The Costs of Living in Germany
Anyone considering relocating to or attending school in Germany should be fully aware of the expense of living there. Calculating the average monthly cost, which will cover costs for things like rent, utilities, food, transportation, and health insurance, is a part of preparing for this exciting relocation. The good news is that, given the high standard of living in the nation, Germans may enjoy a comparatively inexpensive cost of living.
Is Germany expensive?
There are always exceptions to the rule, so your budget will depend on where you are and your lifestyle needs. In general, Germany is not thought of as expensive, especially when compared to the average cost of living in Europe. Budgets for self-contained apartments in Munich’s core will be depleted more quickly than they would be in Berlin, where flat-sharing is more common.
What is the cost of living in Germany?
In Germany, it would be challenging to make ends meet on less than €1,000 a month. In the cities with higher rents, this figure jumps to between €1,500 and €2,000 per month. Typically, students can live comfortably on €850 per month. Even in large cities, travel is reasonably priced, and European averages for food and drink prices apply. Health insurance expenses are a crucial factor for all expats to take into account. In our sections regarding German health insurance, you may learn more about medical expenditures.
What is the average cost of living in Germany?
The cost of living in Germany is approximately €1,200 per month for those who are not students, but there are several variables that might change this, particularly location.
How do the costs come together?
The following are the typical, rough monthly expenditures of living in Germany for a single person:
Rent: from €300 (student halls or rooms in a shared flat) to €700+ (one-bed flat in the city).
Utilities: €220 (inc. internet, mobile & TV).
Travel: from €0 (students) to around €100.
€150 to €200 for food and drink
Health insurance: Students who are covered by the state health insurance system pay an average of €110. Others may pay more, although it may also be partially paid by their employer and deducted from their gross income.)
Going out: from €50 to €150 (depending on lifestyle)
Other: €20
Total: between €850 and €1,500
Which is the cheapest city in Germany?
Of the big cities, Berlin is the least expensive. It is one of Germany’s most exciting locations and the capital as well. It should come as no surprise that it is becoming more and more popular among immigrants. Leipzig, Bochum, and Kiel are a few more places that are comparable to or even less expensive than Berlin, where one-bed apartments can occasionally be discovered for less than €500 per month with a little luck and searching.
Which is the most expensive city in Germany?
The most expensive city in Germany is often regarded to be Munich, closely followed by Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Heidelberg. Rent is the most expensive part of living in one of these cities. You should be able to significantly reduce your living expenses in these cities if you can locate a house-share or a home outside of the city.
Advice on reducing expenses in Germany
Flat or house share
Renting your own apartment is far more expensive than sharing housing with others. You can save hundreds of euros a month by renting a single room in a house or apartment.
Student accommodation
Student housing is nearly always the least expensive option if you intend to study in Germany. Even in some major cities, the average monthly rent for students is less than €300. Visit our page on Living Costs for a Student in Germany to learn more about the expenses of being an international student.
Student discounts
Students can receive fantastic discounts at a variety of establishments, including cafes, theatres, and clothing stores. To benefit from this, keep your student ID close at hand at all times.
Travel card
A BahnCard50 card can be purchased by students under 27 to receive a 50% discount on train and some bus travel. Finding a university that includes a free transport card in the semester cost could save you up to €100 per month. Visit our Transportation Costs in Germany page to learn more about how much it will cost to get around.
