Rental prices across major European student cities have jumped, with studio rents up by 5.4%, rooms by 3.5%, and apartments by 4.2%. The rising trend highlights growing pressure on international students’ budgets.
Europe is home to around 1.66 million international students and has some of the best study destinations. Studying in Europe can be exciting, but your monthly expenses vary greatly depending on your chosen country and city. Understanding these costs early helps students budget smarter and live in some of the best countries to study in Europe stress-free.
Costs of living in Amsterdam (approx €1,200 to €1,800 or INR1.08L to 1.62L) can vary greatly from what students spend in studying in Germany (approx €934 or INR84K) a month. Many countries like France, Netherlands also have student visa requirements when it comes to costs of living in Europe for students.
This blog explores average monthly costs of living in Europe for students to help you make smarter choices based on your budget and lifestyle goals.
An Overview of Cost of Living in Europe for Students
On average, international students spend between €1,000 to €1,600 (INR 90K to INR 1.44L) per month in some of the best countries to study in Europe. This includes rent, food, transport, and other living costs.
While studying in popular cities of countries like the Netherlands, France, and Ireland tend to be more expensive, student-friendly options are available in cities such as Porto, Budapest, and Warsaw. Understanding the average cost of living helps students plan better during their studies.
Here’s a breakdown of average monthly cost of living in Europe for students:
Note: INR values are estimates and can vary as conversion rates change.
Knowing the expected monthly expenses helps students avoid overspending and focus more on their academics instead of financial stress. A cost of living calculator can help you stay on track.
Cost of Studying in Europe for Students
Tuition is often the biggest fixed cost for international students when it comes to cost of living in Europe for students. Understanding average fees across countries helps you choose the right destination without stretching your finances.
Tuition fees in Europe depend on the country, university, and course type. Public universities in Germany often charge no tuition for undergraduate programs, while management programs like Master’s in Management may have higher fees. Studying in Italy also proves to be culturally rich with low tuition costs.
Here’s a breakdown of average annual tuition fees for Indian students across Europe:
Course Level
Annual Tuition Fee (€)
Annual Tuition Fee (INR)
Bachelor’s Degree
€3,000 to €12,000
INR 2.7L to INR 10.8L
Master’s Degree
€4,000 to €20,000
INR 3.6L to INR 18L
Doctoral Degree
Mostly Fully Funded
N/A
Note: PhD students in many European countries (like Germany or the Netherlands) are hired as researchers and earn a monthly salary instead of paying tuition fees.
Cheapest Universities in Europe for Indian Students
Some degrees in Europe, like a Master’s in International Business at a top French school, can cost up to €20,000 (INR 18L) per year. Many public universities offer high-quality education with much lower tuition fees than private institutions in the US or UK.
Some universities even offer master’s programs starting as low as €2,000 (INR 1.8L) per year, especially in countries where education is free. These institutions still offer international-standard teaching, English-taught programs, and excellent research support.
Here’s a list of affordable universities in Europe where Indian students can pursue master’s degrees in 2025:
Note: INR values are estimates and can vary as conversion rates change.
Most of these universities also offer scholarships such as the Holland Scholarship, Erasmus, and country-specific awards like Italian scholarships such as the DSU grants. These can cover between €3,000 and €10,000 (INR 2.7L to INR 9L) or more in tuition support.
Now, let’s discuss the cost of living in Europe for students in some of the popular cities in Europe.
Cost of Living in Europe: Country List
Monthly living costs for a single student in most major European countries typically range from €1,000 to €2,000 (INR 90K to INR 1.8L), depending on the location. Knowing the cost of living in different European countries can help you decide where to study. Some countries are more budget-friendly, while others tend to be pricier.
For example, cost of living in the Netherlands is more expensive, with students spending around €1,200 to €1,500 (INR 1.15L to INR 1.35L) per month, excluding tuition. Meanwhile, cost of living in Germany is more affordable, with monthly costs between €950 to €1,700 (INR 91K to INR 1.63L).
Here’s an overview of average monthly living costs for students in key European countries:
Now, let's explore some of the cities with the cheapest and most expensive costs of living in Europe for students.
Top 8 Expensive Cities in Europe
Across Europe, real estate prices have seen a notable uptick. Residential property prices increased by an average of 7.5% across the EU. Knowing which cities come with high costs can help you plan better, apply for housing scholarships early. You can even choose more affordable destinations with similar educational quality.
In premium cities, housing costs, especially rentals, have grown even faster, driven by high demand and limited housing supply. London alone welcomes over 120,000 international students annually, while Paris hosts around 70,000.
Here’s a breakdown of monthlycosts of livingfor a single student in some of the most expensive European cities:
City
Avg. Monthly Cost (€)
Avg. Monthly Cost (INR)
Zurich, Switzerland
€2,500
INR 2.25L
London, UK
€2,400
INR 2.16L
Oslo, Norway
€2,200
INR 1.98L
Copenhagen, Denmark
€2,150
INR 1.93L
Geneva, Switzerland
€2,300
INR 2.07L
Dublin, Ireland
€2,100
INR 1.89L
Paris, France
€2,000
INR 1.8L
Amsterdam, Netherlands
€1,900
INR 1.71L
Note: INR values are estimated at a rate of €1 = INR 90 and may vary with currency fluctuations.
These cities are known for their prestige and lifestyle, but the high cost of living can make them difficult to access for students on a budget.
Next, let’s explore the more affordable cities in Europe with affordable costs of living in Europe for students.
Top 8 Cheapest Cities in Europe
While Western European capitals often dominate headlines for high living costs, many European cities offer high-quality education and exciting student life. Poland has an international student population of over 1,05,000 students.
Cities in countries like Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic have become attractive to international students due to their affordable living costs and solid academic institutions.
Here’s a breakdown of the 8 most budget-friendly cities in Europe for international students, with average monthly living expenses:
Note: INR values are estimates based on €1 = INR 90 and may fluctuate.
Choosing these cities can help students keep their monthly expenses in check while still accessing respected universities and happening student communities. Next, let’s look at budgeting tips and resources for living comfortably in Europe as an international student.
How to Reduce Your Living Costs in Europe? Key Tips
Europe is a hub of culture and good quality education, but the cost of living in major cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Vienna can be high. With the right strategies, international students can cut their monthly expenses by 20–30%, making life abroad more manageable.
Given that several European capitals rank among the top 30 globally for living costs, it's essential to approach spending with a budgeting-first mindset.
Below are practical tips to help you save significantly, no matter which city you're in:
Tip
Estimated Monthly Savings
Choose Shared Accommodation
Save €300–€600(INR 27K–INR 54K) vs. renting a private studio.
Shared housing is common in cities like Berlin, Budapest, and Lisbon.
Use Student Discounts
Public transport, gyms, museums, and cafes often offer student rates.
Average savings: €40–€90(INR 3.6K–INR 8.1K) per month.
Cook at Home
Eating out can cost €12–€20 (INR 1K–1.8K) per meal across Western Europe.
Home-cooking slashes food expenses significantly.
Buy Second-hand
Use platforms like Vinted (clothes), eBay Kleinanzeigen, or university bulletin boards for used books, furniture, and electronics, often 60–70% cheaper.
Use Public Transport or Bike
Most European cities offer discounted student travel cards. Bike-friendly cities like Copenhagen or Ghent also let you skip transport costs entirely.
Track Utility Use
Efficient heating, lighting, and water usage can save €20–€50 (INR 1.8K–INR 4.5K) monthly, especially during winter.
Attend Free Events
Cities like Prague, Valencia, and Krakow regularly host free film nights, concerts, and exhibitions, ideal for entertainment on a budget.
Use Budgeting Apps
Tools like Revolut, Buddy, or Splitwise help track your spending and divide expenses among housemates.
These habits don’t just cut costs, but they also encourage sustainable living and financial independence while studying abroad. However, the process of applying and tracking everything can be complicated. That’s where upGrad can help you, let’s explore in detail.
How Can upGrad Support Your Study Abroad Journey in Europe?
Studying in Europe can be a great chance for career growth, but handling all the paperwork can get overwhelming. upGrad makes the process smoother by helping you:
Find universities that fit your goals and budget
Assist with writing your SOPs
Provide support throughout the entire application process
How can international students find affordable grocery markets in Europe?
Discount chains like Lidl, Aldi, and Penny offer low-cost groceries across most of Europe. Weekly street markets in cities like Barcelona or Berlin also sell fresh produce at lower prices than supermarkets. Look for local "no-brand" products, often 30–40% cheaper than name brands.
What hidden costs should international students plan for in Europe?
Students often overlook residence permit renewals (€50–€150, INR 4.5k–13.5k), health insurance (€80–€120/month, INR 7.2k–10.8k/month), and municipality registration fees. Initial apartment setup, like buying bedding, utensils, or paying for city taxes, can also cost €300–€500 (INR 27K–45K).
Are there student groups offering discounts or free services in Europe?
Yes, groups like ESN (Erasmus Student Network) offer city discounts, free local tours, and social events. University unions often provide free legal aid, printing credits, or career workshops, saving students up to €100/month (INR 9k/month) on services.
How can international students make the most of their visa benefits to save money?
In many countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands, student visas allow part-time work, up to 20 hours/week. This can earn you €450–€800/month (INR 40K–72K), enough to cover rent or groceries. Some visas also allow travel across Schengen countries without added costs.
What are some ways to cut food costs while studying in Europe?
University canteens (mensa) often serve meals for €2.50–€5 (INR 225–450). Cooking in bulk, using frozen ingredients, and buying from ethnic stores (Turkish, Asian, etc.) can cut food expenses by €100–€150/month (INR 9K–13.5K). Avoid delivery apps, which charge high service fees.
How can international students manage healthcare expenses in Europe?
Most students need private insurance if not covered by public systems. Providers like AOK (Germany) or Mutuelle (France) offer affordable student plans for €80–€120/month (INR 7,200–10,800/month). Always ask for EHIC eligibility or look into country-specific student health exemptions.
How can students use public libraries to save on books and study materials?
Libraries in cities like Vienna, Prague, and Amsterdam offer free borrowing of academic books, journals, and e-books. Some also give free printing quotas and access to language labs or digital databases that would otherwise cost €50–€100/month (INR 4.5k–9k/month).
Which European cities are most affordable for international students?
Cities like Budapest (Hungary), Kaunas (Lithuania), and Łódź (Poland) offer monthly living costs under €800 (INR 72K) including rent. Tuition is also lower, starting at €2,000–€4,000/year (INR 1.8L–3.6L), and scholarships are widely available for non-EU students.
How can international students save on transportation within Europe?
Students can use FlixBus or RegioJet for long-distance travel, often €10–€20/trip (INR 900–1.8k). In cities, monthly student transport passes cost between €20–€40 (INR 1.8k–3.6k), and biking is free and popular in places like Copenhagen and Utrecht. Some cities also offer semester-long unlimited travel cards.
What are easy ways for international students to earn extra income while studying?
Common jobs include tutoring, café work, university assistant roles, or freelance gigs. Many students earn €10–€15/hour (INR 900–1.3k/hour) depending on location. Check your student visa's work limits and register with campus job boards or platforms like AppJobs or YoungCapital.
What should international students know about housing contracts in Europe to avoid hidden costs?
Always ask if utilities (water, heating, internet) are included. In some countries, you pay municipal taxes (e.g., €30–€80/month, INR 2.7k–7.2k/month) even as a tenant. Check for deposit terms, landlords often ask for 1–2 months’ rent upfront, and some deduct cleaning fees unless specified.
