Cost of Living in Frankfurt
Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Frankfurt helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Apartment Rentals | The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Frankfurt is €1,000-€1,500. Outside of the city center, the average rent is €800-€1,000. |
Apartment Purchases | The average price per square meter for an apartment in the city center of Frankfurt is €5,000-€7,000. Outside of the city center, the average price per square meter is €3,500-€5,000. |
Transportation | A monthly public transportation ticket in Frankfurt costs €80. A single ticket costs €2.50. |
Groceries | The average cost of groceries in Frankfurt is €200-€300 per month. |
Restaurants | The average cost of a meal in a mid-range restaurant in Frankfurt is €15-€20. |
Utilities | The average cost of utilities in Frankfurt is €150-€200 per month. This includes electricity, water, heating, and garbage disposal. |
Private School Tuition | The average cost of private school tuition for preschool in Frankfurt is €1,000-€2,000 per month. The average cost of private school tuition for elementary school is €2,000-€3,000 per month. The average cost of private school tuition for middle school is €3,000-€4,000 per month. The average cost of private school tuition for high school is €4,000-€5,000 per month. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Frankfurt
"The cost of living in Frankfurt is generally considered to be quite high. Rent prices are particularly expensive, with the average one-bedroom apartment costing around €1,000 per month. Groceries and other everyday items are also quite costly, with prices comparable to those in other major European cities. Eating out can also be expensive, with a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costing around €50. Public transportation is relatively affordable, with a monthly pass costing around €80," said one expat living in Frankfurt.
Can I live in Frankfurt on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Frankfurt 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. Some of the more expensive neighborhoods like Westend, Sachsenhausen, and Nordend might be out of your budget. Instead, consider looking for a place in neighborhoods like Bornheim, Bockenheim, or Rödelheim. These areas are more affordable and still offer good access to public transportation and local amenities.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on groceries and dining out. Eating out in Frankfurt can be quite expensive, so try to cook at home as much as possible. Shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, or Penny to save on groceries. Also, take advantage of the local markets for fresh produce and meats.When it comes to transportation, consider getting a monthly public transportation pass. This will save you money compared to buying individual tickets. If you're able to, try walking or biking to work to save even more on transportation costs.For entertainment, look for free or low-cost events and activities around the city. Frankfurt has many parks, museums, and cultural events that you can enjoy without breaking the bank. Additionally, try to find a group of friends or join a club to share the cost of activities and outings.Lastly, be prepared to live in a smaller apartment than you might be used to. Rent is one of the biggest expenses in Frankfurt, so finding a smaller place can help you stay within your budget. You might also consider finding a roommate to share the cost of rent and utilities.Overall, living in Frankfurt on $1,500 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your grocery and dining expenses, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Frankfurt.
Can I live in Frankfurt on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Frankfurt 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. First, you'll need to choose an affordable neighborhood to live in. I'd recommend looking into areas like Bornheim, Bockenheim, or Sachsenhausen. These neighborhoods are still close to the city center and have a good mix of restaurants, shops, and parks, but the rent is more affordable compared to more expensive neighborhoods like Westend or Nordend.When it comes to transportation, you can save money by using public transportation instead of owning a car. Frankfurt has a great public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the U-Bahn and S-Bahn trains. A monthly ticket for public transportation will cost you around €90, which is much cheaper than the costs associated with owning a car.Eating out can be quite expensive in Frankfurt, so you'll need to cook at home more often to save money. Groceries are relatively affordable, especially if you shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl. You can still enjoy the occasional meal out, but try to stick to more budget-friendly options like kebab shops or Asian restaurants.Entertainment can also be a significant expense, so you'll need to be mindful of how much you're spending on things like going to the movies, concerts, or sporting events. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy in Frankfurt, like visiting parks, going for walks along the Main River, or attending free events and festivals throughout the year.In summary, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Frankfurt is possible, but you'll need to make some sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, using public transportation, cooking at home, and finding low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," said one expat living in Frankfurt.
Can I live in Frankfurt on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Frankfurt 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. For example, you might not be able to afford a luxury apartment in the most expensive neighborhoods, but there are plenty of affordable options in other areas.When it comes to finding a place to live, I'd recommend looking in neighborhoods like Bornheim, Sachsenhausen, and Bockenheim. These areas are more affordable than the more upscale neighborhoods like Westend and Nordend, but they still offer a good quality of life and access to modern amenities. You can find a decent one or two-bedroom apartment in these areas for around €1,000 to €1,500 per month, which should leave you with plenty of money for other expenses.As for other costs, groceries and eating out can be quite affordable in Frankfurt, especially if you shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl, and eat at local restaurants instead of high-end establishments. Public transportation is also reasonably priced, with a monthly ticket for the entire city costing around €90.One sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on some luxury items or experiences, like frequent international travel or high-end shopping. However, there are still plenty of things to do and see in Frankfurt and the surrounding areas that won't break the bank, like visiting museums, parks, and local festivals.Overall, I think you'll find that living in Frankfurt on $5,000 a month is not only possible but can be quite comfortable if you're willing to make a few small sacrifices and choose a more affordable neighborhood," commented an expat living in Frankfurt.
About the Author
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.
Additional Information:
- Health Care in Frankfurt
- The Insider's Guide to Frankfurt
- 5 Tips for Living in Frankfurt
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Germany
- Best Places to Live in Germany
- Real Estate in Germany
- Pros & Cons of Living in Germany
- Homeschooling in Germany
- What It's Like Living in Frankfurt
- Pros and Cons of Living in Germany 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Germany