Cost of living in Germany for students – guide
Germany is one of the most popular study destinations worldwide. Besides the high quality of universities, relatively moderate living costs compared with countries such as the USA, the UK, or Australia are a major advantage.
You should still plan your finances carefully. International students must prove that they can finance their living expenses during their studies.
In this guide you will learn:
- how high living costs in Germany are
- what monthly expenses students have
- how much money you should budget for your studies
- how you can reduce costs
How high are the cost of living for students in Germany?
Average living costs for students are about:
900 to 1,200 euros per month
The actual amount depends strongly on various factors:
- city or region
- type of housing
- lifestyle
- transport costs
- personal spending
Large cities such as Munich or Frankfurt are significantly more expensive than smaller university towns.
Average monthly costs
Here is a typical overview of monthly expenses for students.
| Category | Average costs |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 300 – 700 € |
| Groceries | 150 – 250 € |
| Health insurance | 120 – 150 € |
| Transport | 0 – 60 € |
| Internet & phone | 30 – 50 € |
| Leisure | 50 – 150 € |
| Study materials | 20 – 40 € |
Total: about 900 – 1,200 € per month
Accommodation – the largest cost factor
Rent is usually the largest expense for students.
Typical housing options are:
Student dormitory
Costs:
250 – 400 € per month
Advantages:
- cheaper than private flats
- often furnished
- close to the university
Shared flat (WG)
Costs:
350 – 650 € per month
Many students share a flat with other students.
Advantages:
- cheaper than living alone
- social contacts
Own flat
Costs:
500 – 900 € or more
In large cities, your own flat can be very expensive.
More information:
➡️ Student accommodation in Germany
Groceries
On average, students spend about:
150 – 250 euros per month
on groceries.
Tips to save money:
- use discounters such as Aldi, Lidl, or Netto
- eat at the university cafeteria
- cook for yourself
A cafeteria meal often costs only 3–5 euros.
Health insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for students in Germany.
Costs:
about 120 – 150 € per month
Without health insurance, you cannot enroll at the university.
➡️ Health insurance for students in Germany
Public transport
Many universities offer a semester ticket.
This ticket lets you use public transport in your region.
Costs:
150 – 350 euros per semester
In some cities, transport is practically free as a result.
Internet and mobile
Typical monthly costs:
30 – 50 euros
Many students use cheap prepaid plans or student offers.
Leisure and personal spending
You should also budget for leisure.
Typical spending:
- restaurants
- sport
- travel
- cinema or events
On average:
50 – 150 € per month
Why international students need a blocked account
International students often have to prove that they have enough money to live.
This proof is usually provided via a blocked account.
Currently, the required amount is:
11,208 euros per year
That equals:
934 euros per month
➡️ Blocked account in Germany explained
Costs by city
Living costs vary greatly between cities.
Expensive cities
- Munich
- Frankfurt
- Stuttgart
- Hamburg
Costs:
1,100 – 1,300 € per month
Mid-priced cities
- Berlin
- Cologne
- Düsseldorf
Costs:
950 – 1,150 € per month
More affordable cities
- Leipzig
- Halle
- Jena
- Magdeburg
Costs:
800 – 950 € per month
Can international students work?
Yes.
International students may work, but there are restrictions.
Typical rule:
120 full days or 240 half days per year
Many students work as:
- student assistants
- working students (“Werkstudent”)
- part-time employees
Income helps cover part of the living costs.
Tips to save money
Many students can reduce their costs significantly.
Use student discounts
Many companies offer discounts for students.
Buy second-hand furniture
Many students buy used furniture.
Prefer student dormitories
Dormitories are often the cheapest form of housing.
Use public transport
The semester ticket saves transport costs.
Other important steps before your studies
Besides living costs, you need to prepare several other things.
Applying to universities
➡️ Applying to German universities
Student visa
Enrollment
➡️ What is enrollment (Immatrikulation)?
Conclusion
Living costs in Germany are relatively moderate in international comparison, but good planning matters.
Most students need about:
900 to 1,200 euros per month
The largest costs are:
- accommodation
- health insurance
- groceries
With good planning and a realistic budget, you can organize your studies in Germany financially.
Plan your studies in Germany
The path to studying includes many steps:
- applying to universities
- blocked account
- student visa
- health insurance
- accommodation
- enrollment
Germany for Students helps you organize all steps and prepare optimally for the start of your studies.
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Student visa for Germany – guide for international students
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