Cost of Living in Germany

Written by Anastasiia Lushyna Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Anastasiia Lushyna

Anastasiia is a content creator, writer, and motorcycle traveler with experience living in 4 different countries. She has been exploring the world and its cultural diversity since 2010.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: October 9, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Although Germany has high taxes, the cost of living in this country is relatively low compared to other popular relocation destinations. For example, the average monthly expenses for a single person in Germany (excluding rent) are about €990, according to Numbeo. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around €890 on average, while outside the city center, it’s about €670.

Let’s review the cost of living in Germany in detail.

How expensive is it to live in Germany?

The cost of living in Germany varies significantly based on the region and lifestyle. However, according to Numbeo, total monthly expenses (including renting a city center apartment) will be around €1,880 for a single person and approximately €5,040 for a family of four.

Compared to other countries, Spain, for instance, will be cheaper, with similar monthly expenses of approximately €1,670 for a single person and around €4,020 for a family of four (Source: Numbeo).

As for Ireland, the numbers will be €2,600 and €6,180 respectively, making it more expensive than Germany (Source: Numbeo).

Most expensive city to live in Germany?

Munich is the most expensive city to live in Germany, with total monthly expenses (including rent) for a single person at €2,550. Frankfurt occupies the second place, with the expenses of €2,290. One more expensive, even though still cheaper than Munich option is Berlin: around €2,180 (Source: Numbeo).

Cheapest city in Germany

Halle, Magdeburg, and Freiburg im Breisgau are among the cheapest cities to live in Germany. In Halle, a single person is expected to spend around €1,130 per month. In Magdeburg — approximately €1,180. As for Freiburg im Breisgau, the expected expenses are €1,160 (Source: Livingcost.org).

Cost of living in Germany vs the UK

Looking at the UK, a single person’s average monthly expenses (including rent) are around £1,880, which is approximately €2,240. As for Germany, it is significantly cheaper — €1,880. However, if we compare these two countries without rent, Germany will be slightly more expensive, with around €990 per month for a single person. In the UK, the expenses will be approximately €974 (Source: Numbeo).

Comparing the cost of some everyday groceries (Source: Numbeo):

Cost of living in Germany vs the US

As for the US, a single person renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is expected to spend around $2,930 per month, which is approximately €2,670. This way, with rent, the US is significantly more expensive than Germany (€1,880). If we do not include rent, the US will still be more expensive, with around €1,060 per month for a single person. Germany has both lower rental prices and monthly expenses excluding rent (Source: Numbeo).

Comparison of everyday groceries (Source: Numbeo):

Rent per month

Here’s the average monthly rent in Germany, which varies based on the location and size of the apartment (Source: Numbeo):

• Apartment (1 bedroom) in the city center: €892
• Apartment (1 bedroom) outside the center: €675
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) in the city center: €1,670
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside the center: €1,270

Renting an apartment in the outskirts is predictably cheaper, providing a way to save money. And since Germany has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, you will probably have no trouble getting to work or around the city.

How to find an apartment in Germany

To find an apartment in Germany, online platforms are the most popular and effective way. Websites such as ImmobilienScout24, WG-Gesucht, and Immonet provide listings of available apartments across the country. These sites allow you to filter searches by location, price, size, and other preferences. WG-Gesucht is especially useful for shared flats (WGs), which are common for students or young professionals. Make sure to check these platforms regularly, as apartments can be rented out quickly, especially in major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt.

Facebook groups and local forums can also be valuable resources for finding apartments. However, if you’re having trouble finding an apartment on your own, using a Makler (real estate agent) can be helpful, though it comes with a fee. Agents usually charge around two months' rent plus VAT. This option can be particularly useful in competitive markets or if you're looking for a specific type of apartment that isn’t widely advertised online.

Besides, In Germany, landlords often request a detailed set of documents before approving a rental. You will likely need to provide proof of income (usually three months of salary slips), a SCHUFA credit report (a German credit check), a copy of your ID or passport, and sometimes a letter from your previous landlord confirming you were a good tenant. Having these documents ready will make the application process smoother and faster.

Utilities

Here is how much you may spend on utilities in Germany per month (Source: Numbeo):

• Basic utilities (heating, electricity, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m2 apartment: €300
• Mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data: €27
• Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data): €46

Adding up all these expenses, the total comes to approximately €370. However, you can reduce these costs by choosing cheaper providers. See below for more options on Internet connections and mobile phone plans.

Public transport

Public transport in Germany is highly efficient, well-connected, and widely used. Major cities have extensive networks of buses, trams, and trains, including U-Bahn (subway) and S-Bahn (urban trains). The Deutsche Bahn national train system connects cities across the country, while regional trains and local transit options make commuting easy. Public transport is known for its punctuality and reliability, making it a convenient option for getting around both within and between cities.

Here’s a general overview of ticket prices for public transport in Germany (Source: Numbeo):

• One-way ticket for local transport: €3
• Regular monthly pass: €49
• Starting fare for a taxi ride: €4.50
• An hour of waiting time in a taxi: €30

• Gasoline: €1.75 per litre

   

Food

Grocery shopping in Germany is generally straightforward and affordable, with a wide range of options. Supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, Edeka, and Rewe are popular for everyday groceries, offering a mix of local and international products at reasonable prices. Farmers' markets, known as Wochenmärkte, are common in many towns and cities, offering fresh, seasonal produce, meats, and baked goods. For organic or specialty items, stores like Bio Company or Denn's Biomarkt cater to specific dietary preferences. Shopping hours are usually limited on Sundays, as most stores are closed, so it's important to plan ahead.

Depending on your eating habits, the monthly food costs (excluding eating out) can be as follows:

• For a single person: €150-€400
• For a couple: €300-€600
• For a family of four: €600-€1,000

Here are some average prices for eating out (Source: Numbeo):

• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €14
• Meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant (three-course): €62.25
• McMeal at McDonald's (or equivalent combo meal): €10
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter draught): €4
• Cappuccino (regular): €3.41
• Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle): €2.75
• Water (0.33 liter bottle): €2.46

Mobile phone plan

Purchasing a mobile phone plan in Germany is straightforward, with options ranging from contract plans (Vertrag) to prepaid plans (Prepaid-Tarif). Major providers like Telekom, Vodafone, and O2 offer both types, with contract plans typically requiring a minimum commitment of 12 or 24 months and offering better deals on data and call minutes. Prepaid plans are more flexible, allowing users to top up as needed without a long-term commitment, and are available at supermarkets, kiosks, or online. You’ll need identification, such as a passport or national ID, and sometimes proof of residence to sign up for a contract plan.

Major providers:

• Vodafone: from €30 (4 GB)
• Telekom: from €40 (6 GB)
• O2: from €20 (3 GB)

Cheaper options:

• 1&1 (a third-party provider): from €10 for the first 6 months, then from €20 per month (3 GB)
• Freenet (a third-party provider): from €10 (1 GB, with Telekom) and €8 (3 GB, with Telefonica)

eSIMs:

• Providers like Vodafone, Telekom, and O2 offer prepaid eSIMs. The price starts from around €5.

Childcare

Childcare in Germany is widely available and varies between public and private options. Public childcare, known as Kindertagesstätten or Kitas, is government-subsidized, making it affordable for most families, though spots can be limited, especially in larger cities. The cost of childcare depends on income and the specific region, with lower fees for public Kitas. Private childcare and international daycare centers are also available but tend to be more expensive. The quality of childcare is generally high, and many Kitas emphasize early childhood education, social development, and play-based learning. For working parents, before- and after-school care is often available.

Types of childcare and prices (Source: Expatica):

• State daycare: €15-€400 per month
• Private care: Around €1,000 per month
• Childminders: Usually €5-15 per hour
• Nannies: Average salary of €1,540 per month (plus employer contributions)
• Au pairs: €260 per month (plus accommodation, health insurance, and language class fees)
• Babysitters: Typically €2-15 per hour

On average (Source: Numbeo):

• Preschool (or kindergarten), full day, private, monthly for 1 child: €406
• International primary school, yearly for 1 child: €12,090

Gym

On average, you can expect to spend €34 per month on a gym in Germany. You may be able to find a cheaper place, but it is important to remember that you will usually have to sign a 1-2 year contract to join a gym in Germany. If you do not cancel (the notice period is usually 3 months), the contract is often automatically renewed. In addition, you should be prepared for extra expenses such as paying for a membership card.

At the same time, you may be able to find a gym that offers day passes, but going there regularly is likely to be more expensive than signing a contract.

Gym overview and monthly prices:

• McFit: €€ 16.90 per month (plus €19 fee for the membership card) with a minimum contract of 12 months
• Holmes Place: from €99 per month
• Women’s Fitness: from €49 per month
• PowerFrau Bootcamp: from €89 per month