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Living in GermanyCost of Living in Germany - Updated for 2024

Cost of Living in Germany – Updated for 2024

What is the Average Cost of Living in Germany in 2024?

Compared to some other European countries, the cost of living in Germany is quite reasonable.

As the bare minimum, a single person needs at least 鈧992 per month (around $1,085 US dollars) or 鈧11,904 per year to cover living expenses in Germany as of 2024.

If you鈥檙e a family of four, you can expect to spend an average of 鈧3,203 per month (around $3,479 US dollars), excluding rent.

Your expenses will naturally be higher if you鈥檙e in a pricier city or if you like to splurge on non-essential items.

As you read further, we will cover the cheapest and most expensive regions, cost of accommodation, food, transportation, and other important expenses in different German cities. You鈥檒l also find a side-by-side comparison of German prices versus the United States and India.

Which Region Has the Highest Cost of Living in Germany?

Germany Purchasing Power 2023

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The South of Germany Is the Most Expensive: Munich & Stuttgart

Generally speaking, the south of Germany is the most expensive region in Germany in terms of living costs. Two major cities in this region, Munich and Stuttgart are the most expensive to live in.

For example, the average rental one-bedroom apartment in Stuttgart will cost you 鈧1,023. A similar apartment in the northern German city of Bremen costs 鈧687 on average.

Percentage-wise, this means that renting an apartment in Bremen is 30% cheaper than in Stuttgart.

Berlin Remains Cheaper Than Other European Capitals

Berlin, the capital of Germany, is getting more and more expensive to live in due to the . The average cost of renting a small one-bedroom apartment in the city is currently about 鈧1,321 per month.

Berlin is still more affordable than many other major European capitals, though. Rent prices here are 11.9% lower than in Paris, 47.7% lower than in London, and 20.0% lower than in Amsterdam.

Leipzig and Dresden Among the Most Affordable in Germany

Other eastern German cities around Berlin are mostly cheaper than their counterparts in the south. Leipzig and Dresden are, in fact, some of the most affordable cities to live in Germany.

For example, rent in Leipzig is cheaper than in Stuttgart by over 33%. Rent in Dusseldorf is also 33.3% cheaper than in Stuttgart. Whereas, prices in Stuttgart and the biggest city in the north, Hamburg are pretty similar.

The Priciest Cities Within Each Zone: A Comparison

Another way to compare the cost of living in different German regions is by looking at the most expensive cities in each zone.

Let鈥檚 compare some typical expenses to get a clearer picture:

Munich Berlin Hamburg Frankfurt
Rent 鈧1,397.71 鈧1,317.19 鈧996.18 鈧1,156.17
White bread (500g) 鈧2.23 鈧1.94 鈧2.02 鈧1.91
Restaurant meal 鈧15.00 鈧12.00 鈧15.00 鈧14.50
Milk (1 liter) 鈧1.24 鈧1.24 鈧1.23 鈧1.16
Eggs (12) 鈧3.23 鈧3.27 鈧3.41 鈧3.22
Rice (1kg, white) 鈧2.60 鈧2.80 鈧2.68 鈧2.42
Tomato (1kg) 鈧2.61 鈧2.95 鈧2.71 鈧2.21
Potato (1kg) 鈧1.81 鈧1.64 鈧1.69 鈧1.42
Beer (0.5liter) 鈧0.99 鈧0.96 鈧0.98 鈧0.95
Taxi 1km 鈧2.27 鈧2.00 鈧2.50 鈧2.00

Based on this comparison, Munich is the most expensive city in the majority of categories, followed by Berlin, Hamburg, and Frankfurt.

However, the biggest chunk of monthly expenses for the average German goes to rent. In this category, Frankfurt is more expensive than Hamburg, despite being more affordable in other aspects.

In terms of major expenses, rent being the biggest, German regions rank as follows from the most expensive to least expensive:

  1. South (Munich)
  2. East (Berlin)
  3. West (Frankfurt)
  4. North (Hamburg)

But, Each Region Has Its Affordable Options鈥

Just like in most places of the world, bigger cities are usually more expensive in Germany. Within each region, you can find many other cities with more affordable living costs.

  • For example, rent prices in the western German city of Paderborn are 44.4% lower than in Frankfurt.
  • Up north, Bremen is much cheaper in comparison to Hamburg. Rent in Bremen is around 34.9% lower.
  • In eastern Germany鈥檚 Dresden, rent is a staggering 50.4% cheaper than in Berlin.
  • Ingolstadt in the south is very budget-friendly compared to the expensive Munich, where rent prices are 40.6% higher.

There鈥檚 something for everyone in Germany, be it international students, temporary workers, and residents alike. You should, however, factor in that smaller cities might have fewer job opportunities compared to metropolitan areas.

What Is the Average Rent in Germany?

Renting an apartment in Germany can range from 鈧567 per month in cheaper cities like Aachen and Paderborn, up to 鈧1,398 in Munich. Taking into account all major cities, the average rent across Germany is around 鈧827 per month (see list below).

When we label a particular place as an expensive one to live in, rent is the biggest factor. This is why bigger cities such as Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, and Frankfurt are considered more expensive than Aachen or Dresden.

Location and size also make a difference in rent costs. For example, if you鈥檙e eyeing a one-bedroom apartment in the heart of the city, rent can cost anywhere from 鈧520 to 鈧1,500. If you want a bigger, fully furnished place in the same area, you’ll be paying even more. The average rent for these can cost from 鈧1,000 to 鈧2,500 per month.

Many people in Germany choose to live further from city centers to save on rent. A one-bedroom apartment in these areas will cost you from 鈧400 to 鈧1,130 per month.

Average Rent in Germany

Take a look at the average rent in German cities, from the cheapest to the most expensive:

City Average Monthly Rent
Aachen 鈧567
Paderborn 鈧567
Bochum 鈧600
Dresden 鈧622
Dortmund 鈧624
Leipzig 鈧636
Bremen 鈧687
Mannheim 鈧693
Bonn 鈧712
Hanover 鈧728
Ingolstadt 鈧732
Essen 鈧740
Karlsruhe 鈧744
Nuremberg 鈧760
Augsburg 鈧780
Mainz 鈧863
Cologne 鈧929
Dusseldorf 鈧970
Hamburg 鈧996
Heidelberg 鈧996
Stuttgart 鈧1,023
Frankfurt 鈧1,156
Berlin 鈧1,321
Munich 鈧1,398

Important note: The rental prices above are given for a one-bedroom apartment located in the center of the city.

How Much Do Utilities Cost in Germany?

Besides rent, you need to budget for the monthly costs of garbage, water, energy, and heating. In Germany, these are called “Nebenkosten鈥, and are sometimes calculated as a

The price of electricity in Germany is quite high, at approximately 鈧0.4125 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for households. So, you have to be mindful of your consumption. If you live with housemates or a partner, splitting the costs makes it far more manageable.

Here are the average costs for utilities and other household expenses in Germany:

  • Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage). For an 85m虏 apartment, you can expect to spend around 鈧272.65 monthly for electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage collection. Costs can range from 鈧170.00 to 鈧425.00 depending on your consumption.
  • Phone plans. A monthly mobile phone plan that includes calls and 10GB or more of data costs roughly 鈧32.19. Depending on the plan and provider you select, monthly costs might vary from 鈧12 to 鈧39.95.
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, Cable/ADSL). High-speed internet will cost you 鈧43.18 per month on average. You can find plans starting from 鈧30, but the cost varies depending on the provider and plan.

How Much Does Dining Out Cost in Germany?

Dining out at German restaurants can be pricey. A meal for two people at mid-range spots like Bavarian beer gardens or Italian joints may cost you an average of 鈧60. So, if your cooking skills aren鈥檛 up to par, it鈥檚 time to start learning, especially if you鈥檙e looking to save money in Germany.

However, Germany鈥檚 dining scene has something for everyone鈥檚 wallet. If you鈥檙e keeping it cheap, think doner kebabs 鈥 you can fill up for 鈧12 on average. Followed by any casual dessert or any drink, the price will climb higher. For example, half a liter of German domestic beer costs around 鈧4, as opposed to an imported beer which costs 鈧3.55.

If you choose to have a cappuccino instead of a beer, you鈥檒l have to pay around 鈧3.22. A 0.33-liter bottle of water costs about 鈧2.37, and a soda costs around 鈧2.66.

How Much Do Groceries Cost in Germany?

The occasional restaurant meal can be a nice treat every now and then. But, if you like cooking at home or you muster the confidence to pick up a few basic cooking skills, this will be a great way to save money.聽

The prices of essential food and drinks in Germany are quite reasonable compared to the cost of dining out.

Grocery Prices in Germany

Here are the average costs for some of these items:

Item Average Cost
White bread (500g) 鈧1.90
Milk (1 liter) 鈧1.08
Eggs (12) 鈧3.05
Rice (1kg, white) 鈧2.46
Potato (1kg) 鈧1.52
Onion (1kg) 鈧1.50
Tomato (1kg) 鈧1.69
Chicken (1kg) 鈧12.47
Beef (1kg) 鈧14.93
Apples (1kg) 鈧2.37
Banana (1kg) 鈧1.48
Oranges (1kg) 鈧2.08

What Are the Transportation Costs in Germany?

Everyday life in Germany can be hectic鈥攔ushing to classes or work, back to your apartment, meeting friends across town, or going shopping. Luckily, the country has great transportation networks to get you to these places.

How much you spend on transportation depends on your choices and commute distance.

Here are some transportation costs to keep in mind:

  • Bicycle. Nothing beats the good ol鈥 bike for navigating crowded cities, especially during rush hours. You can buy your own, rent it from someone, or use Deutsche Bahn鈥檚 Call a Bike service for 鈧5.90 a month if available in your city.
  • Public transport. Currently, a one-way ticket on local public transport costs around 鈧3. If you鈥檙e a regular commuter or plan to travel within Germany, the monthly Deutschland Ticket costs 鈧49.
  • Taxi. The starting fare is around 鈧3.60, whereas the cost per kilometer ranges from 鈧1.80 to 鈧2.80.
  • Personal car. According to , 72% of people in Germany own a car. If you own or plan to own one, you should account for the price of gasoline, which is 鈧1.76 on average.

How Much Does Clothing Cost in Germany?

Germany offers high-quality clothing, though it often comes with a higher price tag. Here are some typical costs you can expect:

  • A pair of jeans – 鈧40 to 鈧110
  • A thick winter jacket – 鈧45 to 鈧200
  • A light summer dress – 鈧20 to 鈧60
  • Running shoes (e.g., Nike, Adidas) – 鈧50 to 鈧120
  • Formal business shoes – 鈧60 to 鈧170

To save on clothing expenses, consider exploring outlet stores or buying second-hand items.

How Much Can I Expect to Spend on Entertainment?

How much you spend on entertainment in Germany depends on your preferences. You can have fun without spending any money, whether it’s enjoying the outdoors at a park or visiting free-entry museums. For some other activities, you鈥檒l have to pay:

  • Cinema tickets – 鈧10 to 鈧15 per seat
  • Gym – 鈧33.82 per month on average
  • Sports event – Bundesliga seats range from 鈧8.50 to 鈧90 per match (Source: )
  • Nightlife – Clubs charge entry fees usually ranging from 鈧10 to 鈧30
  • Streaming services – Standard Netflix subscription costs 鈧13.99 per month, Spotify individual plan is 鈧10.99聽

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Germany?

Health insurance is mandatory for everyone living in Germany, but how much you pay depends on your circumstances.

There is a dual system: you can be insured by statutory health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung – GKV) or private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung- PKV).

Public health insurance is generally more reliable, inclusive, and affordable. Private insurance offers extra benefits but is costlier and typically available for those who earn above a salary threshold.

How Much Does Public Health Insurance Cost?

Public health insurance premiums in Germany are calculated as a percentage of your gross salary. These contributions are split 50/50 between you and your employer.

Here is how the total percentage is calculated:

  • Health insurance – 14.6% of your gross salary
  • Provider-specific supplementary contribution rate 1.7%. The percentage given is the national average, but this can be more or less depending on the provider.
  • Long-term contribution rate – 2,4% up to 4%. The standard rate is 3.4% of your gross salary. An extra 0.6% applies if you are over 23 and don鈥檛 have children (totaling 4.0%), and a 0.25% reduction applies per child if you have two or more children after the age of 23.

As an example, let鈥檚 calculate how much a 32-year-old employee earning a gross salary of 鈧3,000 per month will pay toward health insurance. They have two children and will be insured with the company Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), which has a supplementary contribution rate of 1.2%.

  • Health insurance contribution – 鈧438聽
  • Supplementary contribution – 鈧36聽
  • Long-term care contribution – 鈧94.5

Total = 鈧568.5. The employee will pay 鈧284.25, and their employer will contribute the same amount.

How Much Does Private Health Insurance Cost?

The cost of premiums in private health insurance is determined by individual risk evaluations. Providers take into account factors such as your age, health status, selected coverage options, and overall risk level (e.g. if you have existing health conditions).

Private health insurance in Germany is only available to those with an annual income of at least 鈧69,300, as well as to self-employed individuals and civil servants.

> Read our complete guide on health insurance in Germany.

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost for Students in Germany?

Students enrolled at accredited higher education institutions in Germany are eligible for subsidized statutory health insurance. As of 2024, student health insurance with public provider costs from 鈧120.34 to 鈧132.52 per month. This premium includes both health and long-term care insurance contributions.

Students are eligible for statutory health insurance until they reach the age of 30. From then on, they can either switch to private insurance or continue to be voluntarily insured with public insurance at regular rates.

How Much Does Home Insurance Cost in Germany?

Two popular home insurance types in Germany are building insurance (Wohngeb盲udeversicherung) and home contents insurance (Hausratversicherung).聽

Building insurance covers damage to the structure of the home, such as from fire, storms, water damage, etc. Home contents insurance covers movable personal belongings like furniture, clothing, jewelry, and various types of equipment.

Building insurance costs start from 鈧14.50 per month (鈧174 per year) for a 100 sqm apartment, but this can vary a lot depending on size, location, provider, and other factors.

For household contents, basic insurance policies start at just under 鈧2 per month, or 鈧20 to 鈧25 per year.聽

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Germany?

There are three different types of car insurance in Germany: third-party liability, partial coverage, and comprehensive coverage. Here are the costs for each of these insurances:

  • Mandatory liability insurance – 鈧250 per year
  • Partial coverage – 鈧85 per year
  • Comprehensive coverage – 鈧350 per year

Every car owner is legally required to have third-party liability insurance. Partial or comprehensive coverage is optional, but many people purchase one or the other for the extra benefits and peace of mind.

What鈥檚 the Cost of Higher Education in Germany?

Most bachelor’s and master鈥檚 degree programs in public German universities are free of charge for both domestic and international students.

Instead of tuition, students pay a semester fee that ranges from 鈧100 to 鈧400. This fee covers the university鈥檚 administrative costs, student unions, and access to public transportation for students.

There are some exceptions such as the Federal State of Baden-W眉rttemberg, where non-EU students have to pay 鈧1,500 per semester for degree programs. In the Federal State of Bavaria, universities can also charge tuition fees for international students from third countries.

Private universities or some specialized master鈥檚 programs at public universities often charge tuition fees as well. These can range anywhere from 鈧3,000 to 鈧20,000 per year or higher, depending on the institution and program.

> Find more information about the cost of studying in Germany here.

Cost of Living in Germany vs the US

The cost of living in Germany is cheaper than in the United States (US). The average single person spends around $1,023 per month in Germany, without including rent. In the US, they would need $1,173 per month to maintain the same lifestyle. This means that living costs in the US are 12.7% more expensive than in Germany.

Consumer prices (including rent), such as those of food and beverages, apparel, recreation, etc, are also 26.6% lower in Germany. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center in Germany is 51.4% cheaper than in the US.

Utilities and local transportation, on the other hand, cost slightly more in Germany than in the US.

Cost of Living in Germany vs the US

See the table below for more information:

Expense Germany US Difference in %
Monthly costs (for one person) excluding rent $1,023 $1,173 -12.7% (lower in Germany)
Rent (1-bedroom apartment) in the city center $901.12 $1,854.15 -51.4% (lower in Germany)
Basic Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) $298.14 $212.77 聽+40.1% (higher in Germany)
Local Transport (one-way ticket) $3.27 $2.50 +30.9 % (higher in Germany)
Meal for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $65.45 $75.00 聽-12.7% (lower in Germany)
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) $4.36 $6.00 聽-27.3% (lower in Germany)
Coffee (Cappuccino) $3.52 $4.88 -27.9% (lower in Germany)
Water (1.5 liter bottle from the store) $0.67 $2.15 -69.0% (lower in Germany)
Gym $36.84 $52.11 -29.3% (lower in Germany)

Source: Numbeo

Cost of Living in Germany vs India

Living costs in Germany are much more expensive than in India. If a single person needs an average of 鈧27,882.1 to live in India (excluding rent), they will need 鈧85,316.5 per month to cover the same expenses in Germany. This means that on average, living costs in Germany are 205.9% higher than in India.

Looking at the table below, all items are pricier in Germany. To add an overall estimate, consumer prices, including rent, are 225.0% higher in Germany. A one-bedroom apartment in Germany costs 404.4% more than the same apartment in India.

Cost of Living in Germany vs India

For a more detailed overview, take a look at the table below:

Expense Germany India Difference in %
Monthly costs (for one person) excluding rent 鈧85,316.5 鈧27,882.1 +205.9% (higher in Germany)
Rent (1 bedroom apartment) in the city center 鈧75,105.45 鈧14,888.88 聽+404.4% (higher in Germany)
Basic Utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) 鈧24,848.59 鈧3,394.20 +632.1% (higher in Germany)
Local Transport (one-way ticket) 鈧272.74 鈧30.00 +809.1% (higher in Germany)
Meal for 2 (mid-range restaurant) 鈧5,454.85 鈧1,000.00 +445.5% (higher in Germany)
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) 鈧363.66 鈧160.00 +127.3% (higher in Germany)
Coffee (Cappuccino) 鈧293.38 鈧143.43 +104.5% (higher in Germany)
Water (1.5 liter bottle from the store) 鈧55.61 鈧29.04 +91.5 % (higher in Germany)
Gym 鈧3,070.37 鈧1,428.02 +115.0 % (higher in Germany)

Source: Numbeo


Neil Highnam: Basically, most things in Germany are cheaper than in the UK and people earn slightly more in Germany. You can have a better standard of life in Germany for less money and the chances are that you鈥檒l earn more in Germany than in the UK. []
Catherine Loomis: It all depends on where you shop. Clothing is about the same comparatively between the two countries. If you shop at the cheap stores like Walmart in America or Kik in Germany, you can get very cheap clothing. I used to shop at JCPenney in America and I tend to shop in C&A in Germany, so I spend about 30 Euros or dollars for a pair of pants and 20 for a decent shirt. The same goes as you move up the spectrum. []
Gysar Flegel: The cost depends on where and what you eat, at a mediocre Asian fast food restaurant some fried noodles with chicken will cost you about 鈧6, but at a restaurant with drinks and nice food 鈧20 per person is a very good price, if you want an entr茅e, wine and a desert you should be prepared to pay anywhere between 鈧35 and 鈧60 at a 鈥渘ormal鈥 restaurant and much more at particularly nice ones. []

Last Updated: 8 August 2024

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