- Download our Moving to Germany Guide (PDF)
The cost of living in Germany is relatively high. If you're in Berlin, you'll find it to be Germany's most expensive city, ranking 31st out of 226 cities in Mercer's 2024 Cost of Living City Survey, with Frankfurt and Munich coming in at 35th and 38th, respectively. These cities are cheaper than London in the UK (8th) but more expensive than Dublin, Ireland (41st).
Accommodation prices vary depending on the neighbourhood and the size and type (flat-share, apartment, or house). Private healthcare is also quite pricey, as are school fees for international schools. Items such as clothing and cellular phones aren't cheap either.
Taxes in Germany are also high, but if you're an expat, your expenses are likely to be offset by higher salaries.
Cost of accommodation in Germany
The cost of accommodation in Germany is relatively high, but property prices vary significantly depending on the area.
Germany has a history of being a country of renters, with fewer people buying property. While there are no significant restrictions on non-Germans buying property, most expats will also rent rather than buy homes in Germany.
Rent in major cities such as Berlin and Munich is particularly steep – it's common for accommodation to gobble up half of your monthly salary. If you're an expat, you'll find accommodation even pricier, as it's typically furnished or partly furnished.
Cost of transport in Germany
There are many options for transport in Germany, but not all of them are cheap. Germany offers many public transport options, including InterCity Express (ICE), regular InterCity (IC), and regional and local trains.
Trains are often the fastest and most efficient way to get around, though ICE trains are typically pricier than IC and regional trains. The Bahn Card is a good investment as it's valid for a year and can make train travel more economical.
Bus travel tends to be cheaper than commuting by train, and booking tickets in advance can reduce prices.
If you live in major urban hubs such as Hamburg or Munich, you won't need to purchase a car thanks to the well-developed public transport networks. However, driving in Germany can be costly, especially considering fuel, parking, and maintenance costs.
Cost of groceries in Germany
While groceries in Germany are not cheap, they are considered more affordable than in France and Austria. Essential food items such as bread, fresh produce, and eggs are all reasonably priced.
If you want to get a taste of home, expect to spend a fair bit on imported foods. You can reduce your monthly grocery bills by shopping for discounts and specials at some of Germany's most popular supermarkets, such as Aldi, Lidl, and Spar.
Cost of entertainment and eating out in Germany
Entertainment and eating out in Germany can be pricey, depending on your preferences. Major metropolitan cities offer a variety of cuisines to enjoy. Food is generally reasonably priced, but drinks can be costlier than you may be used to.
Germany's cities offer exciting nightlife and rich arts and cultural experiences. Still, you should budget carefully to enjoy these without breaking the bank. If you want to avoid hefty gym membership fees, consider joining a local sports team or taking walks or running to explore your suburb.
Cost of education in Germany
Education in Germany is of an excellent standard. Public schools don't charge fees and are well worth considering if you have children young enough to pick up the local language (German) or if you plan on staying for the long term.
Many expats send their children to international schools in Germany due to the language barrier and to allow them to continue in the curriculum from their home countries. These tend to come at a steep price, though, and tuition fees vary according to the institution and the child's grade level.
Cost of healthcare in Germany
If you fall ill during your stay, you can rest assured that you will be in good hands due to the exceptional healthcare in Germany. However, having some form of health insurance is compulsory in Germany.
If employed in Germany, you can take advantage of the state health insurance plan, which offers subsidised health insurance. If you are self-employed, however, you must purchase private health insurance, which can cost a great deal.
International health insurance premiums vary according to your age and health and the type of coverage you need.
Cost of living in Germany chart
Note that prices may vary depending on the product and service provider. The list below shows average prices in Berlin for October 2024.
Accommodation (monthly rent) | |
Three-bedroom apartment in the city centre | EUR 2,300 |
Three-bedroom apartment outside the city centre | EUR 1,700 |
One-bedroom apartment in the city centre | EUR 1,200 |
One-bedroom apartment outside the city centre | EUR 900 |
Food and drink | |
Dozen eggs | EUR 3 |
Milk (1 litre) | EUR 1.20 |
Rice (1kg) | EUR 3 |
Loaf of white bread | EUR 2 |
Chicken breasts (1kg) | EUR 11 |
Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) | EUR 8.20 |
Eating out | |
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | EUR 70 |
Big Mac Meal | EUR 11 |
Coca-Cola (330ml) | EUR 3 |
Cappuccino | EUR 4 |
Bottle of beer (local) | EUR 4 |
Utilities/household | |
Monthly mobile plan (with calls and data) | EUR 18 |
Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable – average per month) | EUR 42 |
Basic utilities (average per month for a standard household) | EUR 330 |
Transportation | |
Taxi rate/km | EUR 2.80 |
City-centre public transport fare | EUR 3.50 |
Gasoline/Petrol (per litre) | EUR 1.80 |
What do expats say about the cost of living in Germany?
"The cost of living in Germany definitely depends on where you live. People say Europe is more expensive than the States, but I can tell you that I pay considerably less for my bigger apartment here in Germany than I did for my smaller one in Chicago."For more on Marisa's experiences as an American expat in Germany, read our interview with her.
Further reading
►For more on expat money matters, read our Banking, Money and Taxes in Germany page
Are you an expat living in Germany?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Germany. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
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