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Cost of Living in Germany

1,782 cities covered · Currency: EUR (€) · Capital: Dortmund

Single person, monthly€998 ($1,085)
Couple, monthly€1,806 ($1,963)
Family of four, monthly€2,369 ($2,575)
Average net salary€3,218 ($3,498)

Average Prices in Germany

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant€9.51 ($10.34)per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range€38.03 ($41.34)per meal
Cappuccino€2.85 ($3.10)each
Monthly groceries (single person)€216 ($234)per month
Monthly public transport pass€34.86 ($37.90)per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment€91.91 ($99.91)per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)€26.62 ($28.94)per month
Fitness club membership€26.62 ($28.94)per month
Cinema ticket€6.97 ($7.58)each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre€523 ($569)per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre€364 ($396)per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre€1,092 ($1,187)per month

Major Cities in Germany

Dortmund

North Rhine-Westphalia · pop. 5,302,179

Berlin

Berlin · pop. 4,679,500

Cologne

North Rhine-Westphalia · pop. 3,500,000

Stuttgart

Baden-Württemberg · pop. 2,787,727

Munich

Bavaria · pop. 2,606,021

Hamburg

Hamburg · pop. 2,496,600

Frankfurt

Hesse · pop. 2,319,029

Nuremberg

Bavaria · pop. 1,374,524

Dresden

Saxony · pop. 790,400

Düsseldorf

North Rhine-Westphalia · pop. 631,217

Leipzig

Saxony · pop. 619,879

Wuppertal

North Rhine-Westphalia · pop. 608,000

Bielefeld

North Rhine-Westphalia · pop. 591,862

Essen

North Rhine-Westphalia · pop. 586,608

Bremen

Bremen · pop. 577,026

Braunschweig

Lower Saxony · pop. 551,000

Hannover

Lower Saxony · pop. 548,186

Duisburg

North Rhine-Westphalia · pop. 503,707

Bochum

North Rhine-Westphalia · pop. 366,385

Freiburg im Breisgau

Baden-Württemberg · pop. 354,500

Bonn

North Rhine-Westphalia · pop. 335,789

Münster

North Rhine-Westphalia · pop. 322,904

Mannheim

Baden-Württemberg · pop. 316,877

Karlsruhe

Baden-Württemberg · pop. 309,964

Cheapest Cities in Germany

FreisingHeidenheimRheda-WiedenbrückLeonbergStraubingBad OeynhausenSingenBergkamenCuxhavenLahrFull ranking →

City Comparisons in Germany

Dortmund vs Berlin

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Germany

Dortmund vs Cologne

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Germany

Berlin vs Stuttgart

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Germany

Cologne vs Stuttgart

Side-by-side cost of living comparison in Germany

Cost of Living by City Size in Germany

Living costs in Germany vary significantly depending on city size. Large metropolitan areas with populations over one million typically see housing costs 15–30% above the national average, while smaller towns can be 10–20% below it. The national baseline of €998 ($1,085) per month represents a mid-sized city estimate.

Capital cities and major economic hubs command the highest rents and overall expenses. For budget-conscious residents, mid-sized cities offer a balance of amenities and affordability. Rural and small-town living remains the most economical option, though transport and service access may be limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost of living in Germany?
The estimated average monthly cost for a single person in Germany is €998 ($1,085), including rent outside the city centre. A family of four needs roughly €2,369 ($2,575) per month.
Which city has the lowest cost of living in Germany?
Freising ranks among the most affordable cities in Germany with a low cost-of-living multiplier.
What is the average salary in Germany?
The estimated average net salary in Germany is €3,218 ($3,498) per month. Actual salaries vary significantly by profession, experience and city.
All figures are planning estimates for Germany derived from national baselines. Individual city pages adjust these figures for city size. Methodology.