Cost of Living in Berlin

Is Berlin expensive?

Berlin is the 31st most expensive city in the world, making it more affordable than a lot of other European cities. Below is a breakdown of typical costs (Source: Numbeo):

For a single person:

• Rent: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages just under €1,200 per month, while outside the city centre, it’s around €850.
• Other living expenses: Food, transport, utilities, and entertainment typically add up to €900–€1,100 monthly.
• Total monthly cost: €1,750–€2,300 depending on location and lifestyle.

For a family of four:

• Rent: A three-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs around €2,500 per month, while outside the centre, expect to pay about €1,850.
• Other living expenses: Groceries, childcare, utilities, and transportation add approximately €2,500–€3,000 to monthly costs.
• Total monthly cost: €4,150–€5,500.

When you compare this to other major cities like London, where a family of four would spend around €9,844 monthly and a single person about €3,924, Berlin is significantly less expensive. The Amsterdam cost of living is somewhere in the middle, with a family of four spending about €7,647 per month and a single person around €3,103. Overall, the lower rent makes the cost of living in Berlin lower than many capital cities in Western Europe, although it is still expensive compared to other German cities.

Rent per month

Berlin's rental market is diverse and competitive. Prices vary depending on the size and location of the apartment. Here are the average monthly rents (Source: Numbeo):

• Apartment (1 bedroom) in the city center: €1,167
• Apartment (1 bedroom) outside of center: €886
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) in the city center: €2,413
• Apartment (3 bedrooms) outside of center: €1,670 

Berlin's rental market is tight due to high demand and low supply, and interest rates going up have increased prices for renters.

Best neighborhoods to live in Berlin (Sources: Movinga and Expat Arrivals):

• Prenzlauer Berg: Known as "Pregnant Hill" due to its popularity among families, Prenzlauer Berg offers tree-lined streets, excellent schools, and a variety of green spaces. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a trendy yet family-friendly vibe. The area boasts many organic markets, boutique cafes, and attractions like the Kulturbrauerei cultural center. However, it comes with higher living costs due to its gentrification​.
• Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf: A more traditional and affluent area, Charlottenburg combines elegance with comfort. Highlights include Schloss Charlottenburg and the vibrant Kurfürstendamm shopping boulevard. This district is ideal for families seeking quiet, green areas and excellent schools while remaining close to amenities​.
• Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg: Popular with young professionals, artists, and students, these neighborhoods are cultural hubs. They feature lively nightlife, art galleries, and a mix of alternative and mainstream culture. Friedrichshain is more youthful and edgy, while Kreuzberg offers a blend of multiculturalism and charm​.
• Neukölln: Once overlooked, Neukölln has become one of Berlin’s most dynamic areas, loved for its affordable rents, diverse culture, and creative scene. It attracts expats and young families looking for a vibrant yet affordable lifestyle​.
• Schöneberg: This residential district strikes a balance between trendy and traditional. With its leafy streets, established eateries, and good shopping options, it is an excellent choice for those seeking a mature, relaxed neighborhood​.

Areas to avoid or approach with caution:

• Kottbusser Tor (Kreuzberg): While vibrant during the day, this area is known for drug-related activities and petty crimes at night.
• Leopoldplatz (Wedding): Crime rates, particularly related to drugs and theft, are higher here.
• Moabit: Although central, it faces higher burglary and theft rates. It’s advisable to exercise caution in these areas, especially during nighttime​.

How to find an apartment in Berlin

Berlin’s rental market can be competitive, with demand often outstripping supply. However, understanding the system and being prepared can make the process smoother. Here's what you need to know:

• Start online: Popular platforms like ImmobilienScout24, WG-Gesucht, and Immonet are great for finding apartments, whether you're looking for a flatshare or a private rental.
• Be ready to act quickly: Apartments in desirable areas are often rented out within hours of being listed. Regularly refreshing your searches and setting up email alerts can help you stay ahead.
• Prepare your documents: Landlords typically require a rental application (Mieterselbstauskunft), proof of income (salary slips or bank statements), your credit report (Schufa), and ID or visa documents. If you’re new to Germany and don’t yet have a Schufa, offering extra references from previous landlords or employers may help.
• Consider alternative housing: While waiting for a long-term lease, look into temporary options like serviced apartments or subletting. Websites like Homelike specialize in furnished, flexible rentals.
• Network locally: Word of mouth can be powerful. Ask friends, colleagues, or community groups if they know of available rentals. Expats in Berlin often share tips or listings in Facebook groups like “Berlin Expats Housing.”
• Be wary of scams: Never send money or personal details before seeing the apartment in person. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Challenges

Finding an apartment in Berlin isn’t just about luck—it’s about persistence. The competition can be fierce, particularly in central areas like Mitte or Prenzlauer Berg. Many expats also encounter language barriers, so enlisting the help of a German-speaking friend or agent can be invaluable.

By being proactive and well-prepared, you can navigate Berlin’s rental market successfully.

Note: If you need support during your housing search in Berlin, we're here to assist. We can provide a quote or connect you with our trusted partners who have helped many expats find housing throughout the city.

Property prices

The average price per square meter to buy an apartment in Berlin is around (Source: Numbeo):

• City center: €8,000/sqm
• Outside of the city center: €5,650/sqm

If you’re thinking of buying property in Berlin, understanding the nuances of the market can save you time and money. While Berlin remains more affordable than other major European cities like London or Paris, its growing popularity means prices are steadily rising.

Before diving into the market, here are some key considerations:

• Legal framework: Germany’s real estate system is thorough but can be complex. For example, purchasing property in Berlin doesn’t automatically grant residency or citizenship. Make sure your visa status aligns with your plans.
• Leasehold vs. freehold: Most properties in Berlin are sold as freehold, but some co-operative apartments (Genossenschaften) may have special ownership rules.
• Understand the notary system: Every property transaction in Germany involves a notary (Notar), who ensures legal compliance. This process can be lengthy but protects both buyer and seller.

• Additional costs: Aside from the purchase price, buyers need to account for taxes and fees, including:

  ◦ Grunderwerbsteuer (property transfer tax): 6% of the purchase price in Berlin.

  ◦ Notary and registration fees: Typically around 2%.

  ◦ Real estate agent commission: Around 3–7%, often split between buyer and seller.

Buying as an expat

Berlin is friendly to foreign buyers, but securing financing as a non-resident may require a larger deposit (20–40% of the property price). Consulting with a mortgage broker who specializes in expat financing can help you navigate this process.

Whether you're planning to live in your property or invest, Berlin’s real estate market offers a mix of opportunities. Modern developments in up-and-coming areas like Lichtenberg attract investors, while classic pre-war (Altbau) apartments in central neighborhoods remain sought after by families and professionals.

Patience, preparation, and a good local agent can make all the difference when finding your dream property in Berlin.

Utilities

Here’s what you can expect to pay on monthly utilities in Berlin (Source: Numbeo):

• Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment: €305
• Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ Data: €12-€15
• Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): €45

There are many ways to try and reduce your utility bills. Comparing energy providers through comparison platforms can help find cost-effective contracts. Switching to energy-efficient appliances, using LED bulbs, and installing programmable thermostats are simple steps to lower electricity and heating bills. For Berlin’s older apartments, sealing drafts with curtains or door seals can help conserve heat.

Germany’s Energiepreisbremsen caps electricity and gas costs for basic consumption, and subsidies are available for low-income households. Water-saving measures, like using low-flow fixtures and eco-friendly appliance settings, further reduce costs. Bundling internet and mobile services through providers such as Telekom or Vodafone can also lead to savings.

Residents can also tap into local advice from initiatives like the Berliner Energieagentur or community groups sharing energy-saving tips. These strategies can significantly cut costs while promoting sustainable practices.

Public transport

Berlin's public transport system is extensive and easy to navigate with an Oyster card or contactless payment, usable on the Tube, buses, Overground, and DLR (Docklands Light Railway). The Tube (the Berlin Underground) is often the quickest way to get around (although it can get very crowded at rush hour), while buses are a great alternative to get through the city. Use the TfL journey planner and the TfL Go app for live updates. If you prefer cycling, the Santander Cycles scheme offers convenient bike rentals across Berlin. For river travel, check out Thames Clippers, and for journeys beyond central Berlin, explore the National Rail services.

Berlin travel ticket (Source: Berlin Transport):

• Fare zone AB: €3,50 (regular), €2.20 (reduced)
• Fare zone BC: €4 (regular), €2.70 (reduced)
• Fare zone ABC: €4.40 (regular), €3.20 (reduced)
• Short trip ticket: €2,40
• Monthly Travel Pass: €49

Taxi (Source: Numbeo):

• Taxi start (normal tariff): €5.00
• Taxi 1 km: €2.30
• Taxi 1 hour waiting: €36.75
• From the airport to the city center: €58

Food

Berlin is known for its diverse food scene, ranging from affordable street food to upscale dining. Grocery prices are generally reasonable compared to other European cities, and there are options for every budget. You’ll find popular discount supermarkets like Lidl, Aldi, and Netto, which offer excellent value, as well as higher-end stores like Edeka and Rewe. For fresh produce and specialty items, local markets such as the Turkish Market in Kreuzberg or Winterfeldt Market in Schöneberg are great options.

Here’s an estimate of your potential monthly grocery expenses in Berlin (Sources: Nomad And In Love and Reddit):

• For a single person: €150-€300
• For a couple: €300-€600
• For a family of four: €450-€900

Here are some typical grocery items to give you a rough idea of prices (Sources: One Life Passport and Numbeo):

• Milk (1 liter): €1.14
• Loaf of fresh white bread (500g): €1.91
• Rice (1kg):€2.94
• Eggs (12): €3.22
• Chicken fillets (1kg): €5.81​
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter draught): €4.20

Childcare

If you're looking for childcare in Berlin, there are many childcare options, but it can get expensive. There are, however, a number of government assistance programmes. If you have lived in Berlin as a legal resident for more than 6 months you can access Kindergeld, which is money that helps childcare for under 18s (even up to 25 year olds if they are in education!) There may also be extra support available including a Parental Allowance, Maintenance Advance and even Partnership Bonuses.

Types of childcare and prices (Source: Expatica):

• Daycare: Public daycare costs range from €15 to €400 monthly, with an average expense of about €169 per month. Private daycare options are significantly pricier, often costing up to €1,000 per month.
• Childminders: Hourly rates typically fall between €5 and €15. For a 20-hour week, this could add up to approximately €800 per month.
• Nannies: Hiring a nanny involves an average monthly salary of around €1,540, plus additional employer contributions for taxes and insurance.
• Au pairs: Costs include a stipend of €260 per month, along with providing accommodation, health insurance, and covering language class fees. Au pairs usually work up to 30 hours weekly.
• Babysitters: Rates vary widely, from €2 to €15 per hour, depending on experience and the tasks involved.

International yearly school fees (Source: International Schools Database):

• Berlin Bilingual School: €3,000-€5,130
• SIS Swiss International School: €10,040-€15,670
• BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School: €14,500-€23,650
• Berlin Metropolitan School: €9,300-€14,400
• International primary school, yearly for 1 child: €8,993 (roughly €23,400)

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