Cost of Living in Munich

Is Munich expensive?

Munich is #1 most expensive city in Germany, and #16 on the list of 150 European cities (Source: Numbeo). It is cheaper than Copenhagen or Amsterdam, but more expensive than Brussels, Stockholm, and Vienna.

For instance, in Vienna, renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center will cost approximately €1,050. As for Munich, a similar apartment will cost €1,460. In Amsterdam, which is a much more expensive city, such an accommodation may cost over €2,000.

Rent per month

Here are some detailed figures from Numbeo to help you understand the cost of living in Munich:

• 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €1,456
• 1-bedroom apartment outside of the center: €1,174
• 3-bedroom apartment in the city center: €2,817
• 3-bedroom apartment outside of the center: €2,114

Keep in mind that rental prices across Germany (and Munich is no exception) are expected to increase in the coming years. The reason for this is that buying property has also become more expensive, so more and more locals and foreigners are switching to renting an apartment instead of buying one. Supply and demand are not matching, which is driving the increase. Therefore, it would be wise to rent a place in the outskirts, which will always be cheaper than in the center.

Best areas to live in Munich:

• Altstadt — For those especially interested in culture and history.
• Haidhausen — A tranquil neighborhood with proximity to the rivers.
• Maxvorstadt — A cultural area with popular museums.
• Schwabing — An area with many green spaces, ideal for those looking for a quiet life.
• Ludwigsvorstadt — An area with multiple cafes, bars, and cultural hotspots.
• Nymphenburg — One of the most family-friendly neighborhoods with numerous green spaces.

Up-and-coming areas:

• Gärtnerplatz — A vibrant and culturally rich neighborhood.
• Glockenbach — An area for those interested in nightlife.

Areas with potential downsides:

• Hasenbergl — A quite safe but not the most beautiful area.
• Neuperlach — A rather remote suburb.

How to find an apartment in Munich

Finding an apartment in Munich can be quite challenging due to the city's high demand and limited housing supply. Munich is one of the most expensive cities in Germany, and rent prices in central areas like Maxvorstadt, Schwabing, and Glockenbachviertel are particularly steep. It's important to start your search early and explore multiple options, such as online platforms like ImmobilienScout24 and WG-Gesucht, which are commonly used for both long-term rentals and shared flats.

Be prepared with all necessary documents, including proof of income, a SCHUFA credit report, and personal identification, as competition for apartments is fierce. Networking through local contacts, expat groups, and even real estate agents (Makler) can also increase your chances of securing a place. Flexibility in terms of location and being open to renting in suburban areas can help, as these tend to be more affordable than the city center.

If you need help with your housing search in Munich, we’re here to help. We can provide you with a quote or connect you with our trusted partners who have successfully helped many of our users find housing in the city.

Property prices

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

• City center: €11,408/sqm
• Outside of the city center: €8,260/sqm

Buying property in Munich can be a complex and expensive process, as the city has one of the highest property prices in Germany. Central neighborhoods like Schwabing, and Maxvorstadt (over €10,000/sqm) are particularly pricey, but even suburban areas around the city, such as Pasing (€6,500-€7,500/sqm), come with high price tags due to Munich's strong economy and limited housing supply.

As a foreigner relocating to Munich, it’s important to understand that Germany has no legal restrictions on property ownership for non-residents, so you are free to buy property whether you're an expat or a foreign investor. However, navigating the buying process can be challenging due to language barriers and legal complexities. It's highly recommended to hire a real estate agent (Makler) and a notary (Notar), who will ensure that the contracts are legally binding and meet all German property laws. Additional costs like the Grunderwerbsteuer (property transfer tax), notary fees, and registration fees, which can total around 7-10% of the purchase price, should also be factored into your budget.

Utilities

Apart from housing, utilities also make up a significant part of the cost of living in Munich (Source: Numbeo):

• Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m² apartment: €353
• Mobile phone monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ Data: €21
• Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): €38

Summing up these expenses, the total comes to €412 per month. Note that you will pay more if you have a larger apartment or if you live with a family. Choosing cheaper providers and renting an apartment in the outskirts will help you save money, as well as switching to green energy and using timers on appliances.

Public transport

Getting around Munich on public transport is easy and efficient, thanks to the city's well-developed network of U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (commuter trains), trams, and buses. The MVV system covers the entire city and surrounding areas, making commuting convenient whether you're in the city center or the suburbs. Tickets are available for single trips, day passes, or monthly subscriptions, and can be purchased at stations or via the MVV app. Munich’s public transport is known for being punctual and reliable, with frequent services, especially during peak hours. Cycling is also a popular option, with dedicated bike lanes throughout the city.

Travel ticket (Source: MVV):

• Short Trip Ticket: €1.90
• Single Ticket: From €3.90
• Daily Ticket: From €9.20
• The Stripe Ticket (flexible option): From €3.40
• The IsarCard Weekly Pass: From €21.10
• The IsarCard Monthly Pass: From €65.90

Taxi (Source: Numbeo):

• Taxi start (normal tariff): €5.50
• Taxi 1 km: €2.50
• Taxi 1 hour waiting: €38
• From the Airport to the city center: €60-70

Food

Grocery shopping in Munich offers a variety of options, from budget-friendly supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl to more premium stores like Edeka and Rewe. Organic and specialty products can be found at stores like Denn’s Biomarkt and Alnatura, catering to those looking for bio or eco-friendly options. Many neighborhoods also have weekly farmers’ markets (Wochenmärkte) where you can buy fresh, local produce, meats, and baked goods. While grocery prices are generally reasonable, imported items tend to be more expensive. Most supermarkets are closed on Sundays, so it’s important to plan ahead for weekend shopping. Your food expenses will depend on your eating habits, but here are approximate costs you should be prepared for if you are not eating out:

• For a single person: €250-€350
• For a couple: €400-€600
• For a family of four: €600-€1,000

Here’s a look at the typical prices for some common grocery items (Source: Numbeo):

• Milk (1 liter): €1.19
• Loaf of fresh white bread (500g): €2.14
• Rice (1kg): €2.87
• Eggs (12): €3.14
• Chicken fillets (1kg): €10.98
• Domestic beer (0.5 liter draught): €4.80

Childcare

Childcare in Munich is in high demand, with options ranging from public Kitas (daycare centers) to private and international daycare facilities. Public childcare is affordable due to government subsidies, but finding a spot can be competitive, so it's important to apply early. Private and international options offer more flexibility but come at a higher cost. Munich’s childcare facilities are known for their quality, focusing on early childhood education and social development.

Here's a breakdown of your options (Source: Muenchen.de):

• State Nursery Schools - Kindergärten:
  • Age: 3 to 6 years old
  • Cost: €70-€120 per month
  • Schedule: Typically from 8 am to noon or from 2 pm to 5 pm. All-day kindergartens (7 am to 5 pm) are available, but a spot there is difficult to find.
• Private Nursery Schools
  • Age: 3 to 6 years old
  • Cost: Around €150-€200 per month
  • Schedule: Similar to state nurseries.
• Kinderkrippen (Kita):
  • Age: under 3
  • Free places are difficult to find.

Additionally, parents can apply for Elternzeit (parental leave) and receive Elterngeld (parental allowance) to help cover costs while they take time off work to care for their child. For parents who need flexible care options, Munich provides Tagesmütter (daycare mothers) and private childcare centers. There are also various family centers and parent groups offering resources, advice, and support, making the transition into childcare easier for both parents and children.

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

• St. George's, The British International School Munich: fees are not public
• Munich International School: fees are not public
• Jules Verne Campus: fees are not public
• Obermenzinger Gymnasium: €9,040
• Bavarian International School: €17,210-€22,990

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