Living costs in the major German cities
Cost of living in Berlin
Despite being the capital, Berlin is one of Germany’s cheapest cities. Rental prices vary massively, but as a rule of thumb, the west remains much more expensive than the east. You can rent a one-bed flat in Berlin for €00 upwards.
Thanks to a multicultural population, it’s easy to find low-cost street food such as kebabs and the city’s famous Currywurst as well as open-air produce and street-food markets in Berlin.
Cost of living in Munich
Munich has a much higher cost of living than Berlin. Despite its provincial feel and distance from the northern powerhouses, it has remained a city with a strong economy where rents and living costs are relatively high. You may find it hard in Munich to find a one-bed apartment for less than €1,000.
Students moving to Munich should always try and secure student accommodation to keep costs down. It’s best to do this as far in advance as possible, as these spaces are high in demand.
Cost of living in Cologne
Cologne is not as expensive as Frankfurt or Munich, but it’s still pricier than Berlin, with one-bed flats starting at around €800. Cologne has a huge student population and like Berlin is home to a wide number of world-food restaurants which means that although rents are high, socializing and eating out can be cheap if you do your research.
Cost of living in Hamburg
Hamburg is comparable to Cologne with slightly higher rental prices and living prices than Berlin. A one-bed flat will typically cost around €900 per month. This is a popular city for students and young professionals, and the demand for flats and housing is high, like in Berlin.
Cost of living in Frankfurt am Main
Frankfurt is certainly one of the more expensive cities to live in Germany, coming second only to Munich. A one-bed flat will cost you around €900 per month. Luckily, there are a few ways to live in Frankfurt for less; enjoy after-work drinks at a farmers market rather than a bar, a cheaper option which is commonplace in Frankfurt.
Which is the cheapest city in Germany?
Berlin is the cheapest of the major cities. It is also the capital and one of the most exciting places in Germany. It’s little wonder that it’s increasingly popular with those moving to the country. There are a few cities that are comparable to or even cheaper than Berlin, too, including Leipzig, Bochum, and Kiel where one-bed flats can, with some luck and searching, be found for around €500 a month.
Which is the most expensive city in Germany?
Munich is typically thought of as the most expensive city in Germany, followed closely by Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Heidelberg. The most expensive factor of living in one of these cities is the rental prices. If you can find a house-share or a property on the outskirts of the city, you should be able to save a significant amount of money on living costs in these cities.
Students can find out more about the price of accommodation in Germany on our Student Housing page.