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Cost of Living in Germany | Expat Exchange
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Berlin, Germany

Cost of Living in Germany

By Joshua Wood, LPC

Last updated on Mar 07, 2024

Summary: The cost of living in Germany is generally considered to be quite high. A nice one bedroom apartment in Germany can cost anywhere from $800 to $1,500 per month, while a nice two bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $2,000 per month. The cost of dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Germany can range from $15 to $30 per person.

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Is the cost of living in Germany high?

We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Germany, they wrote:

"This would fluctuate with currency ups and downs, lifestyles location and circumstances. These vary considerably so I cannot provide an accurate figure. But, a ballpark figure for one person, to be comfortable, would be about $50,000 a year," said one person in Friedrichsdorf.

"The cost of living in Germany varies considerably depending on location and lifestyle. Food, clothing, and entertainment are generally affordable, while transportation and housing can be more expensive. Generally, the cost of living in Germany is below the European average and salaries tend to be higher than in other countries," remarked one expat in Germany.

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Will I save money living in Germany?

"Yes, fully, we have done well with the costs, and can even save a little every month. We do live anyway, practically, but we go often out for meals and days out. In UK this would have been difficult with our pensions," remarked one in Eifel .

"Generally speaking, living in Germany is likely to cost less than living in the United States, as there is a lower cost of living and taxes are relatively lower than in the US. Additionally, high-quality public services such as public transportation, healthcare, and education are usually free or heavily discounted in Germany. This means that, although wages in Germany are lower than in the US, taxes, rents and other expenses in Germany are often lower as well, contributing to overall lower living costs," explained one expat.

What is the average cost of housing in Germany?

If you are thinking about moving to Germany, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"Housing costs are the same in the cities. In the smaller towns you can find places a lot cheaper than at home. Now a 2 bedroom apartment in CO is between $800 to 900 a month. A house in CO with 6 bedrooms would cost around $2400. However what you save on rent or house payments you spend in utilities and water!!!!!! here," remarked one in Hillerse.

"The average cost of housing in Germany is generally considered to be relatively high. Prices for rent and purchase tend to depend on the specific location, with larger cities and urban areas typically being more expensive than rural areas. Although rents have been rising in recent years, Germany remains an attractive place for property owners due to the rent control laws. In general, rental prices tend to be higher than in many other countries in Europe," explained one expat.

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What are typical rental prices for expats in Germany?

"The cost of renting a nice one bedroom apartment in Germany can vary depending on the city and location. Generally, one may expect to pay an average of between $900 to $1,400 per month. For a nice two bedroom apartment, the monthly rental cost could be between $1,300 and $1,800," said an expat in Germany.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Germany what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"Generally, rental properties in Germany come equipped with basic appliances such as a fridge and a dishwasher, as well as a cooker and an oven. A washing machine is also typically provided, though it is not always the case. Furniture is often included as well, such as a dining table and chairs. In some cases, air conditioning may be provided," remarked one expat living in Germany.

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.

Berlin, Germany
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