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Knowing the actual cost of living in Germany before moving there or enrolling in school is essential. Calculating the average monthly cost, which will cover costs 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.
One of the primary issues for anyone migrating to a new nation is the expense of living. Is Germany costly? One might ponder. And the quick response is “no”!
This article will thoroughly review how much a person might expect to pay for housing in Germany (both for students and non-students)
The Costs of Living in Germany 2022
The following are the typical, rough monthly expenditures of living in Germany for a single person:
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Rent:
€300 for student housing or a room in a shared apartment to €700 or more (one-bed flat in the city)
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Services:
€220 (inc. internet, mobile & TV)
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Travel:
Students pay nothing, and it costs up to €100
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Food and beverage:
$150 to $200
The average health insurance cost for students enrolled in the public health insurance system is €117.50. Others may pay more, although it may also be partially paid by their employer and deducted from their gross income.)
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Experiencing:
$50 to $150 (depending on lifestyle)
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Other:
€20
Total: 850 to 1500 euros
For a couple sharing housing, the cost of living in Germany is almost 50% more than this.
Added expenses
Regarding the actual transfer to Germany, consider the additional fees, such as: additionally.
- Rental management charges
- Moving assistance
- Transportation and
- Healthcare
Read Also: The most popular job sectors in Germany in 2022
The cost of living in the top German cities
Below is the cost of living in the top German Cities
Berlin’s living expenses
Despite being the country’s capital, Berlin is one of Germany’s least expensive cities. Although there is a wide range in rental pricing, on average, the west continues to be substantially more expensive than the east. In Berlin, one-bedroom apartments start at €00 per month.
Berlin’s diverse population makes it simple to obtain affordable street food, including kebabs, the city’s renowned Currywurst, and outdoor vegetable and street food markets.
Munich living expenses
Compared to Berlin, Munich has a substantially higher cost of living. It has maintained its status as a city with a stable economy where rents and living expenses are pretty high, despite its sense of a local community and its separation from the northern powerhouses. Finding a one-bedroom apartment in Munich for less than €1,000 could prove challenging.
To keep prices down, students moving to Munich should always try to find student housing. Since these spots are in high demand, it is better to do this as long in advance as you can.
Living expenses in Cologne
With one-bed apartments starting at about €800, Cologne is more expensive than Berlin but not as pricey as Frankfurt or Munich. Although rentals are pricey, socializing and dining out can be affordable if you do your research. Cologne has a sizable student population and, like Berlin, is home to many international eateries.
Living expenses in Hamburg
Compared to Berlin, Hamburg has slightly higher rental and living costs than Cologne. Typically, a one-bedroom apartment would run you about €900 a month. Like Berlin, this city is well-liked by young professionals and students, and housing is in high demand.
Living expenses in Frankfurt am Main.
Frankfurt is second only to Munich regarding the cost of living among German cities. You’ll pay about €900 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. Fortunately, there are a few ways to live in Frankfurt for less; one is to have after-work beverages at a farmers market rather than a pub, which is generally less expensive.
Choosing the right place to live
Choosing where to live and how to reduce living expenses can significantly impact your situation. If your location and living arrangement is adjustable, you should change them to fit your budget.
Advice on reducing expenses in Germany
Here is some advice on how to reduce expenses in Germany:
Shared housing or a flat
Renting your apartment is far more expensive than sharing housing with others. You can save hundreds of euros a month by locating a single room in a house or apartment.
Housing for students
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 price cuts
Students can receive fantastic discounts at various establishments, including cafes, theaters, and clothing stores. To benefit from this, keep your student ID close to hand.
Journey card
Students can purchase a BahnCard50 card 27 to receive a 50% discount on the train and some bus travel. Find a university that includes a free transport card in the semester cost; doing so 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.
Locate the budget grocery stores
Since Lidl and Aldi were founded in Germany, it is the country with the most discount supermarkets worldwide. These American staples may be found in large cities and little towns across the nation. Other excellent, affordable choices are Netto and Penny. Visit our page on Food and Groceries Costs in Germany to learn more about how much shopping costs there.
Try SIM-only
Get a SIM-only offer to save money on mobile phone contracts, and send messages using web-based messaging apps like WhatsApp. If you decide to use your SIM card solely, you will need strong WiFi.
Conclusion
Germany is one of the wealthiest nations in the world, yet despite this, living costs are not as high as you might anticipate; instead, they are comparable to those in other EU nations.
Germany is cheaper to live in than the UK, Denmark, Norway, France, or the Netherlands because it is 10th in terms of cost of living.
FAQS
Some of the questions on the cost of living in Germany.
Is Germany costly?
There are always exceptions to the rule, so your budget will depend on where you are and your lifestyle needs. Germany is generally not considered expensive, especially compared to Europe’s average cost of living. Budgets for self-contained apartments in Munich’s core will be depleted more quickly than in Berlin, where flat-sharing is more common.
How much does it cost to live in Germany?
Making ends meet on less than €1,000 a month in Germany would be challenging. This figure jumps to between €1,500 and €2,000 per month in the cities with higher rents. 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 ex-pats to consider. In our sections regarding German health insurance, you may learn more about medical expenditures.
What is Germany’s average cost of living?
The cost of living in Germany is approximately €1,200 per month for those not students; however, several variables might change this, notably location.
How much would moving to Germany cost?
It’s crucial to keep in mind that those who intend to move to Germany will first need to take into account more than simply their monthly expenses. A security deposit and two or three months of cold rent, the base rent minus utilities and other costs, are typically required to rent an apartment.
Which German city is the least expensive?
Of the big cities, Berlin is the least expensive. It is one of Germany’s most exciting locations and the capital. It should be no surprise that it is becoming more and more well-liked among immigrants. Leipzig, Bochum, and Kiel are a few more places comparable to or even less expensive than Berlin, where one-bed apartments can occasionally be discovered for less than €500 per month with a bit of luck and searching.
Which German city has the highest cost of living?
The most expensive city in Germany is often regarded as Munich, closely followed by Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Heidelberg. Rent is the most expensive part of living in one of these cities. You should significantly reduce your living expenses in these cities if you can locate a house-share or a home outside the city.
What is Germany’s base cost of living?
You may live in Germany for about €850 a month, which brings your expenses close to the level of a student budget, provided you pay attention to the advice mentioned above, pick a low-cost area to live in, and look into different ways to save money.