Monthly Living Expenses in Germany for International Students
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Germany is one of the best choice for international students. It gives world-class education and low tuition fees. But what about living cost? In 2025, students must show at least €992 per month for visa. But is it really enough for rent, food and transport? Let’s see how much living in Germany per month really costs for international students and find out!
Germany is very popular for international students because it has good education and German public universities with no tuition fees. But many students wonder: is €992 per month enough to live in Germany?
German authorities say yes. But if you ask students in Berlin, Munich, or Stuttgart, they might say something different. This article will show you real cost of living in Germany per month for students in 2025, with examples, average prices, and some practical tips.
- Cost of Living in Germany: Major Monthly Expenses Breakdown
- City-Wise Cost of Living in Germany
- Is €992 Enough to Live in Germany?
Cost of Living in Germany: Major Monthly Expenses Breakdown
1. Rent Cost in Germany
| Type of Accommodation |
Monthly Rent (€) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Student Dormitory |
200 - 350 |
Cheapest option, but long waiting times (3–4 semesters) |
| Shared Apartment (WG) |
400 - 750 |
Popular with students, depends on city and location |
| Private Studio |
700 - 1000+ |
Best privacy, most expensive option |
While studying in Germany, student dorms are the most affordable, but the wait time can be long (3-4 semesters). Always avoid scams by never paying in advance before seeing the apartment or signing a proper contract.
Germany Rent Tips for International Students:
- Always visit the apartment in person or through a verified platform before paying.
- Read the rental contract carefully (usually in German).
- Beware of scams – if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
2. Groceries Cost in Germany
- Average Range: €100 - €300/month
Groceries depend on your city and eating habits. Supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, Netto, Penny, and Edeka are budget-friendly. Indian stores are available in most cities but usually more expensive. Cooking at home saves a lot compared to eating out.
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3. Eating Out Cost in Germany
- Mensa (University Canteen): €3 - €5 per meal
- Regular Restaurants: €10 - €20 per meal
- Fancy Restaurants: €30+
4. Utilities Cost in Germany
- Heating, Water, Electricity, Wi-Fi: €100 - €200/month (may be included in rent)
- Internet (60 Mbps): €30 - €50/month
- Mobile Plan: €10 - €20/month
- Radio/TV Tax (GEZ): €18.36/month per household
5. Health Insurance Cost in Germany
| Provider |
Age Group |
Monthly Premium (€) |
|---|---|---|
| TK |
Under 23 |
139 |
| TK |
23 and older |
144 |
Many health insurance providers bundle services with blocked accounts and cashback offers for students.
6. Transportation Charges in Germany
- Deutschland Ticket (Regular): €58/month
- Student Price: €38/month (regional unlimited travel)
Long-distance trains (ICE, IC) are not included, but regional travel is sufficient for daily commuting. One should know the Public Transport Tips for International Students to avoid any kind of inconvenience.
7. Miscellaneous Expenses
- Gym Membership: €20 - €40/month
- Entertainment, Subscriptions, Shopping: €30 - €100/month (varies widely)
City-Wise Cost of Living in Germany
Heidelberg (Student Dorm)
- Rent: €300
- Health Insurance: €140
- Transportation: €40
- Gym: €40
- Groceries: €300 - €350
- Total: €830 - €870
Munich (Private Flat)
- Rent: €550
- Health Insurance: €140
- Transportation: €38
- Gym: €25
- Groceries: €60 - €80
- Total: €840 - €860
Stuttgart (Student Dorm)
- Rent: €256
- Health Insurance: €131
- Transportation: €31
- Gym: €8
- Groceries: €150
- Total: €620 - €650
Berlin
- Rent: €450 (inclusive)
- Health Insurance: €140
- Groceries: €140 - €160
- Transportation: €30
- Gym: €25
- Total: €845 - €870
There are various best cities in Germany for international students 2025, including Munich, Berlin, and Frankfurt. One can check the city-wise cost of living in Germany from the table.
| City |
Monthly Total (€) |
Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heidelberg |
830 – 870 |
Student dorm, cooks at home, gym included |
| Munich |
840 – 860 |
Expensive rent, part-time job essential |
| Stuttgart |
620 – 650 |
Dorm, student discounted ticket, basic lifestyle |
| Berlin |
845 – 870 |
Moderate rent, gym, phone + public transport |
| Weimar |
600 – 650 |
Shared dorm, low transport cost, cooks at home |
| Trarben-Trarbach |
540 – 600 |
Affordable city, insurance + lab expenses |
Is €992 Enough to Live in Germany?
€992 is fine for living in smaller cities: Trier, Heidelberg, Weimar, or Halle. But €992 is not enough to live comfortably in big cities: Munich, Berlin, or Hamburg. Many international students struggle to manage daily life and studies to manage in €992. Most students do part-time job in Germany to earn extra money to live. Check current Germany’s job market scenarios.
Cost of Living in Germany Depends on:
- Where you live (small town vs big city)
- Your lifestyle (basic vs frequent outings/shopping)
- Your accommodation choice (dorm vs studio)
For Most Students:
- In small cities: Yes, €992 is enough (you might even save)
- In large cities: You may need a part-time job to manage
Key Advice for Students Planning to Study in Germany:
- Learn German early to increase job opportunities
- Budget carefully in the first 2-3 months
- Use student deals and discounts (ISIC card helps)
- Cook at home and avoid frequent takeout
So, is €992 enough to live in Germany as a student? In small cities, yes. But in big cities, it maybe only enough for basics. Planning ahead, smart budget and part-time work can help a lot. Every student lifestyle and city choice changes monthly budget, so be ready.
Share this guide with friends who are moving to Germany – and start smart budgeting!
No, Schiller International University Germany acceptance rate is 100%, which makes it easier to secure admission. Generally, it is not hard to get into Schiller International University Germany. International students must meet all the admission requirements at SIU Germany and submit proof of English proficiency, if there first language is not English.
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
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The selection for The Germany Scholarship is done on the basis of the average grade point average of the study achievements until now. For first-year students in bachelor’s and master’s courses, the average grade of the university entrance qualification or master’s entrance qualification is utilized. The Germany Scholarship supports high-performing students irrespective of their income. A few of the advantages of this scholarships are: