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How Much is the Cost of Living in Germany?

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Updated on: July 2025

Cost of living in Germany

Key Takeaways

  • Public universities in Germany are mostly tuition-free, but students should budget about €900–€1,100 per month for living expenses.
  • Major costs include accommodation, food, health insurance, and personal expenses.
  • One-time expenses like language courses, and flight costs should also be planned for.
  • Students can work part-time (up to 140 full days or 20 hours/week) to help offset costs.
  • Smart budgeting, shared housing, student discounts, and early planning make studying in Germany affordable for Malaysian students.

Germany is a top choice for international students thanks to its tuition-free education and strong academic reputation. But while tuition at public universities may be free, students still need to plan for their cost of living in Germany.

From rent and groceries to transport and insurance, understanding how much it costs to live in Germany is essential for budgeting and peace of mind. Whether you’re planning to study in Berlin, Munich, or a smaller town, this guide will help you estimate your expenses and prepare for a rewarding student life in Germany.

For many international students, Germany’s reputation for tuition-free education makes it an attractive and affordable destination. However, while most public universities do not charge tuition fees, students are still responsible for covering their living expenses, which can vary depending on location, lifestyle, and personal habits.

Knowing the cost of living in Germany is essential for planning your student journey. These costs cover daily essentials such as accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and other personal expenses. 

While studying in Germany is generally more affordable than in countries like the UK or the US, having a clear budget helps avoid financial stress and ensures you can focus on your studies.

Even though most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees, students are required to pay a small semester contribution, typically ranging from €150 to €400. This fee often includes public transportation passes and administrative costs. 

You’ll also need to budget for things like course materials, language exams, and possible language courses if your programme is taught in German.

On average, students in Germany need between €900 and €1,100 per month to cover their living expenses. This amount varies by city—larger cities like Munich and Frankfurt are more expensive than smaller towns such as Brandenburg or Heilbronn. Planning for your monthly budget early on ensures a smoother transition and helps you make informed choices about where to live and how to manage your spending.

Understanding your financial responsibilities is the first step to enjoying a successful and stress-free academic experience in Germany. The next sections will break down each major cost, helping you see exactly how much it costs to live in Germany as a student.

Key Monthly Expenses in Germany

Germany is one of the most popular study destinations for international students. Known for its high-quality education and no tuition fees at public universities, it’s no wonder many students from all around the world are choosing Germany for their higher studies. But, before you pack your bags and book your flight, it’s important to understand how much it will cost you to live there. So, let’s break down the costs of living in Germany for an international student!

Cost of living in Germany infographic

(€400 to €1000 per month)

Finding a place to live is one of your first priorities. In Germany, there are several options for students when it comes to accommodation:

  • Student Halls of Residence (Dorms): These are often the cheapest option. The rent usually ranges from €200 to €400 per month. However, dorms are competitive, and you may need to apply early to secure a spot.
  • Shared Apartments (Wohngemeinschaft or WG): If you prefer more privacy or want to live with friends, sharing an apartment might be a good choice. Rent can vary depending on the city and the size of the apartment, but it typically costs €300 to €600 per month.
  • Private Apartments: Renting your own apartment is the most expensive option, especially in big cities like Berlin, Munich, or Frankfurt. The rent here can range from €500 to €1,000 per month, depending on the location and size of the apartment.

Tip: Cities like Heilbronn, Leipzig, and Dresden tend to have cheaper rent than cities like Munich or Berlin, so if you’re looking to save on accommodation, consider these more affordable options.

(€150 to €250 per month)

Food in Germany is generally affordable, especially if you cook at home. If you shop smart, your monthly grocery bill can range from €150 to €250. Buying fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, and meat from discount supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, or Penny will help you save money.

If you prefer eating out, a meal at a budget restaurant typically costs around €8 to €12. In a student cafeteria (Mensa), you can get a full meal for €3 to €5, which is a great deal for students!

Tip: Cooking your meals is the best way to save money. If you eat out a lot, it can quickly add up.

Here’s how shopping at a German supermarket will look like. Thanks to one of our alumni for making this video.

(About €120 per month)

It is compulsory to purchase medical insurance in Germany. Typical providers are Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), AOK and DAK Gesundheit.

(Mostly covered by the semester contribution)

Germany has an excellent public transportation system, and as a student, you can often get discounts. Most cities offer a semester ticket, which is included in your student fees. This ticket gives you unlimited access to buses, trams, and trains within the city and sometimes even nearby regions. The cost of a semester ticket is usually between €150 to €400 for the whole semester (about 6 months).

If you need to travel longer distances, for example, between cities, trains are a good option. A ticket from Berlin to Munich can cost around €30 to €80 depending on how early you book.

Tip: Use the Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket to enjoy unlimited travel throughout Germany. It’s valid from 09:00 on weekdays or from 00:00 on Saturdays and Sundays until 03:00 the next morning. This pass covers all regional and regional-express trains (RE, RB, IRE, S-Bahn). The cost for the first traveler is €46, and each additional passenger can be added to the same ticket for just €9. You can bring up to a maximum of 5 passengers, making it around €18 per person.

(€150 to €400 per semester)

Universities will usually charge students a semester contribution. This will cover student services and often, the public transportation fee for the entire semester (see above).

(€85 to €200 per month)

Here are a few other things you might need to budget for each month:

Phone and Internet: A SIM card with mobile data can cost around €10 to €30 per month. Internet at home may cost about €25 to €40 per month.

Leisure and Entertainment: Going out, seeing movies, or doing sports can be fun, but it’s important to keep track of your spending. A movie ticket costs around €10, while a gym membership can be €20 to €40 per month.

Clothing: Since Germany has 4 seasons, we’ll need to plan to buy suitable clothing to keep us warm. Expect to spend more during your first year there. Depending on what you buy, it can go up to €300 to €600 for the year.

Miscellaneous Costs: Don’t forget about things like laundry, toiletries, or other small items, which may add up to €20 to €50 per month.

Total Monthly Cost: How Much Should You Budget?

So, let’s summarize the total cost of living in Germany:

  • Accommodation: €400 to €1000 per month
  • Food & Groceries: €150 to €250 per month
  • Health Insurance: €120 per month
  • Semester contribution: €150 to €400 per semester
  • Other Expenses: €85 to €200 per month

Altogether, the total monthly cost for living in Germany as an international student can range from €780 to €1,600.

Tip: The amount you spend will depend on the city you live in, your lifestyle, and how much you travel. If you live in a smaller city, your costs will likely be lower. Larger cities like Munich or Berlin are more expensive.

While Germany offers a relatively affordable student lifestyle compared to many Western countries, the cost of living in Germany can vary significantly depending on the region or city you choose to live in.

Understanding these differences can help you make better decisions when choosing a university and planning your budget.

Germany’s major cities like Munich, Frankfurt, Berlin, and Hamburg are cultural and economic hubs, but they also come with a higher price tag. For example, average rent in Munich can exceed €700 per month for a room in a shared apartment, while a similar setup in smaller cities like Heilbronn or Brandenburg may cost as little as €300 to €450 per month.

In big cities, food, entertainment and transport can also be more expensive. 

However, they offer more career opportunities, networking options, and part-time jobs for international students. Smaller towns may offer a quieter, more affordable lifestyle, ideal for students who prefer to focus on their studies and save money.

Southern Germany, particularly Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, tends to have a higher cost of living due to strong local economies and higher demand for housing. Cities like Munich and Stuttgart consistently rank as the most expensive in the country.

In contrast, eastern and northern regions like Saxony, Thuringia, and parts of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania generally have a lower cost of living. Rent, groceries, and even utility bills are more affordable in these areas, making them attractive to budget-conscious students.

Many smaller university cities such as Aachen, Heidelberg, Freiburg, and Münster offer a balanced mix of quality education, vibrant student communities, and manageable living costs. These cities often have well-developed student housing systems, lower average rent, and plenty of discounts available for public transport, food, and cultural activities.

Choosing the right location involves balancing cost with your lifestyle preferences and academic goals. By understanding the regional cost differences in Germany, you can make smarter decisions that suit both your education and your budget.

Living in Germany is affordable for students, but smart habits can help you stretch your budget even further.

Prepare meals at home to avoid high restaurant costs. Buy groceries at budget-friendly stores like Aldi, Lidl, and Penny, and take advantage of weekly sales and local markets.

Living in a shared flat or student dorm reduces your rent and allows you to split utility bills like electricity, internet, and heating, lowering your monthly expenses.

Student IDs unlock discounts on public transport, entertainment, and more. Use apps like UNiDAYS and Student Beans to find deals. Budgeting apps help manage your spending efficiently.

Most universities offer cost-saving resources like affordable meals, counselling, and housing support. Make full use of these services—they’re included in your semester fees.

International students in Germany can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester. With average wages of €13–€15 per hour, part-time jobs in cafés, retail, or tutoring can help cover rent, groceries, and other basic expenses, making student life more financially manageable.

For detailed tips, check out our full guide on How to Live in Germany on a Student Budget.

Final Thoughts

Living in Germany can be very affordable, especially compared to other countries like the UK or the US. By budgeting wisely and choosing a more affordable city to live in, you can make your student life in Germany much more manageable. While the cost of living can vary depending on where you live and your lifestyle, many students find that they can live comfortably on a budget of around €800 to €1,200 per month.

If you need help, German Educare is able to guide you through every step—from budgeting and choosing the right city to securing accommodation and understanding living costs. Our support ensures you’re fully prepared, both academically and financially, for life in Germany. So go ahead and get ready for an exciting adventure in one of Europe’s most student-friendly countries!

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