How Much is the Cost of Living in Germany?

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Updated on: Jan 2025

TL;DR: The German government has set the average cost of living to be €992, which should sufficiently cover all expenses such as rental, food, transportation, insurance, and self-care. The actual cost of living varies depending on the location you live in and your lifestyle. Generally, cost of living is higher in bigger cities than in smaller towns.

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!

1. Accommodation: The Biggest Expense

(€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.

2. Food and Groceries: How Much Will You Spend on Eating?

(€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.

3. Health Insurance: A Must for All Students

(About €120 per month)

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

4. Transportation: Getting Around Germany

(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.

5. Semester contribution: Enjoy unlimited travels within the city

(€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).

6. Other Monthly Expenses: Small Costs Add Up

(€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.

7. 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.

8. How to Save Money in Germany

If you’re looking to keep your costs down, here are a few tips:

Cook at home instead of eating out.
Shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl.
Look for student discounts on transport, entertainment, and shopping.
Use student services at your university, like free or cheap activities, events, and advice on saving money.

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. So, start planning ahead, make a budget, and get ready for an exciting adventure in one of Europe’s most student-friendly countries!

Good luck, and happy studying in Germany!

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