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

By Betsy Burlingame

SJB Global
SJB Global

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

Category Cost
Apartment Rental (1 bedroom in City Centre) €700 - €1,000 per month
Apartment Rental (1 bedroom Outside of Centre) €550 - €750 per month
Apartment Purchase Price (City Centre) €3,500 - €5,000 per square meter
Apartment Purchase Price (Outside of Centre) €2,500 - €3,500 per square meter
Public Transportation (Monthly Pass) €70 - €90
Gasoline (1 liter) €1.30 - €1.50
Groceries (Monthly for 1 person) €200 - €300
Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant €10 - €15
Three-Course Meal for 2 at a Mid-Range Restaurant €40 - €60
Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage for 85m2 Apartment) €150 - €200 per month
Private Preschool Tuition (Monthly) €400 - €600
Private Elementary School Tuition (Yearly) €5,000 - €10,000
Private Middle School Tuition (Yearly) €5,000 - €10,000
Private High School Tuition (Yearly) €5,000 - €10,000
The cost of living in Bonn varies depending on the lifestyle and choices of the individual or family. For apartment rentals, a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre can cost between €700 and €1,000 per month, while the same outside the city centre can cost between €550 and €750 per month. If you're looking to purchase an apartment, the price per square meter in the city centre ranges from €3,500 to €5,000, and outside the city centre, it ranges from €2,500 to €3,500.Transportation costs also vary. A monthly pass for public transportation can cost between €70 and €90. If you prefer to drive, the cost of gasoline ranges from €1.30 to €1.50 per liter.Grocery costs for one person can range from €200 to €300 per month. Dining out can cost between €10 and €15 for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can cost between €40 and €60.Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for an 85m2 apartment, can cost between €150 and €200 per month.If you have children and are considering private schooling, the tuition can vary greatly. Private preschool tuition can cost between €400 and €600 per month. For private elementary, middle, and high school, the yearly tuition can range from €5,000 to €10,000.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Bonn

"The cost of living in Bonn is considered moderate compared to other major cities in Germany. Rent is one of the most significant expenses, with the cost varying depending on the location and size of the property. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive, while the same outside the city center is considerably cheaper. Utilities such as electricity, heating, cooling, and water are not usually included in the rent and can add to the monthly expenses. Internet and mobile phone costs are relatively affordable. Groceries in Bonn are reasonably priced, with local markets and discount supermarkets offering cheaper options. Eating out at restaurants can range from affordable at smaller establishments to quite expensive at high-end restaurants. Public transportation in Bonn is efficient and widely used, but the cost can add up if used daily. Owning a car can be quite expensive, considering the costs of fuel, maintenance, and parking. Healthcare in Germany is of high quality, but it can be costly if you're not covered by health insurance. Education, especially at the university level, can also be a significant expense if you're an international student. Overall, while the cost of living in Bonn is not the highest in Germany, it's essential to plan and budget carefully, especially for housing and transportation," said one expat living in Bonn.

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

"I've been living in Bonn for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $1,500 a month is possible, but it will require some budgeting and sacrifices. The cost of living in Bonn is relatively high compared to other German cities, but it's still lower than in major cities like Munich or Frankfurt. The biggest expense you'll have is rent. If you want to live in a popular neighborhood like Südstadt or Poppelsdorf, you'll have to pay at least $800 for a small one-bedroom apartment. These areas are very attractive, with lots of shops, restaurants, and parks, but they're also the most expensive. If you're looking to save money, I'd recommend looking at neighborhoods like Tannenbusch or Dransdorf. They're a bit further from the city center, but you can find apartments for around $500-$600. Then there's the cost of utilities, which can be around $200 a month, and groceries, which will be around $300 a month if you cook at home most of the time. Public transportation is pretty good in Bonn, so you won't need a car. A monthly ticket for the bus and tram system costs around $70. So, if you add it all up, you'll be spending around $1,100-$1,200 a month on basic living expenses. That leaves you with $300-$400 for other things like eating out, entertainment, and personal care. It's not a lot, but it's doable if you're careful with your money. You'll have to make some sacrifices, though. You won't be able to eat out at restaurants very often, and you'll have to limit your spending on things like clothes and electronics. You'll also have to be careful about not using too much electricity or heating, as these can be quite expensive in Germany. But despite these sacrifices, I've found that living in Bonn on a budget is still quite enjoyable. There's a lot of free or cheap things to do in the city, like visiting the numerous parks and museums, or just walking around the beautiful old town. And the quality of life is very high, with excellent public services and a safe, clean environment. So while it's not always easy, I'd say it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Bonn on $1,500 a month," commented an expat living in Bonn.

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

"I've been living in Bonn for a few years now and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but it does require some budgeting and planning. The cost of living in Bonn is relatively high compared to other German cities, but it's still manageable. The biggest expense is definitely housing. If you want to live in a more upscale neighborhood like Südstadt or Poppelsdorf, you're looking at paying around $1,000 to $1,500 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. These areas are beautiful, with lots of parks and historic buildings, but they're also quite pricey. On the other hand, if you're willing to live a bit further out, you can find cheaper options. Neighborhoods like Tannenbusch or Dransdorf offer more affordable housing, with rents for a one-bedroom apartment ranging from $600 to $800. These areas are a bit more suburban, but they're still well-connected to the city center by public transportation. As for other expenses, groceries will cost you around $300 a month if you shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl. Eating out can be expensive, with a meal at a mid-range restaurant costing around $20, but there are also plenty of cheaper options like kebab shops or bakeries where you can get a meal for under $10. Public transportation is quite affordable, with a monthly pass costing around $100. Health insurance is mandatory in Germany and can be quite expensive, especially if you're not covered by a German employer. Expect to pay around $200 to $300 a month for health insurance. So, if you budget carefully, it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Bonn on $3,000 a month. You might not be able to afford to eat out every night or live in the most upscale neighborhood, but you can still enjoy a good quality of life. Just be prepared to make some sacrifices and plan your budget carefully," said one expat living in Bonn.

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

"I've been living in Bonn for a few years now and I can tell you that living on $5,000 a month is definitely doable, even with a taste for modern amenities. The cost of living here is relatively lower compared to other major German cities like Munich or Frankfurt. However, it's all about how you manage your budget. Rent is likely to be your biggest expense. If you want to save, consider living in affordable neighborhoods like Tannenbusch or Dransdorf. These areas are a bit further from the city center, but they're well-connected by public transport and you can find a decent apartment for around $700-$800 a month. On the other hand, if you prefer living in the heart of the city, neighborhoods like Südstadt and Poppelsdorf are beautiful but can be quite expensive. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment can go up to $1,200 or more. Utilities and internet would add another $200-$300 to your monthly expenses. Groceries are reasonably priced in Germany. You can expect to spend around $300-$400 a month if you cook at home. Eating out occasionally at mid-range restaurants would cost you about $15-$20 per meal. Public transportation is efficient and affordable in Bonn. A monthly ticket costs around $100. If you prefer driving, keep in mind that gas prices are quite high in Germany. Health insurance is mandatory in Germany and it can cost anywhere from $200 to $800 a month, depending on your age, health condition, and the type of coverage you choose. Entertainment and leisure activities are where you can really control your budget. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities in Bonn, like exploring the beautiful parks, museums, and historical sites. A gym membership would cost you around $30-$50 a month. All in all, if you manage your budget wisely, you can live comfortably in Bonn on $5,000 a month without making too many sacrifices. It's all about finding the right balance between your needs and wants," commented an expat living in Bonn.

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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