Wondering if your savings will actually stretch through a semester in Germany? Living expenses for international students are around €1,406 per month, depending on your city, your accommodation type, and how you like to live.

Given the low cost of attending university in Germany, it's no wonder that thousands of international students choose to study in Germany each year. But before you kick off your studies, let's look at what the average cost of living in Germany for international students really looks like, month by month.

Key takeaways:

• Budget around €1,406 per month if you're renting a WG room.
• Rent is usually your biggest expense: from €250-€400 for a student dorm to €1,450 for an apartment.
• Health insurance is mandatory and costs students around €148 per month under the public system.
• Your semester fee (€100-€400) usually already includes a discounted or free public transport pass.
• International students can now work up to 140 full days (or 280 half days) a year, and earn up to €603 a month tax-free through a mini-job.
• Booking your room through a verified platform like HousingAnywhere before you arrive helps you avoid scams and long dorm waitlists.

How much are living expenses in Germany for international students?

Simply put, €1,406 per month is the average living cost in Germany for international students renting a WG room. Depending on whether you're renting in a cheaper dorm or a more popular city like Munich, your living costs can be lower or higher.

Generally, rent and groceries are your largest expenses when living in Germany. Let's take a deep dive into where your money goes and where you can save.

How much does student accommodation cost in Germany?

The cost of your student accommodation in Germany will vary according to several factors.

1. The type of accommodation

If you decide to live in a student dorm, you can expect to pay cheaper rent. Your monthly rent in a student dorm will usually cost between €250-€400 per month. However, spots are limited and waitlists can stretch to 12-18 months.

Most international students end up in a WG instead because you'll typically find a room much faster, and you still get your own private space alongside shared common areas. It'll cost a little more if you choose to live in a WG (Wohngemeinschaft) or flatshare. A room in a WG will cost €639 per month.

So which one should you actually go for? Here's the breakdown for you:

Type of accommodation	Prices
Room	€639
Studio	€1,100
Apartment	€1,450

2. The city you study in

The rent figures above are a national average. When you compare living costs across Germany's biggest cities cities in Germany, the prices change a lot.

For student dorms, expect a higher cost of about €400 per month in popular cities in Germany like Munich. For a WG in Munich, the price shoots up to about €800 per month. For a 1-bedroom apartment, you can expect to pay €1,815 per month. That's why cost of living in Munich is also more expensive than the national average.

3. The type of rent you pay

In Germany, you'll either pay "warm rent", which means your utilities are included in your rent, or "cold rent", which means they aren't included.

You'll pay "warm rent" for most student accommodations, so you don't need to budget extra for utilities. If you choose "cold rent", your extra costs will vary depending on the accommodation type.

• For student dorms, the average cost of utilities is about €40 per month.
• For a WG, the average cost of utilities is about €60 per month.
• For a studio and apartment, the average cost of utilities shoots up to €306 per month, since it's no longer split among housemates.

While the average rent in Germany for students is relatively low at about €639 per month, you'll get the best value if you take the time to look for your accommodation before even arriving in Germany, and if you book through a platform that protects you from scams along the way.

How can you find safe, affordable student housing in Germany?

While it may seem more straightforward to book accommodation once you arrive in Germany, it's not quite as simple as it may seem. Student dorms often have a 12-18 month waitlist, and WGs fill quickly. You'll have a better chance of securing a place before you arrive by using a reputable rental company like HousingAnywhere. HousingAnywhere has plenty of WGs and apartments across the country. You can book your accommodation with complete peace of mind, knowing you've paid securely.

Avoid using sources like Facebook to find a place to live, as scams are common there and your money isn't protected once you've paid.

What are Germany's tuition and semester fees for international students?

You probably already know that tuition fees for undergraduates at public universities in Germany are free. You'll even find that most Master's degrees offered at German public universities are free or incredibly affordable, so tuition doesn't need to factor into your monthly budget. However, most universities will still require a semester fee that costs between €100 to €400 per semester. Thankfully, your semester fee usually covers both your enrolment and your public transportation costs, so it's worthwhile.

How much does health insurance cost for students in Germany?

Having health insurance in Germany is mandatory, so be sure to arrange this as soon as you get there. For students, public health insurance costs around €148 per month.

For students over 30 years old, it gets a little more complicated. At this age, you can choose between private and public health insurance. Most international students over 30 will opt for private health insurance as it's more affordable, costing around €165 per month. However, this insurance usually won't cover check-ups, appointments and deductibles. If you're over 30 and plan to study in Germany, it's best to look into a health insurance plan that suits your circumstances.

You'll need proof of valid health insurance before your university will let you enrol, so it's worth arranging this before you travel rather than after you land. Most students under 30 register with one of the large public providers, such as TK, AOK, or Barmer, all of which offer the same discounted student rate and largely the same core coverage. Switching from private back to public insurance later on is difficult, which is why most students stick with the public system for as long as they're eligible.

How much does public transport cost for students in Germany?

Most German universities will provide a 'Semesterticket' once you pay your semester fees. However, some will just provide a discount for this ticket, so it's wise to check, as it varies from region to region and university to university. Without this ticket, you'd be paying for the Deutschlandticket, Germany's nationwide public transport pass, which costs €63 per month as of January 2026 (students often get a discounted rate of around €43 per month directly from providers). This is exactly why the table above lists public transport as €0 for most students: your Semesterticket usually covers regional trains, trams, and buses across your entire federal state, not just your home city, so make sure you claim it as soon as you enrol.

How much do groceries and food cost in Germany?

You'll probably spend about €269 per month on groceries and the odd takeout meal. Most university campuses will offer student discounts in their canteens, bars and cafés. If you prefer to cook at home, groceries are very affordable in stores like Lidl and Aldi, and they often have discounts on essentials. Even if you decide to treat yourself after a night out, an authentic German kebab will set you back just €7. In general, food and groceries in Germany are quite affordable.

How much should you budget for nightlife and leisure in Germany?

An essential part of student life is the nightlife! Between nightlife and leisure, you should expect to pay about €226 per month. Depending on where you study, going out can be affordable in Germany. Where you'll likely spend the most is on entry to nightclubs, which can cost between €10 to €25, depending on the club or event. Cloakrooms usually cost about €4 per item.

On the leisure side, a monthly gym membership will cost about €39, and cinema tickets are usually about €13. For both of these, you may be eligible for student discounts, so be sure to ask.

How much does a phone plan cost in Germany?

Living abroad doesn't mean you have to pay crazy fees to call home. The best option for international students in terms of German SIM cards is to buy a prepaid SIM card, which typically costs around €24 per month. Most students choose Aldi Talk or Lidl Connect, as they offer the best packages for an affordable price.

However, you can also opt for a monthly contract SIM or postpaid SIM. It's worth comparing your different SIM card options before choosing the plan that suits you best.

What hidden and one-time costs should you budget for in Germany?

Beyond your regular monthly budget, plan for several one-time costs before and shortly after you arrive, since these often catch international students off guard.

• Blocked account (Sperrkonto): Most non-EU students need a blocked account to qualify for their student visa. As of 2026, you must deposit €11,904 for the year, which the bank releases to you in monthly instalments of €992. This is separate from your regular monthly budget and needs to be arranged before your visa appointment.
• Security deposit (Kaution): German law allows landlords to ask for up to three months' cold rent as a deposit. For a WG room at €489 per month, budget roughly €1,000-€1,200 upfront, on top of your first month's rent.
• Winter clothing: If you're moving from a warmer climate, budget around €150-€300 for a proper winter coat, boots, and layers.
• Home setup: Unfurnished rooms and apartments need basic furniture, kitchenware, and bedding. Budget around €200-€500 for a modest one-off shop, for example at IKEA.
• Document translation and legalisation: Some universities and visa offices require certified translations of your diploma or transcripts, which typically costs €50-€150 per document.

These aren't monthly expenses, but leaving them out of your planning is one of the most common budgeting mistakes international students make before moving to Germany.

Can international students work part-time in Germany?

Yes. On a student visa, you're allowed to work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year without needing a separate work permit, a rule that expanded from the previous 120/240-day limit. A full day counts as more than four hours of work, and a half day counts as four hours or fewer.

If you take on a mini-job, you can earn up to €603 per month tax-free, which comfortably covers costs like groceries, leisure, or your phone plan without affecting your student visa status. It's worth checking the rules for working alongside your studies in Germany before you start applying, since EU and non-EU students can face different conditions.

Working part-time won't cover your full cost of living on its own, but it's a reliable way to offset leisure, food, or transport expenses while you study. And if you're already picturing life after graduation, it's worth getting a feel for the job market in Germany early on.

How can you save money as a student in Germany?

There are plenty of ways to save, and even make, some extra money as an international student in Germany. Here are some of our favourites:

1. Use your student card. Many shops, cinemas, fitness centres and even restaurants will offer student discounts when you show your student card. Don't be afraid to ask for a discount as often as possible.
2. Apply for scholarships. There're plenty of scholarships available to international students in Germany. It's worthwhile checking if you qualify.
3. Look for a place to live outside the city centre. Don't be afraid to use your free public transport ticket; it can help you save on rent, since prices for WGs and apartments are often cheaper once you venture a bit outside the city centre.

Now that you know what to budget for your studies in Germany, your next step is to lock in a place to live before you land. Browse verified student accommodation in Germany on HousingAnywhere, message landlords directly, and book your room securely online, so you arrive with one less thing to worry about.

Once you've settled the basics, bookmark a few useful websites for expats in Germany to help with banking, healthcare, and everyday admin tasks.

Frequently asked questions

Can I live in Germany as a student for less than €1,000?

Yes, for most students in small and mid-sized cities, especially in a student dorm or a modest WG room.

What is a blocked account (Sperrkonto) and how does it work?

A blocked account is a special German bank account that proves you can financially support yourself during your studies. You deposit €11,904 before your visa appointment, and the bank releases it to you in monthly instalments of €992 once you arrive. If you do not use a blocked account, you can use a formal obligation letter (Verpflichtungserklärung) from a sponsor living in Germany or an approved scholarship from a recognized public institution.

What is the cheapest city to study in Germany?

Eastern German cities like Leipzig, Dresden, and Saarbrücken are among the most affordable, with WG rooms and studios costing significantly less than in Munich, Cologne, or Hamburg.