Cost Planner

Living Costs in Germany for Students

Plan your budget effectively with this comprehensive breakdown of living expenses for international students in Germany. From accommodation and food to transportation and recreation, understand the real costs of studying in Germany.

Germany Student Costs

Monthly

Health insurance (Techniker Krankenkasse student rate)EUR 141.16 to 146.29 a month

Deutschlandticket (one ticket for local buses and trains in all of Germany)EUR 63 a month, EUR 66.80 from 1 January 2027

TV and radio fee (Rundfunkbeitrag)EUR 18.36 a month for each household

Monthly Total:EUR 900 to 1,200 a month (average)

Average living costs for students in Germany, in euro (EUR). Big cities cost more.

Monthly Costs You Can Plan For

Exact costs for items with a fixed price. Rent and food depend on your city and habits.

Housing

Housing Tip

Start your search early, especially from abroad. Hostels or guest houses can help for the first days.

Transport

DeutschlandticketEUR 63 a month
Semester ticket (Deutschlandsemesterticket), where your university offers it60% of the regular Deutschlandticket price

The Deutschlandticket is one ticket for local buses and trains in all of Germany. On 1 January 2027 it rises to EUR 66.80 a month.

Fees

TV and radio fee for each householdEUR 18.36 a month

One fee per home, shared by flatmates.

Health Insurance

Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) student rate, up to age 23EUR 141.16 a month
TK student rate, from age 23EUR 146.29 a month

You can pay the student rate until the end of the semester in which you turn 30.

Costs in Different Cities

Totals are for one person living alone, per month.

City	Monthly Total
Munich area	EUR 1,300 to 2,000 a month
Straubing and Heilbronn (Technical University of Munich campuses)	EUR 900 to 1,200 a month

Big Cities

Big cities usually cost more than smaller towns. See the Munich area total above.

Smaller Towns

Smaller towns usually cost less than big cities. TUM's campuses in Straubing and Heilbronn are examples; see the table.

Housing Cost Factors

Rooms are hard to find in Munich. Start looking early.

Ways to Save

Simple ways to spend less.

Housing

Apply for a student hall (student housing) early. Many students want them.
Never pay a deposit before you see the flat and sign the contract.
Look at shared flats if a whole flat is too expensive.

Smart Spending

Use the discounted Deutschlandticket if your university offers it.
Open a free student bank account so you do not pay card fees.
Apply for scholarships such as the Deutschlandstipendium (EUR 300 a month, paid by the university).

Costs People Forget

Plan for these costs as well as rent and food.

Visa and Paperwork

Visa fee

EUR 75

For applicants 18 and over. India: plus a fee to VFS Global, the company that takes visa appointments in India.

uni-assist fee

EUR 75 first course, EUR 30 each more

uni-assist checks your papers for many German universities. The fee is for each semester you apply.

Residence permit card (Berlin)

EUR 100

Steps and fees differ by city; Berlin is the example. First card (eAT, the card that lets you live in Germany while you study): EUR 100. To renew it: EUR 93.

Living

TV and radio fee (Rundfunkbeitrag)

EUR 18.36 a month

For each household. You get a letter after you register your address (tell the city office where you live).

Semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag)

EUR 184 to 194 a semester

A fee every student pays each semester (half a study year). Examples: University of Stuttgart EUR 184, University of Mannheim EUR 194.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Germany, in euro (EUR).

How much does a student need a month in Germany?

Most students need about EUR 900 to 1,200 a month on average for living costs. It depends on whether you live in a big city or a small town.

Is Munich more expensive?

Yes. In the greater Munich area, expect about EUR 1,300 to 2,000 a month for one person living alone.

How much money must I show for the visa?

EUR 11,904 for the first year, in a blocked account (Sperrkonto), a German bank account that holds your money. You can take out only a set amount each month: no more than EUR 992.