Housing Costs in Germany
Based on where you live in the country, the cost of living or housing costs differ significantly.
What You’ll Usually Pay:
- 1-bedroom rent in Munich:
- City Centre: €1,200-1,600 (₹1,33,874.40 - ₹1,78,499.20 approx.)
- Outside City Centre: €900-1,200 (₹1,00,405.80 - ₹1,33,874.40 approx.)
- 1-bedroom rent in Berlin:
- City Centre: €900-1,300 (₹1,00,405.80 - ₹1,45,030.60 approx.)
- Outside City Centre: €650-900 (₹72,515.30 - ₹1,00,405.80 approx.)
- 1-bedroom rent in Hamburg:
- City Centre: €900-1,300 (₹1,00,405.80 - ₹1,45,030.60 approx.)
- Outside City Centre: €700-950 (₹78,093.40 - ₹1,05,983.90 approx.)
- 1-bedroom rent in Frankfurt:
- City Centre: €1,000-1,400 (₹1,11,562 - ₹1,56,186.80 approx.)
- Outside City Centre: €750-1,000 (₹83,671.50 - ₹1,11,562 approx.)
- 1-bedroom rent in Stuttgart:
- City Centre: €900-1,200 (₹1,00,405.80 - ₹1,33,874.40 approx.)
- Outside City Centre: €700-950 (₹78093.40 - ₹1,05,983.90 approx.)
The Extras Nobody Warns You About:
- One to three weeks' rent is paid as a security deposit.
- You may need to set up your internet and electricity separately.
- According to your accommodation, you may need to pay parking fees.
- You have to budget for moving costs.
Utility Bills
If you stay alone, utility bills are higher when compared with having a roommate.
- Electricity: €200 to €488 (₹22,312.40 - ₹54,442.26 approx.) each month.
- Internet: Around €43.28 (₹4,828.40 approx.) monthly.
- Phone Plans: €10 to €39.95 (₹1,115.62 - ₹4,456.90 approx.) per month.
Transportation Expenses
In many German cities, public transport, along with a bike, can get you almost everywhere.
Car Ownership Reality:
- New Car: €44,560 (₹49,71,202.72 approx.)
- Car Insurance: €100 to €1,000 (₹11,156.20 - ₹1,11,562.00 approx.) per year
- Vehicle Tax: €100 (₹11,156.20 approx.) per year.
- Inspection: Around €120 (₹13,387.44 approx.) every 2 years
- Parking Permit: €20.40 (₹2,275.86 approx.) in Berlin.
- Petrol: €2.08 (₹232.05 approx.) per litre.
Public Transport Option:
- Deutschland ticket: €49 (₹5,466.54 approx.) per month. This ticket is applicable for all local public transport.
- Cycle: Around €300-800 (₹33,468.60 - ₹89,249.60 approx.).
- Single bus/metro/tram ride: Around €1 to €2 (₹111.56 - ₹223.12 approx.)
Food and Groceries to Live in Germany
Food cost depends on daily needs.
Weekly Grocery Run:
- Single Person: €200 to €400 (₹22,312.40 - ₹44,624.80 approx.)
- Couple: €350 to €550 (₹39,046.70 - ₹61,359.10 approx.)
- Four people: €550 to €800 (₹61,359.10 - ₹89,249.60 approx.)
Restaurant Cost:
- Regular meal: €15 (₹1,673.43 approx.)
- Combo meal: €65 (₹7,251.53 approx.)
What Things Cost:
- Eggs: €3.32 (₹370.39 approx.) per dozen
- White bread: €1.91(₹213.08 approx.) per 500 grams
- Milk: €1.12 (₹124.95 approx.) per litre
- White Rice: €2.99 (₹333.57 approx.) per kilo
Education Costs
For international education, Germany is on the affordable side.
Annual Cost:
- Public University: €100 to €400 (₹11,156.20 - ₹44,624.80 approx.).
- Under grad Degree: €5,000 to €25,000 (₹5,57,810 - ₹27,89,050 approx.).
- Masters Degree: €10,000 to €40,000 (₹11,15,620 - ₹44,62,480 approx.).
Other Educational Expenses:
- Visa: €75 (₹8,367.15 approx.)
- Insurance: €142 (₹15,841.80 approx.).
- Study Material: €31 (₹3,458.42 approx.).
Healthcare Expenses
Health insurance is mandatory for anyone living in Germany. They can either choose a public or a private provider according to their needs.
Insurance Costs:
- Public Health Insurance: 14.6% of your income (the percentage contribution is capped at €69,750 (₹77,81,449.50 approx.) per year).
- Private Insurance: €200 to over €500 (₹22,312.40 to over ₹55,781 approx.) per month.
Healthcare Without Insurance:
- Doctor Charges: €40 to €70 (₹4,462.48 - ₹7,809.34 approx.)
- Specialist: €80 to €150 (₹8,924.96 - ₹16734.30 approx.) plus
- Tests: €20 to €100 (₹2,231.24 - ₹11,156.20 approx.) plus
- Medicine: €10 to €50 (₹1,115.62 - ₹5,578.10 approx.)
Entertainment and Leisure
Germany offers a lot of activities for fun and leisure
Activities:
- Cinema Ticket: €10 to €16 (₹1,114.42 - ₹1,783.07 approx.) per seat.
- Clubs: €10 to €30 (₹1,114.42 - ₹3,343.26 approx.) entry charge.
- Drinks at Bar: €4.50 (₹501.49 approx.) per half litre of beer.
- Museum: Many offer free entry
- Hiking: Mostly free
- Tennis Court Rent: €21.53 (₹2,399.35 approx.) per hour.
Clothing and Personal Care
Expenses on personal care are where you can adjust your budget best, according to your income. Depending on your personal preferences:
Clothing:
- Jeans: €40 to €120 (₹4,457.68 - ₹13,373.04 approx.)
- Dress: €20 to €60 (₹2,228.84 - ₹6,686.52 approx.)
- Shoes: €50 to €125 (₹5,572.10 - ₹13,930.25 approx.)
- Formal Shoes: €60 to €180 (₹6,686.52 - ₹20,059.56 approx.)
Personal Care:
- Hair Gel: €3 to € 7 (₹334.33 - ₹780.09 approx.)
- Body wash: €2 to €5 (₹222.88 - ₹557.21 approx.)
- Dish Soap: €2 to € 4 (₹222.88 - ₹445.77 approx.)
- Toothpaste: €2.50 to €5 (₹278.61 - ₹557.21 approx.)
Childcare Services
The cost of childcare depends on schooling and personal needs of children.
Nursery Fee:
- State Day Care: €15 to €400 (₹1,671.63 - ₹44,576.80 approx.) a month.
- Private Day Care: €1,000 (₹1,11,442 approx.) a month.
- Childminders: €5 to €15 (₹557.21 - ₹1,671.63 approx.) an hour.
Domestic Help:
- Nannies: Around €1,540 (₹1,71,620.68 approx.) a month.
- Au Pairs: Around €260 (₹28,974.92 approx.) a month plus accommodation.
- Special Nanny: €2 to €15 (₹222.88 - ₹1,671.63 approx.) per hour.
Other Regular Expenses
There are some minute expenses that are important but often excluded during budgeting.
Monthly Bits and Pieces:
- Internet: €18.36 (₹2046.08 approx.).
- Insurance: €3 to €8 (₹334.33 - ₹891.54 approx.).
- Visa Fee: Varies with type.
One-Time Costs:
- Furniture: €500 to €2,000 (₹55,721 - ₹2,22,884 approx.).
- Moving Cost: €400 to €800 (₹44,576.80 - ₹89,153.60 approx.).
Comparison with Other Cities
There are distinct advantages and disadvantages to living in Germany.
Advantages:
- Education is affordable at a public university.
- An efficient public healthcare system.
- Public transport is available in most cities.
- Workers are protected under the proper law.
Higher Costs Compared to Other Cities:
- Munich is costlier
- Utility Bills rise during winter
- Health insurance is costly
Money-Saving Strategies for Living in Germany
It's important to manage costs to remove stress.
Practical Cost-Reduction Tips:
- It is best to use public transport if you are not getting late.
- Shopping from wholesale markets like Aldi.
- Avoid eating out and cook food at home.
- Cycling can reduce travel costs.
- Shopping at weekly markets for fresh products.
- Budget your monthly expenses properly and follow it.
Salary Expectations in Germany
Salary ranges vary by where you are in the country and your experience.
City-wise Annual Salary:
- Munich: €59,053 (₹65,86,122.04 approx.)
- Berlin: €57,331 (₹63,94,069.10 approx.)
- Hamburg: €59,011 (₹65,81,437.82 approx.)
- Frankfurt: €56,531 (₹63,04,845.90 approx.)
- Stuttgart: €53,046 (₹59,16,167.33 approx.)
Typical Benefits:
- Health insurance support.
- Annual paid leave.
- Maternity leave.
- Transport allowance.
Conclusion
The cost of living in Germany is much higher when compared to India. A single person needs around ₹1,10,989 while a family of four needs around ₹3,84,045 per month, excluding rent. However, it can be manageable for employees working in Germany, as the compensation rate balances it out naturally.
Invest 18k/month & get 2 Crore# Tax-Free*
Manage your funds online60k + happy customers across 25+ countries
Compare & Choose30+ Plans and 150+ Fund options
