Cost of Living in Germany: The cost of living in Germany is an important factor for students planning to study there. Germany is undoubtedly one of the best study-abroad destinations, especially for engineering courses. So, the cost of living in Germany for international students is EUR 1,622 per month.
The amount is based on the BAföG rate, Germany’s financial aid program for study-abroad students which is shown in a Germany Blocked Account. Other living expenses can vary depending on the city, lifestyle, and the university chosen. Let’s explore all the important details about living costs in Germany.
Table of contents
- What is the Cost of Living in Germany?
- Accommodation Costs in Germany
- Food and Groceries Costs in Germany
- Utility Costs in Germany
- Transportation Costs in Germany
- How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Germany?
- Tuition Costs in Germany
- Entertainment and Leisure Costs in Germany
- Tips for Saving Money in Germany
- FAQs on Cost of Living in Germany
What is the Cost of Living in Germany?
The cost of living in Germany is around EUR 1,622 per month, which is 1.52 times higher than the global average. Germany ranks 24th out of 197 countries for living expenses and is considered the 12th best country to live in. It may vary as per the lifestyle and type of accommodation you have chosen. Here is the breakdown of the cost of living in Germany.
- Accommodation: Rent is usually the biggest expense. Student dorms or shared apartments can cost between EUR 250 to EUR 500 per month. Private apartments can range from EUR 400 to EUR 800 or more.
- Food: Groceries and eating out can cost between EUR 200 and EUR 400 a month. Indian students can find some familiar ingredients in stores, but may need to adjust their grocery list. Cooking at home is a cheaper option than dining out often.
- Transportation: Public transportation like buses and trains is affordable and efficient. Monthly passes typically cost between EUR 50 and EUR 80, depending on the city. Many students also use bicycles, which is a cheap way to get around in smaller towns.
- Utilities: Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet typically cost around EUR 100 to EUR 150 per month, depending on your accommodation.
- Other Expenses: Don’t forget other costs like textbooks, phone bills, clothes, and entertainment. These will vary depending on your needs and lifestyle.
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Accommodation Costs in Germany
Accommodation is the major key factor when it comes to the cost of living in Germany. The city you choose to live in plays a big role in your overall expenses. Cities like Munich and Berlin are vibrant, with top universities and plenty of activities, but they tend to be more expensive. On the other hand, smaller cities like Leipzig and Dresden are more budget-friendly while still offering quality education and a student-friendly atmosphere.
So here is the table where you can check the prices for accommodations in the city center and outside the city center:
| Type of Apartment | Size | Approx Cost (EUR) |
| 1 bedroom apartment in city center | 40 m² or 430 ft² | 793 |
| Cheap 1 bedroom apartment | 40 m² or 430 ft² | 607 |
| 3 bedroom apartment in city center | 80 m² or 860 ft² | 1,586 |
| Cheap 3 bedroom apartment | 80 m² or 860 ft² | 1,233 |
Food and Groceries Costs in Germany
Food and groceries are important parts of a student’s budget in Germany. Your spending will vary based on your eating habits, lifestyle, and location. Fortunately, Germany provides many affordable options to help students manage food costs efficiently. A lunch menu typically costs EUR 14, dinner for two in a restaurant is around EUR 66.2, and a fast food meal, like at McDonald’s, costs about EUR 10.5.
So, we suggest cooking at home as it is a more budget-friendly and healthier option compared to dining out. Here’s a table where you can check the grocery items and their approximate costs in Germany:
| Grocery Item | Approximate Cost (EUR) |
| Milk (1 L or 1 qt) | 1.18 |
| Bread (0.5 kg or 1.1 lb) | 2.04 |
| Rice (1 kg or 2.2 lb) | 3.08 |
| Eggs (12) | 3.51 |
| Cheese (1 kg or 2.2 lb) | 13.5 |
| Chicken Breast (1 kg or 2.2 lb) | 13.7 |
| Apples (1 kg or 2.2 lb) | 2.85 |
| Banana (1 kg or 2.2 lb) | 1.6 |
| Oranges (1 kg or 2.2 lb) | 2.17 |
| Tomato (1 kg or 2.2 lb) | 4.52 |
| Potato (1 kg or 2.2 lb) | 1.54 |
| Onion (1 kg or 2.2 lb) | 1.57 |
| Water (1 L or 1 qt) | 0.6 |
| Coca-Cola / Pepsi (2 L or 67.6 fl oz) | 2.03 |
| Cold medicine (1 week) | 9.86 |
| Hair Shampoo | 2.81 |
| Toilet paper (4 rolls) | 1.68 |
| Toothpaste (1 tube) | 1.77 |
Utility Costs in Germany
The cost of living in Germany includes essential services such as electricity, water, heating, and garbage disposal. In many cases, these utilities are included in the accommodation rent. However, if they are not, the total monthly utility costs can range from EUR 270 to EUR 300.
| Cost of Utilities in Germany | Average Monthly Cost (EUR) |
| Utility Bill one person, electricity, heating, water, etc. | 167 |
| Utility Bill for a Family, electricity, heating, water, etc. | 257 |
| Internet plan, 50 Mbps+ 1 month unlimited | 47 |
Transportation Costs in Germany
Transportation costs in Germany are generally considered reasonable. The extensive and efficient public transportation network makes it convenient for students to reach the university and explore the city within the budget. Average monthly costs may range from EUR 50 to EUR 100.
You can use buses, trains, trams, or bicycle rentals for commuting purposes. Taxis are also available, but they can be a bit expensive. Ride-sharing services like BlaBlaCar can be an economical option in this case. For intercity travel, you can use Deutsche Bahn trains and FlixBus for long distances.
| Transport/ Tickets | Costs |
| Germany Ticket (Deutschland Ticket) | EUR 49 per month |
| U-Bahn (Undersground Train Ticket) | EUR 2 to EUR 4 |
| S-Bahn (Overground Train Ticket) | EUR 1.50 to EUR 5 |
| Trams | EUR 1 to EUR 2 |
| Day Passes | EUR 6 to EUR 12 |
| Buses (Day Pass) | EUR 5 to EUR 8 |
| Bicycle Rentals | Regular Bikes- EUR 1 to 3 per hour and EUR 5 to 15 for daily rentals E-Bikes- EUR 2 to 4 per hour and EUR 10 to 20 per day |
How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Germany?
Health insurance is mandatory for everyone living in Germany, and the amount you pay depends on your personal situation. Germany has a dual health insurance system: statutory health insurance and private health insurance
Public health insurance is typically more affordable, inclusive, and reliable for most residents. Private insurance offers additional benefits, but it is more expensive and usually available to individuals who earn above a certain income threshold. So, Public Health Insurance costs EUR 100 to EUR 110 per month for students and low-income individuals. On the other hand, Private Health Insurance costs EUR 200 to EUR 800 per month, depending on age, health, and coverage level.
Tuition Costs in Germany
Germany has many public and private universities. There are zero tuition fees at public universities, however, non-EU students have to pay semester fees of approximately EUR 3,000. Private institutions charge significantly higher fees, usually ranging from EUR 5,000 to EUR 20,000 per year, depending on the program and university.
- Some specialised programs can cost even more, with fees reaching up to EUR 30,000 or more annually.
- For master’s degrees at public universities, the same semester fee structure applies. However, some programs may charge tuition fees that can range from EUR 2,500 to EUR 5,000 per semester, particularly in private institutions.
- PhD students generally do not pay tuition fees at public universities but are required to pay the semester contribution (around EUR 250) for administrative costs.
Entertainment and Leisure Costs in Germany
Studying hard is important, but it’s equally essential to take time to relax and enjoy yourself. Germany offers a wide range of entertainment and leisure activities, from cultural experiences to outdoor adventures. Many of these attractions offer student discounts, so be sure to carry your student ID with you. Here’s a table for entertainment and leisure costs in Germany:
| Items | Approx Cost |
| Gym Membership, 1 month | 37.20 |
| Cinema Ticket, 1 person | 13 |
| Haircut, simple | 16.90 |
| Brand Jeans | 86.50 |
| Brand Sneakers | 95.20 |
Tips for Saving Money in Germany
Here are some money-saving tips specifically for students living in Germany:
- Get discounts on transportation, movies, museums, and more with your student ID. Always carry it and ask for discounts.
- Shop at stores like Lidl, Aldi, or Netto for cheap groceries. Buy in bulk to save even more.
- Cooking your own meals is much cheaper than eating out. Plan your meals and cook with friends to save money.
- Rent your textbooks or buy used ones from online sites like eBay Kleinanzeigen to save on book costs.
- Stay in university dorms or share an apartment with others to reduce your rent.
- Sign up for the public student health insurance plan, which is cheaper than private insurance.
- Attend free university events, and check out museums with free entry days or student discounts.
- Get a student discount on public transport passes, or share rides with friends to save on travel costs.
- Plan your budget for rent, groceries, transport, and fun activities to avoid overspending.
This was all about the cost of living in Germany. Make sure to save as much as you can and plan your budget effectively. For any assistance related to student accommodation, reach out to Fly Homes now at 1800572118 to secure the finest accommodation abroad.
FAQs on Cost of Living in Germany
The cost of living in Germany is around EUR 1,622 per month, which is 1.52 times higher than the global average.
For Indians, Germany can be relatively expensive compared to living in India. The cost of accommodation, food, and transportation in major cities may seem higher. However, Germany provides high-quality public services, healthcare, and infrastructure, which can make the cost of living worth it.
Non-EU students are required to pay semester fees of approximately EUR 3,000. Tuition fees of private institutions usually range from EUR 5,000 to EUR 20,000 per year, depending on the program and university.
In major cities like Munich, Berlin, Stuttgart, Hamburg, and Frankfurt, prices of accommodation range from EUR 900 to EUR 1,400 per month. Accommodation costs range from EUR 610 to EUR 690 in affordable cities like Leipzig, Dresden, and Bremen.
Magdeburg is one of the most affordable cities to live in Germany. Universities, food, transportation, and living expenses are available at reasonable costs, with average living costs of around EUR 700 per month.
You can use buses, trains, trams, or bicycle rentals for commuting purposes. Ride-sharing services like BlaBlaCar can be an economical option in this case. For intercity travel, you can use Deutsche Bahn trains and FlixBus for long distances.
The cost of living in India is significantly lower than in Germany. For example, rent in India can be as low as EUR 100 to EUR 400 for a one-bedroom apartment, while in Germany, it ranges from EUR 600 to EUR 1,500 in major cities.
To live comfortably in Germany, an individual typically needs between EUR 1,200 to EUR 1,800 per month. This amount covers rent, utilities, food, transportation, and leisure activities. The cost will be higher in big cities and lower in smaller towns or rural areas.
Healthcare in Germany is excellent and mandatory for all residents. Public health insurance for students costs about EUR 110 to EUR 120 per month. For non-students or those opting for private insurance, the cost can be higher.
Yes, public transportation is efficient and affordable. A monthly public transport pass typically costs between EUR 60 and EUR 100, depending on the city. Students often get discounted rates
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