I recently came across fascinating research led by Corvinus University of Budapest, in partnership with the Austrian Academy of Sciences and the University of Vienna, presented at a major conference in Vienna this past June. The study focused on the experiences of Austria’s Hungarian diaspora — now more than 100,000 strong — and it offered insights that really made me pause and reflect.
At first glance, the results are promising. Life satisfaction among Hungarian migrants living in Austria rose to an average score of 7.4, compared to Hungary’s national average of 6.9. Austrians still score higher at 7.9, a gap researchers call the “happiness iron curtain.” However, what struck me most was that migration isn’t just about numbers — it’s about how people feel. Emotional health improves, optimism grows, and trust in institutions rises, especially among men and those with lower education levels. That’s a powerful reminder of how moving to a new environment can reshape not only opportunities but also outlook.
Of course, finances tell a more complex story. In 2022, Austrians earned 2.3 times more than Hungarians, one of the largest income gaps between neighbouring countries. Yet migration isn’t simply about escaping poverty.
As Corvinus researcher Lilla Tóth highlights, it isn’t poverty that drives migration but dissatisfaction — particularly among middle earners making between HUF 300,000 and 500,000 (around €750–€1,250 per month). Interestingly, while 85% of aspiring migrants cite money as their main motivation, only 57% of those already in Austria say finances are the reason they stay. Once settled, the picture shifts: progress is measured less by income alone and more by how their situation compares to similarly qualified Austrians. The benefits extend beyond paychecks. They gain access to stronger public services, greater institutional trust, and a sense of stability that goes hand in hand with higher earnings. In other words, migration offers not just financial uplift but a broader framework of security and belonging.
What I found especially uplifting was how many migrants reported feeling calmer, more emotionally stable, and more purposeful after moving. 72% said they were happier in Austria than in Hungary. That’s a remarkable figure, even if it means nearly one in four saw little change or even disappointment.
Still, challenges remain. Overqualification affects nearly a quarter of Hungarian migrants, especially women, leading to stress and weaker social integration. Language barriers also play a role — while most migrants manage conversational German, many potential migrants don’t speak it at all, limiting opportunities for belonging. However, perhaps the most poignant challenge is loneliness. Those who left behind partners or children were significantly less happy, reminding us that migration is never just about economics; it’s about relationships and connection.
For me, the takeaway is clear: migration offers more than financial uplift — it’s a profound redefinition of life itself.
The journey to Austria might bring calm, purpose, and new opportunity, yet success hinges on far more than salary.
Migration, when supported with the right structures — language learning, fair recognition of skills, and strong social ties — can be transformative. It’s not just about crossing borders; it’s about crossing into a fuller, more meaningful life.
If you notice any inaccuracies in my writing, please get in touch with me. I will be happy to correct it.
