Thinking about relocating to Austria or Italy? This comprehensive Austria vs Italy 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
+57.6%
Austria pays more
Austria
€ 52.000
avg. salary
Italy
33.000 €
avg. salary
Austria vs Italy Salary Comparison
Average salary, median salary, minimum wage and top earners
Average Salary
€ 52.00033.000 €Median Salary
€ 44.00028.000 €Minimum Wage
€ 00 €Top 10%
€ 85.00065.000 €Work-Life Balance: Austria vs Italy
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)
20-26 days (varies by contract)
Public Holidays
13 days
12 days
Sick Leave
6-12 weeks at 100% (varies by tenure)
Up to 180 days at 50-100% salary
Maternity Leave
16 weeks at 100% salary
5 months at 80% salary
Paternity Leave
1 month (Papamonat)
10 days at 100% salary
Austria vs Italy 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.
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.
Tax Rates Austria vs Italy
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
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)
Best Cities to Work in Austria and Italy
Top destinations for tech jobs, expats and international professionals
Austria
Italy
How to Find Jobs in Austria vs Italy
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.
Italy
Work Visa Options: Austria vs Italy
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.
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).
Frequently Asked Questions: Austria vs Italy
Common questions about working in these countries
What is the average salary in Austria vs Italy?
The average salary in Austria is € 52.000 per year, while in Italy it is 33.000 € per year. This represents a 57.6% difference.
Which country has better work-life balance: Austria or Italy?
Austria offers 25 days minimum (30 days after 25 years) annual leave and 13 public holidays with a 38.5-40 hours work week. Italy offers 20-26 days (varies by contract) annual leave and 12 public holidays with a 40 hours work week.
How does parental leave compare between Austria and Italy?
In Austria, maternity leave is 16 weeks at 100% salary and paternity leave is 1 month (Papamonat). In Italy, maternity leave is 5 months at 80% salary and paternity leave is 10 days at 100% salary.
Is it better to work in Austria or Italy as an expat?
Both are excellent choices for expats. Austria offers: Exceptional Quality of Life, 13th and 14th Month Salary. Italy offers: 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 Italy?
Austria: Progressive tax rates from 0% to 55%. Italy: Progressive IRPEF tax with 3 brackets: 23%, 33%, 43%. Both countries have different tax benefits and deductions that can significantly impact your take-home pay.
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay in Austria or Italy
Use our free salary calculators to see exactly how much you'll earn after taxes in each country.
