Moving to Graz: Your First 30 Days Checklist
Jules de Bruin
Expat in Vienna
Updated: April 23 2026
Graz is Austria's second-largest city with 290,000 residents, four universities, and a UNESCO World Heritage old town. Rent is 20 to 30 percent cheaper than Vienna. Your first 30 days require: securing housing, Meldezettel registration at the Magistrat, opening a bank account, getting a SIM card, and applying for your Anmeldebescheinigung at the Bezirkshauptmannschaft.
What Are the Essential Steps in Your First 30 Days in Graz?
Whether you are an EU citizen or a third-country national, these six steps will get you legally settled in Graz. Complete them in order during your first month.
- 1
Secure housing before you arrive
You need a signed rental contract to register your address. Search on willhaben.at, ImmobilienScout24, or local Facebook groups for Graz housing. Budget EUR 600 to 850 for a one-bedroom apartment depending on the district.
- 2
Register your address (Meldezettel) at Magistrat Graz
You must register within 3 days of moving in. Go to the Magistrat Graz, Servicestelle für Meldewesen at Schmiedgasse 26. Bring your passport, rental contract, and the Meldezettel form signed by your landlord. Registration is free and takes about 15 minutes.
- 3
Open an Austrian bank account
You need a local bank account for rent payments, salary, and direct debits. Popular options in Graz include Erste Bank, Raiffeisen Steiermark, and online banks like George (Erste Bank). Bring your passport and Meldezettel.
- 4
Get an Austrian SIM card
Pick up a prepaid SIM from A1, Magenta, or Drei at any electronics store or phone shop. Plans start at EUR 5 to 15 per month. You will need your passport for registration. A local number is essential for bank verification, appointments, and two-factor authentication.
- 5
Apply for your Anmeldebescheinigung or residence permit
EU/EEA citizens must apply for an Anmeldebescheinigung at the Bezirkshauptmannschaft Graz-Umgebung (BH Graz-Umgebung) if you plan to stay longer than 3 months. Third-country nationals should apply for their residence permit at the same office. Bring your passport, Meldezettel, proof of income or employment, and health insurance confirmation. The fee is approximately EUR 15.
- 6
Register for health insurance
If you are employed, your employer registers you with the Österreichische Gesundheitskasse (ÖGK). Self-employed individuals must register themselves. Students can use the student insurance through ÖGK. You will receive your e-card (health insurance card) by mail within two weeks.
Book your Magistrat appointment online
Which Graz Districts Are Best for Expats?
Graz has 17 districts, but five stand out for expats depending on your budget, lifestyle, and commute preferences. Rents listed are for a one-bedroom apartment as of April 2026.
| District | Avg. Rent (1BR) | Transit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Innere Stadt | EUR 850 | Tram | Young professionals |
| Geidorf | EUR 750 | Bus | Students |
| Lend | EUR 650 | Tram | Creatives |
| St. Peter | EUR 700 | Bus | Families |
| Jakomini | EUR 650 | Tram, Bus | Budget-conscious |
Rents as of April 2026. Prices vary by apartment size, condition, and exact location within each district.
What Does It Cost to Live in Graz?
Graz is one of the most affordable major cities in Austria. Here is a monthly budget breakdown for a single person as of April 2026. For a full Austria-wide comparison, see our cost of living guide.
| Category | Monthly Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR apartment) | 600 to 850 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, water) | 130 to 180 |
| Groceries | 220 to 300 |
| Public transport (monthly pass) | 50 to 60 |
| SIM card / mobile plan | 5 to 15 |
| Total | 1,050 to 1,400 |
All figures as of April 2026. If you hold a Klimaticket (Österreich), your local transport is included in the EUR 3/day nationwide pass.
What Makes Graz Different From Vienna for Expats?
Graz and Vienna offer very different expat experiences. Here is how they compare across the factors that matter most when choosing where to settle.
| Factor | Graz | Vienna |
|---|---|---|
| City size | 290,000 residents | 2 million residents |
| Cost of living | 20 to 30% cheaper | Higher across the board |
| German requirement | Essential for daily life | Helpful but not critical |
| English friendliness | Limited outside universities | Widely spoken |
| Community feel | Close-knit, student-oriented | Large, diverse, anonymous |
| Job market | Automotive, tech, engineering | Broad, international companies |
| Climate | Warmer summers, milder winters | Continental, colder winters |
Graz is ideal if you want deeper integration
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Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to do in my first 30 days after moving to Graz?
Secure housing, register your address (Meldezettel) at Magistrat Graz within 3 days, open an Austrian bank account, get a local SIM card, and apply for your Anmeldebescheinigung or residence permit at BH Graz-Umgebung. You should also register for health insurance and explore your neighborhood.
Do I need to speak German to live in Graz?
German is more important in Graz than in Vienna. While the four universities bring some international atmosphere, daily life, government offices, and most workplaces operate in German. Having at least A2 level German will make your first months significantly easier. B1 is recommended for long-term comfort.
What is the best district in Graz for expats?
It depends on your priorities. Innere Stadt is the historic center with the best walkability. Geidorf is ideal for university students and staff. Lend is the trendy, affordable neighborhood popular with creatives. St. Peter suits families. Jakomini offers central living at budget-friendly prices.
How much does it cost to live in Graz?
Monthly living costs range from EUR 1,050 to EUR 1,400 for a single person. Rent is the largest expense at EUR 600 to 850 for a one-bedroom apartment. Graz is roughly 20 to 30 percent cheaper than Vienna across all categories. See the cost breakdown above for a detailed budget.
What is the job market like in Graz for expats?
Graz has a strong job market in automotive engineering (Magna, AVL), technology, and manufacturing. The city is also a university hub with research positions at TU Graz, University of Graz, and Medical University of Graz. German language skills are generally required for most positions. The tech startup scene is growing but smaller than Vienna.