- Rent decides most of your budget, and it varies hugely between cities.
- Munich, Frankfurt and Hamburg are the most expensive; many mid sized cities are much cheaper.
- Fixed costs include health insurance, the Rundfunkbeitrag and often a transport ticket.
- Compare net salary minus rent, not gross salary, when you choose between offers.
"How much do I need per month in Germany?" has no single answer. Your city and your flat decide most of it.
Rent comes first
In Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Berlin, rents for new contracts are much higher than in smaller cities like Leipzig, Dortmund or Chemnitz. A shared flat (WG) can cut your costs a lot in your first year. Always check whether the rent is cold (Kaltmiete) or warm (Warmmiete, with heating and service costs).
Fixed costs you can't avoid
How to compare job offers
- Calculate net salary. Use your tax class. See my net salary guide.
- Subtract realistic rent. Look at current listings in that city, not averages.
- Add commuting costs. A cheaper flat outside the city can cost time and money.
- Compare what is left. A lower salary in a cheaper city can leave you with more.
Common questions
Is Berlin still cheap?
Not anymore for new rental contracts, although it is still cheaper than Munich.
Can I save money in Germany?
Yes, many people do, especially in mid sized cities and shared flats.
Is food expensive?
Supermarket food is reasonable; eating out is where costs grow.
Sources
I moved to Germany for my master's, collected more than 1,000 rejections, and then got multiple job offers within six months. I work in digital marketing in Germany and help international professionals get hired in Europe. Read my story.