With its varied landscapes ranging from its bustling capital of Berlin to the majestic Bavarian Alps, Germany is a popular destination for expatriates. The country’s many attractions include a robust economy, numerous employment and networking opportunities, as well as a rich culture and delicious cuisine. But before you embark on your expatriation adventure, you need to know the Germany cost living. Here’s a detailed guide to help you!
Overview of the Average Cost of Living in Germany 2024
| Average Monthly Salary | €2,937.99 |
| Price of Renting an Apartment in Downtown Berlin | Approx. €913.27 |
| Purchase Price per m² of a 1-Bedroom Apartment in Downtown Berlin | €5,642.65 on average |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | €1.76 on average |
| Mobile Telecommunications Services | Between €10 and €39.95 / month |
| Food | Cheaper than Switzerland, France, or Denmark |
| Meal for 2 in a Mid-Range Restaurant | Approx. €60 |
The cost of living varies from region to region in Germany. In general, life in the eastern states is cheaper than in the west. To illustrate this difference, here’s a comparison of some elements of the average cost of living Berlin (largest city in the East) and Hamburg (largest city in the West):
- Average Net Monthly Salary: €3,194.10 in Berlin vs. €3,325.48 in Hamburg.
- Meals in Inexpensive Restaurants: No more than €20 in Berlin versus €27 in Hamburg.
- Annual Elementary School for 1 Child: €8,660 in Berlin vs. €23,000 in Hamburg.
Germany and Its Official Currency
As in 19 other European countries, the official currency in Germany is the euro. In fact, it was the first country to abandon its own currency and adopt the euro. If you’re currently living in Europe, chances are you don’t need to worry about the country’s exchange rate. The currency is the same throughout Germany, a federal republic made up of 16 federated states, known as “Länder / lands”.
Housing Budget
Housing prices in Germany are set to fall by 6-7% in 2023. However, from the first quarter of 2024 onwards, prices began to rise again, especially in major cities such as Berlin. A one-bedroom apartment in downtown Berlin costs an average of €1,260.39/month. The purchase price is around 7,556 euros per m². Outside the city center, the average monthly rental price is 894 euros, while the average purchase price per m² is 5,539 euros. With supply insufficient to meet demand, housing prices continue to rise in major cities, but remain stable in other parts of the country. Outside the megacities, such as Stuttgart, Leipzig, and even Erlangen, where rents hover around 617 euros/month and purchase prices at 2,800 euros/m².
Additional Housing Costs
- Electricity per kWh: €0.36
- Gas per kWh: €0.10
Food in Germany
The cost of food and the shopping budget in Germany is far from the highest in Europe. In the Numbeo 2024 shopping index, the country ranks ninth. If you’re interested in living in Germany, you’ll be pleased to know that the country’s inhabitants love to shop in small to medium-sized stores and favor local shops. Here are the average prices of some staple foods in Germany:
- Water (1.5L): 0.85€
- Milk (1L): 1.04€
- Rice (1kg): 3.33€
- Dozen eggs: 2.74€
- Tomatoes (1kg): 3.17€
- Banana (1kg): 1.33€
- Local cheese (1kg): 12.62€
- Roast beef (1kg): 16.20€
- Chicken fillets (1kg): 14.57€
Transport
The German public transport network is very well developed. Fourteen cities in Germany have a subway network, including Berlin, Bielefeld, Cologne, Hanover, and Nuremberg. The country mainly has two separate subway networks, the “S-Bahn” and the “U-Bahn”. As far as fares are concerned, the metro is available with a per-trip fare or a season ticket.
- In Berlin, single ticket prices range from 3€ to 3.80€.
- Flat-rate subscriptions start at 8.80€ (daily) and go up to 43€ (weekly).
The country also boasts 60 cities with an extensive streetcar network and a vast network of freeways. Of course, drivers can also travel by car, filling up with 1.76€ a liter of petrol.
Germany’s Healthcare System
Germany is known for delivering high-quality medical care. However, the German healthcare system is rather special: in Germany health insurance is compulsory for all residents. Expatriates, like all other residents and citizens, can choose between three types of health insurance:
- Statutory health insurance (GKV)
- Private health insurance (PKV)
- International health insurance
Healthcare costs in Germany are among the highest in the world. Here is an overview of the prices charged in the country:
| Prestations | Coûts |
| Consultation with a general practitioner | €75 |
| Consultation with a specialist | €90 |
| Preliminary dental appointment | €50 |
| Fitting of a dental crown | €850 |
| Delivery in a private clinic | Between €1,600 and €2,150 |
Germany is renowned for its high-quality medical care. However, the German healthcare system is rather special: in Germany, health insurance is compulsory for all residents. Expatriates, like all other residents and citizens, can choose between two types of health insurance:
- Statutory health insurance (GKV)
- Private health insurance (PKV)
The GKV is Germany’s universal public health insurance system. Insured persons are covered by defined benefits, sometimes sufficient but not complete. The PKV offers the insured the possibility of choosing the benefits they wish to subscribe to, in order to benefit from comprehensive coverage. However, private insurers may require a minimum residency period of up to two years before the insurance becomes effective. To avoid the inconvenience of both types of insurance, expatriates can opt for international health insurance in Germany, such as Foyer Global Health can offer. This offers several advantages:
- Access to a wide range of benefits and reimbursements (dental, optical, maternity…)
- No minimum period of residence required
- Valid in Germany and abroad
The German Education System
The German education system ranks among the best in the world. Schooling is compulsory for all children and generally starts at the age of 6, in elementary school. Numbeo gives an average annual price for a child at elementary school of 12,000€. Parents can also enroll their children in kindergarten (pre-school). Children then change schools, usually after 4 years, and move on to secondary education for 6 to 8 years. They can then choose to continue their studies at a higher education establishment (Gymnasium, Realschule) or start vocational training.
Telecommunications Services
The German mobile telecommunications market is mainly dominated by three major operators:
- T-Mobile
- O2
- Vodafone
The price of telecoms services in Germany is in line with the European average, averaging:
- 28€ / month for a phone package with 10 GB+ of data
- 45€ / month for an internet subscription (unlimited data and 60 Mbps)
Leisure in Germany
Life isn’t boring in Germany. The country abounds in a wide variety of leisure activities. Stroll through major cities like Hamburg and Munich, discover narrow streets and historic monuments, visit castles, and hike in the German countryside. In Germany, expect to pay on average:
- 12€ for a cinema ticket
- 30€ for a gym membership
- 60€ for a mid-range restaurant meal for two
For families, don’t hesitate to visit Europa Park, one of the world’s most famous theme parks. Admission is free for children up to 3 years of age, and day tickets range from 52€ to 69.50€ for other children and adults.