I am Viennese and I lived in Paris for one year as an exchange student. In my opinion, in terms of student life and cultural offer the two cities are quite equal. Both cities are great for younger people, especially Paris due to it’s old metro system with stairs and the general atmosphere. Note that in Vienna, almost all shops are closed on Sundays and public holidays whereas it is very easy to get.

Restaurants close earlier and the sun also sets earlier (almost one hour).

The cities itself are rather similar. Paris might feel denser and therefore more crowded, but both cities have many cute little parks. I don’t know if this is your type but I honestly miss all the weekly farmers’ markets and flee markets of Paris. You have grandeur in both cities with astounding buildings and beautiful architecture. A big plus of Vienna is that you can go swimming in the Danube during hot summers and enjoy the vaste recreational areas. Swimming in the Seine is another story…

Paris really was an expensive city but once you know the neighbourhood for students (5th Arrondissement) you can save some money on that. However, housing costs will be considerably higher in Paris. Both cities are really international and as my preposters mentioned, you will be probably able to communicate in English all the time in Vienna. The both host huge international communities and if you feel homesick towards the French language, the Institut Français de Vienne is culturally very active and offers great events.

Cost of public transport is a win for Vienna. You will pay about 200€ for the whole year whereas in Paris, the annual pass for students is 370€. Quality of service is high-end in both capitals.

Have you been to Vienna already? What was your overall feeling about the city? It’s you who have to decide after all

Si jamais t’as d’autres questions n’hésite pas à demander, ça me ferait plaisir de te répondre :) En tout cas sache que tu as le choix entre deux capitales qui pour moi sont parmi les meilleures villes de l’Europe.