 55%. Greece: Progressive income tax with 6 brackets from 9% to 44% (Law 5246/2025). Both countries have different tax benefits and deductions that can significantly impact your take-home pay.
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay in Austria or Greece
Use our free salary calculators to see exactly how much you'll earn after taxes in each country.
