Cost Calculator
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The Germany cost-of-living calculator estimates your monthly expenses by city, covering rent, food, transport, health insurance, and Rundfunkbeitrag. Single-person budgets typically run €1,400 to €1,900 per month in Berlin and Munich and €1,000 to €1,300 in smaller cities. Public health insurance for students costs about €135 per month in 2026, and the GEZ broadcasting fee is €18.36 per household.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to live in Germany per month in 2026?
A single international student or young professional typically spends €1,000 to €1,300 in cheaper cities like Leipzig or Dresden, and €1,400 to €1,900 in Berlin, Hamburg, or Munich. The figure includes rent, groceries, transport, mobile, and health insurance. Munich is consistently the most expensive city; Eastern German cities are the cheapest.
Is €992 per month enough to live in Germany as a student?
The €992 per month figure (€11,904 per year) is the official BAföG-tied minimum the German student visa requires in your blocked account. It covers basic living in mid-tier cities but is tight in Munich, Frankfurt, or Stuttgart. Most students top up with a part-time job (up to 140 full days per year) or a scholarship.
Which German city is cheapest for international students?
Leipzig, Halle, Magdeburg, Chemnitz, Dresden, and Erfurt remain the cheapest student cities, with shared-flat rooms (WG) often under €350 per month. Berlin used to be cheap; rents have tracked Munich since 2022. University towns like Goettingen and Marburg balance affordable rent with strong public-university quality.
How much should I budget for rent in Germany?
Plan €350 to €500 for a WG room in Eastern German cities, €550 to €750 in Berlin and Hamburg, and €800 to €1,200 for a one-bedroom in Munich or central Frankfurt. Add a Kaution (deposit) of two to three months of cold rent, and budget for Nebenkosten (utilities) of €100 to €200 on top of cold rent.
Do I have to pay the GEZ broadcasting fee as a student?
Yes. The Rundfunkbeitrag (often called GEZ) is €18.36 per household per month and applies to every registered residence in Germany, including student dorms and shared flats. BAföG recipients can apply for a fee waiver. The fee is per household, not per person, so flatmates can split it among themselves.
How much does health insurance cost in Germany in 2026?
Public statutory health insurance (TK, AOK, Barmer) costs about €135 per month for enrolled students under 30, including the long-term care contribution. Private student plans like Mawista or Care Concept run €100 to €120 per month but only cover students under 30. Working professionals pay roughly 15.5 percent of gross salary, half by the employer.