Cost of Living in Germany for International Students
TL;DR
- As of 2026, international students need roughly €992 per month (€11,904 per year) to cover living costs in Germany. This is also the blocked account minimum.
- Rent is your biggest expense: expect €250 to €500 for student housing, more in cities like Munich or Berlin.
- Groceries are affordable by European standards: €150 to €250 per month if you cook at home and shop at discounters like Aldi or Lidl.
- Most public universities are tuition-free. You only pay a semester fee of €100 to €350, which usually includes a public transport ticket.
- Part-time work (up to 20 hours per week) can cover a large share of your expenses, but plan your finances before you arrive.
- Choose your city wisely: smaller cities in eastern Germany can cut your budget by hundreds of euros per month.
The Blocked Account: Your Starting Point
Most non-EU students must open a blocked account (Sperrkonto) with at least €11,904 before applying for a visa. Each month, €992 is released to cover your living costs. This is the government's baseline estimate, not a comfortable budget. In expensive cities, you will likely need more.
Beyond the blocked account, budget for one-off arrival costs: flight, visa fees (around €75), first-month health insurance, a rental deposit, and temporary accommodation while you search for a permanent room.
For a full walkthrough of providers, timelines, and tips, see our guide on blocked accounts for student visa.
Rent: Your Biggest Monthly Expense
Accommodation will take the largest bite out of your budget. Costs vary enormously depending on the city, the type of housing, and timing.
Student Dormitories
Student halls run by the local Studierendenwerk are the most affordable option. Rooms are usually furnished, and utilities like internet and heating are often included. Expect to pay:
- €250 to €400 per month in most cities
- €350 to €500 in expensive cities like Munich, Frankfurt, or Stuttgart
Demand for dorm rooms far exceeds supply. Apply as early as possible, ideally as soon as you receive your admission letter.
Shared Flats (WG)
A WG (Wohngemeinschaft) is a shared apartment where you rent a private room and share the kitchen, bathroom, and living spaces with other students. This is the most common way students live in Germany.
- €300 to €600 per month depending on the city and room size
- Berlin: €400 to €700 for a WG room (outer districts like Neukölln or Wedding tend to be cheaper)
- Munich: €500 to €800 or more
- Leipzig, Dresden, Chemnitz: €280 to €400
Finding a WG as an international student can be challenging. Many landlords prefer tenants who speak German and can attend an in-person viewing. Platforms like WG-Gesucht, Immobilienscout24, and local Facebook groups are good starting points.
Private Apartments
Renting a studio or one-bedroom flat on your own is the most expensive option: €600 to €1,200 per month in larger cities, often requiring a deposit of two to three months' rent upfront. This is rarely realistic on a student budget unless you have significant savings or family support.
Be cautious of housing scams, especially online listings that ask for deposits before you have seen the room or signed a contract. Never transfer money to someone you have not met.
Rent by City: A Quick Comparison
| City | WG Room (avg.) | Student Dorm (avg.) |
|---|---|---|
| Munich | €550 to €800 | €350 to €500 |
| Berlin | €450 to €700 | €280 to €450 |
| Hamburg | €400 to €650 | €280 to €420 |
| Cologne | €400 to €600 | €270 to €400 |
| Leipzig | €280 to €400 | €200 to €320 |
| Dresden | €280 to €400 | €200 to €320 |
Choosing a smaller or eastern German city can save you €200 to €400 per month on rent alone, without sacrificing education quality. Cities like Leipzig, Chemnitz, Magdeburg, and Erfurt are known for being very student-friendly and affordable.
Groceries and Food
Germany is one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe when it comes to groceries, thanks to fierce competition among discount supermarkets.
Monthly Grocery Budget
If you cook most of your meals at home and shop at budget supermarkets, you can expect to spend:
- €150 to €250 per month on groceries
- Discount chains like Aldi, Lidl, Penny, and Netto offer quality basics at low prices
- Full-range supermarkets like REWE and Edeka are slightly more expensive but carry a wider selection
Many supermarkets publish weekly flyer deals (Angebote). Learning to plan meals around these offers can save you a surprising amount over the semester.
Eating at the Mensa
Many universities, particularly the large ones, have a Mensa (canteen) run by the Studierendenwerk. Meals are subsidized for students and typically cost:
- €2.50 to €5 for a full, nutritious meal
The Mensa is one of the best tools in a student's budget. Eating lunch there regularly instead of cooking or ordering food can save both money and time.
Eating Out
Dining at restaurants is noticeably more expensive:
- A casual meal: €10 to €15
- A mid-range restaurant dinner for two: €50 to €70
Most students keep restaurant visits for special occasions and rely on home cooking and the Mensa for daily meals.
Many bakeries sell discounted bread and pastries shortly before closing time. Asian and Turkish grocery stores often have lower prices for fresh vegetables, rice, and spices compared to the big chains.
Other Monthly Costs
Beyond rent and food, several fixed costs add up every month.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory in Germany. As a student under 30, you qualify for the discounted statutory student health insurance rate:
- Around €110 to €120 per month, including nursing care insurance (Pflegeversicherung)
You must show proof of insurance to enroll at your university and to obtain your residence permit. If you are over 30, you will need private health insurance, which can be more expensive.
Semester Fee
Public universities in Germany do not charge tuition for most courses, but you will pay a semester fee (Semesterbeitrag) each semester:
- €100 to €350 per semester (roughly €17 to €58 per month)
This fee typically includes a semester transport ticket that covers local and sometimes regional public transport. It is one of the best deals in German student life. For more details, see our guide on Semester Fees in Germany Explained.
Transport
If your semester fee includes a transport ticket, your local commuting costs are covered. For travel beyond your region, the Deutschlandticket (€49 per month) lets you use all regional trains and local transit across the country. Many universities now integrate this into the semester fee at a discounted rate. Read more in The Deutschlandticket: A Complete Guide for International Students.
Phone and Internet
A basic prepaid SIM plan costs €8 to €15 per month. Internet in student dorms is usually included in the rent. In a WG or private flat, you may share a broadband plan (around €25 to €35 per month split among flatmates).
Broadcasting Fee
Every household in Germany pays the Rundfunkbeitrag (public broadcasting fee) of €18.36 per month. In a shared flat, this is split among all residents.
Miscellaneous
Budget another €50 to €100 per month for things like study materials, toiletries, clothing, and occasional entertainment.
A Realistic Monthly Budget
Here is what a typical monthly budget looks like for an international student in Germany, depending on city size:
| Expense | Smaller city | Large city |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (incl. utilities) | €250 to €400 | €450 to €700 |
| Groceries and food | €150 to €200 | €200 to €250 |
| Health insurance | €110 | €110 |
| Semester fee (monthly equiv.) | €25 | €50 |
| Phone | €10 | €10 |
| Broadcasting fee (shared) | €6 | €6 |
| Miscellaneous | €50 to €80 | €80 to €100 |
| Total | €600 to €900 | €900 to €1,230 |
In a smaller or eastern German city, you can live comfortably within the €992 monthly blocked account allowance. In expensive cities like Munich or Berlin, you will likely need additional income from part-time work or family support.
Want to compare costs across different university cities? Browse universities on Edura to filter by location and find the right fit for your budget.
Browse universities on EduraFAQ
How much money do I need per month as a student in Germany?
Plan for at least €992 per month, which is the 2026 blocked account minimum. In expensive cities, you may need €1,100 to €1,300. In smaller cities, €700 to €900 can be enough if you are careful with spending.
Is €11,904 in the blocked account enough for a full year?
It covers the legal minimum. In practice, many students in larger cities find it tight, especially in the first few months when one-off costs like deposits, furnishing, and warm clothing add up. Having a buffer of €1,000 to €2,000 beyond the blocked account minimum is a smart idea.
Can I survive on just my blocked account without working?
In a smaller city with affordable housing, yes. In Berlin, Munich, or Hamburg, it will be very tight. Most students supplement the blocked account with part-time work or family support.
What is the cheapest way to find housing?
Student dormitories (Studentenwohnheim) run by the Studierendenwerk are the most affordable option. Apply early, because waiting lists can be long. After that, shared flats (WGs) are the next best option.
Are groceries expensive in Germany?
No. Germany has some of the lowest grocery prices in Western Europe. Shopping at discount chains like Aldi, Lidl, Penny, or Netto keeps your monthly food budget between €150 and €250 if you cook at home.
Do I have to pay for health insurance as a student?
Yes. Health insurance is mandatory. Students under 30 pay around €110 to €120 per month for statutory student insurance. This must be in place before you can enroll or get your residence permit.
How much can I earn with a part-time job?
At the 2026 minimum wage of €12.82 per hour and working the maximum of about 20 hours per week, you can earn roughly €950 to €1,100 net per month. Skilled working student positions often pay above minimum wage.
