Cali vs. Vienna: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Vienna presents a vastly superior picture of overall quality of life compared to Cali, according to 2026 data. This advantage is starkly reflected in key indices; Vienna's Quality of Life score (208.47) is significantly higher than Cali's (79.3). This encompasses better safety, with Vienna's Safety Index (70.46) nearly doubling Cali's (28.9), and superior healthcare, indicated by Vienna's Healthcare Index (79.67) versus Cali's (69.3). Furthermore, Vienna's environment is cleaner, boasting a substantially lower Pollution Index (15.89) compared to Cali's (46.3).

The cost of living in Vienna is substantially higher than in Cali across nearly all categories. Housing is the most pronounced difference, with Vienna's average apartment prices, particularly in the city center, being orders of magnitude greater. While a 3-bedroom apartment in Vienna's center averages €2399.06 per month, the equivalent in Cali is just $1660. Daily expenses beyond housing also reflect this disparity, with food, transportation (including public transit and fuel), and basic utilities costing significantly more in Vienna.

Vienna's housing market is exceptionally expensive, creating a wide affordability gap. Even apartments outside the city center in Vienna are considerably pricier than those in Cali, which offers remarkably accessible housing options, even in its urban core at $1660 per month for a 3-bedroom unit. This dramatic difference makes Cali a far more budget-friendly choice for securing accommodation.

Beyond basic necessities, Vienna's transportation and utility costs are also significantly elevated. Monthly public transport passes cost more in Vienna ($59.61) than in Cali ($20.00), and fuel is more expensive too ($1.81/L compared to $0.97/L). Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment in Vienna average €341.66, substantially higher than the $100.00 figure in Cali.

Vienna's economy supports significantly higher salaries, with an average monthly net income of $3677.39, more than double Cali's average of $1660.00. While Vienna's GDP per capita ($65,000) indicates a more developed economy, its slightly lower population growth rate (0.3%) contrasts with Cali's (0.8%). This higher income in Vienna allows for a potentially higher standard of living, but it must be carefully balanced against the city's correspondingly high cost of living, particularly the expensive housing.