Exchange in Germany: what are the most expensive cities to live in in 2025?

Are you planning to fulfill your dream of studying in Germany, but are you worried about the cost of living? You're not alone! Germany remains one of the most sought after destinations for Brazilians for exchange, combining quality education and professional opportunities. However, it's essential to understand that some German cities may weigh more in your pocket.

In this comprehensive guide, we are going to explore the 5 most expensive cities in Germany in 2025, analyzing not only the costs, but also the opportunities that each one offers for exchange students. With this information, you'll be able to make more informed decisions about your exchange destination and prepare your budget accordingly.

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Why know the cost of living in German cities before the exchange?

Before embarking on your journey through the program Study and Work in Germany, it is essential to understand the financial impact that your choice of city will have. German cities have significant differences in terms of the cost of living, especially in terms of housing.

Knowing this data will help you:

• Plan your monthly budget accurately
• Identify part-time work opportunities compatible with your studies
• Adapt your expectations to the local reality
• Choose the city that best matches your academic and financial goals

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Top 5 most expensive cities in Germany for exchange students

1. Munich: educational excellence in the Bavarian capital

The Bavarian capital tops the ranking of the most expensive cities in Germany, but it also offers one of the best qualities of life in the country. With a strong presence of companies such as BMW, Siemens and Allianz, Munich is ideal for those seeking opportunities in engineering, technology, and business.

Why Munich is expensive:

• Main economic center in southern Germany
• High competition for housing among students and professionals
• First-rate infrastructure and secure environment
• Exceptional quality of life

Monthly living cost for exchange students:

• Shared room rental: €650-850
• Food: €350
• Public transport: €58 (Deutschlandticket)
• Leisure: €150-200

Outstanding universities:

• Macromedia University of Applied Sciences, with its inspiring Nymphenburg campus

Be Easy tip: Search for housing in advance, ideally 3-4 months before your arrival. Consider areas like Neuperlach or Moosach, which offer good metro connections and more affordable rentals.

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2. Frankfurt: the European financial heart

Frankfurt is the largest financial center in Europe and the second most expensive city in Germany. Headquarters of the European Central Bank and numerous financial institutions, the city attracts students interested in finance, economics, and international business.

Why Frankfurt is expensive:

• Financial Center of the European Union
• High concentration of expatriates and financial sector professionals
• Hot and limited real estate market
• World-class infrastructure

Monthly living cost for exchange students:

• Shared room rental: €550-700
• Food: €300
• Public transport: €57
• Leisure: €150-200

Opportunities for exchange students:

• Internships in international banks and financial institutions
• Global networking with professionals from different countries
• Multilingual environment (widely spoken English)

Be Easy tip: The neighboring cities of Offenbach, Hanau and Darmstadt offer significantly lower living costs with excellent transport connections to Frankfurt.

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3. Berlin: the creative and cultural capital

The German capital is ranked third in the cost-of-living ranking. In recent years, Berlin has undergone a significant transformation, becoming a technological and creative hub that attracts young people from all over the world.

Why Berlin is expensive:

• Growing demand for real estate among locals and foreigners
• Boom in the startup and technology sector
• Vibrant and cosmopolitan cultural scene
• Limitations for new construction in central areas

Monthly living cost for exchange students:

• Shared room rental: €500-650
• Food: €280
• Public transport: €58 (Deutschlandticket)
• Leisure: €150-200

Partner universities:

• Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI), with an international and multicultural environment
• GISMA University of Applied Sciences, recognized globally
• University of Europe for Applied Sciences (EU), focusing on innovation

Be Easy tip: Berlin has one of the best public transport networks in Europe. Consider living in neighborhoods like Lichtenberg, Wedding, or Neukölln, which offer a good quality of life at more affordable prices than Mitte or Prenzlauer Berg.

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4. Freiburg: the German ecological capital

Known as the “green capital” of Germany, Freiburg is a charming university city located next to the Black Forest. Its focus on sustainability and quality of life attracts students from environmental and natural sciences fields.

Why Freiburg is expensive:

• Recognized for its advanced environmental policies
• High demand for German and international students
• Limited offer of student housing
• Compact city with eco-friendly infrastructure

Monthly living cost for exchange students:

• Shared room rental: €450-600
• Food: €250
• Public transport: €58 (Deutschlandticket)
• Leisure: €100-150

Opportunities for exchange students:

• Studies in sustainability and renewable energy
• Experience one of the greenest cities in Europe
• Exceptional quality of life with accessible nature

Be Easy tip: Prioritize the search for student housing accommodation through Studierendenwerk, which offers cheaper options than the private market.

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5. Stuttgart: automotive and technological innovation

Capital of Baden-Württemberg, Stuttgart is known worldwide for being home to the headquarters of Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. The city offers excellent opportunities for engineering, design, and technology students.

Why Stuttgart is expensive:

• Center of the German automotive industry
• High salaries that drive up local costs
• Topography that limits urban expansion
• Quality of infrastructure and services

Monthly living cost for exchange students:

• Shared room rental: €450-600
• Food: €250
• Public transport: €58 (Deutschlandticket)
• Leisure: €120-170

Benefits for international students:

• Internships and opportunities in world-class companies
• Strong connection between academia and industry
• International environment in the largest companies

Be Easy tip: Consider the neighboring cities of Esslingen, Ludwigsburg, or Sindelfingen, where the cost of living is up to 15% lower, with an excellent transport connection to Stuttgart.

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Comparison: Germany vs Brazil

To better understand the financial impact of studying in the most expensive cities in Germany, let's compare Munich (the most expensive) with São Paulo:

Although the absolute values are significantly higher in Germany, purchasing power and quality of life make up for the difference. The German minimum wage of €12.82 per hour (approximately €2,222 per month) provides greater financial stability for exchange students who are able to work part-time during their studies.

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More affordable alternatives for exchange in Germany

If the five most expensive cities seem out of your budget, consider these alternatives that offer excellent quality of life and quality educational institutions at more affordable costs:

• Leipzig: vibrant university city with an emerging cultural scene and costs up to 40% lower than Munich
• Dresden: research and technology center with rich history and affordable housing
• Heidelberg: historic university city with Schiller International University, partner of Be Easy
• Dortmund: important industrial center with strong investment in urban renewal and moderate costs
• Mannheim: business hub near Heidelberg with excellent infrastructure and competitive prices

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Job opportunities for exchange students in Germany

A major advantage of an exchange in Germany is the possibility to work legally while studying. With a student visa, you can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time while on vacation.

Areas with the highest demand for international students include:

• Information Technology: developers, data analysts, and AI specialists
• Hospitality and tourism: restaurants, hotels, and tourist attractions
• International customer services: multilingual support for global companies
• Engineering and the automotive sector: internships and assistant positions
• Startups and innovation: especially in Berlin and Munich

The minimum wage of €12.82 per hour (2025) guarantees fair compensation, allowing exchange students to cover a significant part of their monthly costs, even in the most expensive cities.

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Is it worth living in Germany's most expensive cities?

Definitely yes! While the initial cost may seem intimidating, the combination of quality education, first-world infrastructure, and professional opportunities makes the investment worthwhile. In addition, the most expensive cities generally offer:

• Valuable international networking
• Increased job offer for foreigners
• Multicultural and diverse environment
• Better transportation infrastructure and services
• Largest cultural and entertainment offer

The key lies in proper planning and the use of strategies to reduce costs, such as:

• Share housing with other students
• Use student discounts (food, transportation, culture)
• Search for subsidized student housing
• Consider residential neighborhoods that are well connected to the center
• Combining studies with part-time work

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Be Easy: turning your exchange dream in Germany into reality

At Be Easy, we understand that each exchange dream is unique. Our specialized team offers full support for your journey in Germany, from choosing the ideal city to guidance on work, accommodation and cultural adaptation.

Contact us today for a personalized consultation and discover how we can help you fulfill your dream of studying in Germany with peace of mind and security!

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