Germany is relatively inexpensive in comparison to other European nations in terms of the cost of living. Nevertheless, even a small sum of money is substantial to students. It is customary for students to conserve as much money as feasible. In this regard, the location you select for your residence has a substantial influence on your monthly expenses; therefore, it is imperative to consider this when making a decision. For example, if you opt to remain in Munich, it will be exceedingly challenging to accumulate funds due to the region’s exorbitant cost of living.
Consequently, if you are a student planning to study and live in Germany, you need assistance in determining which cities are expensive and which are not. This article provides a comprehensive inventory of cities in Germany that offer reduced-cost living options. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for the majority of articles on this subject to concentrate exclusively on rent prices. However, this is insufficient, as it is necessary to be cognizant of the costs of all other items in order to make a well-informed decision.
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List of Inexpensive Cities of Germany With Living Cost Comparison:
1. Cost of Living in the City of Bielefeld, Germany
It is a metropolis situated in North Rhine-Westphalia, with an estimated population of 350,000. The cost of living in this city is significantly lower than that of other German communities.
I understand that you are apprehensive about the cost of rent; however, in Bielefeld, it is not excessively high. The monthly cost of a one-bedroom apartment is nearly €460, which is extremely affordable. Furthermore, the apartment can be acquired for €400 per month through some form of negotiation or serendipity. Furthermore, it is possible to locate residences in the peripheral area for a monthly rent of €200 to €460.
Additionally, there are numerous establishments in Bielefeld that provide affordable meals. A supper for one individual at a budget-friendly restaurant may cost €10, while a meal for two may cost €50. Furthermore, a pint of lager or a cup of cappuccino may be priced at €3.50.
In the city of Bielefeld, a cappuccino costs €3.50 and is added to your reimbursement amount by €2.70.
Bielefeld VS Berlin City Living Cost Comparison
| Items or Services | Bielefeld City | Berlin City | Bielefeld vs Berlin |
| Utilities | €200 | €245 | -18% |
| One-bedroom apartment (Periphery) | €400 | €650 | -39% |
| One-bedroom apartment (City Center) | €466 | €860 | -46% |
| Local Transport Ticket | €2.70 | €2.80 | -4% |
| Taxi Fare (1km) | €2 | €2 | 0 |
| Fitness Membership | €30 | €25 | +19% |
| Restaurant Meal (1 person) | €10 | €8 | +25% |
2. Cost of Living in Frankfurt City of Germany
Frankfurt is situated in East Germany, in close proximity to the Polish border. Its territory is traversed by the Oder River. This 150-kilometer-square city is home to over 60,000 individuals, as indicated by the most recent statistics.
Frankfurt is a city that is particularly affordable, as a one-bedroom apartment in the city costs €460 per month, while the same apartment in the surrounding area costs only €325. Furthermore, the cost of a three-bedroom condominium in the city is €1,250, while in the suburbs it ranges from €400 to €1,500. Consequently, it is 40% more cost-effective than Berlin.
The cost of utilities in Frankfurt is also reasonable, but it is contingent upon your consumption. The average monthly expense is €410. The cost of utility services can be reduced to €225 by reducing the consumption of electricity and water. Furthermore, Frankfurt boasts reasonably priced dining establishments, with a single dinner for one individual priced at €8. Furthermore, the cost of a domestic beer will increase by €3.10, while the cost of an imported beer will increase by €2.85.
Frankfurt VS Berlin City Living Cost Comparison
| Items or Services | Frankfurt(Oder) | Berlin | Frankfurt(Oder) vs Berlin |
| Utilities | €410 | €245 | +67% |
| One-bedroom apartment (Periphery) | €327 | €650 | -50% |
| One-bedroom apartment (City Center) | €466 | €864 | -46% |
| Local Transport Ticket | €1.70 | €2.80 | -39% |
| Taxi Fare (1km) | €6 | €2 | +200% |
| Fitness Membership | €25 | €25 | 0 |
| Restaurant Meal (1 person) | €8 | €8 | 0 |
3. Cost of Living in Halle City Germany
Halle City, which spans 135 square kilometers, is situated in central Germany. It is home to approximately 240,000 individuals. The city is undergoing a distinct renaissance and is exceedingly affordable. The monthly rent for one-bedroom residences in the city is €350. Nevertheless, the identical apartment can be sublet for €200 in the suburbs. Furthermore, the average monthly cost of a larger domicile in the city is €710, while it is only €470 on the outskirts. In contrast, the rent of an apartment in Berlin is 130% higher. The cost of utilities can range from €85 to €340 per month, which translates to an additional €195 per month.
The metropolis is reasonably priced in terms of meal expenses. The average cost of a supper for one person at a budget-friendly restaurant is approximately €10. Furthermore, the cost of a beer is €3.50, while a cappuccino costs €2.70.
Cost of Living Comparison Between Halle VS Berlin
| Items or Services | Halle | Berlin | Halle vs Berlin |
| Utilities | €195 | €245 | -21% |
| One-bedroom apartment (Periphery) | €305 | €650 | -53% |
| One-bedroom apartment (City Center) | €355 | €865 | -59% |
| Local Transport Ticket | €2.30 | €2.80 | -18% |
| Taxi Fare (1km) | €2 | €2 | 0 |
| Fitness Membership | €27 | €25 | +9% |
| Restaurant Meal (1 person) | €10 | €8 | +25% |
4. Cost of Living in Krefeld City of Germany
It is the metropolis in the province of North Rhine-Westphalia that is adjacent to Dusseldorf. The city encompasses an area of 137 square kilometers and has a population of 230,000, as indicated by the most recent statistics. The city is an affordable option, as the monthly rent for a one-bedroom condominium is €450. Nevertheless, the cost may be even lower in the periphery. Furthermore, the cost of a one-bedroom apartment located outside of the capital is €400.
Furthermore, if you require additional space, you must rent a larger peppercorn, which will incur an additional fee. The average monthly rent for a three-bedroom apartment is approximately €760, with a range of €400 to Euro 1,100. It is possible to reduce the cost of utilities by managing your electricity and other consumption, as they currently cost approximately €170 per month. Utility expenses typically fall within the range of €50 to €250 per month.
Cost of Living Comparison Between Krefeld VS Berlin
| Items or Services | Krefeld | Berlin | Krefeld vs Berlin |
| Utilities | €170 | €245 | -30% |
| One-bedroom apartment (Periphery) | €400 | €650 | -39% |
| One-bedroom apartment (City Center) | €450 | €860 | -47% |
| Local Transport Ticket | €2.70 | €2.80 | -4% |
| Taxi Fare (1km) | €2 | €2 | 0 |
| Fitness Membership | €26 | €25 | +4% |
| Restaurant Meal (1 person) | €10 | €8 | +25% |
5. Passau City Germany
It is a diminutive city situated in southern Germany, in close proximity to the Austrian frontier. It is referred to as “The City of Three Rivers” due to the fact that the Danube, Ilz, and Inn pass through it. According to recent data, the population of this city is 50,000.
In comparison to other German cities, the city is an extremely affordable destination. A one-bedroom condominium in the city can be rented for an average of €600 per month. The apartment is available for rent at a rate of €340 outside of the city. Nevertheless, the average three-bedroom condominium in the city center is priced at €1,050, while it is priced at €700 in the suburbs.
Furthermore, Passau’s utility expenses are less expensive than those of other cities. The average monthly expense is €75. The costs may increase to a specific amount, such as €250, depending on your utilization.
In Berlin, the average cost of a supper at an inexpensive restaurant is €7 per person, which is 12% more expensive. A cappuccino costs €2.20, while a cup of lager costs €2.80. It is highly recommended that you consider relocating to the city, as it is significantly more affordable than other German cities.
Cost of Living Comparison Between Passau & Berlin City
| Items or Services | Passau | Berlin | Passau vs Berlin |
| Utilities | €76 | €245 | -69% |
| One-bedroom apartment (Periphery) | €340 | €650 | -48% |
| One-bedroom apartment (City Center) | €600 | €865 | -31% |
| Local Transport Ticket | €2 | €2.80 | -28% |
| Taxi Fare (1km) | €4 | €2 | +100% |
| Fitness Membership | €23 | €25 | -7% |
| Restaurant Meal (1 person) | €7 | 8€ | -12% |
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What are some of the most affordable cities to live in Germany?
Leipzig, Dresden, Hannover, Kiel, and Bremen are known for lower living costs compared to cities like Munich, Frankfurt, or Berlin.
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How much does it cost to rent an apartment in an inexpensive city?
In cities like Leipzig or Dresden, you can expect to pay around €400-€700 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, while Munich or Frankfurt may cost €1,200-€1,800 or more.
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Is the cost of food and groceries cheaper in these cities?
Indeed, the cost of food is significantly lower in cities like Hannover and Bremen. A basic monthly grocery budget for one person might be around €150-€250, depending on your shopping habits.
