Cost of Living in Hamburg for Students (Budget Guide 2025/2026)

Hamburg, Germany’s second-largest city, is a vibrant and diverse student destination. As one of the more expensive cities in Germany, living in Hamburg requires careful financial planning for students. However, with smart budgeting and an understanding of living expenses, international students can live comfortably while pursuing their studies.

Compared to other major student cities like Berlin or Munich, Hamburg falls in the middle in terms of cost. While it is more affordable than Munich, it is still more expensive than cities like Leipzig or Dresden.

This guide will provide a breakdown of the cost of living in Hamburg for students, helping you prepare for your move to Hamburg.

Facts About Hamburg

Hamburg

Federal State

1.841.000

Population

152.493

Student population

17.842

International Students

Major Expenses for Students

Accommodation Costs

Finding affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges for a student in Hamburg. Rent prices vary depending on the location and type of accommodation. Here are the average costs:

• Student dormitories: €250 - €400 per month (most affordable option)

• WG (shared apartments): €400 - €650 per month

• Private apartments: €700 - €1,200 per month (most expensive option)

To secure affordable accommodation, students should apply for dorms early through the Studierendenwerk Hamburg or explore WG options via platforms like WG-Gesucht.

This in-depth article on student accommodation in Germany provides a detailed guide on finding accommodation in Hamburg, including student dorms, shared apartments, and private rentals.

Interested in studying in Germany?

Use the Expatrio StudyBuddy

• Friendly guide to assist your entire journey
• Interactive step-by-step checklist with useful tips
• Get advanced recommendations to find your perfect study program

Food and Grocery Expenses

The average cost of living for food depends on personal habits, but a reasonable grocery budget ranges from €100 - €250 per month. Students can save money by shopping at budget supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, and Netto, while Rewe and Edeka are slightly more expensive.

Eating out in Hamburg can be costly. Budget-friendly options include:

• Mensa (student cafeteria): €2.50 - €5 per meal

• Fast food & budget restaurants: €6 - €12 per meal

• Mid-range restaurants: €15 - €30 per meal

Transportation Costs

Hamburg has an excellent public transport system with buses, trains, and ferries. Transportation costs for students are relatively low, as most universities include a semester ticket in tuition fees, covering unlimited public transport in the city.

• Semester ticket: €160 - €200 per semester (included in university fees)

• Single public transport ticket: €3.50

• Monthly public transport pass: €49 (for non-students)

• Biking: A popular and affordable alternative

Many students move to Hamburg and use bikes or car-sharing services like ShareNow, Flixbus, and MOIA to save on transport costs.

Free Webinar

How to Apply to a German University

May 22nd, 2025

• Step-by-step guide to applying
• Exclusive access to online community of students

Utilities and Internet

If utilities are not included in your rent, expect to pay additional costs for electricity, water, and heating.

• Electricity, heating, water: €100 - €200 per month (for private apartments)

• Internet: €20 - €40 per month

• Mobile phone plans: €10 - €30 per month

💡 Tip: Students living in shared apartments split these costs, making them more affordable.

Other Living Expenses

Besides rent, food, and transport, other costs include:

• Study materials: €20 - €50 per month (books, software, stationery)

• Leisure and entertainment: €50 - €150 per month (cinema, gym, nightlife)

• Streaming subscriptions: €5 - €15 per month
  
  

Universities in Hamburg with English Courses

21

Universities

View All Courses

• University of Hamburg
• Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
• Technical University Hamburg
• Aalen University
• FOM University of Economics and Management
• Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
• Helmut Schmidt University
• HafenCity University Hamburg
• Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
• Academy Fashion & Design
• SRH Berlin School of Management
• Hochschule fuer Musik und Theater Hamburg
• Hamburg School of Business Administration
• University of Europe for Applied Sciences
• Macromedia University
• Bucerius Law School
• International School of Management
• Kuehne Logistics University
• Brand University of Applied Sciences
• SRH Campus Hamburg
• GISMA Business School

Show larger map

Budget Breakdown for a Student in Hamburg

Your Free StudyBuddy Checklist

Want to simplify your journey to Germany?

• Interactive step-by-step checklist
• Helpful explanations and tips along the way
• Designed for internationals like you

How to Save Money as a Student in Hamburg

1. Use Student Discounts Everywhere
Hamburg offers a range of student discounts that can significantly reduce your expenses. Always carry your student ID, as you can get reduced prices on public transport (HVV semester ticket), museums, theaters, cinemas, and even some restaurants and cafés. Many fitness studios and cultural events also offer special student rates.

2. Take Advantage of Second-Hand Markets
Instead of buying new, check out eBay Kleinanzeigen, Facebook Marketplace, or local flea markets (Flohmarkt) for affordable second-hand books, furniture, and electronics. The "Bücherhallen Hamburg" (public libraries) also provide access to books, digital resources, and study materials for free or at a low membership fee.

3. Find Affordable Student Housing
Rent is one of the biggest expenses in Hamburg. Save money by looking for student dormitories (Studierendenwerk Hamburg), shared flats (WG-Gesucht.de), or co-living spaces. Living in areas like Wilhelmsburg, Barmbek, or Harburg is often cheaper than central districts like Sternschanze or Eimsbüttel.

4. Work Part-Time to Cover Expenses
International students can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester, and part-time jobs in Hamburg typically pay around €12–15 per hour. Popular student jobs include working in cafés, retail, or at the Hamburg airport. Websites like Jobmensa, Zenjob, and Indeed list part-time job opportunities.

5. Enjoy Free Events & Activities
Hamburg has many free cultural events, including street festivals, concerts, and museum nights. Visit places like Planten un Blomen park, the Elbphilharmonie Plaza (free entry for views over the city), and Stadtpark for outdoor activities. Also, universities often host free movie nights, networking events, and student meetups.

6. Save on Food & Groceries
Shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, or Netto for affordable groceries. If you want fresh produce at lower prices, visit Isemarkt or St. Pauli Nachtmarkt just before closing time when vendors offer discounts. Also, apps like Too Good To Go let you buy surplus food from restaurants and bakeries at reduced prices.

7. Use Public Transport Smartly
The HVV semester ticket allows unlimited travel in Hamburg and surrounding areas, making it much cheaper than buying individual tickets. If you don’t have a semester ticket, consider the Deutschlandticket (€49 per month) for unlimited regional transport.

📝 Want to make the most of your student budget? Learn how to manage your finances, track expenses, and save money with this detailed budgeting guide for international students.

Conclusion

The cost of living in Hamburg is higher than in some other German cities, but with careful planning, students can live comfortably. Budgeting for rent, transportation costs, and daily expenses will help you enjoy your time as a student in Hamburg. If you’re an international student considering the move, understanding the expenses in Hamburg is essential to make informed financial decisions.