Idea from the mayor

Vienna now wants its own tariffs for locals only

Ludwig can imagine local tariffs.(Bild: Imre Antal)

Vienna's coffers are empty, prices are rising - and now Mayor Michael Ludwig is holding out the prospect of a model that could ease the burden on locals and make tourists pay more. But the EU is still standing in the way. Why the delicate project is now gaining momentum and why every Viennese should welcome it with open arms. 

The discussions about so-called local tariffs were originally held at other altitudes - ski resorts want to offer cheaper tickets to their own residents and charge tourists more. Not possible, says the EU, which means it will remain more expensive for everyone. Because these Austrian-first tickets would violate the EU ban on discrimination.

Tender signals from the EU
Now, however, there are the first indications that this rigid no-go principle is being softened by Brussels. Just a few weeks ago in Innsbruck, EU Tourism Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas spoke out in favor of local tariffs in certain regions. The situation will be reassessed in the coming months.

Vienna's mayor exerts pressure here
Mayor Ludwig (SPÖ) can imagine such a model for the city, even if we are not blessed with many ski resorts. He says: "We already have the Vienna bonus in some areas. It could of course be extended to other areas, provided the legal framework allows it." His "primary goal", he says, is always to "support the Viennese population". Particularly in view of the ever-increasing prices, relief would be desirable.

When will the new budget be adopted?

The budget proposal for 2026 is expected to be discussed by the municipal council in mid-December. With the formal decision at this meeting, the budget will enter into force on January 1, 2026 and is therefore final.

Where could Viennese benefit?
Where the local rates could apply is still completely open, however. Examples in other countries and cities provide possibilities: lower prices for museums, sporting events, city tours, events, etc. In Venice, for example, tourists pay far more for public transport than the local population.

Wiens Schuldenberg wächst 

-15,137.977.172 Euro

A look at the budget proposal for the coming year shows why this proposal from the town hall is to be welcomed. A figure with nine digits after the decimal point - that's how high the city's debts are. And the trend is rising. Even Renate Brauner has not brought good fortune to the City of Vienna's purse. Inaugurated as SPÖ city councillor for finance in 2007, the total deficit one year later was 1.46 billion euros - and then literally exploded. The budget never recovered from the economic crisis and Brauner.

(Bild: Krone KREATIV/stock.adobe.com)

Record debt in 2025
As of 2025, Vienna is an incredible 15.1 billion in the red. A deficit of 3.8 billion euros was threatened for this year, but after the mayor's austerity dictate, this was somewhat cushioned to 3.2 billion.

There is no recovery in sight for next year: "The forecast deficit for the City of Vienna after the adoption of numerous consolidation measures will be around 2.7 billion euros in 2026," according to the office of City Councillor for Finance Barbara Novak (SPÖ). Vienna would then be almost 18 billion in the red.

The current challenges are primarily a consequence of the financial policy of the previous federal government, which implemented tax cuts without providing the corresponding counter-financing.

Finanzstadträtin Barbara Novak (SPÖ).

Bild: Mario Urbantschitsch

"A challenge for all states and municipalities"
For the city, the problems are clearly defined: "The current challenges affect all federal states and municipalities. The spending dynamics in terms of costs have accelerated, especially in areas such as elementary education, care and health, which are the responsibility of the federal states. There is also a WIFO study that clearly confirms this."

He continues: "At the same time, the Republic is facing the greatest need for consolidation since 1945 and, with the exception of Vienna, is currently experiencing the longest recession since 1945." The abolition of cold progression alone without counter-financing would cost the city one billion euros - calculated over five years.

Interest also eats up huge sums

A mountain of debt of 15 billion euros naturally causes enormous costs in the form of interest. In the case of Vienna, a staggering 284 million euros have been budgeted for this in 2026 alone. That is more money than some cities have available as a budget.

Further cost increases to be feared
All Viennese will now feel the full force of this: an annual ticket will cost around 100 euros more from 2026, the cost of one-way tickets will rise by a third, parking tickets will become 30 percent more expensive and the parking sticker will cost 156 euros per year. The housing subsidy will increase by 50 percent and eat up 0.75 percent of every pay slip, while false alarms at the fire department will cost 50 percent more.

For many households, this means an additional burden of several hundred euros a year - at a time when rents, energy and food are already reaching record highs. And it is to be feared that the Viennese will face further price increases.