Food prices and groceries in Germany
How much does food cost in Germany?
Food prices in Germany are generally considered to be quite low, especially compared to those of neighboring countries such as France, Italy, Austria, Sweden, and Belgium, where food is much more expensive. This is especially true of meat, cheese, bread, beer, wine, and vegetables, largely because Germany produces and grows a lot of its own food within its advanced agriculture industry.
Food prices in Germany, from Berlin to Munich, are pretty much the same. For example, there is only a small difference between the cost of a liter of milk in Munich (€0.84) and a liter of milk in Berlin (€0.81).
You may find some differences in price for regional products, however. German Beer, for example, is always cheaper when bought close to where it is brewed. The biggest differences in price are not between different cities but rather between large cities and small towns; you will likely pay a premium for shopping in a city center, where business rates are higher.
Where should you shop for groceries in Germany?
Groceries are readily available in Germany wherever you live. Even small villages will have a local grocery store, whereas towns and cities will have a mix of small grocery stores, farmers markets, food halls, and supermarkets (e.g. Edeka, Rewe, Lidl, Aldi, Carrefour, Kaufland).
However, shops in Germany are generally not open as late as shops in the UK, US, or other EU countries, and trading laws mean most shops are always closed on Sundays (except for a handful a year, and these dates change from year to year and city to city).
If you want locally grown food, head to farmers markets; shoppers pay a little more, but the quality is better and the environmental impact is lower. Seasonal items are generally cheaper, so buying them is a good way to save.