From Accommodations to Transportation:Cost of Living in Germany!
Learn everything you need to know about Living Costs in
Germany and get our end-to-end expert guidance.
From Accommodations to Transportation:Cost of Living in Germany!
Learn everything you need to know about Living Costs in Germany and get our end-to-end expert guidance.
Monthly expenses in Germany for Indian students are 700-1,200 EUR per month, a quite affordable figure for most students. In addition, both private and public universities in Germany are top-notch and do not charge tuition fees or very low tuition fee. In addition, most universities provide certain facilities for free, such as the reservation of a room for accommodation and even part-time work. With these remarkable advantages that students get, Germany is seeing a growth in international students seeking education with a blend of different cultures. This article details the expected expenses of international students for studying in Germany to help them plan well.
What is the Cost of Living in Germany Per Month?
Living expenses in Germany for international students vary greatly throughout the country, depending on the city and even on different lifestyles. Here is a breakdown of typical monthly expenses for housing, utilities, food, and transportation.
Particulars |
Monthly Cost (EUR) |
Monthly Cost (INR) |
Shared Apartment |
300-700 |
27,343-63,800 |
One Bedroom Apartment |
500-1200 |
45,566-1,09,374 |
Restaurant Meal for two |
50-150 |
4,557-13,672 |
Public Transportation |
70-100 |
6,379-9,113 |
Groceries |
150-250 |
13,672-22,783 |
Utilities |
150-300 |
13,672-27,343 |
Internet and Mobile recharge |
30-40 |
2,734-3,646 |
Health Insurance |
80-160 |
7,292-14,584 |
Gym fee |
30-50 |
2,734-4,557 |
Cinema |
10-15 |
911-1,368 |
Water |
1 |
91 |
Accommodation Costs in Germany for International Students
Accommodation cost in Germany varies among on-campus dorms and off-campus apartments, with differences in costs and inclusions. Understanding these factors can help you decide which one to consider:
On-Campus Accommodation:
- Student Dormitories cost 150 – 300 EUR per month, including basic furniture, utilities, and internet.
Off-Campus Accommodation:
- The charges for off-campus accommodation vary a lot among cities and even types of apartments. For a shared flat, one should, therefore, expect between 250 EUR and 450 EUR per month in a small city, and from 400 EUR to 700 EUR in a large city.
- For one-bed apartments, prices start from 400 EUR up to 600 EUR per month, while in larger cities like Berlin and Munich, the price is as high as 700-1,200 EUR. These costs may vary as a result of several factors. Factors Influencing Housing Costs: Size of the city and location: Prices in big cities are much higher, especially at town centres and universities. Type of Accommodation: Shared apartments cost less compared to private ones. On-campus housing, though relatively cheap, is in short supply. Amenities and Utilities: Fully furnished apartments with utilities are more expensive.
Legal Considerations:
- Rental Contracts: Look through the conditions, period of tenancy, and deposit amount to be held. A security deposit of one to three months is typically required in contracts.
- Registration: You have to register your address with the local authorities within two weeks from your date of moving in.
Related Blog: Student Accomodation
Food & Grocery Costs in Germany for International Students
International students can effectively manage their budgets in Germany thanks to the wide range of food and grocery options available. The monthly cost of food for a student will run to approximately 150 to 250 EUR, depending on eating habits and lifestyle.
Mentioned below are some simple but effective budgeting tips for international students:
Food Costs:
- In general, cooking at home is less expensive than eating out. A meal in a low-end restaurant would come at about 10 - 15 EUR, and preparing meals at home can save quite a lot.
Budgeting:
- Plan your meals and write down a shopping list to avoid spontaneous buying.
- Cook in large quantities and store frozen for later use.
- Get student discounts at food outlets and grocery stores.
Best Grocery Shopping Options:
- The most reasonable prices are offered by discount supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, and Penny.
- Rewe and Edeka have a wider range of products but slightly higher prices.
- Weekly farmers' markets are good for fresh produce and regional specialities.
Find Discounts:
- Look for special offers and promotions on supermarket flyers and in apps.
- Use loyalty cards and cashback apps for rewards and discounts.
- Shop late in the day for items that are near the sell-by date.
With these tips and an understanding of the cost dynamics, international students in Germany can efficiently manage their food and grocery expenses to have a healthy, balanced diet without spending extravagantly.
Transportation Costs in Germany
The cost of transportation within the city is included in the cost of living for international students in Germany. The public transport system in Germany is efficiently organised and has excellent bus and rail connections. Therefore, the cost of living in Germany for Indian students isn't much affected by transit.
International students can benefit from round-trip tickets for travel throughout Europe in addition to the affordable and convenient transportation options inside the city. These prices give a rough idea of what transport costs in Germany. Public transport generally works out cheapest and is least problematic, especially within towns. Owning a car is costly, considering fuel, insurance, and servicing. Biking is an economical and environment-friendly option to get around, especially in bike-friendly cities.
Activity/Item |
Cost in EUR (Monthly) |
Bus |
70 |
Train |
20-55 |
Taxi |
3-50 |
Bike Rental |
10-30 |
Car ownership |
100-200 |
Monthly Transport pass |
40-60 |
Healthcare Costs in Germany
Healthcare Service |
Cost in EUR |
Doctor's Visit |
30-100 per visit |
Hospital Stay |
15-200 per day |
Prescription Medication |
10-20 |
Dental |
50-1000 |
Eye |
20-50 |
Physiotherapy |
40-60 |
Mental Health Counselling |
100-150 |
Health Insurance |
100-700 |
Utility Costs in Germany
Utility Type |
Average Monthly Cost in EUR |
Electricity |
30-70 |
Water |
15-30 |
Gas |
20-50 |
Internet |
30-50 |
Mobile Phone Recharge |
25-35 |
Waste Management |
10-20 |
Entertainment and Leisure Costs in Germany
Leisure Activity |
Average Cost (Euro) |
Cinema/Theatre/Concert Ticket |
8-50 |
Museum |
5-15 |
Gym Membership |
20-50 per month |
Tennis Court Rent (1 hr) |
21 |
Restaurant Meal |
10-30 |
Coffee at Cafe |
2-5 |
Germany’s Living Expenses City-wise
Living cost in Germany for Indian students vary greatly from one city to another. Comprehending these differences is essential for financial planning and budgeting. This guide provides an overview of the typical living expenses in affordable cities to live in Germany like Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and many more.
City |
Average Monthly Cost of Living (EUR) |
Berlin |
950-1700 |
Munich |
1500-2000 |
Frankfurt |
1000-2000 |
Hamburg |
800-1200 |
Cologne |
600-1200 |
Leipzig |
500-1000 |
Nuremberg |
1000-1500 |
Average Rent in Germany
On average, Germany living expenses for international students can be in the range of 800-1,200 EUR. Rent may differ slightly from city to city. In shared accommodations or student dorms, this would be between 300-500 EUR. Food is 150-250 EUR, transport 30-100 EUR, sometimes even lower with a semester ticket. Health insurance is a must, and it costs about 90 EUR a month. Additional utilities and internet costs come to about 50–100 EUR. Students should plan their budgets effectively to be able to afford everything, using discounts and services available to students in order to save money.
Tips to Save Money in Germany for International Students
These are tips that will help international students budget effectively and reduce their cost of living in Germany during their studies.
- Discounts for Students: In Germany, there are numerous appealing student discounts offered all year long on apparel, electronics, and other items. Make the most of it when budgeting.
- Cards for Transportation: Purchasing a transport card might help frequent travellers save money on their trips. This is an excellent method of reducing your commuting costs.
- Scholarships: One excellent approach to pay for your living expenses in Germany is to apply for student scholarships. Look over your selections and apply.
- Seasonal Sales: In European nations, seasonal sales are highly favoured. These shopping deals will enable you to purchase everything you want in Germany at a reduced cost.
- Part-time Jobs: Taking up part-time work is the final, but no less important, strategy for managing your finances in Germany. You will be able to keep the money restricted from your account for later use if you work part-time. You will be able to prepare for the second year of your stay in Germany in this way.
Takeaway
Living cost in Germany for international students should be thoroughly understood to effectively manage finances. The average monthly expenses for students range from about 800-1,200 EUR, which covers accommodation, food, transport, and utilities. Proper budgeting, cheap accommodation, buying secondhand books, and opting for relatively cheap transportation modes are essential ways of saving money.
Explore more about studying in Germany with AECC! Contact AECC today to get expert advice on managing living expenses and making the most of your international student experience.