Key takeaways
- Germany is a preferred study-abroad destination with world-class programmes and strong student outcomes. It’s also an affordable choice due to its tuition-free public universities, low-cost private universities, and low living costs.
- Your average monthly expenses may go up to EUR 1,200, which can vary based on the city and your lifestyle. Understand the expected living expenses specific to your city, so that you can plan realistically.
- Accommodation expenses depend on whether you choose on-campus or off-campus accommodation. On average, it can range from EUR 250 to EUR 1,200 per month.
- Germany has an efficient public transport system with monthly passes, which you can use to reduce your travel expenses.
- You can take up part-time employment for up to 140 full days or 280 half days in a year. This will allow you to reduce your financial burden.
Germany is a smart choice for studying abroad with its prestigious universities, world-class programmes, and excellent student outcomes. And there’s more to it. Overall, Germany is an affordable destination!
Compared to countries like the USA or the UK, where tuition fees and living costs can be quite high, Germany is a cost-effective country where you can comfortably manage your entire study abroad expenses.
Are you wondering how much it might cost to study in Germany? This article will give you a clear idea of the living expenses for international students.
Table of Contents
- Why understanding living costs is essential for budgeting
- Average monthly cost of living in Germany
- Major cost categories
- Quick reference of the major expenses
- City-wise overview of the cost of living in Germany
- Tip to save money for international students
- Final thoughts
- Frequently asked questions
- How much does a student need to live in Germany per month?
- Is Germany expensive for international students?
- Can I work part-time to support myself?
- Is 1000 euros enough for a month in Germany for students?
- Which cities are the most affordable for students in Germany?
- Are there ways to reduce transportation costs?
Why understanding living costs is essential for budgeting
Understanding the cost of living while you study in Germany is important for planning your budget. It helps you manage your money wisely, avoid overspending, and enjoy a stress-free student life.
Without proper planning, you might find that living expenses like transportation and leisure quickly add up and often result in your monthly expenses exceeding the budget. By knowing the average monthly expenses, you can set realistic expectations and make informed decisions on where to live, how much to spend, and more.
Average monthly cost of living in Germany
The monthly expenses for international students in Germany range between EUR 700 and EUR 1,200, which is typically affordable for most students.
International students like you can enjoy several remarkable benefits in Germany that reduce your financial burden. This includes tuition-free public universities, private universities with very low tuition fees, low-cost public transport, discounts for entertainment such as cinemas and restaurants, discounted health insurance, and more. In addition, there are several part-time job opportunities you can take up to support your living expenses.
Know more about the cost of living in Germany by talking to our experts!
Major cost categories
For planning your expenses, it’s important to have a category-wise breakdown of the possible costs. Below are the major cost categories you should consider:
Accommodation
Accommodation cost varies based on whether you choose to stay in on-campus or off-campus residences.
On-campus accommodations can cost between EUR 250 and EUR 300 per month, while the rates for off-campus accommodations depend largely on the location and the type of apartment.
Even though on-campus residences are cheaper, their limited availability often makes it necessary to look for off-campus accommodation. You can find safe off-campus stays near your university, either private accommodations or shared ones.
Shared flats usually cost between EUR 250 and EUR 450 per month in smaller cities. If you are looking for shared flats in larger cities, you can expect rent between EUR 700 and EUR 1,200 per month. The cost of private apartments in large cities ranges from EUR 400 to EUR 600 per month, while in smaller cities it ranges from EUR 400 to EUR 600 per month.
This is where Edvoy Stays can help you find a budget-friendly accommodation in Germany. We have partnered with over 700 universities and have access to more than 1 million homes worldwide, providing you with hassle-free online support to find the right accommodation. With safe and verified stays, zero service charge, and a dedicated advisor to support you, we ensure a smooth connection to the best student accommodations abroad.
Food & groceries
Your monthly expenses for food and groceries can range between EUR 150 and EUR 250. However, you can easily manage your food expenses, since there are several budget-friendly options available for food and groceries.
You can take advantage of student discounts available at food and grocery outlets. There are several discount supermarkets and weekly farmers’ markets that offer reasonable prices. Loyalty cards, cash back, special offers, and promotions can also help to bring down your expenses.
Most campuses provide cafeterias and cafes that you can access at discounted rates. These are affordable and an excellent option to reduce your food expenses.
Transportation
Transportation costs have to be managed wisely by choosing economical options. Germany has an efficient public transport system with many benefits, such as round-trip tickets for travelling in Europe and many other travel options for commuting within a city.
Without a doubt, public transport is the cheapest option for travel in Germany. It’s highly organised and has excellent bus and rail connections. However, you can also try biking in safe cities.
You can get a monthly transport pass for EUR 40 to EUR 60 per month. An average monthly bus travel can cost you EUR 70 per month, while train travel can cost between EUR 20 and EUR 55 per month. Bike rentals can cost you between EUR 10 and EUR 30 per month.
Health insurance
Germany has an advanced healthcare system, but the costs are mostly on the higher side. However, you can benefit from health insurance that is offered at a discounted rate by public insurance providers. A doctor visit can range between EUR 30 and EUR 100, while a hospital stay can range between EUR 15 and EUR 200 per day.
Health insurance for international students is fixed by the government and ranges between EUR 100 and EUR 120 per month. You can also choose private insurance, but the rates might be higher and vary based on the service provider.
Utility costs
You need to keep aside a monthly budget for utility costs that include items such as electricity, water, gas, internet, mobile phone, and more. The electricity cost can range between EUR 30 and EUR 70 per month, and gas can range between EUR 20 and EUR 50 per month. These costs will vary based on your accommodation’s size and efficiency.
The monthly expense for the internet can be between EUR 30 and EUR 50 per month, while for mobile recharge, you may need to spend between EUR 25 and EUR 35 per month.
Miscellaneous/personal expenses
You may need to spend on various other personal needs, including entertainment and leisure. These need to be planned and kept within your budget. Gym memberships in Germany cost between EUR 20 and EUR 50 per month. For other expenses, such as cinema or restaurants, you should plan anywhere between EUR 8 and EUR 30 per month.
Germany has several budget-friendly options, like discounted student tickets for movies and concerts and student deals for theme parks. You can explore museums using free or discounted entry for students. There are also numerous events that German universities host where you can socialise and enjoy affordable dining.
Know more about the cost of living in Germany by talking to our experts!
Quick reference of the major expenses
To plan for your monthly expenses, you’ll need an overview of the major cost components. This can vary based on your choice of accommodation, food, and other factors.
Check out the table below for an overview of the monthly expenses.
| Item | Monthly cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Rent | 150 to 1,200 |
| Food and groceries | 50 to 450 |
| Transportation | 70 to 100 |
| Health insurance | 80 to 160 |
| Utilities | 150 to 300 |
| Internet | 30 to 50 |
| Mobile recharge | 25 to 35 |
| Leisure and entertainment | 8 to 50 |
Related articles
City-wise overview of the cost of living in Germany
The cost of living varies from one city to another. You need an understanding of the city-wise cost variations for realistic financial planning.
Check out the table below for the monthly living costs in different cities.
| City | Average monthly expense (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Berlin | 950 to 1,700 |
| Frankfurt | 1,000 to 2,000 |
| Munich | 1,500 to 2,000 |
| Hamburg | 800 to 1,200 |
| Nuremberg | 1,000 to 1,500 |
| Cologne | 600 to 1,200 |
Source: Numbeo
Tip to save money for international students
There are several steps you can follow to reduce your living expenses in Germany. You can reduce your transport expenses by purchasing a transport card.
To reduce the expense on apparel and other personal items, you can use the student discounts offered by various merchants. In addition, make use of seasonal sales where you can purchase many essentials at reduced cost.
Germany has a prosperous economy with several job opportunities for international students. You can plan for part-time jobs so that there is a stream of income to support your living expenses.
Final thoughts
Germany is a preferred study abroad destination for international students due to its high-quality academics and the excellent career prospects it offers. Another advantage is its affordability. Apart from this, other expenses, including food, travel, and entertainment, are also available at modest rates.
As an international student in Germany, you can enjoy a high standard of living at affordable rates. With its strong economy, Germany also provides you with plenty of part-time job opportunities that you can take advantage of and reduce your financial burden.
This is where Edvoy comes in. We help you understand the average living costs and the various cost-saving strategies so that you can fully focus on your studies without any financial worries!
Let us help you enrol in a course in Germany. Start your study-abroad journey right away!
Frequently asked questions
How much does a student need to live in Germany per month?
The cost of living per month will depend on the location and your choice of food, entertainment, travel, and more. However, on average, you can expect an expense of EUR 850 to EUR 1,500 per month.
Is Germany expensive for international students?
No, Germany is an affordable study destination, especially when compared to other popular destinations like the USA and the UK. International students can choose several options to reduce their expenses, such as discounted health insurance, low-cost public transport, and various shopping deals.
Can I work part-time to support myself?
Yes, you can take up part-time employment and cover your living expenses. Germany allows international students to work for 120 full days or 20 hours per week during their semester.
Is 1000 euros enough for a month in Germany for students?
Yes, 1000 euros can cover your living expenses in Germany. You should plan your expenses wisely so that you do not overspend and cause any financial stress for yourself.
Which cities are the most affordable for students in Germany?
It’s important to choose affordable cities to live in, to keep your expenses under control. Leipzig, Magdeburg, Halle, Aachen, Erfurt, Jena, and Dresden are affordable cities for international students.
Are there ways to reduce transportation costs?
Yes, you can reduce the transportation costs by using public transport discounts and options like cycling. Many universities provide semester tickets, which allow you to access public transport, including buses, trains, and trams, for a full semester.
