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Essen vs Dortmund

Germany vs Germany · 138 km apart

Essen

Germany

€835 ($908)

single / month

Cheaper overall
VS

Dortmund

Germany

€1,247 ($1,356)

single / month

Category Breakdown (USD)

ExpenseEssenDortmundCheaper
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$8.78$12.68Essen
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$35.10$50.70Essen
Cappuccino$2.63$3.80Essen
Monthly groceries (single person)$199$287Essen
Monthly public transport pass$32.18$46.48Essen
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$84.83$123Essen
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$24.57$35.49Essen
Fitness club membership$24.57$35.49Essen
Cinema ticket$6.44$9.30Essen
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$464$734Essen
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$323$511Essen
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$968$1,532Essen
Total single-person budget$908$1,356Essen
Average net salary$2,970$4,290

Verdict

Essen is cheaper overall. A single-person monthly budget in Essen runs about $908 versus $1,356 in Dortmund — a difference of roughly 49%.

Salary-adjusted, Dortmund 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 Dortmund

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Essen cheaper than Dortmund?
Yes. A single person spends an estimated $908 per month in Essen versus $1,356 in Dortmund — about 49% less.
How far is Essen from Dortmund?
The straight-line distance between Essen and Dortmund is approximately 138 km (86 miles).
Which city has better salaries, Essen or Dortmund?
The estimated average net salary is $2,970 in Essen and $4,290 in Dortmund. After living costs, a single person keeps roughly $2,062 in Essen versus $2,934 in Dortmund per month.