Compare salaries, taxes, work conditions, and quality of life between Netherlands and Austria
Thinking about relocating to Netherlands or Austria? This comprehensive Netherlands 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
+7.7%
Netherlands pays more
Netherlands
€ 56.000
avg. salary
Austria
€ 52.000
avg. salary
Netherlands vs Austria Salary Comparison
Average salary, median salary, minimum wage and top earners
Average Salary
€ 56.000€ 52.000Median Salary
€ 42.000€ 44.000Minimum Wage
€ 25.272€ 0Top 10%
€ 85.000€ 85.000Work-Life Balance: Netherlands vs Austria
Annual leave, working hours, maternity & paternity leave comparison
Visual Comparison
Work Week
36-40 hours
38.5-40 hours
Annual Leave
20-25 days (minimum 4x weekly hours)
25 days minimum (30 days after 25 years)
Public Holidays
8 days
13 days
Sick Leave
2 years at 70-100% salary
6-12 weeks at 100% (varies by tenure)
Maternity Leave
16 weeks at 100% salary
16 weeks at 100% salary
Paternity Leave
6 weeks at 70% salary
1 month (Papamonat)
Netherlands vs Austria for Expats: Pros & Cons
Advantages and challenges for international workers in each country
Netherlands
Why Work in Netherlands
High English Proficiency
Over 90% of Dutch people speak English fluently, making it easy to work and live without knowing Dutch.
30% Ruling Tax Benefit
Skilled migrants may qualify for 5 years of 30% tax-free income, significantly boosting take-home pay.
Excellent Work-Life Balance
The Netherlands consistently ranks among the best countries for work-life balance with flexible working arrangements.
Strong Social Security
Comprehensive healthcare, unemployment benefits, and pension systems provide excellent safety nets.
Central European Location
Easy access to other European countries for both business and leisure travel.
Challenges of Living in Netherlands
High Cost of Living
Housing costs, especially in Amsterdam and other major cities, are among the highest in Europe.
Housing Shortage
Finding accommodation can be challenging and competitive, particularly in urban areas.
High Income Tax Rates
Without the 30% ruling, top marginal tax rates can reach 49.5% on higher incomes.
Weather
The climate is often grey and rainy, which can be challenging for those from sunnier regions.
Complex Bureaucracy
Setting up banking, housing, and official registrations can be time-consuming for newcomers.
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 Netherlands vs Austria
Income tax, social security, and tax benefits comparison
Netherlands
- Progressive tax system with rates from 36.97% to 49.5%
- 30% ruling available for skilled migrants
- Generous tax credits (arbeidskorting, algemene heffingskorting)
- Social security contributions included in tax rates
- Pension contributions are tax-deductible
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 Netherlands and Austria
Top destinations for tech jobs, expats and international professionals
Netherlands
Austria
How to Find Jobs in Netherlands vs Austria
Job portals, recruitment agencies, and networking platforms
Netherlands
Most popular platforms for professional roles. Many Dutch companies post English-language positions.
Specialized job board for internationals in the Netherlands with English-speaking positions.
Dutch Recruitment Agencies
Agencies like Randstad, Hays, and Michael Page specialize in placing international candidates.
Company Career Pages
Large Dutch companies (Philips, ASML, ING, Shell) actively recruit internationals 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: Netherlands vs Austria
Visa types, requirements, and duration for non-EU workers
Netherlands Work Visas
Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (Kennismigrant)
For skilled workers with a job offer from a recognized sponsor. Most common for tech and professional roles.
EU Blue Card
EU-wide work permit for highly qualified non-EU workers with higher salary requirements.
Orientation Year Visa (Zoekjaar)
For recent graduates from Dutch or top-200 universities to find work in the Netherlands.
Intra-Company Transfer
For employees transferred within a multinational company to a Dutch branch.
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: Netherlands vs Austria
Common questions about working in these countries
What is the average salary in Netherlands vs Austria?
The average salary in Netherlands is € 56.000 per year, while in Austria it is € 52.000 per year. This represents a 7.7% difference.
Which country has better work-life balance: Netherlands or Austria?
Netherlands offers 20-25 days (minimum 4x weekly hours) annual leave and 8 public holidays with a 36-40 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 Netherlands and Austria?
In Netherlands, maternity leave is 16 weeks at 100% salary and paternity leave is 6 weeks at 70% salary. In Austria, maternity leave is 16 weeks at 100% salary and paternity leave is 1 month (Papamonat).
Is it better to work in Netherlands or Austria as an expat?
Both are excellent choices for expats. Netherlands offers: High English Proficiency, 30% Ruling Tax Benefit. 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 Netherlands and Austria?
Netherlands: Progressive tax system with rates from 36.97% to 49.5%. 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 Netherlands or Austria
Use our free salary calculators to see exactly how much you'll earn after taxes in each country.
