Thinking about relocating to Greece or Austria? This comprehensive Greece 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
-57.7%
Austria pays more
Greece
€22,000
avg. salary
Austria
€52,000
avg. salary
Greece vs Austria Salary Comparison
Average salary, median salary, minimum wage and top earners
Average Salary
€22,000€52,000Median Salary
€18,000€44,000Minimum Wage
€12,320€0Top 10%
€40,000€85,000Work-Life Balance: Greece vs Austria
Annual leave, working hours, maternity & paternity leave comparison
Visual Comparison
Work Week
40 hours
38.5-40 hours
Annual Leave
20 working days minimum (25 after 10 years)
25 days minimum (30 days after 25 years)
Public Holidays
14 days
13 days
Sick Leave
Up to 6 months at 50% via social security (EFKA)
6-12 weeks at 100% (varies by tenure)
Maternity Leave
17 weeks at full pay
16 weeks at 100% salary
Paternity Leave
14 days paid
1 month (Papamonat)
Greece vs Austria for Expats: Pros & Cons
Advantages and challenges for international workers in each country
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
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 Greece vs Austria
Income tax, social security, and tax benefits comparison
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)
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 Greece and Austria
Top destinations for tech jobs, expats and international professionals
Greece
Austria
How to Find Jobs in Greece vs Austria
Job portals, recruitment agencies, and networking platforms
Greece
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: Greece vs Austria
Visa types, requirements, and duration for non-EU workers
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
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: Greece vs Austria
Common questions about working in these countries
What is the average salary in Greece vs Austria?
The average salary in Greece is €22,000 per year, while in Austria it is €52,000 per year. This represents a 57.7% difference.
Which country has better work-life balance: Greece or Austria?
Greece offers 20 working days minimum (25 after 10 years) annual leave and 14 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 Greece and Austria?
In Greece, maternity leave is 17 weeks at full pay and paternity leave is 14 days paid. In Austria, maternity leave is 16 weeks at 100% salary and paternity leave is 1 month (Papamonat).
Is it better to work in Greece or Austria as an expat?
Both are excellent choices for expats. Greece offers: Low Cost of Living, Mediterranean Lifestyle. 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 Greece and Austria?
Greece: Progressive income tax with 6 brackets from 9% to 44% (Law 5246/2025). 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 Greece or Austria
Use our free salary calculators to see exactly how much you'll earn after taxes in each country.
