Cost of Living in Germany
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.
Is the cost of living in Germany high?
We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Germany, they wrote:
"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 in Germany.
"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," explained one expat.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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Will I save money living in Germany?
"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.
"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," said one person in Eifel .
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:
"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," remarked one in Germany.
"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," explained one expat.

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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," commented one expat who moved to 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," said one expat living in Germany.
About the Author
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.
Additional Information:
- Germany Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Germany
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Germany
- Best Places to Live in Germany
- Real Estate in Germany
- Guide to Real Estate in Germany
- Pros & Cons of Living in Germany
- Cost of Living in Germany
- Guide to Residency in Germany
- Moving to Germany
- 8 Best Places to Live in Germany
- 5 Tips for Tech Jobs in Berlin
- Pros and Cons of Living in Germany 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to Germany