Germany vs Germany · 209 km apart
Germany
single / month
Cheaper overallGermany
single / month
| Expense | Essen | Cologne | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $8.78 | $11.12 | Essen |
| Three-course meal for two, mid-range | $35.10 | $44.46 | Essen |
| Cappuccino | $2.63 | $3.33 | Essen |
| Monthly groceries (single person) | $199 | $252 | Essen |
| Monthly public transport pass | $32.18 | $40.76 | Essen |
| Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment | $84.83 | $107 | Essen |
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited) | $24.57 | $31.12 | Essen |
| Fitness club membership | $24.57 | $31.12 | Essen |
| Cinema ticket | $6.44 | $8.15 | Essen |
| One-bedroom apartment in city centre | $464 | $623 | Essen |
| One-bedroom apartment outside centre | $323 | $433 | Essen |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city centre | $968 | $1,300 | Essen |
| Total single-person budget | $908 | $1,174 | Essen |
| Average net salary | $2,970 | $3,762 |
Essen is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Essen runs about $908 versus $1,174 in Cologne — a difference of roughly 29%.
Salary-adjusted, Cologne leaves more disposable income after basic expenses. Both figures are model estimates — see each city page for local-currency detail.
Full cost of living in Essen · Full cost of living in Cologne