Graz vs. Toulouse: Detailed 2026 Cost of Living & Quality Comparison

Graz generally offers a higher quality of life, particularly concerning safety, healthcare, and climate. The Safety Index in Graz is significantly higher than in Toulouse, reflecting a lower perception of crime. Healthcare accessibility and quality are also rated higher in Graz, while the Climate Index indicates a more favorable living environment. Toulouse, however, boasts a slightly lower Cost of Living Index and a marginally lower Pollution Index, suggesting a potentially more affordable and cleaner urban environment, though these differences are relatively minor compared to the strengths in Graz's quality metrics.

Toulouse presents a more budget-friendly option for daily living expenses overall. While both cities feature inexpensive dining options, Toulouse's mid-range restaurant costs are notably lower. Groceries, transportation (both public and fuel), utilities, and childcare expenses are generally more affordable in Toulouse. However, Graz has a slight edge in terms of lower pollution levels and a higher purchasing power index, indicating that goods and services might stretch further relatively in Graz despite the higher absolute costs.

Toulouse offers significantly cheaper public transportation options, with a much lower cost for both single tickets and monthly passes compared to Graz. Fuel costs are also considerably lower in Toulouse. Conversely, Graz has a higher quality of life score related to traffic commute times, suggesting potentially less congestion or faster average commutes, though the actual commute time index is higher, indicating longer travel durations. Utilities for a standard apartment are higher in Graz, reflecting the city's colder climate and potentially higher energy demands.

Both cities present high housing costs relative to the average income, with a high property price-to-income ratio. Toulouse's apartments, both in the city center and suburbs, are marginally less expensive than Graz's. However, salaries in Graz are substantially higher, with a significantly larger average net monthly income after taxes. This higher salary could partially offset the higher cost of living and housing expenses in Graz, though it does not fully bridge the gap compared to Toulouse's lower base costs.

Graz has a higher GDP per capita and a slightly higher population growth rate, suggesting a potentially more robust and expanding local economy. Toulouse, while having a lower GDP per capita, still shows a modest population increase and comparable economic growth rates to Graz. The interest rates for mortgages are slightly higher in Toulouse, which could impact long-term housing affordability.