Before you apply to study in Germany, you should be informed of the living costs and associated study fees. The good news is that the cost of living in Germany for students is relatively inexpensive, particularly given the high quality of education available. Furthermore, student living expenditures in Germany are far lower than in France, the United Kingdom, or Italy. Fortunately, Germany is a pretty inexpensive area to live for students. Students enjoy several perks, including reduced insurance, a semester pass with unlimited public transportation, and savings at movie theatres, live shows, restaurants, and museums. During your studies in Germany, you are normally permitted to work 120 full days or 240 half-days of paid employment and accept minor student jobs to help fund your stay. This blog will go over the basic prices of living in Germany as a student and how the costs differ by city.

Is Germany that expensive?

Compared to other popular student destinations in Europe, Germany has substantially cheaper living costs than London, Paris, and Amsterdam. Frankfurt was the costliest German city on their list, ranking 16th. So, this is wonderful news for those studying in Germany.

• Accommodation costs between €300 to €700 (sharing flats, student halls, or student apartments) (one-bed flat in the city)
• Food and drink: between €150 and €200 each month
• From €50 to €150 for leisure.
• Utilities: €200 (internet, power, and television) (for some student halls utilities would be included in the rent)
• Transportation costs range from €0 (for students included in the semester ticket) to about €100 for single working professionals.
• Health insurance costs about €110 per month (for students). Working professionals are charged a 1% healthcare contribution based on their earnings.
• Food and drink: between €150 and €200 each month
• Other costs: €20

Germany’s public healthcare system is well-known worldwide, and as a student, you will have access to it as it is a necessity in Germany. Students in Germany receive significantly reduced rates from state insurance companies, and the student health insurance contribution is set by law and ranges between 100 and 120 Euros each month. Students need to take a vacation from studying, and Germany offers a plethora of choices to keep their students entertained and away from lectures. Depending on whatever city you live in, you have a variety of possibilities. Carry your student ID with you wherever you go since you may get a student discount at many establishments with it. Students can get discounts at movie theatres, museums, restaurants, cafés, concerts, and even theme parks or spas.

Live in cheap university towns! Save more money!

Not only does where you study matter but so does what you study. Especially when it comes to money. We show the cheapest and most costly university towns in Germany. Students in Germany spend an average of 918 euros per month on housing, which is by far the most expensive expense – ahead of food and transport – with monthly rentals averaging 323 euros. Rents vary greatly from one university town to the next, and Munich has the highest monthly rent (387 euros), followed by Cologne, Frankfurt is Main (375 euros), and Hamburg (373 euros).

• Leipzig (264 euros) is a fair trade city with inexpensive rentals and living prices and a plethora of leisure activities, a dynamic nightlife, and a rich art and culture scene. Leipzig has several tourist attractions, including the Zoo Leipzig, the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Thomas Church, Belantis, and many more. Students at Leipzig are not obliged to pay tuition fees regardless of their nationality; however, each student is expected to pay a semester contribution of 193.5 euros. Leipzig University, Leipzig University of Applied Sciences, and Leipzig University of Music and Theatre are among the best universities in the city.

• Dresden (264 euros)- Millions of people visit this baroque city on the Elbe every year to view monuments such as the Frauenkirche, the Semper Opera House, and the Zwinger. Dresden has a lot to offer young people: it is stated that Dresden has more student groups than any other German university town. The Dresden University of Technology, the University of Applied Sciences Dresden, the Academy of Fine Arts Dresden, and the Hochschule für Musik Carl Maria von Weber Dresden are among the best universities in the city.

• Jena (265 €)- Jena, a town of 100,000 people, has a laid-back attitude. Although the numerous faculties of Friedrich Schiller University are dispersed around the city, they are easily accessible on foot.

• Halle/Saale (268 euros) – The old industrial town of Halle/Saale, home to Martin Luther University, is well on its way to rebuilding itself as a center for science and research. The Weinberg Campus is the second-largest research and technology park in eastern Germany, behind Adlershof in Berlin. And University Square in the town center is one of the most beautiful in Europe.

• Kaiserslautern (270 euros)- The only West German university town in the top five is located in the middle of the Palatinate Forest natural park. While the Technische Universität Kaiserslautern receives attention for its artificial intelligence research, tourists enjoy the pleasant mood during the town’s wine festivals and the scenic wine-growing towns in the surrounding.

Do you dislike your German university’s canteen? Here Are Some Good alternatives in Berlin under 5 euros.

• Azzam Restaurant: Delicious Middle Eastern Food (5 euro for 2 people)
• Mustafa’s: Gemüse (Vegetable) Kebab (4 euro for 2 people)
• Gel Gör Inegöl Köfteci: Köfte Sandwiches & Turkish Food
• Tadim Lahmacun: Turkish Pizzas and Other Specialties
• Maroush: Lebanese Food
• Tekbir Döner: Best Döner Kebab
• Doyum Grillhaus Döner: Best Döner Kebab
• Pazzi X Pizza: Authentic Italian Pizza
• Hamy: Southeast Asian Food
• Rogacki: Hearty German Food
• Requisite Berlin Currywurst

Shopping in Germany as a student in Berlin

• Berlin Europa Center- Charlottenburg, a fashionable, retail neighborhood, is where you’ll find this mall. There are over 70 retail businesses, as well as restaurants, office spaces, and other amenities. Shoppers on a tight budget might take sanctuary here from the area’s high-end stores and get a good deal.
• Alexa – The Alexa shopping center is located in Mitte, near Alexanderplatz. This massive retail mall includes various shops and items with over 50,000 square meters of shopping area and 5 levels. Approximately half of the range consists of accessories and fashion retailers, including popular trade stores, brands, and specialist boutiques.
• Schönhauser Allee Arcaden – Located in the northern part of Prenzlauer Berg, the Schönhauser Allee Arcaden offers a unique shopping experience amid the area’s tiny specialised and concept retailers.
• Potsdamer Platz Arkaden – The three-story glass-roofed Potsdamer Platz Arkaden has a wide variety of businesses and products. The 130 stores sell clothing, accessories, footwear, stationery, eyeglasses, and other items. Furthermore, the shopping experience includes a variety of restaurants, cafés, and cafes where exhausted customers may rest their feet and refuel.
• Boulevard Berlin – Boulevard Berlin offers an elegant shopping experience at a reasonable price. The four-story shopping complex houses 120 stores with well-known national and worldwide brands and chains and a variety of beauty, fashion, and accessories retailers.
• Gesundbrunnen Centre – The Gesundbrunnen Centre, located near a big train station in Wedding, welcomes customers with various stores scattered across around 25,000 square meters. With over 100 retail outlets, each with its sales, this is the ideal stop for shopping the latest fashion from chain retailers at a low cost.

Recap: 5 ways to save money when studying in Germany!

• If possible, share a place to stay. Your rent will be your most expensive bill, but living in shared or student housing can help you save money.
• Divide your bills. If you live with buddies, you may propose cooking together and splitting the grocery bill.
• Make an effort not to eat out all of the time. Cooking will be your closest buddy, therefore learn how to cook to save money.
• Keep an eye out for student discounts. Many businesses, including retail stores, travel agencies, and museums, provide student discounts. Most of the time, you only need to present your student ID.
• Create and stick to a weekly budget! If you’re short on cash, a budget will help you keep track of your expenditures. But don’t forget the budget for socializing; we also want you to have a good time in Germany!