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

By Betsy Burlingame

Cigna Global Health
Cigna Global Health

Summary: If you're moving to Erlangen, understanding the the cost of living in Erlangen 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 Erlangen - Cost of Living in Erlangen

Apartment Rentals Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Erlangen can range from €650 to €1,000 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center can range from €1,000 to €1,500 per month. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center can range from €500 to €800 per month. Rent for a three-bedroom apartment outside of the city center can range from €800 to €1,200 per month.
Apartment Purchases The average price per square meter for an apartment in Erlangen is €3,000. The average price for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is €150,000. The average price for a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is €250,000. The average price for a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is €100,000. The average price for a three-bedroom apartment outside of the city center is €150,000.
Transportation A monthly public transportation ticket in Erlangen costs €50. A single ticket costs €2.50. A taxi ride within the city center costs €7.50. A taxi ride outside of the city center costs €10.
Groceries The average cost of groceries in Erlangen is €200 per month. A loaf of bread costs €1.50. A liter of milk costs €0.90. A dozen eggs costs €2.50. A kilogram of apples costs €2.50. A kilogram of potatoes costs €1.50.
Restaurants The average cost of a meal at a restaurant in Erlangen is €15. A fast food meal costs €7. A three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costs €25. A cup of coffee costs €2.50.
Utilities The average cost of utilities in Erlangen is €150 per month. This includes electricity, water, heating, and garbage. The average cost of internet is €30 per month.
Private School Tuition The average cost of private school tuition for preschool in Erlangen is €400 per month. The average cost of private school tuition for elementary school is €500 per month. The average cost of private school tuition for middle school is €600 per month. The average cost of private school tuition for high school is €700 per month.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Erlangen

"The cost of living in Erlangen is generally considered to be quite reasonable. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are all relatively affordable, while rent prices can vary depending on the area. Eating out can be a bit more expensive, but there are plenty of affordable restaurants and cafes to choose from. Overall, Erlangen is a great place to live with a reasonable cost of living," said one expat living in Erlangen.

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

"I've been living in Erlangen for a while 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. Erlangen has some expensive areas like the city center, Röthelheimpark, and Büchenbach, which you should avoid if you're on a tight budget. Instead, consider looking for a place in neighborhoods like Bruck, Alterlangen, or Tennenlohe. These areas are more affordable and still offer decent living conditions.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on groceries and dining out. Eating out can be quite expensive in Germany, so try to cook at home as much as possible. Shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, or Netto to save on groceries. Also, make use of local markets for fresh produce at lower prices.When it comes to transportation, consider using public transport or cycling instead of owning a car. Erlangen has a good public transportation system, and a monthly ticket costs around €60. Cycling is also a popular and affordable option, as the city is quite bike-friendly.As for entertainment and leisure activities, you'll need to prioritize and choose wisely. Going out for drinks or to the movies can add up quickly, so try to find free or low-cost activities like visiting parks, attending local events, or exploring nearby towns and cities.Lastly, be prepared to live in a smaller apartment or share a flat with roommates to save on rent. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Erlangen is around €600-€700, which is quite a significant portion of your budget. Sharing a flat can help you save on rent and utilities, making it easier to live on $1,500 a month.In conclusion, living in Erlangen on a tight budget is possible, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being smart about groceries and dining, using public transport or cycling, prioritizing low-cost activities, and sharing a flat, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Erlangen.

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

"I've been living in Erlangen for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment expenses.First, let's talk about housing. Erlangen is a relatively small city, so the cost of living is not as high as in bigger cities like Munich or Frankfurt. However, some neighborhoods can be quite expensive. I would recommend avoiding areas like the city center or the neighborhoods around the university, as they tend to have higher rents. Instead, you could look for apartments in more affordable areas like Bruck, Büchenbach, or Alterlangen. These neighborhoods are still well-connected to the city center and have all the necessary amenities like supermarkets, pharmacies, and public transportation.When it comes to transportation, I would recommend getting a monthly public transportation pass, which costs around €60. This will give you unlimited access to buses and trains within the city and can save you a lot of money compared to using a car.For groceries and other daily expenses, you can find affordable supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, or Netto. Eating out can be a bit expensive, especially in the city center, so I would recommend cooking at home most of the time. However, there are still some affordable restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a meal without breaking the bank.Entertainment-wise, Erlangen has a lot to offer, but you might have to be more selective with your choices to stay within your budget. For example, instead of going to the cinema, you could opt for streaming movies at home. There are also many free or low-cost events and activities in the city, like outdoor concerts, festivals, and sports events.In conclusion, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Erlangen is possible, but you'll have to be mindful of your expenses and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, and being selective with your entertainment choices, you can enjoy a comfortable life in this charming German city," said one expat living in Erlangen.

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

"I've been living in Erlangen for a while 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. Erlangen is a relatively small city, so there aren't really any "bad" neighborhoods. However, some areas are more expensive than others. If you want to save on rent, I'd recommend looking for an apartment in the southern part of the city, like Bruck or Büchenbach. These neighborhoods are more affordable and still offer good access to public transportation and other amenities. On the other hand, if you're willing to spend a bit more on rent, you could consider living in the city center or in the northern part of Erlangen, like Alterlangen or Frauenaurach. These areas are more expensive, but they're also closer to shops, restaurants, and other attractions.As for other expenses, groceries and eating out can be quite affordable if you're smart about it. There are several discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl where you can find good deals on groceries. When it comes to eating out, there are plenty of reasonably priced restaurants and cafes, especially if you're into trying local German cuisine. Of course, if you want to splurge on a fancy meal every once in a while, there are also some high-end restaurants in the city.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Erlangen is a very bike-friendly city, so you could consider getting a bike to get around. This would save you money on public transportation and also give you some exercise. If you prefer to use public transportation, you can get a monthly pass for around €60, which covers buses and trains within the city.One sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on shopping for clothes and other non-essential items. While there are some shopping centers and stores in Erlangen, they might not have the same selection or prices as you're used to in a larger city. You could always take a trip to nearby Nuremberg for more shopping options, but that would also add to your expenses.Overall, I think it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Erlangen on $5,000 a month. You might have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle, but I believe you'll find that the city has a lot to offer and that the cost of living is quite reasonable," commented an expat living in Erlangen.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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