EUROCOSTSCOUNTRY COMPARISON · UPDATED 2026-07-15
Austria vs Liechtenstein: taxes, salary and cost of living
Austria and Liechtenstein present two different cost profiles: the first question is whether the salary gap compensates for housing and daily expenses.
Austria vs Liechtenstein at a glance
| Indicator | Austria | Liechtenstein |
|---|---|---|
| Standard VAT | 20% | 8.1% |
| Income tax | 0-55% | 2.5-22.4% |
| Social contributions | 18.12% | ~17% |
| Tax burden | 47.2% | ~20% |
| Average monthly salary | 4,950 € gross/month | €7,900 |
| Studio rent | €760 | €1,350 |
| Monthly food estimate | €330 | €500 |
| Gasoline | 1.63 €/L | 1.86 €/L |
| Electricity | 0.28 €/kWh | 0.24 €/kWh |
How far does the local salary go?
The salary records for Austria and Liechtenstein are not directly numeric in both cases. A responsible comparison therefore avoids inventing a salary gap and treats the displayed labels as source notes to verify.
What recurring living costs reveal
Austria has the lower listed studio rent by €590, a 43.7% difference relative to the higher rent. Austria sits 20 of 37 and Liechtenstein 32 of 37 in the available low-to-high rent ranking. Austria also has the lower food estimate, so the housing result is reinforced by groceries.
A simplified salary-minus-rent-and-food remainder cannot be calculated reliably for both Austria and Liechtenstein because at least one component is non-numeric. The interactive calculator should be used only after verifying those inputs.
Tax profile for employees
Tax-burden values include a range or text note for at least one country. The standard VAT comparison—20% in Austria and 8.1% in Liechtenstein—is more directly comparable, although reduced rates differ by product.
Fuel-price impact
Austria has the lower listed gasoline price by €0.23 per litre. For a driver buying 50 litres a month, that headline difference is about €11.5 monthly, before insurance, parking and road charges.
The answer depends on your profile
For Austria and Liechtenstein, short stays are influenced heavily by rent and restaurant prices; permanent relocation adds payroll, healthcare and administrative costs. These figures work best as a shortlist, not a final decision model.
Final view: Austria or Liechtenstein?
Austria leads Liechtenstein on more of the comparable numeric indicators used in this Austria–Liechtenstein summary. This is a directional result, not a personal financial recommendation.
Sources and data references
- PwC standard VAT rates
- PwC personal income tax rates
- PwC corporate income tax rates
- EuroCosts data scope and generation process
Explore Austria comparisons · Explore Liechtenstein comparisons