Moving to Austria is an exciting step, whether you’re settling in Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, or the scenic Alpine regions. Austria’s utility system is modern, efficient, and highly reliable, but setting up your essential services correctly is key to making your new home comfortable and hassle-free.

This guide walks you through how to set up:

• Electricity and Gas

• Water

• Internet and Mobile Services

We’ll also cover key providers, approximate monthly costs, and practical tips for managing your utilities smoothly.

Electricity and Gas

Electricity and gas in Austria are liberalized markets, meaning you can choose from a variety of providers. If you’re renting, check with your landlord or property manager to see if utilities are already connected or if you need to register a new contract (“Anmeldung”).

Documents you’ll typically need:

• Valid ID or passport

• Austrian address (rental contract or Meldezettel registration form)

• Bank account (IBAN) for direct debit payments

• Meter number (Zählernummer) for electricity and gas

Major providers:

• Wien Energie (Vienna and surrounding areas)

• EVN (Lower Austria)

• Energie Graz (Styria)

• Linz AG (Upper Austria)

• Verbund (nationwide, green energy options)

• Energie Steiermark

Average costs:

• Electricity: around €80–€120/month for a 2–3 person househol

• Gas (for heating and cooking): €50–€100/month, depending on the season.

Tips:

• Look for combined “Strom + Gas” packages for better rates.

• Many Austrians switch providers yearly using comparison platforms like Durchblicker or E-Control Tarifkalkulator.

• Consider renewable energy options—Austria generates a large share of its electricity from hydropower.

Water

Water in Austria is municipally managed, meaning your local city or town administration handles supply and billing. Tap water in Austria is famously clean and safe, it often comes directly from Alpine springs.

How to set it up:

• When you register your residence (“Meldezettel”) and move in, water is often automatically included in the building’s service charges (“Betriebskosten”).

• For detached houses, you may need to contact your local water authority (Wasserwerk) to start a new contract.

Documents required:

• Valid ID or passport

• Property address and move-in date

• Bank account details

Average costs:

• Between €20 and €40 per month for a typical household, often billed quarterly.

Tips:

• Check your lease, water charges may already be part of your rent.

• Water meters are usually read once or twice per year.

Internet and Mobile Services

Austria has one of the fastest and most reliable broadband networks in Europe. You’ll find a wide range of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offering both standalone and bundled packages (Internet + TV + Mobile).

Documents required:

• Passport or ID

• Austrian address (rental contract or proof of residence)

• Bank account (IBAN)

• Social security number (optional for some postpaid mobile plans)

Popular providers:

• Magenta Telekom (formerly T-Mobile)

• A1 Telekom Austria

• Drei (Three)

• Liwest (regional)

• Telematica (business and fiber plans.

Average costs:

• Home Internet: €30–€50/month (fiber or DSL)

• Mobile plans: €15–€30/month for unlimited calls and 10–50 GB of data

Tips:

• Fiber optic (“Glasfaser”) coverage is expanding—check availability before choosing a plan.

• Many providers offer combo deals that include mobile, internet, and TV.

• SIM cards are available prepaid (“Wertkarte”) or contract-based (“Vertrag”).

 General Tips for Managing Utilities in Austria

• Register early: You can often complete most utility registrations online or by phone, but do it within your first week after moving in.

• Keep your Meldezettel handy: It’s required for almost all service applications.

• Monitor usage: Bills are typically issued monthly or quarterly, with an annual reconciliation (“Jahresabrechnung”).

• Pay via SEPA direct debit: The easiest way to stay current on payments.

• Use comparison tools: Websites like durchblicker.at and tarife.at can help you find the best provider deals.

• Ask your landlord: In some cases, utilities (especially water or heating) are already included in your rent.

Wrapping Up

Austria’s utility system is well-organized and designed for transparency, but it’s still important to prepare your documents and set up accounts early. With a little planning, you’ll have electricity, heating, water, and internet running smoothly in no time.

Whether you’re enjoying Vienna’s culture, Salzburg’s charm, or Tyrol’s mountains, reliable utilities will make your Austrian life both comfortable and stress-free.