City comparison · Rent & affordability
Berlin vs Vienna: rent and cost of living
Median rent in Berlin (€1,250) is 4% higher than in Vienna (€1,200). But raw rent isn't the whole picture — what you earn locally determines how much pressure that rent actually puts on your budget.
Berlin
Confidence: high
Vienna
Confidence: medium
What renters actually spend (% of income)
Berlin
Vienna
These are what renters actually pay — not recommended targets.
Salary needed for median rent (30% rule)
Berlin requires €2,000 more per year to comfortably cover median rent.
Affordability verdict
Vienna is slightly easier on the wallet. The median renter spends 24% of income on rent there, versus 27% in Berlin — a 3-point gap that compounds over time. Median rent is €1,200 in Vienna versus €1,250 in Berlin. Despite similar rent levels in absolute terms, income differences explain the gap — local wages stretch further in Vienna.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vienna cheaper than Berlin to rent in?
Yes — Vienna is more affordable relative to local incomes. The median renter in Vienna spends 24% of gross income on rent, versus 27% in Berlin.
What salary do you need to rent in Berlin vs Vienna?
To comfortably afford median rent at the 30% rule, you need €50,000/year in Berlin and €48,000/year in Vienna.
What is the average rent in Berlin compared to Vienna?
Median 1-bedroom rent is €1,250/month in Berlin and €1,200/month in Vienna. Budget options (bottom 10%) start at €800 and €750 respectively.
Explore Berlin in detail
Explore Vienna in detail
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