Germany is a leading country in the European Union that can guarantee a high standard of living not only for its citizens, but also for expats and migrants. People choose Germany for temporary or permanent relocation because of its strong economy, developed infrastructure, rich culture and stability. Find out how much it costs to live in Germany in 2024-2025

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Despite its high cost, Germany remains one of the most popular countries for relocation in Europe. The constant economic growth, high living standards and stability attract people from Ukraine and other European countries, which is why Germany is also called a “country of migrants.” Nevertheless, the cost of living in Germany remains a significant factor for those considering such a move. Let's take a closer look at the main monthly expenses in Germany: food prices, gasoline prices, rent and other important aspects.

Rent and utilities in Germany

In 2024-2025, the cost of renting a house in Germany continues to be high, especially in such large cities as Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Cologne, and others. For example, renting a home in the suburbs of Munich (considered a fairly elite living environment) in 2024 will cost an average of 1500-1600 euros for a one-bedroom apartment, and in Munich itself the price may exceed 2000 euros.

In small towns and villages in Germany, the cost of housing at the end of 2024 is somewhat lower, at around 700-900 euros per month. All of this means that most migrants in Germany should be prepared for housing costs that range from 35% to 50% of the total monthly budget.

Please note! The growth of rental prices is currently observed throughout Germany, and the capital has even introduced rent control measures to prevent further increases in housing costs.

At the same time, utilities in Germany usually range from 200 to 250 euros per month for a medium-sized apartment (including electricity, water, gas, and garbage collection). If you plan to order additional services, such as housekeeping (2 times a month for 3 hours), it will cost another 120-150 euros.

It is also important to remember that the first costs of renting an apartment may include additional expenses such as a security deposit (in some cases, it can be up to three months' rent), as well as commissions to a real estate agent, which are based on the rental price, the city of rent and the specific agency.

Please note! When searching for housing, pay special attention to the description. After all, it is quite popular in Germany to rent apartments without furniture, kitchen, sink, appliances, and even lamps. Setting up a new home can be an additional large expense.

You can readall about temporary protection in Germany in our special material

Food prices in Germany

Despite the consistently high housing costs in Germany, food prices in Germany vary from state to state, but in general remain quite affordable compared to countries such as Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, etc.

The monthly budget for food for two adults in Germany in 2024-2025 is about 600-650 euros, including the purchase of wine and beer, which is an important part of German gastronomic culture.

Interesting! If you want to save money, you can buy food at farmers' markets or in supermarkets with promotional food prices. In Germany, you can also save money on food that is about to expire. This can reduce food costs by up to 30%!

For those who smoke, an important question will be how much a pack of cigarettes costs in Germany. As of 2024, the average cost of a pack of cigarettes in Germany is about 7-8 euros, making this pleasure one of the most expensive in Europe.

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Transportation and the price of gasoline in Germany

Germany is known not only for its highways, but also for its well-developed public transportation system, which includes buses, trams, subways, and intercity trains. The cost of a single public transportation ticket in Germany is on average 2.90-3.20 euros, depending on the city. At the same time, a monthly travel card will cost from 70 to 80 euros, which allows you to save some money on travel.

If you use a car, it is important to keep in mind that the price of gasoline in Germany ranges from 1.90 to 2.30 euros per liter, which is also one of the highest fuel prices in Western Europe. Thus, the cost of fuel in Germany for an average monthly distance (1000 km) can be about 220 euros. Add to this the cost of parking and car maintenance, and the total cost of using a car in Germany can cost 250-300 euros per month.

Health insurance in Germany

It has long been known that medical services in Germany are very expensive, so the issue of obtaining health insurance is extremely important and even strategic.

Thus, in Germany, health insurance is mandatory for all residents of the country, regardless of their status, citizenship, etc. The average cost of domestic health insurance here ranges from 120 to 200 euros per month for an adult. At the same time, state insurance for students in Germany costs 123 euros per month, and if a person in Germany has a good job and earns more than 58,000 euros per year, then he or she will have to pay about 400 dollars per month for health insurance. The amount of health insurance in Germany may vary depending on age and chronic diseases.

The above prices for insurance in Germany are quite high for Ukrainians and will be an additional burden on the monthly budget, so it makes sense to take care of more affordable health insurance for Ukrainians abroad offered by Visit Ukraine.

We wroteabout the rules for buying medicines in Germany earlier

Other expenses in Germany

Germany is a country of contrasts, developed tourism and rich local traditions, and it has its pros and cons of living here. In addition to the basic expenses, there are also additional budget items that are worth considering in Germany. For example, entertainment and leisure in Germany can cost about 250 euros per month - this can include dinners in restaurants, trips out of town, trips to the cinema, theaters, and museums.

Internet, mobile, and television fees add another 100 euros per month. If you just need unlimited home internet, the price is about 50 euros per month.

When calculating a budget for living in Germany, you should also pay attention to the fact that Germany has a very strict penalty system and fines for violating local laws, both by German citizens and migrants, can be a real financial disaster. In order to avoid such unpleasant surprises, please find out what you can be fined for in Germany in 2024.

Fines in Germany also apply to drivers who, in addition to complying with traffic rules, need to have a compulsory insurance policy that can cover most of the costs in the event of an accident abroad. The GREEN CARD insurance policy is a proven and reliable solution for drivers in Germany with Ukrainian registration.

Summary: How much money will you need to live in Germany in 2024-2025?

So, how much does it cost to live in Germany in 2024-2025? For a couple of adults, the average monthly expenses will be around 3000-3200 euros. Here is an approximate breakdown of expenses:

- Rent: 1500-1600 euros.

- Utilities: 200-250 euros.

- Food: 600-650 euros.

- Transportation: 100-300 euros (depending on car or public transportation).

- Medical insurance: 150-200 euros.

- Entertainment and other expenses: 350 euros.

For a single person , the cost of living in Germany will be somewhat lower, but you should still count on a budget of 1800-2000 euros per month.

Thus, for comfortable living in Germany in 2024-2025, you should have a monthly income of at least 3000 euros for a couple and about 2000 euros for a single person.

Also on our website you can find information about the Länder of Germany that will accept refugees from Ukraine in October 2024.

If you are already in Germany or are planning to move to this European country, you may need qualified legal assistance, as German legal nuances can create considerable problems for migrants. You can get professional and affordable legal assistance on migration and visa issues right here, at your convenience, on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Just to remind you. Germany is talking about reforming the status of Ukrainian refugees.

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