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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Dusseldorf 2024
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Cost of Living in Dusseldorf

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Summary: If you're moving to Dusseldorf, understanding the the cost of living in Dusseldorf helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living in Dusseldorf - Cost of Living in Dusseldorf

Apartment Rentals The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Dusseldorf is €890 per month. For a two-bedroom apartment, the average rent is €1,200 per month. For a three-bedroom apartment, the average rent is €1,500 per month.
Apartment Purchases The average price for a one-bedroom apartment in Dusseldorf is €150,000. For a two-bedroom apartment, the average price is €200,000. For a three-bedroom apartment, the average price is €250,000.
Transportation The monthly cost of public transportation in Dusseldorf is €70. The cost of a monthly parking permit is €50. The cost of a gallon of gasoline is €1.50.
Groceries The average cost of a loaf of bread in Dusseldorf is €2. The average cost of a gallon of milk is €2.50. The average cost of a dozen eggs is €2.50.
Restaurants The average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant in Dusseldorf is €15. The average cost of a meal at a fast food restaurant is €7.
Utilities The average cost of utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) for a 915 square foot apartment in Dusseldorf is €150 per month.
Private School Tuition The average cost of private school tuition for preschool in Dusseldorf is €1,000 per month. The average cost of private school tuition for elementary school is €1,500 per month. The average cost of private school tuition for middle school is €2,000 per month. The average cost of private school tuition for high school is €2,500 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Dusseldorf

"The cost of living in Dusseldorf is generally considered to be quite high. Rent prices for apartments in the city center can be quite expensive, while rent prices for apartments in the suburbs are more affordable. Groceries and other everyday items can also be quite costly, although there are some discounts available for students and other groups. Transportation costs are also relatively high, with monthly tickets for public transport costing around €70. Overall, the cost of living in Dusseldorf is higher than in many other cities in Germany," said one expat living in Dusseldorf.

Can I live in Dusseldorf on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Dusseldorf for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Oberkassel, Carlstadt, and Golzheim might be out of your budget. Instead, consider looking for a place in neighborhoods like Flingern, Bilk, or Derendorf. These areas are more affordable and still have good access to public transportation.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on groceries and eating out. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, or Netto can help you save on groceries. When eating out, try to stick to more budget-friendly options like kebab shops, Asian takeout, or even the occasional meal at a university cafeteria.As for entertainment, you might have to cut back on going to the movies, concerts, or other events with high ticket prices. Instead, take advantage of the many free or low-cost activities Dusseldorf has to offer, like visiting parks, attending local festivals, or exploring the city's museums on their free admission days.Lastly, if you're used to having a car, you might need to give that up and rely on public transportation, biking, or walking instead. The cost of owning and maintaining a car in Germany can be quite high, especially when you factor in gas prices, insurance, and parking fees.Overall, living on $1,500 a month in Dusseldorf is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and be willing to make some sacrifices. It might take some getting used to, but with some careful planning and budgeting, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Dusseldorf.

Can I live in Dusseldorf on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Dusseldorf for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. The first thing you'll want to do is find an affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more affordable areas in Dusseldorf are Bilk, Flingern, and Oberbilk. These neighborhoods have a good mix of residential and commercial areas, so you'll have access to shops, restaurants, and public transportation. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Oberkassel, Carlstadt, and Golzheim, as the cost of living there can be quite high.When it comes to housing, you'll probably have to settle for a smaller apartment or a shared flat (WG) to keep your rent within budget. You can expect to pay around €600-€800 for a one-bedroom apartment in an affordable neighborhood, or even less if you're willing to share a flat with roommates. Utilities and internet will likely add another €100-€150 to your monthly expenses.Groceries can be quite affordable in Dusseldorf if you shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, or Netto. You can expect to spend around €200-€300 per month on groceries, depending on your eating habits. Eating out can be more expensive, so you might want to limit how often you go to restaurants or opt for more budget-friendly options like kebab shops or Asian takeout.Public transportation is quite efficient and affordable in Dusseldorf, so you won't need a car. A monthly public transportation pass will cost you around €80, and it covers buses, trams, and trains within the city. If you need to travel outside of Dusseldorf, you can use regional trains or long-distance buses, which are also reasonably priced.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Dusseldorf. You can enjoy the city's parks, visit museums on their free admission days, or attend free events and festivals throughout the year. However, if you're a fan of more expensive hobbies like attending concerts or going to the theater, you might have to cut back on those activities to stay within your budget.In summary, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Dusseldorf is possible, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, cutting back on eating out, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, you can make it work," said one expat living in Dusseldorf.

Can I live in Dusseldorf on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Dusseldorf for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but nothing too drastic.First, let's talk about housing. If you want to save some money, I'd recommend looking for an apartment in neighborhoods like Flingern, Bilk, or Unterbilk. These areas are more affordable, but still offer a good quality of life and are well-connected to the city center. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Oberkassel, Carlstadt, or Golzheim, as rents there can be quite high.When it comes to transportation, the public transport system in Dusseldorf is excellent, so you won't need a car. A monthly ticket for public transportation costs around €80, which is quite reasonable. If you prefer to drive, keep in mind that gas prices and parking fees can add up quickly.For groceries and dining out, you'll find that prices in Dusseldorf are generally reasonable, especially if you shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl. Eating out can be more expensive, but there are plenty of affordable options if you're willing to explore a bit. You might have to cut back on dining at high-end restaurants, but there are plenty of great, budget-friendly places to try.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in the city. You can enjoy the beautiful parks, visit museums on their free admission days, or take advantage of the many cultural events that take place throughout the year. Of course, if you're used to frequenting high-end bars and clubs, you might have to cut back on that a bit, but there's still plenty to do without breaking the bank.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Dusseldorf on $5,000 a month is quite doable, as long as you're willing to make a few adjustments to your lifestyle. It's a beautiful city with a lot to offer, and I'm sure you'll enjoy your time here," commented an expat living in Dusseldorf.

About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.


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