Germany is one of the key countries of the European Union, which can guarantee a high standard of living not only for its citizens, but also for expats and migrants. Germany is chosen for temporary or permanent relocation, because it has a strong economy, developed infrastructure, rich culture and stability. Find out how much it costs to live in Germany in 2024-2025

Germany offers an excellent standard of living, good infrastructure and quality medical care. That is why the country is a promising destination for expats from different parts of the world, including citizens of Albania, Moldova, Latvia and Uzbekistan. However, the cost of living in Germany is generally higher than the European Union (EU) average.

Read more about the cost of living in Germany and what expenses expats should expect when planning to move to the country in this article.

Is it expensive to live in Germany?

Germany ranks 10th in terms of cost of living in Europe, so it is cheaper to live in the country than in Great Britain, Denmark, Norway, France or the Netherlands.

According to the latest Mercer ranking, Berlin is the leader in the cost of living in Germany, and the city also took 31st place in the global ranking.

The list of the most expensive cities in Germany includes Munich, Dusseldorf and Hamburg. Moreover, the cost of living in most German cities has become significantly more expensive, in particular, Frankfurt has risen by 13 places, and Dusseldorf by 23 positions in general.

The average cost of living in Germany per month for one person is about 900-2100 euros. The approximate monthly expenses of a family of four are 2,200-5,000 euros.

Real estate rental prices in Germany

According to Eurostat, the cost of buying a home in Germany is 8.6% higher than the EU average. Property rental prices in the country are also rising, especially in recent years.

Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Stuttgart and Berlin saw the largest increase in rents. In particular, Berlin, the capital of Germany, even introduced rent control measures to prevent housing costs from rising further.

Renting a one-room apartment in the suburbs of Munich will cost an average of 1,500-1,600 euros, and in Munich itself, the price can exceed 2,000 euros. In small towns and villages in Germany, the cost of housing at the end of 2024 is somewhat lower - about 700-900 euros per month.

In general, the average prices for renting real estate in Germany are as follows: Munich - 900-1500 euros, Berlin - 800-1300 euros, Hamburg - 700-1300 euros, Frankfurt - 750-1400 euros, smaller cities and rural areas - 400-700 euros.

In addition to rent, expect to pay security deposits, advance rent and possible commissions before moving into an apartment in Germany. In total, this can be the cost of several months' rent.

Importantly! When looking for housing, pay special attention to the description. After all, in Germany it is quite popular to rent apartments without furniture, kitchen, sink, household appliances and even lamps. Furnishing a new home can be an additional large expense item.

The cost of utility services in Germany

Utilities in Germany usually include electricity, heating, water and garbage collection. On average, you can expect to pay between €100 and €200 per month for these services, depending on the size of your apartment and your utility habits.

Internet and telephone bills will add another 20 to 40 euros per month.

The average monthly expenses for utility services in Germany are as follows: electricity - 30-50 euros, heating - 50-100 euros, water - 15-30 euros, internet and telephone - 20-40 euros.

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Prices for products in Germany

An important item of expenditure for most people living in Germany is food. Of course, the amount of expenses will depend on your preferences, but one person can expect to spend between 200 and 400 euros per month.

You can buy products in various grocery stores, where you can find a wide range of products. Popular chains such as Aldi, Lidl, Edeka and Rewe offer everything from fresh produce to household goods.

The average prices for a basic grocery set are as follows: milk (1 liter) - 1.22 euros, a loaf of fresh white bread (500 g) - 1.30-1.79 euros, eggs (12 pieces) - 3.33-4.03 EUR, local cheese (1 kg) – EUR 7.00-11.44, chicken fillet (1 kg) – EUR 7.32-13.20, apples (1 kg) – EUR 2.20-2.62, water (1.5 liter bottle) - 0.84 euros, a bottle of wine (middle class) - 5.99-6.00 euros, domestic beer (0.5 liter bottle) - 0.87-1.07 euros.

The cost of eating out in Germany

Cooking at home is usually a more budget-friendly option than eating out or ordering food out.

On average, a lunch in a budget restaurant can cost between 10 and 15 euros, while a three-course meal for two in a mid-range restaurant can cost between 40 and 60 euros.

As for restaurants, Germany has a wide variety of dining options. From inexpensive but delicious doner kebabs to multi-course lunches at fine dining restaurants, there's something for every budget.

A service charge is usually included in the prices you see on a German menu, meaning you don't have to leave a tip. However, this is common practice and your waiter will appreciate it if you decide to leave a little extra.

Prices for transport in Germany

Whether you're studying or starting work in Germany, the country boasts an efficient and affordable public transport system, making it a convenient option for getting around cities and towns. The system includes buses, trains and subways, well integrated to ensure seamless travel without the need for a car.

The cost of a single ticket for public transport in Germany is on average 2.90-3.20 euros, depending on the city. At the same time, a monthly travel ticket will cost here from 70 to 80 euros, which allows you to save some money on travel.

In addition to public transportation, owning a bicycle is a popular and cost-effective way to get around small cities with extensive bicycle infrastructure. Germany is known for its bike-friendly cities, with dedicated bike lanes and ample bike parking.

When planning your budget for living in Germany, it is important to consider the cost of fuel. As of 2024, the average price of a liter of gasoline in Germany is about 1.75-1.85 euros.

The cost of diesel fuel is somewhat lower, on average around 1.60-1.70 euros per liter. In Germany, diesel fuel is generally cheaper than petrol, making it a popular choice for many drivers when buying a new car.

Health insurance in Germany

Health insurance is compulsory for everyone in Germany, which guarantees that all residents have access to healthcare. The cost can vary depending on the provider and the level of coverage you choose, but in general you can expect to pay around €80 to €100 per month. It comes in two main forms: compulsory insurance, known as Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV), and private insurance, or Private Krankenversicherung (PKV).

Moving to Germany will be a good stage in your life, because it is a country with a rich culture, rich life, good career prospects for foreigners, as well as its favorable cost.

We will remind you! Finding a job in Germany in 2024 is not an easy task for expats. Everything depends on the availability of vacancies on the German labor market and the lack of applicants among the local population. We have already talked about the procedure for obtaining a work visa and the specifics of finding a job in Germany in 2024.

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Ihor Usyk - head of Visit World's legal department

When working abroad, expats often have various legal issues, because the legislation of each country is special. Consulting a specialist will help you understand all the intricacies of labor law. A labor and business lawyer is your reliable assistant in solving simple and complex issues in any corner of the world.

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Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in Germany;

Legal advice on business issues in Germany;

Travel insurance for foreigners in Germany;

Medical insurance around the world.

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We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information, so if you notice any errors or inconsistencies, please contact our hotline.