Austria’s Housing Costs Continue to Climb as Rents Rise Sharply in Early 2026

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Austria’s housing market grew noticeably more expensive in the first quarter of 2026, with rents continuing their upward trend across the country. According to new figures released on Thursday by Statistik Austria, the average rent including operating costs reached 10.5 euros per square meter, marking a 4.8 percent increase compared with the same period last year and 1.1 percent more than in the final quarter of 2025.

The monthly rent for an average apartment rose from 663.8 euros to 695.1 euros year‑on‑year. Net rents climbed from 502 to 523.9 euros, while operating costs edged up slightly from 2.5 to 2.6 euros per square meter.

Rising Costs Driven Mainly by Higher Net Rents

Statistik Austria Director General Manuela Lenk said the quarter‑to‑quarter increase was “primarily due to rising net rents, while operating costs increased only marginally.”

The published figures represent nationwide averages. Actual rental prices vary widely depending on region, housing segment, size of the apartment, and duration of tenancy. The data is extrapolated to cover Austria’s 1.8 million primary rental homes.

Momentum Institute Calls for Stronger Rent Controls

The Momentum Institute, which is close to Austria’s trade unions, warned that the continued rise in housing costs is deepening social inequality. It renewed its call for a “more effective rent cap,” more affordable housing, and stronger protections for tenants.

According to the institute, 26.2 percent of people living in rental housing were at risk of poverty in 2025—more than one in four tenants. In 2019, the figure stood at 20.6 percent.

The institute emphasized that the numbers do not imply that renting itself causes poverty. Instead, they highlight how strongly low‑income households depend on a functioning and affordable rental market.

A Growing Social Pressure Point

The latest data underscores a trend that has been building for several years: housing affordability is becoming one of Austria’s most pressing social issues. With rents rising faster than wages for many households, tenant organizations and social researchers warn that more people risk being priced out of the market—especially in urban centers such as Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck.