Cost of Living in Germany for International Students in 2026

Do you want to study in Germany? It is really a good choice for many students. Germany has big universities, low or almost no tuition fee, and also a strong job market. Many Indian students go there every year. But before you go, you should know the cost of living in Germany.

Germany is a top place for international students, but when you think of studying there, you may think about good universities, nice cities, and also your budget. In 2026, one person needs around INR 85,000 to INR 1.25 lakh per month for the living expenses in Germany. The yearly cost of living in Germany is around EUR 12,000 (around INR 11.17 lakh). This cost is almost 217% higher than India. It includes food, transport, small fun things, grocery items, and other daily needs.

A single person needs minimum €992 per month to live in Germany, which becomes €11,904 per year. These expenses include rent, food, health insurance, and other normal things. For a family of four, the average monthly cost is around INR 3.2 lakh without rent. Still, the living cost in Germany is lower when you compare it with USA, Canada, or London.

If you know these things early, it becomes easy to make a budget. This simple guide will help you understand the living expenses in Germany for students in an easy way.

Average Monthly Expenses in Germany for a Single Person 2026

Understanding the Monthly expenses in Germany for single person largely depends on your lifestyle and housing situation. While a student can benefit from shared housing and discounted rates, a working professional typically faces higher costs for private accommodation and unsubsidized services.

Below is a detailed breakdown comparing the estimated monthly budget of a Single Student living in a shared flat (WG) versus a Single Professional living in a private one-bedroom apartment.

Key Differences to Note

• Housing is the biggest factor: A Single Professional renting a private apartment in cities like Munich or Hamburg will pay significantly more than a Single Student splitting costs in a WG (Wohngemeinschaft).

• Insurance costs: Students pay a fixed, low rate. For professionals, health insurance is a percentage of the income (roughly 14.6% + surcharge), which is automatically deducted from the gross salary, but it significantly impacts the "net" disposable income available for other monthly expenses.

Living Expenses in Germany for International Students 2026

If you are planning to study abroad, you need to know the real money situation. The Living expenses in Germany for international students are not same for everyone. It depends on where you live.

Blocked Account Amount 2026

For your visa, the German government has a strict rule. You must put money in a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto). For 2026, you need to show €11,904 per year. This means you get €992 per month back to your bank account for use.

Is €992 per month enough?

Honestly, this is a survival budget. You can live, but you have to be careful.

• In cheap cities (like Leipzig), it is okay.

• In expensive cities (like Munich or Frankfurt), rent is very high. You will need €1,200 or more every month.

• So, €992 is the minimum rule, but real life can cost more.

Cost of Living in Germany for Indian Students

For students coming from India, the prices in Germany can feel very shocking. The Cost of living in Germany for Indian students is much higher than back home.

Here is what you need to know for your budget:

Rent is the Biggest Problem

In India, you might pay ₹15,000 for a nice room. In Germany, a room in a shared flat (WG) cost €450 to €700 (approx. ₹40,000 to ₹65,000). This takes half your money.

Cooking Saves You Money

Eating outside is very costly. One meal cost €10-€15. That is ₹1,000+ for just one lunch!

To save money, you must cook at home.

• Rice & Atta: You can buy big bags at Asian stores.

• Vegetables: Buy from Aldi or Lidl (cheap supermarkets).

• Milk & Eggs: These are cheap in Germany.

Comparison: India vs Germany Costs

So, the Cost of living in Germany for Indian students is high, but if you cook Indian food at home and find cheap room, you can manage within the blocked account amount.

Average Cost of living in Germany for Indian students in 2026

Candidates can check the detailed breakdown of the living expenses in Germany for Indian students:

Source: Numbeo 

Cost of Housing & Rent in Germany 

Rent is your biggest monthly expense in Germany. Prices vary significantly depending on whether you live in the City Centre or outside of it. Living just outside the city center can save you approximately 25% on rent. For a family, a 3-bedroom apartment outside the center is often the most cost-effective choice. Also Check: High Cost Cities to Live in Germany for Indian Students

Accommodation Type	Average Monthly Cost
1 Bedroom Apartment (City Centre)	€842.72
1 Bedroom Apartment (Outside Centre)	€644.86
3 Bedroom Apartment (City Centre)	€1,568.65
3 Bedroom Apartment (Outside Centre)	€1,193.90

Also check: Student Accommodation in Berlin.

Cost of Food & Groceries in Germany

Grocery prices in Germany are reasonable. You can get discount at supermarkets like Aldi or Lidl. However, dining out can quickly drain your budget. A home-cooked meal costs a fraction of a restaurant visit. Buying local seasonal produce (potatoes, onions, apples) is much cheaper than imported goods.

Market Prices (Groceries)

Item	Unit	Average Cost
Milk (Regular)	1 Liter	€1.12
Bread (Fresh White Loaf)	500g	€1.91
Rice (White)	1 kg	€2.99
Eggs (Regular)	12 pack	€3.31
Chicken Fillets	1 kg	€11.00
Potatoes	1 kg	€1.34
Water (Bottled)	1.5 Liter	€0.95

Dining Out (Restaurants)

Item	Description	Average Cost
Basic Lunch	Inexpensive Restaurant	€15.00
Dinner Date	3-Course Meal for 2	€65.00
Fast Food	McDonald's Combo Meal	€10.00
Beer	Domestic Draught (0.5L)	€4.50
Coffee	Cappuccino	€3.56

Cost of Transportation in Germany

Germany has excellent public transport. Most residents rely on trains and buses rather than owning a car due to high fuel and parking costs. The Monthly Pass (approx €58) is a steal compared to owning a car, where gasoline costs over €1.70 per liter.

Transport Type	Average Cost (EUR)
Public Transport Ticket	3.20
Monthly Pass	58.00
Taxi Start	4.90
Taxi per km	2.50
Gasoline	35.00

Also Check: Public Transport Tips for International Students

Cost of Utilities in Germany

In Germany, utilities (often called Nebenkosten) are sometimes paid separately from rent. You must also budget for a reliable internet connection and a mobile plan. Electricity and heating are expensive in Germany. The basic utility bill for an 85m2 apartment is over €300/month.

Utility Type	Description	Average Cost
Basic Household Bills	Electricity, Heating, Water, Garbage (85m²)	€302.84
Internet	Unlimited Data, 60 Mbps plus	€43.06
Mobile Phone Plan	Calls + 10GB Data	€23.18

Lifestyle Expenses in Germany 

Your budget should also account for staying active and social. Gym memberships and entertainment are moderately priced, but branded clothing can be expensive. A cinema ticket costs around €13, so many students prefer streaming services at home.

Activity / Item	Description	Average Cost
Gym Membership	Monthly Fee (1 Adult)	€35.37
Cinema Ticket	International Release	€13.00
Jeans	Levis 501 or similar	€79.46
Running Shoes	Nike (Mid-Range)	€87.94
Summer Dress	Zara / H&M Chain Store	€37.83

Salaries in Germany 2026

The job market in Germany is growing. In Germany 2026, the Average Monthly Net Salary is approx €3,005 (money you get after tax). While your Gross Salary looks high, remember that huge chunks go to taxes and health insurance. Jobs in big cities like Munich pay more, but the cost of living is also much higher there.

Category	Description	Average Value
Average Salary	Monthly Net (After Tax)	€3,005.25
Mortgage Interest	20-Year Fixed Rate	3.96%

Related Reads

How to save money in Germany? 

To save money and lower your cost of living in Germany, you can try many small things that help slowly. You maybe stay in shared room because housing cost in Germany are lower when you live with other students. Another day you might pick a student dorm, which also make rent feel lighter on your pocket.

Sometimes you take public transport in Germany, other times you ride a bicycle because it’s more cheap than car and you don’t pay for parking many times. When you go shopping, you look in Aldi or Lidl since discount shops keep your food expenses in Germany small and not heavy.

You also remember student discounts, because museums or buses or many places give cheaper price and it save money even if it look small. On most days you cook at home, but another day maybe you do quick meal, and both ways still save more than eating out. Buying second-hand things can also help you not spend too much. When you have time, doing a part-time job in Germany gives extra money that supports your study life without stressing too much.

Living in Germany on student budget is possible. Here are some tips to save money:

• Scholarships in Germany
• Student Discounts
• Cheap Food
• Part-Time Work in Germany
• Public Transport

Refer to our Study in Netherlands vs Germany guide.

Also, Read

Keep these cost of living in Germany numbers in mind. Check all Universities in Germany, their eligibility requirements, language exams, and German language requirements. Begin your prepration early. Germany is called the land of ideas, and it is true. Find your best university and start planning your higher studies in Germany.

If you need help with university admission, you can contact Shiksha Study Abroad counsellors.