Cost of Living in Germany
Germany is among the top host countries for international students, where they receive a high-quality education and enjoy a blend of cultures. The country’s top-renowned universities and cheap fees bring in students from all over the world.
There is also a good chance of getting a job in the country after completing education, which further enhances the quality of life in Germany. Basic living and cost of studying in Germany for international students includes food, transport, leisure, and more.
What is the monthly cost of living in Germany?
- The estimated monthly expenses for a family of four (excluding rent) are approximately ₹307,333.3 (€3,389.4).
- A single person’s estimated monthly costs (excluding rent) amount to around ₹90,292.1 (€995.8).
Cost of living in Germany: List of necessary items
Cost of living in Germany for Indian students is divided into the following commodities:
Item | Average Price (€) |
Milk (regular, 1 liter) | 1.10 € |
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | 1.91 € |
Rice (white, 1kg) | 2.93 € |
Eggs (regular, 12 pieces) | 3.22 € |
Water (1.5-liter bottle) | 0.83 € |
Gasoline (1 liter) | 1.74 € |
Public Transport (Monthly Pass) | 49.00 € |
Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) | 302.19 € |
Cost of living in Germany: Monthly rent
Type of Apartment | Average Rent (€) | Price Range (€) |
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre) | 879.53 | 585.00 – 1,500.00 |
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside City Centre) | 674.31 | 450.00 – 1,164.10 |
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Centre) | 1,673.66 | 1,100.00 – 2,841.28 |
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside City Centre) | 1,272.98 | Not specified |
Transportation Costs in Germany
Whether on the way to a university, work or even a social gathering, Germany is made simple with an efficient transport system. You will also have different transportation expenses depending on your preferred mode of travel and distance of travel.
Here is what public transportation in Germany looks like in terms of cost:
- Bicycle: A great way to beat traffic, especially during rush hours. You can buy one, rent from locals, or use Deutsche Bahn’s Call a Bike service for €5.90 per month (available in select cities).
- Public Transport: A one-way ticket on local transport costs around €3, while the Deutschland Ticket—ideal for regular commuters—costs €58 per month from January 1st, 2025.
- Taxi: The starting fare is around €4.50, with an additional cost of €1.80 to €3 per kilometer.
- Personal Car: If you own a vehicle, factor in fuel costs, with gasoline prices averaging €1.74 per liter. Currently, 69% of people in Germany own a car.
Largest Cities in Each Region:
One way to assess the cost of living across Germany is by examining the largest cities in key metropolitan areas:
- Hamburg
- Berlin
- Cologne (Rhine-Ruhr)
- Frankfurt (Frankfurt/Rhine-Main)
- Munich
These cities are among the most expensive places to live or study in Germany due to their strong economies, high demand for housing, and vibrant urban lifestyles.
Which Region Has the Highest Cost of Living in Germany?
Here’s a simplified table highlighting the average monthly living costs for international students in various German cities:
City | Region | Average Monthly Living Cost (€) | Notes |
Munich | South (Bavaria) | ~1,200 | Highest living costs; rent and dining are particularly expensive. |
Stuttgart | South (Baden-Württemberg) | ~1,100 | High rent prices; strong economy attracts many students. |
Frankfurt | Central (Hesse) | ~1,100 | Financial hub; higher accommodation costs. |
Hamburg | North | ~1,000 | Major port city; diverse cultural scene. |
Berlin | East | ~1,000 | Capital city; living costs have risen but still moderate. |
Leipzig | East (Saxony) | ~850 | More affordable; growing student population. |
Halle (Saale) | East (Saxony-Anhalt) | ~800 | One of the cheapest cities for students. |
Magdeburg | East (Saxony-Anhalt) | ~800 | Lower rent prices; quieter student life. |
Comparison between top cities for cost of living in Germany:
Expense/City | Munich (€) | Berlin (€) | Cologne (€) | Hamburg (€) | Frankfurt (€) |
Rent (1-bedroom, city center) | 1,446 | 1,220 | 1,027 | 1,097 | 1,283 |
Rent (1-bedroom, outside city center) | 1,213 | 881 | 791 | 785 | 939 |
Meal for two (mid-range restaurant) | 80 | 70 | 65 | 80 | 80 |
Meal for one (cheap restaurant) | 17 | 15 | 13 | 15.40 | 18 |
Grocery bill (average cost per item) | 34.34 | 34.34 | 38.35 | 37.02 | 37.02 |
Utilities (85m² apartment) | 334.07 | 322.57 | 379.65 | 320.48 | 329.70 |
Frequently asked questions
Is it expensive to live in Germany?
Munich and Frankfurt may be on the higher end of the expense scale, but for the most part, the cost of living in Germany is not as high as it is in most Western European nations.
What are some of the major expenses one would incur in Germany?
Some of the significant expenditures include rent, groceries, health insurance, transport, and leisure.
Does the rent cover utilities?
In some cases, utilities are included in the rent, but checking your lease agreement is always wise. If not stated, extras like electricity, heat, and internet will have to be paid separately.
What are the places with the lowest living costs in Germany?
The costs of living in eastern German cities, as well as in the countryside and small towns, are lower.
What is the price of food in Germany?
Foods are priced fairly in Germany. Discount grocery stores make available low-priced groceries.
What is the price of medical coverage in Germany?
Specific stipulations are referencing medical insurance in Germany. It depends on who is providing it and the scope of medical services.
