Exchange in Germany: cost of living in Berlin 2025
Berlin has established itself as one of the most affordable European capitals for international students, offering exceptional quality of life with manageable costs. With an average monthly budget of €1,300, the German capital combines excellent educational opportunities with vibrant cultural life and living costs up to 54% lower than London.
If you're considering study and work in Germany, knowing the real costs of Berlin is essential to properly plan your international journey. Our detailed analysis shows that it is possible to live comfortably in the city with intelligent planning and the right choices.
Why Berlin is ideal for international students
The German capital offers a unique combination of benefits that make it extremely attractive for those seeking a University abroad. In addition to its affordable costs, the city offers a vibrant multicultural environment, with more than 170 nationalities living together harmoniously.
Berlin also stands out for the quality of its higher education institutions. Renowned universities such as Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI), IU International University of Applied Sciences and Macromedia University of Applied Sciences offer high-quality international programs, combining academic excellence with practical opportunities in the German labor market.
Full breakdown of monthly costs in Berlin
Housing: Your Biggest Strategic Expense
Housing typically represents the largest monthly expense, but Berlin offers options for all budgets:
• University dorms: €350-500 per month - ideal for networking and proximity to campuses
• Shared rooms: €400-500 per month - excellent value for money and cultural experience
• Private rooms: €749 per month on average - more privacy with controlled costs
• Complete studios: from €1,200 - for those who prioritize total independence
Strategic tip: Neighborhoods like Neukölln, Pankow, and Wedding offer more affordable rentals while maintaining excellent connectivity with universities. Many students from University of Europe for Applied Sciences (EU) and GISMA University choose these regions for the combination of economy and quality of life.
Smart food: savings without sacrificing quality
The cost of food in Berlin can be significantly optimized with simple strategies. Students who cook regularly spend between €200-300 monthly, taking advantage of the city's excellent chain of budget supermarkets such as Lidl, Aldi, and Netto.
Berlin's gastronomic diversity allows for rich culinary experiences without compromising the budget. Local markets offer fresh produce at competitive prices, while the abundant supply of international restaurants provides affordable meals between €8-15. For special occasions, dinners at mid-range restaurants cost approximately €35 per person.
Cooking at home not only saves money, but it also connects you with local culture through the discovery of traditional German ingredients and recipes. Many students organize community dinners, creating moments of socialization while sharing costs.
Transportation: exclusive benefit for students
• University transportation: Free for students at public universities (included in the semester fee) • Semiannual fee: €200-300 per semester (equivalent to €33-50 per month) • Deutschlandticket: €49 per month for full national access • Separate tickets: €3.50 per individual trip
Berlin's public transport system is recognized worldwide for its efficiency and punctuality. The integrated U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (urban train), trams and buses connect the entire metropolitan region, ensuring easy access to the city's main universities and points of interest.
Compulsory health insurance: your passport for peace of mind
Health insurance in Germany is not only mandatory - it's one of the most important documents for obtaining your student visa, along with the blocked account. This fundamental legal requirement guarantees full access to the renowned German healthcare system, offering complete safety during your studies.
For students up to 30 years old, public insurance (GKV) It is generally the best option, costing approximately €120 monthly and offering comprehensive coverage without additional payments. Students over 30 years of age must take out private insurance (PKV), with prices starting at €34.50 per month, depending on the coverage chosen.
The German system offers exceptional advantages such as unlimited medical appointments, hospital stays, basic dental treatments, prescription drugs, and emergency care throughout the European Union. A appropriate choice of health insurance directly impacts your academic experience, ensuring that unexpected medical expenses don't compromise your planned monthly budget.
Be Easy has exclusive partnerships with Barmer (public insurance) and Educate (private insurance), offering special conditions, service in Portuguese and full support throughout the hiring and use process.
Blocked Account: Ensuring Your Financial Stability
To obtain a German student visa, you will need to prove financial resources through the Blocked Account (account blocked). In 2025, the required amount is €11.904 annually, released monthly in installments of €992.
This system, although it may initially seem restrictive, actually offers financial security during its adaptation. The automatic monthly release helps with budgetary control and ensures that you have sufficient resources to cover all basic expenses during the first year of studies.
Banks like Expatrio and Fintiba make it easy to open a blocked account even before you arrive in Germany, significantly simplifying the visa process and financial planning.
Entertainment and cultural life: Berlin as a classroom
Berlin offers one of the richest cultural scenes in Europe, and the best part is that much of the entertainment is accessible or even free for students:
• Museums: Free admission on the first Sunday of the month • filmmaking: €12 per ticket with available student discounts • Academies: €35 monthly on average • Nightlife: Entries between €8-15, beer €3-4
The city breathes culture through its numerous museums, galleries, theaters, and alternative art spaces. Events such as the Lange Nacht der Museen (Long Night of Museums) allow access to dozens of institutions with a single ticket, maximizing your cultural experience.
Job opportunities and extra income
German law allows students to work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during holidays. With the German minimum wage from €12.82 per hour in 2025, it is possible to significantly supplement income.
Sectors such as hospitality, retail, tutoring, and part-time jobs at technology companies offer abundant opportunities. Many students from Schiller International University and IU International University find jobs that complement their studies, especially in Berlin startups that value international talent.
German professional experience adds considerable value to the curriculum, opening doors to future opportunities in the European market. In addition, the extra income allows for greater financial flexibility for trips and cultural experiences.
Smart economy: maximizing every euro
Berlin offers several strategies to optimize spending without compromising quality of life:
• ISIC card: Discounts on museums, cinemas and transportation
• Second-hand shopping: Flea markets and vintage stores plentiful
• Bottle return system: Pfand adds extra income
• Discount apps: Groupon and the like for restaurants and activities
The Berlin mentality values sustainability and conscious consumption, creating an environment where saving money coincides with ecological practices. Used bicycles, second-hand furniture, and resource sharing are common and socially valued practices.
Comparison: Berlin vs other European capitals
Berlin stands out significantly when compared to other popular European educational destinations. Rental costs are 54% lower than London, 38% lower than Amsterdam and 19% lower than Paris, according to updated data from 2025.
Even compared to other German cities, Berlin maintains a competitive advantage. It's 15% cheaper than Munich and offers a more diverse student labor market than smaller cities like Heidelberg or Freiburg.
This accessibility, combined with the cosmopolitan energy of the capital, explains why Berlin attracts more than 200,000 international students annually, making it a true global educational hub.
Realistic monthly financial planning
This breakdown shows that it is possible to live properly in Berlin with €1,100 per month, an amount perfectly covered by Blocked account of €992 with a small complement of part-time work or own resources.
Be Easy: making your Berlin dream a reality
A Be Easy you are here to transform your aspiration to study in Berlin into a concrete and successful experience. Our specialized team offers full support from choosing the ideal university to practical guidance on blocked account, visa, and cultural adaptation. With over a decade of experience in exchanges in Germany, we ensure that you have all the information and support you need to make the most of your academic journey in the vibrant German capital. Contact us today and start planning your international future in Berlin!
