Considering a move to Germany? No matter your reason for potentially moving there, be it for work, study, or simply a new adventure, understanding the cost of living in Germany is key in planning your relocation. Germany offers a high standard of living, complete with strong economic opportunities and solid infrastructure, but living expenses will vary significantly depending on the area you choose.
This guide will break down the average costs of living in Germany, with special focus on key cities like Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin. From rent to healthcare, groceries to public transport, we’ll help you find out how to prepare financially for moving to Germany.
Average Cost of Living in Germany: National Overview
Did you know that Germany is considered to be one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe? That being said, your costs will depend on where in the country you live, the size of your family, and the type of lifestyle you prefer. Still, we can share some average numbers on a national level to give you an idea of what you might expect.
For example, an average single person living in Germany can expect to spend somewhere between €900 and €1,300 per month, not including rent. Compare that to a family of 4, for whom that figure will increase to roughly €2,500 to €3,500 per month (again, not including housing).
Here’s a breakdown of some typical monthly costs across the country:
Detached or semi-detached house (3–4 bedrooms): €2,000–€3,500+ (depending on location and size)
Food and Groceries
Monthly grocery shop (1 person): €150–€250
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €10–€15 for one
Mid-range restaurant (3-course): €40–€70 for one
Transport
Monthly public transport pass: €49 (Deutschlandticket – valid nationwide)
Fuel per litre: €1.80–€2.00
Utilities, Internet & Mobile
For an 85m² apartment: €200–€350 per month (electric, heating, water, etc.)
Internet (flat rate): €30–€50
Mobile phone plan: €10–€30
While these figures reflect a rough national average, you will find that expenses in cities like Munich or Frankfurt can be much higher, particularly when it comes to housing costs. That’s why we’ve also broken down German costs of living based on the most popular cities.
Cost of Living in Berlin
Berlin – known across Europe as one of the continent’s most creative and vibrant places. As the capital of Germany, it offers a wonderful mix of culture, history, and start-up energy. This makes it an appealing location for artists, digital nomads, entrepreneurs, students and professionals alike. When compared to other major cities in Europe, Berlin is still considered rather affordable, despite a rise in prices in recent years.
Housing in Berlin
Berlin long had a reputation for low rent, but recent demand has begun to cause price spikes. Housing costs in Berlin will differ largely, depending on the district, but here’s a look at current averages.
House (3–4 bedrooms in suburban areas): €2,500–€3,500+/month
Bear in mind that areas like Kreuzberg, Prenzlauer Berg and Mitte are known for being more expensive, while neighbourhoods like Lichtenberg and Neukölln can offer better affordability.
Food and Groceries in Berlin
Berlin is a brilliant destination for foodies, providing an absolute haven for international cuisine and street food, particularly in Turkish and Vietnamese communities. Berlin also offers all the standard German fare and plenty of
other international options. Costs of food will vary, depending on your preferences, where you shop, and the types of restaurants you frequent. But on average, you can expect:
Monthly grocery bill (1 person): €200–€250
Inexpensive restaurant meal: €12–€15
Coffee: €3–€4
Mid-range dinner for two: €50–€70
Transport
Berlin has fantastic transport systems, including buses, the S-Bahn and the U-Bahn, trams, and plenty of taxis. The city is also quite pedestrian-friendly, and many locals use bicycles and electric scooters for shorter trips.
Monthly travel pass (AB zones): €49 (Deutschlandticket)
Taxi start fare: €4.50, then €2.00/km.
Utilities and Internet
Basic utilities for a flat (electricity, heating, water): €250–€350/month
Internet: €30–€45/month
The cost of living in Berlin may be on the rise, but it’s still far more affordable than cities like Munich, London or Paris, particularly when it comes to lifestyle and transport. Housing shortages could cause you complications, though, so early planning is key if you’re considering a move to Berlin.
Cost of Living in Munich
Considered to be Germany’s economic powerhouse, and home to global companies like Siemens, Allianz and BMW, Munich has a reputation in the finance world. Boasting clean streets, a high quality of life and plenty of culture, Munich is often ranked amongst the most livable cities in the world.
But that lifestyle comes at a premium, and the high costs of living in Munich reflect this. As the most expensive city in Germany, here’s what you can expect in terms of cost of living in Munich.
Housing in Munich
The rent in Munich is known for being high, particularly near the city centre. Competition is also high due to demand in the area, making it difficult in some cases to find anything that’s even available, let alone affordable. Some of the more desirable, and therefore most expensive, neighbourhoods include Glockenbachviertel, Maxvorstadt and Schwabing. More affordable options can be found in Giesing and Pasing.
3-bedroom apartment (city centre): €2,800–€3,800/month House (3–4 bedrooms in surrounding suburbs): €3,000–€4,500/month
Food and Groceries
Munich’s delicious food scene is expensive, but you can find affordable Bavarian options, including bakeries and beer gardens.
Monthly groceries (1 person): €250–€300
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €13–€17
3-course meal at a mid-range restaurant: €60–€90 for two
Local beer: €3.50–€5 in bars
Transport
Like Berlin, Munich’s public transport system is excellent and includes U-Bahn, S-Bahn, buses and trams. Taxis are less affordable, but plentiful. During the warmer months, cycling is always an option, too.
Monthly pass (M zone or Deutschlandticket): €49
Taxi base fare: €5, then €2.30–€2.60/km
Utilities and Internet
Utilities (electricity, heating, water for 85m²): €300–€400/month
Internet (flat rate):€35–€50/month
You might be wondering whether Munich is worth such high costs of living. If your budget allows it, Munich does offer some of the best living in Europe. While the cost of living is high, so are the average salaries, particularly in industries like engineering, finance and tech.
Cost of Living in Frankfurt
Home to the European Central Bank and boasting a large international workforce, Frankfurt is Germany’s financial centre and one of Europe’s leading business hubs. While Frankfurt isn’t as expensive as Munich, the convenience of skyscrapers and a compact city feel does come at a price, and the cost of living there is still above the typical national average, particularly if you’re looking for housing within the city centre. Here’s what you can expect if you’re considering moving to Frankfurt.
Housing in Frankfurt
Demand for housing is high in Frankfurt, especially because it is a key business city. Higher prices reflect Frankfurt’s appeal and limited space. Höchst or Rödelheim neighbourhoods tend to be more affordable, while Sachsenhausen, Westend, and Nordend are highly sought after and therefore more expensive.
House (3–4 bedrooms in surrounding suburbs): €2,800–€4,000+/month
Food and Groceries
Since Frankfurt is made up of a rather multicultural population, you can expect to find a wide array of cuisines from all over the world, including many affordable options, plus plenty of elegance.
Monthly groceries (1 person): €220–€270
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €12–€16
3-course meal at a mid-range restaurant: €50–€80 for two
Cup of coffee: €3.50–€4
Transport
Frankfurt’s public transport system is very efficient, consisting of the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses. Many residents who live further out and choose to commute opt to live in cheaper neighbouring towns and use regional trains to cut costs.
Monthly travel pass (RMV or Deutschlandticket): €49
Taxi base fare: €4.50, then €2.00–€2.50/km
Utilities and Internet
Utilities for an 85m² apartment: €250–€350/month
Internet (flat rate): €30–€45/month
For those considering a move to Germany, rest assured that it remains one of the more attractive options in Europe. Offering high standards of living, excellent healthcare and plenty of job opportunities across London, Germany attracts new residents across the spectrum.
From housing to food, each city and region offers its own challenges and lifestyles, but individuals can always find what they’re looking for with a bit of research. Now that you’ve carried out your research, why not speak to our team to see if we can support you with an international move?
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