Cost of living in Germany in 2025: a complete guide for exchange students
Thinking about doing an exchange in Germany but have questions about the cost of living? The time is ideal to fulfill that dream. With excellent cost-benefit ratio when compared to other European countries, Germany stands out as a destination for international students. With the program Study and Work in Germany, you can make that dream a reality.
Minimum wage and basic cost of living
The German government established an important increase in Minimum wage for 2025, setting it at €12.82 per hour. With a standard working day of 40 hours a week, this represents approximately €2,222 monthly or €26,666 annually. A single person needs around €992 a month (approximately R$ 5,300) to cover basic expenses, which makes it possible to maintain a good standard of living even with part-time jobs allowed for students.
Regional cost differences
Germany is divided into 16 federal states, each with their economic peculiarities that directly impact the cost of living. Let's analyze the main regions:
Southern Germany: the most expensive pole
The southern region, especially the states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, has the highest cost of living in the country. Cities like Munich and Stuttgart lead the price rankings in virtually every category:
- Rent: 30-40% higher than the national average
- Food: about 15% more expensive than other regions
- Transportation: higher values in sharing services However, the region also offers the highest salaries and the highest concentration of technology and industry companies.
Northern Germany: balance between cost and quality
Northern cities, such as Bremen and Hamburg, offer an attractive cost-benefit ratio. In Bremen, for example, a one-bedroom apartment costs an average of €811, about 27% less than in Stuttgart. The region stands out for:
- Moderate housing costs
- Excellent port infrastructure
- Strong presence of renewable energy and maritime technology
Eastern Germany: economic opportunities
East Germany, including Berlin and the cities of former East Germany, offers an interesting combination of opportunities and affordable costs. The federal capital stands out as a special case, with rents 19% cheaper than Paris and 54.3% lower than London, in addition to a vibrant cultural and startup scene. Other cities in the region, such as Leipzig and Dresden, present:
- Rentals up to 35% cheaper than in the South
- Around 20% lower overall cost of living
- Growing hub for startups and innovation
- Strong investment in university infrastructure
- Large international student community
- Rich cultural life with affordable costs
Central Germany: the ideal middle ground
The central region offers an interesting balance between cost and opportunities:
- Cities like Frankfurt combine financial sector with moderate costs
- Strong university presence with more affordable prices
- Excellent connection with all regions of the country
- Multicultural and dynamic environment
Cost comparison in major German cities
To give you a clear picture of the cost of living in the different regions of Germany, we have analyzed the country's five main metropolitan areas in detail. Each region has unique characteristics that directly influence prices and quality of life.
Berlin: the cultural capital
The German capital is surprising because it maintains more moderate costs than other European capitals. An apartment in the center costs €1,220, while in the outdoor areas the price drops to €881. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs €70, and basic utilities amount to €322.57 per month. The city stands out for:
- Europe's largest startup hub
- Vibrant cultural and artistic scene
- Strong international community
- Excellent public transport
- Plenty of green areas
- Dynamic nightlife
Munich: excellence and high cost
The Bavarian capital stands out as the most expensive city in Germany, but it also offers the best salaries and quality of life. In the center, a one-bedroom apartment costs an average of €1,446, while in the peripheral areas the price drops to €1,213. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs €80, reflecting the high local purchasing power. The basic utilities (water, electricity, gas) for an 85m² apartment amount to €334.07 per month. The city stands out for:
- Higher concentration of technology companies
- Excellent public transport system
- Proximity to the Alps
- Strong Bavarian cultural tradition
Frankfurt: the financial heart
As the financial center of Germany, Frankfurt has high costs but offers excellent professional opportunities. A central apartment costs around €1,283, with more affordable options for €939 in outlying areas. The restaurants maintain similar prices to Munich, with meals for two costing €80. The city's differential includes:
- Germany's largest airport hub
- International labor market
- Central location in Europe
- Strong presence of financial institutions
Hamburg: port tradition
The Hanseatic city combines maritime tradition with modernity. The rents are more moderate: €1,097 in the center and €785 in the peripheral areas. Basic utilities are the most economical among large cities, costing €320.48 per month. Highlights of the region:
- Germany's main port
- Strong media and communication sector
- Excellent quality of life
- Preserved historic architecture
Cologne: value for money in the Rhine-Ruhr region
Representing Germany's largest metropolitan region, Cologne offers excellent value for money. Rents are the most affordable among large cities: €1,027 in the center and €791 in outlying areas. Food is also more economical, with meals for two costing €65. Strengths:
- Grande Polo Universitário
- Strong media industry
- Rich cultural life
- Strategic location in western Germany
Cheapest cities
East German cities, such as Leipzig and Dresden, offer excellent opportunities for international students on a more limited budget. Some characteristics of these cities include:
- Rent up to 35% cheaper than Stuttgart
- Excellent university infrastructure
- Strong presence of an international student community
- More affordable cost of living overall
For international students, it's important to consider not only costs, but also factors such as academic opportunities, networking, and internship or work possibilities in each region. Each city offers a unique experience and different possibilities for personal and professional development.
Learn more about the Best cities to work in Germany in 2025.
Expenses on utilities and services
For complete financial planning, it is essential to consider the monthly costs of essential services. In an 85m² apartment, you can expect the following expenses:
- Electricity, heating, water and garbage collection: €303.85 on average
- High-speed Internet (60 Mbps or more): €45.24
- Mobile plan with 10GB or more: €25.67
- Health insurance: included for students in public institutions
Food and market spending
One of the biggest advantages of studying in Germany is the relatively affordable cost of food. In German supermarkets, you can find high-quality products at fair prices. Check out some average values:
- White bread (500g): €1.91
- Milk (1 liter): €1.10
- Dozen eggs: €3.22
- Chicken fillet (1kg): €12.76
- Assorted fruits and vegetables: between €1.41 and €4.34 per kg
Transportation and mobility
Germany offers an efficient public transport system, and as of January 2025, the Deutschland Ticket costs just €58 monthly, allowing unlimited travel across the country. This is an exceptional benefit for students who want to explore different regions. Other transportation options include:
- Bike: sharing service for €5.90 per month
- Taxi: starting fare from €4.50 + €1.80 to €3 per kilometer
- Petrol for your own car: average of €1.75 per liter
Leisure and entertainment
The country offers several entertainment options with varying prices to suit all tastes. On average, you can expect to spend:
- Cinema: €10 to €16 per ticket
- Fitness center: €34.84 monthly
- Sporting events: €14.12 to €80 (Bundesliga games)
- Clubs and nightlife: entry between €10 and €30
- Streaming: Netflix €13.99, Spotify €10.99
Tips for saving during the exchange
To make the most of your experience in Germany without compromising your budget, consider these strategies:
- Opt for smaller cities or East German regions
- Search for shared housing (WG - Wohngemeinschaft)
- Take advantage of student discounts at university restaurants
- Use the Deutschland Ticket for transportation
- Consider working part-time while studying
- Look for free cultural activities, such as museums on specific days
Be Easy
A Be Easy is prepared to help you fulfill your dream of studying in Germany, offering complete support from choosing the ideal city to adapting to the local cost of living. Our specialized team provides personalized guidance to ensure that your financial planning is appropriate to the German reality. Contact us and discover how we can make your international experience smoother and more accessible.
