cost of living in GERMANY | housing, food, transport & more

Summary

This video offers a comprehensive guide to living expenses in Germany, detailing the cost of housing in various cities, including Berlin and Munich, and the significant price range depending on location and type of residence. It covers additional costs like Wi-Fi, relocation fees, and the mandatory radio/cable fee. The video also discusses food expenses, with average prices for groceries and dining out, as well as transportation options and their costs, including public transit and car ownership. Health insurance expenses are outlined, with a focus on public health insurance costs for employees and self-employed individuals. Lastly, it touches on the student lifestyle, highlighting the benefits such as free regional transport and discounts, and the typical semester contribution fees. The video concludes by estimating the minimum monthly expenses for living in Germany, which can vary based on location and lifestyle.

Takeaways

• 🏠 Housing costs in Germany vary significantly by city, with a single bedroom apartment in Berlin's city center averaging €1233.43, and in Munich at €1382.92, while in smaller cities like Dresden, it's around €550.22 in the city center.
• 🌐 Internet costs for a single person in Germany are approximately €48 per month, and additional relocation costs like deposits can be up to two or three months' rent.
• 📺 Radio and cable fees, even if not used, are around €18.36 per month per household.
• 🍽️ Food prices in Germany are relatively low, with a liter of milk costing €0.70, a loaf of bread €1.30, and a kilogram of chicken breast €7.32.
• 🛒 For groceries, a single person might spend €180-€200 per month, while a couple could spend around €369.
• 🍔 Dining out costs range from €11 for a cheap meal to €57 for a mid-range restaurant for two, with fast food combos at around €9.70.
• ☕ A cup of cappuccino averages €3.50, and a German pastry can vary from €1.50 to €4.90.
• 🚌 Public transport costs in Germany are distance-based, with single tickets for bus, tram, metro, and train ranging from €2.80 to €3.50.
• 🚗 Owning a car in Germany involves high costs, including fuel, insurance, parking, and maintenance, averaging around €520 per month.
• 💰 Health insurance for employees costs 7.8% of gross income, with the employer covering half, leading to an average personal cost of around €67 per month.
• 🛍️ Shopping for clothes or entertainment like a movie ticket can be done affordably, with a dress from Zara averaging €37 and a cinema ticket around €12-€15.

Q & A

What is the average monthly cost for a single bedroom apartment in the city center of Berlin?

The average monthly cost for a single bedroom apartment in the city center of Berlin is 1233 euros and 43 cents.

How much would you typically spend on a single bedroom apartment outside the city center in Munich?

In Munich, outside the city center, a single bedroom apartment would cost around 1042 euros and 82 cents on average.

What is the average monthly cost for a single bedroom apartment in a less known city like Dresden?

In a smaller city like Dresden, a single bedroom apartment in the city center would cost around 550 euros and 22 cents, and outside the city center, it would be around 439 euros and 9 cents.

What is the average monthly cost for mobile and internet services in Germany for a single person?

A single person in Germany would spend about 48 euros per month on average for mobile and internet services.

What is the average monthly fee for radio and cable services in Germany, even if not used?

The average monthly fee for radio and cable services, regardless of usage, is around 18 euros and 36 cents per household.

What is the average cost of basic food items like milk, bread, and eggs in Germany?

The average cost for basic food items in Germany includes 70 cents for one liter of milk, 1 euro 30 cents for a loaf of bread, and 1 euro 82 cents for 12 eggs.

What are the average prices for transportation in Germany, such as a single bus or train ticket?

A single bus, tram, metro, urban, or S-Bahn trip in Germany usually costs between 2.80 to 3.50 euros, depending on the distance.

What is the average monthly cost for groceries for a single person in Germany?

A single person household in Germany would spend approximately 180 to 200 euros per month on groceries.

How much does a meal at a cheap restaurant in Germany cost on average?

A meal at a cheap restaurant in Germany for one person would cost around 11 euros on average.

What is the average monthly expenditure on health insurance for a person in Germany?

On average, a person in Germany spends around 67 euros a month on health insurance, which includes medication and prescription costs, with other expenses covered by the health insurance.

What is the average monthly cost for a student's living in Germany, excluding tuition fees?

For a student in Germany, the average monthly cost for living, excluding tuition fees, is around 850 euros, which can cover basic living costs.