Having spent time living in New York, London, and smaller French and Swiss cities, she says that one thing that stands out in Vienna is the quality and affordability of housing. “When I worked at a London law firm, I went to see another lawyer – a relatively wealthy man – who had a flat for himself and his daughter in Zone 3 or 4. Every time a bus passed outside, the radiators and windows shook. That’s unimaginable in Vienna – everyone gets proper housing and the prices are moderate. Also, people in London put up with totally unreasonable neighbours.”
Indeed, renters in London, Paris or Dublin pay about three times more, on average, than their Viennese counterparts, according to a 2023 study by Deloitte. Stricter and more strictly enforced housing regulations in Vienna protect citizens. “Nonetheless, people here complain – Austrians like to complain,” she says.
Gogl-Hassanin speaks to me as she walks towards Stephansdom, the cathedral at the heart of the old town, distinctive for its patterned roof. “I enjoy working in the city centre,” she says, as she passes a trio of horse-drawn carriages, noting the absence of litter or wayward characters, “it’s… nice.” It’s hard to imagine many New Yorkers, Beijingers or Londoners saying the same.
Salam Hassanin, Irena’s husband and founder of TOP Concierge, a hospitality and travel company, sees plenty of opportunity in Vienna for tourists and residents alike. He was raised in Luxor, Egypt, and notes that the health, education and cultural opportunities that the couple’s seven-year-old daughter has in Vienna are different to what he had as a child.
“Yasmina and her classmates are all familiar with Mozart and Strauss; they play outside in parks after school and can walk safely to and from their activities. Women here have equal opportunities to men.
“Starting a hospitality business in Austria is somewhat easier than in Egypt, and the authorities are more reliable, but much more is expected by the customers in terms of quality and availability.” Hassanin says that social benefits in Austria are very generous, which protects society’s most vulnerable, but also opens doors to abuse and can disincentivise full-time work.