The cost of living in Germany varies widely according to what region, town or city you are planning to live in.
For a country with such a high quality of life and a strong economy, the cost of living in Germany is surprisingly affordable. The cost of living in Germany for students will also vary hugely compared to the cost of living in Germany for a couple or family.
Overall Germany’s major cities are comparably more affordable than the majority of European capitals and metropolises like London and Paris. Munich and Frankfurt are popular with expats and generally work out the most expensive places to live. The likes of Berlin, Dusseldorf and Hamburg slightly less expensive in terms of accommodation and transport costs. The monthly cost of renting an apartment in Germany will vary depending on location and neighbourhood, but due to rent control laws in place, the cost can only rise gradually over time (usually in line with inflation).
Website Numbeo looks at the cost of different elements of daily life, and is a useful tool for planning a budget ahead of moving to Germany. The cost of living in Germany for a single person will always work out higher, with many individuals looking at flat-sharing options to bring down rental costs. It is important to factor in additional expenses, such as the cost of health insurance in Germany.
For more information and tips on moving to Germany, visit MumAbroad.com‘s useful relocation guide, including detailed guides to the German healthcare system, setting up your finances and the German visa application process.