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

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Universal Tax Professionals
Universal Tax Professionals

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Dortmund helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living in Dortmund - Cost of Living in Dortmund

Apartment Rentals The average cost of renting an apartment in Dortmund is €7.50 per square meter per month. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around €650 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment can cost around €1,000 per month.
Apartment Purchases The average cost of purchasing an apartment in Dortmund is €2,500 per square meter. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around €150,000, while a three-bedroom apartment can cost around €250,000.
Transportation The cost of public transportation in Dortmund is €2.90 for a single ticket, €7.50 for a day ticket, and €50 for a monthly ticket. Taxi fares start at €3.50 and increase by €1.50 per kilometer.
Groceries The average cost of groceries in Dortmund is €50 per week for a family of four. Basic items such as milk, bread, and eggs cost around €2-3 each, while more expensive items such as meat and fish can cost up to €10 per kilogram.
Restaurants The average cost of a meal at a restaurant in Dortmund is €10-15 per person. A three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant can cost around €50.
Utilities The average cost of utilities in Dortmund is €150 per month for a family of four. This includes electricity, water, gas, and internet.
Private School Tuition The average cost of private school tuition in Dortmund is €5,000-10,000 per year for preschool, €7,000-15,000 per year for elementary school, €10,000-20,000 per year for middle school, and €15,000-25,000 per year for high school.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Dortmund

"The cost of living in Dortmund 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 also be quite affordable, with many restaurants offering good value for money. Overall, Dortmund is a great place to live for those looking for a good quality of life at a reasonable cost," said one expat living in Dortmund.

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

"I've been living in Dortmund 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 an affordable place to live. I'd recommend looking for a shared flat or a small apartment in neighborhoods like Dorstfeld, Eving, or Scharnhorst. These areas are more affordable compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Hörde, Aplerbeck, or the city center.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Public transportation in Dortmund is quite good, so I'd recommend getting a monthly pass for the bus and train system. It's cheaper than owning a car, and you'll save on parking and fuel costs. If you're up for it, biking is also a great way to get around the city and save money.When it comes to groceries, you'll want to shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, or Netto. They offer good quality products at lower prices compared to more expensive supermarkets like Rewe or Edeka. Cooking at home and packing lunches for work will also help you save on food costs.For entertainment, you might have to cut back on going out to restaurants, bars, or events. However, Dortmund has many free or low-cost activities, like parks, museums, and cultural events. Keep an eye out for special deals and discounts, and try to make the most of what the city has to offer without breaking the bank.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Dortmund is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, shopping smartly for groceries, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Dortmund.

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

"I've been living in Dortmund 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 the neighborhood you choose to live in and the size of your apartment.First, let's talk about housing. If you want to live in a more affordable neighborhood, I'd recommend looking into areas like Aplerbeck, Brackel, or Hörde. These neighborhoods are a bit further from the city center, but they're still well-connected by public transportation, and you can find a decent apartment for around €600-€800 per month. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more upscale neighborhood, you might want to consider areas like Kreuzviertel or Kaiserviertel. These neighborhoods are closer to the city center and have a more vibrant atmosphere, but the rent can be quite high, sometimes reaching €1,200 or more for a one-bedroom apartment.As for other expenses, groceries and utilities are relatively affordable in Dortmund. You can expect to spend around €300-€400 per month on groceries, depending on your eating habits. Utilities, including electricity, water, and heating, should cost you around €150-€200 per month. If you want to have a gym membership, you can find some affordable options for around €30-€40 per month.Eating out and entertainment can be a bit more expensive, but there are still plenty of affordable options if you're willing to explore. You can find a decent meal at a restaurant for around €10-€15, and a night out at a bar or club shouldn't cost you more than €30-€40. If you're into cultural activities, there are also plenty of museums, galleries, and theaters in Dortmund, with ticket prices usually ranging from €5-€20.One thing to keep in mind is that public transportation is quite efficient and affordable in Dortmund, so you might not need a car. A monthly public transportation pass costs around €80, which is much cheaper than maintaining a car, especially when you factor in gas, insurance, and parking costs.In conclusion, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Dortmund is definitely achievable, but you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of your housing and entertainment choices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood and being mindful of your spending, you can enjoy a good quality of life in this vibrant German city," said one expat living in Dortmund.

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

"I've been living in Dortmund 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. In fact, I think you'll find that your money goes quite far here compared to some other cities in Germany.One of the first things you'll want to consider is where to live. There are some more expensive neighborhoods, like the city center or the Südviertel, but I'd recommend looking at more affordable areas like Kreuzviertel, Körne, or Aplerbeck. These neighborhoods still have a good quality of life, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and parks, but the rent is more reasonable. You can expect to pay around €800-€1,200 per month for a nice two-bedroom apartment in these areas.As for other expenses, groceries and dining out are quite affordable in Dortmund. You can find a good variety of supermarkets, including discount stores like Aldi and Lidl, where you can get your groceries for a reasonable price. Eating out is also quite affordable, with many restaurants offering lunch specials for under €10. Of course, there are more expensive options if you want to treat yourself, but overall, I think you'll find that food costs are quite manageable.Public transportation is another expense to consider, but again, it's quite affordable in Dortmund. A monthly ticket for the city's public transportation system costs around €80, and it covers buses, trams, and trains within the city. If you need to travel outside of Dortmund, regional trains and buses are also reasonably priced.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there's plenty to do in Dortmund without breaking the bank. There are numerous parks and green spaces throughout the city, as well as museums, theaters, and other cultural attractions. Many of these offer discounted or even free admission on certain days or for special events. Additionally, Dortmund has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. While drinks can be a bit pricey at some of the more upscale establishments, there are also plenty of more affordable options if you know where to look.In terms of sacrifices, I think the main thing you'll need to adjust to is living in a smaller city compared to some of the more well-known German cities like Berlin or Munich. While Dortmund has a lot to offer, it doesn't have quite the same level of cultural attractions or international flair as those larger cities. However, I've found that the lower cost of living and more relaxed pace of life more than make up for this.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Dortmund on $5,000 a month is not only possible but quite comfortable. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood and being mindful of your spending on things like dining out and entertainment, you should be able to enjoy a high quality of life without making too many sacrifices," commented an expat living in Dortmund.

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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