Exchange in Germany: cost of living in Hamburg in 2025

Hamburg, the vibrant “Venice of the North”, stands out as one of the most fascinating cities in Germany for Brazilian students seeking an international experience. Although one of the most expensive cities in Germany, Hamburg offers a unique environment that combines Hanseatic tradition with modernity, creating exceptional opportunities for personal and professional growth.

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Why Hamburg is a special destination for exchange students

Before we dive into the numbers, it's worth understanding why Hamburg stands out among German options. The city is the second largest urban center in the country and houses the third largest port in Europe, creating a dynamic ecosystem for students interested in areas such as logistics, international trade, media, and technology.

As mentioned in our guide on The 9 best cities to work in Germany in 2025, Hamburg offers excellent professional prospects, especially for those seeking experience in multinational companies. The city is also renowned for its quality of life and welcoming environment for international students.

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Housing: the biggest item in your budget

Housing undoubtedly represents the most significant share of your monthly expenses in Hamburg. For a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, get ready to invest between €900 and €1,400 monthly. These amounts may seem high at first glance, but Hamburg offers smart alternatives for budget-conscious students.

More affordable housing options:

• WG (Wohngemeinschaft): Sharing an apartment with other students can reduce costs to €400-700 per month
• Student residences: Rooms in university dorms cost between €300-600 per month
• Peripheral neighborhoods: Living in areas such as Wilhelmsburg or Bergedorf can mean savings of 20-30% on rent

The most popular strategy among exchange students is to opt for WG, which in addition to reducing costs, provides a richer cultural immersion and networking opportunities with local and international students.

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Basic expenses: keeping accounts up to date

Basic expenses, heating, gas, electricity, water, garbage and internet, amount to approximately €300 monthly. This amount may vary slightly depending on the type of accommodation chosen and your consumption habits.

Tips for saving on bills:

• Apartments with central heating included in the rent
• Internet sharing in WGs
• Conscious use of electrical energy
• Choose energy providers with student rates

It is important to negotiate these details before signing any housing contract, as some apartments already include certain expenses in the rental amount.

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Food: savoring German life without breaking the budget

The diet consumes about €200 monthly of the student budget, but this amount can be significantly reduced with intelligent strategies. Cooking at home is the most economical option and also an excellent way to maintain a healthy diet while studying.

Strategies to save on food:

• Shopping at supermarkets such as Aldi, Lidl and Netto (cheaper)
• Take advantage of end-of-day promotions at bakeries
• Group cooking at WG
• Use university restaurants (Mensa), where meals cost €3-5
• Enjoy happy hours at local restaurants

For those who are starting to adapt to German cuisine, it is worth checking out our article on 10 fun facts about exchange in Germany, which includes valuable tips about food and local culture.

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Transportation: navigating around the city

Hamburg's public transport system is efficient and well-connected, but costs vary between €30 and €98 monthly. The good news is that students have access to significant discounts, often paying well less than the full amount.

Transportation options:

• Semesterticket: Included in the university fee, it offers unlimited access to public transport
• Monthly student pass: Up to 50% discount on the regular rate
• Bicicleta: Hamburg is a very bike-friendly city, and a used bike costs between €50-150

Many students choose to combine biking for short distances and public transportation for longer trips, maximizing both the economy and the experience of living like a true hamburger.

For exchange students who want to dive deep into the local culture, we recommend checking out our guide on essential apps for exchange students in Germany, which includes useful tools for economy and navigation in the city.

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Health insurance: mandatory and essential protection

Health insurance is mandatory in Germany and costs approximately €170 monthly for students. This amount may seem high, but it offers comprehensive coverage that includes medical appointments, exams, medications, and even basic dental treatments.

Insurance options for students:

• Public student insurance (up to 30 years old): €110-120 monthly
• Private insurance for students: €90-200 monthly
• Brazilian insurance extension: Check international coverage

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Leisure and social life: enjoying Hamburg

For leisure and social activities, book between €70 and €150 monthly. Hamburg offers a rich cultural life, with options for every budget. The city is famous for its music scene, vibrant nightlife, and numerous parks and green spaces.

Economic activities in Hamburg:

• Free parks like Planten un Blomen
• Museums with free admission on specific days
• Student events organized by universities
• Walks through the historic Speicherstadt district
• Enjoy the student nightlife with special prices

Our tip is to take advantage of the first few months to explore the city and discover your favorite places, as suggested in our guide on 12 places to visit in Germany during your exchange.

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Working during the exchange: supplementing income

One of the great advantages of studying in Germany is the possibility of working during the exchange. Students can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during holidays, as explained in our article on study and work in Germany.

German minimum wage in 2025: €12.82 per hour

With 20 hours a week, a student can earn approximately €1,025 per month, enough to cover all basic living expenses in Hamburg. This makes the exchange not only educationally enriching, but also financially viable.

Job opportunities for students in Hamburg:

• University Research Assistant
• I work at local startups
• Hospitality and Tourism Sector
• Private Portuguese lessons
• Paid internships in multinational companies

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Comparing costs: Hamburg on the German scene

While Hamburg is one of the most expensive cities in Germany, it's important to put that into perspective. When compared to other European options popular with Brazilian students, Hamburg offers excellent value for money, especially considering the quality of life and professional opportunities available.

To better understand how Hamburg compares to other German destinations, it is worth consulting our article on The 5 best cities to live in Germany in 2025, which offers a detailed analysis of costs and benefits.

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Financial Planning: Your Key to Success

For a successful exchange in Hamburg, we recommend arriving with an emergency reserve of €3,000-4,000, in addition to the resources for the first few months. This guarantees peace of mind to adapt, find work, and take advantage of the opportunities that arise.

Summary of monthly costs in Hamburg:

• House (WG): €400-700
• Food: €200
• Transportation: €30-50 (with student discount)
• Health insurance: €110-170
• Leisure: €70-150
• Other expenses: €100-200

Total: €910-1,270 per month

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Be Easy

Na Be Easy, we understand that planning an exchange in Germany can seem challenging, especially when it comes to financial aspects. Our experienced team is here to make your dream of studying in Hamburg a reality, offering full support from financial planning to arrival in the city. Don't let the costs intimidate you, with proper planning and our expert guidance, your exchange in Hamburg will be a transformative and financially feasible experience. Contact us today and discover how we can help you make this incredible journey!