Cost of Living in Germany – Prices Updated in Nov 2023

Germany is a preferred destination for students and families from almost all parts of the world, owing to its various advantages. Germany offers superior quality of life in tandem with ample job opportunities and interesting traditions and cultural facets. Germany has one of the world’s most well-developed and biggest economies with a stable and well-developed labour market. Germany is one of the most preferred countries for research, innovation and successful professional careers. Add to that its rich history, tourist landmarks, intriguing castles and the beautiful architecture all around. The beautiful German towns aside, there are heritage castles and innumerable landmarks including museums, cultural centres and other buildings which draw thousands from various corners of the planet. However, before zeroing on anything, it is important to delve deeper into the cost of living in Germany. 

An interesting fact to remember is that German university students usually stay closer to home while attending their universities and many people live in their parents’ homes. The remainder usually chooses cheaper rentals and apartments. A smaller chunk of students resides in dormitories. The cost of living in Germany for international students is mostly non-prohibitive, particularly when compared to average living costs in Europe. 

Being flexible with your budget and location will help you thrive in Germany on a budget. The average cost may hover around 850 Euros as living costs. Costs of clothing, food and cultural activities are just a little more than the average in the EU (European Union). Students in Germany usually spend roughly 850 Euros every month on average as living costs. You will require approximately 10, 300+ Euros annually in living costs and close to 40% of global students will want to find student residences owing to lower costs hovering around 300 EUR per month. Costs can increase to 1300 EUR every month, depending upon lifestyle preferences. 

Important Link : Cost of Living for Studying Abroad

Cost of Living in Germany for Students 

For Indian students, the cost of living in Germany is approximately 10,200-12,000 EUR per year. The cost of living is also determined by the university’s location. Cities like Berlin and Munich, for example, are slightly more expensive if we compare them with the rest of Germany. In addition to low living costs, most universities do not charge tuition fees as they are state-run. Students will, however, be required to pay enrollment and administration fees each semester.

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List of Necessary Items and Their Cost

In Germany, the cost of basic foods and beverages is not too expensive. The average cost of some of the necessary items and their costs is listed below:

Average Rent in Germany

Accommodation is the most expensive part of living in Germany for international students. As a student, your costs vary depending on the type of housing and region you choose to live in. Munich and Stuttgart are the most costly cities in Germany to live in. Living in Dortmund, on the other hand, can be quite affordable.

In Germany, the average monthly cost of rented accommodation is:

Recommended Read: How to study in Germany for free for Indian Students?

Study Cost and University Tuition Fee in Germany

Public Universities:

Germany strongly believes that education should not be commercialized, which is why studying at public universities in Germany is free. The German government aspires to provide equitable educational opportunities for all citizens while also ensuring the country’s commercial and economic progress by providing free basic and higher education. Even for overseas students, academic programs are tuition-free, which has contributed significantly to the country’s attractiveness as a study destination. Apart from that, the immigration procedures for international students are relatively straightforward. The average cost of public university programs ranges from ₹12,000 (€147) to ₹130,000 (€1,597) a year.

The average tuition fees for public universities in Germany:

Private Universities:

Private universities levy tuition fees on both domestic and international students. The average cost of private university programs ranges from ₹1,21,000 (€1,486.99) to ₹28,30,000 (€34,778).

The average tuition fees for Private universities in Germany:

Apply Now: Master in International Management in Germany

Transportation 

The cost of commuting around the city is included in the cost of living in Germany for students. Traveling across Germany and within Germany’s cities is relatively convenient because the country’s public transportation systems are well-planned and well-connected with trains and buses. As a result, transportation costs have little impact on the cost of living in Germany.

Read More: Best Education System in the World

Cost of Utilities and Bills

Besides housing rent, there will be a need to cover monthly bills for heating, electricity, water, and garbage. In Germany, a person will have to pay 29.42 cents for a kilowatt-hour (CT/kWh). If living with roommates, of course, there will be sharing of these expenses. In some cases, these bills are included in the rent, so there is no need to pay any extras for these utilities.

More Resources to Read About Germany:

Affordable Cities to Live in Germany

The below table shows the 10 most affordable cities along with their estimated living costs in Germany for Indian students:

Cost of living in Munich

Munich has the highest cost of living in Germany for a single person. The average monthly cost hovers around 890 EUR while most of the costs like food prices and cost of amenities remain almost the same across most German cities, what really makes the difference is the rent. Munich has the highest number of listed companies and major universities making it ideal for studies and well-paid work.

Cost of living in Berlin

Berlin is not only the capital of Germany but also the largest city in the country. While the cost of living in Berlin is lower than in cities like Munich and Frankfurt, it is still higher than most other German cities. The average monthly cost of living in Berlin hovers around 825 EUR.

Cost of living in Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a centrally located city and is close to many other cities. However, it is one of Germany’s most expensive cities. The average monthly cost of living in Frankfurt hovers around 880 EUR. With an industrial background, it does offer a lot of work opportunities.

Cost of Living in Germany Compared to other European Countries

The living expenses in Germany are lower than in most other European countries. It doesn’t mean the standard of living but the cost of living. It is influenced by many different aspects like food, transport, living amenities, etc. The following table will help you compare the cost of living in Germany for a single person with that of other popular open countries:

Cost of Living in Germany vs India

Reports suggest that living in Germany is over 200% costlier than living in India, on average. The cost is influenced by various factors like food, transport, rent, cost of amenities, etc. The following table of comparison of some of the basic aspects will shed some light on the cost of living in Germany for Indian students:

Costs and Types of Health Insurance in Germany for International Students

Health insurance expenditure affects the overall living cost in Germany for students. So, students aged under 30 years and who are admitted to a degree course in a recognized German institution can go for special student discounts for public health insurance. Students aged under 23 years can pay 105.05 EUR and those aged over 23 years can pay 106.93 as a part of their monthly living expenses in Germany. It covers both public healthcare and nursing care.

International students aged over 30 years can go for either public or private health insurance. It is possible to find private plans costing below the public healthcare premiums. It can cost as low as 40 EUR monthly along with a few variable costs.

However, it is ideal for students who have already found jobs to select public health insurance. It is paid in the form of social security contributions of around 14.6% of the gross salary. The overall amount is equally shared between the employer and employee and is capped at 360 EUR a month. The top public health insurance providers in Germany are TK, Barmer, KKH, and AOK.

Monthly public health insurance premiums for students aged below 30 years:

• KKH – Kaufmännische Krankenkasse 111.75 EUR
• Barmer 108.77 EUR
• AOK Baden Württemberg 107.29 EUR
• DAK Gesundheit 111.75 EUR
• TK – Techniker Krankenkasse 105.80 (103.94 for students aged 22 or below)

Students aged over 30 years, studying in postgraduate or non-graduate programs, and are without a job can opt for private health insurance like EDUCARE24. The premiums start at around 33 EUR and go up to 130 EUR monthly.

Tips to Save Money in Germany 

Here are some handy tips for saving money during your time in Germany: 

1. Sports –

A gym membership at a neighbouring location is often prohibitively expensive. Finding outdoor sports clubs can help students save money while also meeting new people and staying in shape.

2. Choosing supermarkets wisely –

Numerous supermarkets in Germany sell low-cost grocery items. These places can be preferred over pricey shopping centres. Inquire with locals or native students about farmers’ markets, where fresh produce can be found at reasonable prices. Pay attention to supermarket sales and special offers, and buy in bulk. Students in Germany are entitled to discounts at cafes, restaurants, theatres, libraries, and museums, among other places, if they present their student ID cards.

3. Transportation –

Students should go to their local transportation provider’s website. In most cases, special student fares are significantly less expensive than ordinary fares. The semester ticket is sometimes cited as why students aspire to study in Germany. Bicycling is a common and comfortable way to commute short to medium distances.

4. Share when you can-

It is always cheaper and more fun to share with roommates and friends. This arrangement is common in Germany where it is known as Wohngemeinschaft or WG. Here, flatmates usually join forces to sign their tenancy agreements, thereby saving a whopping EUR 100-200 individually in several scenarios. There are several online portals such as WG-Gesucht and other communities for finding flatmates. 

5. Arrange for an additional source of income –

Students can work part-time after college or on weekends to supplement their income. It may or may not be high-paying or relevant to their academics, but it should be able to assist them in earning some extra pocket money that they can either save or use for personal purposes. International students can work up to 120 full days and 240 half-days every year.

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• How important is the German language to survive in Germany?
• Germany vs. Canada: Which is better for study abroad?
• How to Build a Career in Data Science in Germany even if you are not an Engineer?
• Germany: A Dream Study Abroad Destination

Study in Germany with upGrad Abroad

upGrad Abroad has started uniquely designed programs that enable students to save money on tuition fees, and other expenses. Students enrolling in these programs will be studying a part of their program online and completing the course on-campus. 

Benefits of joining upGrad’s program:

• Quality education at lower prices
• Degree from international colleges/universities
• Time-saving
• Save up to 1/5th the education cost
• End-to-end assistance for application and visa

Master of Business Administration with IU Germany

This Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is an 18-month-long hybrid course. This means, that the first two semesters are studied online via online sessions and live lectures, and the remaining six months (semester 3) are completed on-campus. The degree will be conferred by the IU International University of Applied Sciences, Germany. The course offers the following specializations: 

• Finance & Management
• Big Data Management 
• IT Management
• Engineering Management 
• International Marketing

Master Degree in Data Science with IU Germany

This master’s program in collaboration with IU Germany and IIIT Bangalore helps students tap into the field of data science at a low cost. The first year of the course is conducted online with IIIT Bangalore and the second year is conducted on-campus at IU Germany. Here are some of the key course benefits:

Master in International Management with IU Germany

This master’s program is offered in collaboration with IMT Ghaziabad and IU Germany. It allows students to study for the 1st year from home and then move to the IU Germany campus for the 2nd year. The specializations offered are International Marketing and Finance & Marketing.

Important Resources to Read for Study in Germany:

Master in Cyber Security with IU Germany

This Cyber Security program is a two-year course conducted by IIIT Bangalore and IU Germany. Students can study online from home for the first year and the second year is conducted on-campus at IU Germany. The course is in two parts – an Executive PG Programme in Software Development (Cyber Security) from IIIT Bangalore and a one-year master’s program in cyber security at IU Germany.

Master in Computer Science with IU Germany

This is a two years postgraduate course wherein the first year is conducted online with IU Germany and the 2nd year is conducted on-campus in IU Germany.

Important Resources to Read About Germany:

Frequently Asked Questions

Read to Know About Top Universities in Germany: