Living costs and expenses in Germany

The total living costs and expenses in Germany come to around 800 to 1500 euros per month including house rent, food, and public transport. Students who come to German University may find it hard to find University hostels, as the number of rooms in the university for foreign students are fixed and preoccupied. So, they need to look for accommodations outside of the University. Students can find rooms at around 300 Euros/month. However, it is not easy to find reasonably priced rooms. Accommodations outside University are usually expensive and students look for accommodation that charges low monthly rental expenses.

Living Costs in Germany by Cities

Housing is the major expense among others to consider for international students who come to universities that are located in big cities of Germany such as Munich, Hamburg, and Frankfurt. It is also very difficult to find student housing in those cities. In such cases, students can seek the support of the student union to find a reasonable room in big cities. The average cost of living in Germany is shown below:

Living Costs in Larger Cities

If you are an international student and come to cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, or Dusseldorf, then the total living costs are relatively on the higher side. It costs around 900 – 1,500 EUR/month on average.

Living Costs in Smaller Cities

If you are studying at universities that are located in cities like Freiburg, Leipzig, or Hannover, then the total living cost comes to around 750 - 1,100 EURO per month.

Types of Expenses for living in Germany

Although In Germany the cost of living is economical, the expenses can vary depending upon the facility you select. Here are different costs that students should consider before coming to study in Germany:

Other expenses are:

• Rent per month 323 Euros, Food 168 Euros,
• Transportation 94 Euros,
• Shopping 61 Euros,
• Medical Expenses 70 Euros,
• Health insurance 80 Euros,
• Garments 42 Euros,
• Utility Expense 31 Euros,
• Paper/books/photocopy 40 Euros.

Tips to survive in Germany in Low Budget

• Use local transportation such as national, regional, and local trains, and buses, and use Blanchard 50 to take 50 percent advantage of airfare. Another option is a Semester ticket.
• Special taxes in Germany
• Carry your id or Residence permit card with you
• Pay at least three months' rent and deposit in advance to order or rent an apartment
• Use the Pfund system to get a mini windfall change opportunity
• Register with the state health care system to get medical care
• Able to speak and read the German language to participate in Clubs and Societies.

Average living cost for International Students in Germany

Accommodation cost

In Germany, housing is the most expensive option with the highest monthly expenses. However, there are cheaper options for international students to live and study in Germany such as residence halls, and privately rented apartments. One-room apartments called studios are also available. The cost is 390 Euro/month, privately rented flat is 365 Euros/month, Student residence 250 Euro/month.

Types of living facilities for international students (housing portals)

Dormitories for students (Halls of Residence)

German residence halls for students, usually referred to as student houses, are among the most cost-effective options for lodging. A whopping 40% of all international students studying in Germany reside in dormitories. In Germany, halls of residence are a sort of communal housing created especially for students. Students may share the kitchen and bathroom in a residence hall or other housing arrangement. These resident halls are excellent because there are lots of chances to interact with people and establish friends.

Flat share

One of the principal forms of student housing in Germany is flat sharing, commonly known as Wohngemeinschaft (either domestic or international). Some students choose flat shares as their first choice of housing, but some choose this option because they were unable to get a spot in a residence hall. Whatever the case may be, there are many benefits to this form of student housing, which is rather common for students. In Germany, flat shares are frequently referred to as WG.When you see WG mentioned, it refers to the private flats that students frequently choose to rent and share with their friends. There is often enough room in these apartments for four students (or more or less, depending on the unit size). The living room, bathroom, and kitchen will only be shared by the other flatmates; each roommate will have their own space. They will split the cost of utilities and rent as well.

Short-Stay Accommodation

If you'll be visiting Germany for a short time, you may also be able to discover short-stay accommodations. Additionally, some students prefer to travel to Germany first, before looking at choices for long-term housing.

You can select from one of the following short-stay alternatives, depending on the student group you are a part of:

1. The night's lodging (often offered by local student services). 
2. Get a hostel room for rent. 
3. Rent a dormitory space in a youth hostel (there are about 450 different youth hostels in Germany). 
4. For the duration of your visit to Germany, book a private B&B. 

Private Accommodation

For every budget and preference, there are possibilities for students living in Germany. You can rent your single house in Germany if you're a student who loves to live alone and has a lot of privacy preferences. However, because you will be responsible for covering the cost of rent and utilities on your own, this is one of the most expensive types of housing in Germany for students.

Food and beverages cost  

Food Cost: The monthly food cost for international students in Germany is 170 Euros per month. Meals at restaurants cost 10 Euros, light drinks cost 3 Euros.

Transportation cost

Transportation Cost: Public transportation costs 25 to 200 Euros per month. Rentals for bicycles cost 15-20 Euros per day, train fares cost 20-70 Euros

Note: You will generally need 861 euros a month (or USD 1,002) or 10,332 euros per year (or USD 12,024) to meet your living costs and expenses in Germany.

The total living costs and expenses in Germany come to around 800 to 1500 euros per month including house rent, food, and public transport. Students who come to German University may find it hard to find University hostels, as the number of rooms in the university for foreign students are fixed and preoccupied. So, they need to look for accommodations outside of the University. Students can find rooms at around 300 Euros/month. However, it is not easy to find reasonably priced rooms. Accommodations outside University are usually expensive and students look for accommodation that charges low monthly rental expenses.

Types of Expenses for living in Germany 

Although In Germany the cost of living is economical, the expenses can vary depending upon the facility you select. Here are different costs that students should consider before coming to study in Germany:

Other expenses are: 

• Rent per month 323 Euros, Food 168 Euros, 
• Transportation 94 Euros,
• Shopping 61 Euros,
• Medical Expenses 70 Euros, 
• Health insurance 80 Euros, 
• Garments 42 Euros, 
• Utility Expense 31 Euros, 
• Paper/books/photocopy 40 Euros. 

Tips to survive in Germany in Low Budget

• Use local transportation such as national, regional, and local trains, and buses, and use Blanchard 50 to take 50 percent advantage of airfare. Another option is a Semester ticket. 
• Special taxes in Germany  
• Carry your id or Residence permit card with you
• Pay at least three months; rent and deposit in advance to order or rent an apartment
• Use the Pfund system to get a mini windfall change opportunity
• Register with the state health care system to get medical care
• Able to speak and read the German language to participate in Clubs and Societies.