If you’re thinking about studying abroad, one of the biggest questions on your mind is likely: “What will be the cost of living Germany students have to manage?” This is a smart question — because while Germany is famous for low tuition fees, living costs still make up a significant part of your budget.
In this complete 2026 guide by Lectures Abroad, we break down everything related to the cost of living in Germany for students — from rent and groceries to insurance, transport, and personal expenses. We’ll also share real examples, tips to save money, and city-wise comparisons so you can plan your study abroad journey with confidence.
Why You Should Understand the Cost of Living in Germany First
Germany is one of the most popular destinations for international students — and for good reason:
✅ Many public universities have very low or no tuition fees.
✅ Education quality is world-class.
✅ There are good part-time job opportunities.
✅ Student life is vibrant and multicultural.
But while tuition costs may be low, your living expenses still matter — and planning ahead is key so that you don’t run into financial stress after arriving. This guide makes that easier for you.
Cost of Living Germany Students: Core Monthly Budget (2026)
On average, most international students in Germany spend between €900 and €1,200 per month covering all basic expenses — and this varies depending on the city and lifestyle you choose.
Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown:
| Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost (€) | Notes |
| Accommodation | €300 – €750 | Shared flat / dorm / private |
| Food & Groceries | €150 – €300 | Cooking and groceries |
| German Public Health Insurance | €125 – €135 | Mandatory for all students |
| Public Transport | €30 – €60 | Often included in semester fee |
| Utilities & Internet | €50 – €100 | If not included in rent |
| Miscellaneous & Personal | €100 – €200 | Leisure, phone, clothing |
| Total Estimated Range | €900 – €1,200 | Average monthly living cost |
| 👉 These figures reflect the 2026 outlook and can change slightly based on city and choices. |
Accommodation: Your Biggest Expense
Accommodation is usually the main item in a student’s budget, and it depends heavily on where you live:
🛏 1) Student Dormitories (Studentenwohnheim)
- Range: €250 – €450 / month
- Cheapest option but rooms are limited and demand is high.
🏡 2) Shared Apartments (Wohngemeinschaft or “WG”)
- Range: €300 – €700 / month
- Most international students choose this because it’s affordable and social.
🏢 3) Private Rentals / Studios
- Range: €500 – €1,200+ / month
- Highest cost option; common in expensive cities.
💡 Real-life tip from Lectures Abroad:
If you’re on a tight budget, try to get a spot in a student dorm or a shared WG rather than a private apartment. Booking early (months before arrival) increases your chances of a good price and location.
City Comparison: Cheapest vs Costliest Places
The cost of living in Germany isn’t the same everywhere — even for students.
🏙 Expensive Student Cities
- Munich: €1,400 – €1,700/month total budget
- Frankfurt: €1,200 – €1,500/month
Overall, expect higher rent and daily costs in these cities.
🏙 Mid-Range Student Cities
- Berlin: €1,100 – €1,400/month
- Hamburg: €1,100 – €1,350/month
These cities have good job opportunities and student life.
🏙 Affordable Student Cities
- Leipzig: €850 – €1,000/month
- Aachen/Essen: €700 – €900/month
Smaller cities often mean lower rent and similar quality of life.
👉 Lectures Abroad tip: If budget matters most, start your university search with cities like Leipzig, Essen, or smaller towns where students report living comfortably on less than €1,000/month.
Detailed Cost Components Explained
Let’s break down the larger buckets of expenses so you can clearly see where your money goes.
🥘 Food & Groceries
Food is a necessary expense, but if you cook at home and eat smartly, you can control these costs well.
- Monthly groceries: €150 – €250
- University Mensa (student canteen) meal: €3.50 – €5.50
- Eating out occasionally: €8 – €12 per meal
Shopping tips:
- Aldi, Lidl, Netto, Rewe are some of the most popular budget supermarkets in Germany.
- Always check weekly discount offers.
🏥 Health Insurance (Mandatory)
Health insurance is required for every student in Germany:
- Public student insurance: €125–€135/month
- This covers most medical needs and is mandatory for enrollment and visa.
Tip: Compare student plans from insurers like AOK, TK, Barmer — prices can vary slightly.
🚆 Transport
Germany has one of the best public transport systems in Europe.
- Many universities include a semester ticket in your semester contribution, giving you free unlimited regional travel.
- If not included, a monthly local transport pass costs €30–€60.
This can be a huge money-saver, especially compared to owning a car.
📶 Utilities, Phone & Internet
- Utilities (electricity, heating, water): €50–€100/month (if not in rent)
- Internet & phone: €30–€50/month
Sharing these costs with roommates helps cut bills significantly.
🎒 Miscellaneous & Personal
This category includes leisure, fitness, culture, books, clothing, and irregular expenses:
- Estimated: €100–€200/month
- University student discounts often apply for cinemas, museums, gyms, and rail travel.
Annual Cost & Blocked Account Requirement
When applying for a student visa, you must prove you can support yourself financially in Germany. The government currently considers around €992 per month as the minimum necessary for living costs — meaning a blocked account typically needs €11,904 per year.
This blocked account is designed to show immigration officials that you can cover your daily expenses while studying.
How Students Can Save Money in Germany
Here are some savings tips Lectures Abroad recommends:
💡 Smart Budgeting Tips
✔ Cook at home and use university Mensa lunches.
✔ Choose a shared flat or student dorm over private accommodation.
✔ Use semester transport tickets instead of buying monthly passes.
✔ Shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl.
✔ Work part-time (up to 120 full days or 240 half days/year).
If you plan expenses smartly and live like many students do — cooking most meals and sharing rent — you might live comfortably on the lower end of the €900–€1,200 range.
Conclusion: What the Cost of Living in Germany for Students Really Means
Studying abroad is an investment, and Germany offers one of the most balanced cost-to-quality ratios around the world — especially when compared to destinations like the UK, USA, or Canada.
By planning ahead, choosing affordable accommodation, and managing daily expenses with care, most students can live comfortably within a budget of around €900 to €1,200 per month.
At Lectures Abroad, we always advise students to think beyond just tuition — because understanding the cost of living Germany students is what makes your study abroad dream realistic and stress-free. With the right planning and support, your time as a student in Germany can be both affordable and enriching.
