If you are looking to move, work, or study in Germany, you're probably wondering how much it will cost. While we cannot give you an exact answer without knowing your personal situation, we can tell you the average costs of living in this country and what you should expect before arriving.
Thankfully, Germany is a country that has a significantly low cost of living when compared to many other European countries. In this article, we'll cover the average prices for some of the most common expenses in Germany.
What Is The Cost Of Living In Germany?
While Germany is a wealthy country, the costs of living are not as significant as you might think. In fact, in a recent study, Germany was ranked as the 29th most expensive country to live in, ranking behind Puerto Rico and Italy. The average cost of living in this country ranks between 1,000 to 2,000 euros per month depending on the specific area of Germany you choose to live in.
The Breakdown Of The Cost Of Living In Germany
Below, we'll go over some of the most common expenses people face when living in Germany. Keep in mind that prices vary depending on where you live and what your lifestyle is like:
Accommodation
For students and non-students alike, monthly rent varies between 200 to 400 euros per month for a shared apartment, to 800 euros, and up for your own one-bedroom apartment in the city.
Utilities
The average cost of utilities runs around 250 euros per month. This includes heating, electricity, water, internet, mobile telephones, and television. Of course, this can fluctuate depending on how many services you tend to use, as some people choose to forgo television or only need a basic cell phone plan.
Public Transportation
If you're a student, you'll likely be able to score great discounts on local transportation. However, if not, you'll end up paying an average monthly transportation ticket price of about 77.5 euros per month.
Food And Beverages
Food prices in Germany are considerably low. You can expect to pay around 100 euros per month for groceries, with eating out costing an average of 40-50 euros a week (not including alcohol). In addition, many markets have fresh fruit and vegetables that can be purchased for a very meager price.
Health Insurance
This is one of the most significant expenses for people living in Germany. The cost can vary depending on your age, but it's pretty standard to pay around 150 euros per month. Keep in mind that you will need health insurance if you plan to work or study here!
Traveling And Going Out
Depending on how much of a budget you might be on, you could spend little to no money in this category. However, if you enjoy the lifestyle of traveling and going out, you'll want to estimate anywhere between 200-400 euros each month for this.
Is It Expensive To Move To Germany?
While the month-to-month expenses may not seem too high, it's important to remember that you'll have to factor in a higher budget if you plan on relocating to Germany. This is because one of the most significant costs associated with moving is finding a new place to live.
Most places will require you to pay a few months of rent in advance, as well as a deposit to secure the place. Depending on your housing needs, where you're moving from, and how long it takes you to find an apartment, you could expect to spend anywhere from 500-2000 euros just for relocation costs.
Easy Ways To Lower Your Monthly Cost Of Living
While the average cost of living in Germany can seem reasonable to some, it may seem a bit daunting to others. If you need to find a less expensive way to live in Germany, here are some tips to lower your monthly expenses.
Share An Apartment
If you're looking for an easy way to save money in Germany, you'll want to consider sharing an apartment with someone. This can easily halve your monthly rent costs, and if you're lucky, you might even find a place with all of the utilities included. You can browse online listings or go through local newspapers and magazines to find shared apartments in your area.
Take Advantage Of Student Discounts
If you're a student, you'll be able to take advantage of some pretty great discounts around Germany, such as having the monthly transportation ticket price reduced to having your admission fees discounted at attractions and universities alike. If you have an ISIC card or other proof that you are a full-time student, you'll be able to save some money on your daily activities.
Shop At Discount Supermarkets
In Germany, there are several discount supermarkets where you can buy your groceries. These stores usually have a wide variety of products that range from food to cleaning supplies at a fraction of the cost of other supermarkets. So head over to Lidl, Penny, or Aldi for the best deals on your everyday items.
Live Outside Major Cities
Living outside of a major city can be a great way to save money on your monthly expenses. The cost of living is often much lower in smaller towns and villages, and you'll still have access to all of the same amenities that you would in a larger city. Plus, with fewer people around, you'll likely find that your rent or mortgage costs are lower as well.
Compare Electricity Providers
Another way that you can lower your monthly costs is by comparing electricity providers. Often, you'll be able to find a deal with one of them that could end up saving you money on your energy bill. Keep in mind, though, that this might not work out if there are any special circumstances - such as having solar panels or using gas for heating.
Only Use Public Transportation
Don't use a private taxi or car to get around if you want to save money. Instead, rely solely on public transportation. This can easily save you a few hundred euros each month, and in some cases, can even be faster than taking a car. Just make sure to factor in extra time for your journey if you're using the bus or train system.
Conclusion
If you're looking to move to Germany or are already living there, it's essential to be aware of the average cost of living. By following some of the tips above, you can quickly lower your monthly expenses and make life in Germany more affordable.
