Thinking of moving to Germany? Expats share a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in Berlin and what monthly expenses to budget for in 2025.
If you’re planning to move to Germany, you may be wondering how much it costs to live in a city like Berlin. As a couple who has relocated, we’ll help demystify whether Berlin is expensive compared to the city you live in.
Perhaps you’re thinking of taking up a new job, relocating your business, retiring abroad or maybe you’re planning to further your studies. Whatever your reasons may be, this guide covers every expense you’ll need to budget for when living in Berlin.
This comprehensive guide includes what you can expect to pay for rent, groceries, healthcare, transport, gym, entertainment and more. We’ve also included a list of the most cost-effective companies we use, to help you easily settle into your new life abroad.
Why Live in Berlin?
Moving to Germany and living in a vibrant European city like Berlin is exciting. Not only because of how diverse it is in terms of its population, but also because of the choice you have as a consumer.
Whether you like to live the high life or prefer to spend carefully, Berlin has an option for you. We’ll cover all the options we came across when we looked at the cost of living in Berlin.
Related Guide: If you’re planning to move to Berlin, check out our 21 Pros and Cons of Living in Berlin to help you mentally prepare for your relocation.
Biggest Living Costs to Consider when Moving to Germany
One of the biggest living costs to budget for when moving to Germany (and to Berlin in particular), is renting an apartment.
Even though rent in Berlin is still considered low compared to other cities in Western Europe, it’s no secret that rentals have increased rapidly over the last decade. So much so that it’s caused unrest amongst residents, prompting the government to introduce rent caps and rent freezes in the city.
This can only be good news for the cost of living in Berlin. But it’s not always the case. Some landlords ignore or try to find a way around these laws, demanding illegal high rentals from unsuspecting tenants.
You can expect rent to be about a third of your monthly salary. But bear in mind that most landlords will require you to pay an apartment deposit (‘Kaution’) of up to 3 times the monthly rent.
Related Guide: Looking to rent an apartment in Berlin but not sure which neighborhood to live in? Don’t worry! We break down everything you need to know in our Berlin Neighborhoods and Districts guide.
What is the Average Cost to Rent in Berlin
The average rent in the city recently breached €10 per square meter for an unfurnished apartment. You can expect to pay up to €13 in sought after areas (like Friedrichshain and Mitte) and €8 in the city limits (Spandau and Marzahn).
Average monthly utilities (water, gas, heating, electricity and waste disposal) cost €2.5 to €3 per square meter.
When we arrived in Berlin for the very first time, we found a centrally located apartment on the property rental site Immobilienscout24. We paid €1,180 per month for a fully furnished 65m² (700 Sqft) apartment including all utilities (water, heating, electricity and TV tax).
This may seem like a reasonable amount to pay for a couple living in Berlin. But we only realised after the fact that we had been overpaying. Long story short, we managed to reduce our rent by €317.64 per month.
If you want to find out how we managed to reduce our rent in Berlin and get over €5,000 back, check out our Conny Review. But for now, budget between €400 – €500 per person if you plan to rent a room. And between €550 – €850 per person if you’re sharing an apartment.
Finding a room, flat or apartment to rent in Berlin is notoriously challenging. But don’t worry, we’ve written a detailed How To Rent An Apartment in Berlin guide to help you. It includes a full list of resources and tips that will help increase the success rate of renting an apartment in Berlin.
Related Guide: Did you know that you can save more than €200 by signing a new electricity contract when moving into a new apartment in Germany? We kid you not! Find out how in our detailed Electricity Providers in Germany guide.
Food and Grocery Prices
If you’re a foodie like us, then you’ll be happy to hear that food and groceries in Berlin are amongst the cheapest in Europe. Mid-priced supermarkets such as Rewe, Edeka and Kaufland usually have the best deals for everything you’d need under the sun.
But there are what seems to be an infinite number of supermarkets to suit every budget and palate. These include discount supermarkets such as:
- Netto
- Penny
- Lidl
- ALDI
And if you prefer ethically sourced organic food, you can find them at premium food stores such as:
- Alnatura
- Bio Company
- Denns BioMarkt
💡 Useful Tip: Amazon Fresh also offers great deals on groceries, including a wide range of organic food products. With just a few clicks, you can enjoy the convenience of having fresh food delivered straight to your doorstep.
In order to keep our monthly costs low, we opt to cook most of our meals at home. Not only is dining in cheaper than eating out, it’s also healthier as you control what goes into your food.
Our monthly food and grocery costs rarely exceed €600 per month (i.e. maximum €300 per person). And that also includes cleaning detergents, coffee beans, wine, and everything one would usually buy at a supermarket. We also spend an additional €20 on pet food, which we get from Fressnapf.
🔥 Bonus Tip: You can earn PAYBACK points while shopping at select supermarkets, and redeem them for cash in-store. Sign up for your Free PAYBACK Loyalty Card and get 200 points (worth €2) to get you started.
Health Insurance
Navigating health insurance in a country you know very little about can feel overwhelming. That’s why knowing which is the best health insurance provider in Germany is key to avoid the hassle of sifting through pages and pages of policy documents.
Luckily, we’ve experienced both expat and public health insurance firsthand. So we’ll be happy to spill the beans on what you can expect to pay, whether you choose public, expat or even private coverage.
Public Health Insurance
The gold standard of health insurance in Germany is Techniker Krankenkasse (TK). They’re the largest public health insurer in the country, but it will set you back up to 17.05% of your gross monthly income.
Fortunately, contributions are capped based on the maximum income threshold for statutory health insurance (known here as Beitragsbemessungsgrenze). And if you’re employed, your employer typically covers up to half of your monthly premium.
When we first arrived in Germany, we opted for expat health insurance because we didn’t qualify for TK. Turns out being freelancers at the time didn’t quite meet their requirements. But we’ve since switched to TK now that we meet their criteria for self-employed individuals.
As entrepreneurs, our TK health insurance contributions are determined by our earnings from the previous calendar year. Similarly, your contributions will also depend on your income which is assessed when you apply for TK.
💡 Useful Tip: Keen to get public health insurance in Germany but not so keen on signing policy documents or speaking to customer service in German? Don’t worry! Get public medical coverage with TK, AOK, BARMER, or DAK through Feather Insurance. Not only does Feather Insurance offer free advice on which health insurance suits you best, but you’ll also get all policy documents and customer support in English.
Health Insurance for Expats
For the first 5 years after arriving in Germany, we were covered by Mawista’s Expatcare for €69 per month. It was the cheapest basic health insurance for expats we could find. Though it honestly felt more like travel insurance, what they refer to as ‘incoming insurance’.
Mawista offers a variety of plans that cover a wide range of insurance benefits. But unlike TK, you’ll need to pay for your medical treatment upfront and then submit the invoice for reimbursement.
Expat health insurance may not be as comprehensive as TK, but it covers all the essentials. It’s also a great option if you’re looking for flexible, affordable, short-term health care while keeping your cost of living in Berlin low.
If you’re looking for more extensive coverage and can’t join public insurance, you might want to consider leveling up to Private Health Insurance.
🔥 Bonus Tip: Expat Health Insurance is one of the cheapest medical insurance you can get as a new expat moving to Germany. And the best part is that it’s accepted for first time visa or residence permit applications. Get a quote for Expat Health Insurance with Feather Insurance to find out more.
Health Insurance Calculator
Use this Health Insurance Calculator to compare the costs of public, private, and expat health insurance plans in Germany. It provides a clear breakdown of what you can expect to pay per month based on your personal circumstances.
If you need assistance navigating your options or understanding the results, you can reach out to an insurance expert for personalized guidance. They’ll help you find the plan that best fits your needs and budget.
Public Transport
Navigating Berlin is incredibly simple thanks to its efficient and well-connected public transport network. So whether you’re hopping on a tram, the U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (overground train), bus, or even a ferry, getting around the city is a hassle-free experience.
Berlin’s public transport system isn’t just convenient, it’s also budget-friendly, helping to keep the cost of living lower compared to many other major European cities.
The public transport services in Berlin are managed by the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG), or Berlin Transport Company. You’ll spot their bright yellow signs the minute you arrive in the city. BVG offers various commuter fare options, including single-trip, daily, weekly, and monthly tickets.
As we enjoy the occasional day trip outside the city, we take advantage of the Deutschland Ticket. This monthly subscription provides unlimited access to public transport across Germany. And for just €58 per month, it’s also a great budget option for exploring the entire country.
💡 Useful Tip: Make sure you download the Berlin public transport map to have it handy for offline use. It’s super useful for planning your routes, navigating the city’s extensive public transport network, and making sure you don’t get lost if you’re without internet access.
Save Me For Later
Getting Around Berlin
While public transport is the most popular way to get around Berlin, it’s not the only option. If rubbing shoulders with the masses isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to get where you need to go.
You can commute on two wheels, take advantage of car-sharing services, or opt for the convenience of taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber. We’ve tried all of these options ourselves, so we’ll be happy to share what you need to know to get around effortlessly.
Getting Around By Bike or Scooter
When we first arrived in Berlin, we switched to cycling to get around the city. Not only is it a great way to reduce emissions, but it also helps you get exercise and stay in shape.
We used to use Swapfiets and really loved the freedom of getting around Berlin by bicycle! With Swapfiets, you get the benefit of owning your own bike for as little as €14.90 a month! Check out our Swapfiets review to find out more about this bike rental service.
Besides Swapfiets, you can also get around using other bike sharing options or even electric scooters, which you can find virtually along any street in Berlin.
If you prefer owning a bike, places like Decathlon offer affordable options. Just beware that Berlin is also the bike theft capital of Germany, so invest in a good lock (or two)!
Getting Around By Moped
Last spring, we decided to switch to a Dance moped! It’s electric, environmentally friendly, fun, and honestly, the fastest way to get around the city.
One of the best things about it is that you never have to worry about parking. You can park it virtually anywhere, making it super convenient for city life.
On days when the weather doesn’t allow us to take the moped, we use public transport as our backup option, ensuring we’re never stuck without a way to get around.
🔥 Bonus Tip: Sign up for an electric bike online and ride from just €0.01/km! Plus, get 50% OFF a moped for the first 3 months with this Dance referral link.
Car Sharing in Berlin
If you prefer to drive or need a car once in a while, you have access to several car-sharing services in Berlin, including:
- ShareNow – get €5 credit
- SixtShare – get €5 credit
- FreeNow – get €10 credit
- Miles – get €10 credit with code: g5Dt22La1p
Each car-sharing platform has its own perks, with pricing based on kilometers, time, or both. So it’s easy to find an option that suits your budget and the type of car you need. We personally use more than one platform to make the most of what each service offers.
Related Guide: Moving to Germany and want to know how to convert a foreign driver’s license to a German driving license? Find out how in our step-by-step Driver’s License in Germany Conversion guide.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing Apps
If you prefer the convenience of commuting door to door or you just want to get home after a night out, Uber or Taxi is the way to go. Getting around Berlin by taxi is convenient, but it does come at a premium.
The cool part is that you can estimate exactly how much it’s going to cost before requesting a cab. So make sure you’ve got both the Uber and Bolt app installed so you can compare fares between both apps.
FreeNow is also another option to call a taxi in Berlin. If you’re new to FreeNow, download the app and use this code to get €10 off your first ride: JOINFREENOW
Personal Liability and Contents Insurance
Personal liability insurance is one of the most important insurances to get when moving to Germany. It’s second only to mandatory health insurance. It covers you if you harm another person physically or damage their property in any way.
There are hundreds of insurers ready to offer you cover. But most of them only offer German customer support.
So if your ‘Deutsch’ is nowhere good enough yet, then make sure you get expat-friendly personal liability insurance with Feather. All your policy documents and customer touch points will be conducted in English and you can get covered from as little as €4.94 per month.
While it’s not mandatory to get contents insurance, it’s still a good idea if you own valuable possessions. Insurance companies such as Lemonade even cover your items when they’re outside your home.
And if you want to cover the shortfall from your health insurance, you can take out dental insurance from companies such as Ottonova and Getsafe.
These are just a handful of insurers out of many that offer an array of cover in Germany. Check out the full list of different types of insurances on our resource page. We’ve also included special offers just for you.
If you’d like to maximise your cost of living in Berlin, consider spreading your cover across several insurers. We did precisely that in order to get the cheapest premiums for each type of cover. Our cover for contents and liability insurance costs us €10 monthly.
Internet Providers
If you’re reading this guide, it means you can’t live without the internet. Don’t feel bad, we also rely on the internet for pretty much everything we do.
Although the internet is not Germany’s strongest point (strange, right?), there is connectivity at the end of the tunnel. Just don’t expect uninterrupted service 100% of the time. Allow a 10% margin of error.
For Home
Germany doesn’t rank among the countries with the cheapest internet, but you don’t have to break the bank to get ‘reliable’ connectivity at home. Here are the top internet providers offering high-speed broadband plans in Germany:
- Vodafone ⭐ OUR PICK ⭐
- 1&1
- M-net
- Telekom (T-Mobile)
- O2 (Telefonica)
We chose Vodafone and pay €45 per month for a 1,000Mbps cable internet line. This speed is more than sufficient for browsing the web, streaming movies, gaming online, and even running our online business from home.
🔥 Bonus Tip: Sign up for Vodafone with our referral link and get a bonus of up to €90 paid directly into your account. You can also compare all internet providers offering DSL, fiber optic, or cable plans before signing up to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
For Mobile
Connectivity at home is important, but staying connected while you’re out and about is essential too. These are the top mobile providers offering reliable data plans in Germany:
We opted for Vodafone’s CallYa Allnet Flat S tariff. It comes with 10GB of data every four weeks, unlimited calls and SMS within Germany, 200 minutes or SMS to EU networks, and EU roaming. It’s ideal for staying connected both at home and while traveling across Europe.
🔥 Bonus Tip: It’s not uncommon to experience internet outages at home that can last for days. If this happens, you can contact your provider and request temporary mobile data while they work on the issue. We’ve previously had Vodafone send us mobile data while our home internet was down. So it might be helpful to have both your home and mobile internet provided by the same company, just in case!
Best Banking Options for Expats in Germany
The banking industry in Germany is highly competitive. So banks are constantly looking for ways to lure you in with the best deals tailored to your spending habits.
For us, the best deal is paying zero banking fees. Yep, €0.00 per month! Since arriving in Berlin, we’ve been using N26 and Revolut mobile banks. And we haven’t paid a single fee, which helps us keep our cost of living low.
🔥 Bonus Tip: Looking for a credit card with no fees? The American Express PayBack credit card is an excellent choice! Not only is it FREE (with no monthly charges), but you also earn PayBack points, helping you save even more while living in Berlin.
Mobile Banks (Zero Fees)
Mobile banks are a top choice among expats for their convenience and ease of access. You get a German IBAN, user-friendly app in English, and an account with no monthly fees, making it perfect for managing your finances without the hassle of bureaucracy.
Here are some of the top mobile banks you can use in Germany, offering simple and fee-free banking right at your fingertips:
- N26 ⭐ OUR PICK ⭐
- Revolut ⭐ OUR PICK ⭐
- bunq ⭐ OUR PICK ⭐
- Tomorrow
- Vivid Money
Just bear in mind that these banks don’t have physical branches. So all your banking is done online or via their apps, which makes things super convenient but also means you won’t have in-person support.
Many of these mobile banks also offer paid plans, which typically include benefits like higher withdrawal limits, travel insurance, and additional perks to enhance your banking experience.
🔥 Bonus Tip: Zero-fee accounts often have limits on features like free withdrawals or transfers. To maximize your benefits, consider opening multiple mobile bank accounts to extend your limits. And if you need a credit card but don’t want to open one, bunq offers a free prepaid card that works just like a credit card! Check out our bunq mobile bank review for all the details.
Traditional Banks
If you prefer in-person service at a branch or need a Girokonto (checking account) with access to a Girocard (German debit card), these are some of the top traditional banks in Germany:
Most traditional banks charge a monthly fee. But some accounts can be free if you meet specific conditions, like receiving a minimum monthly deposit (e.g. your salary).
Gyms and Fitness Studios
If you’re looking to join a gym in Berlin, you’ll have endless opportunities to stay fit and active. With hundreds of gyms and fitness studios spread across the city, finding one that suits your lifestyle will be quick and easy.
The real challenge isn’t finding a gym, it’s deciding which one to join! Since no single company dominates the city, gyms are constantly competing to offer the best deals, leaving you to work out which deal is the best for your budget.
A 12-month membership at popular gyms like McFit, John Reed, SuperFit, and FitX costs no more than €30 per month. For premium options like Fitness First, Gold’s Gym, or Holmes Place, expect to pay at least €60 per month.
And if flexibility is your priority, Urban Sports offers access to multiple fitness studios across Berlin with memberships starting at €24 per month.
Here’s a quick list of some popular gyms and fitness studios in Berlin:
We chose to go with Holmes Place because their fitness studios feature a sauna, pool, and a quieter environment compared to the more crowded, budget-friendly gyms. Our memberships set us back €99.90 per month for access to all clubs countrywide. But at just over €3 per day, it’s still a small price to pay for a premium experience. After all, your body is your temple.
🔥 Bonus Tip: If you’d like to try out Holmes Place for yourself, we’re giving away a free weekly pass that grants you access to any of their gyms in Berlin. Just send an email with the referral code ‘NomadAndInLove’ to claim your free pass, and get a taste of the premium gym experience.
Cost of a Night Out in Berlin
Eating out, clubbing, exploring Christmas markets, and entertainment in general all costs money. The frequency at which you partake in these things will determine the amount of money you should budget.
As the cost of living in Berlin is lower compared to other European cities, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that things generally cost less. Here’s a range of prices from lowest to most expensive you can expect to pay for a night out in Berlin:
| Entertainment | Range (Low to High) |
|---|---|
| Meal for Two (including wine) | €40–€250 |
| Night Club Entrance | €8–€30 |
| Glass of Wine | €5–€12 |
| Cocktail | €6–€15 |
| Beer | €3.50–€7 |
| Movie | €6–€18 |
| Fast Food | €3–€15 |
| Theatre | €20–€200 |
| Cup of Coffee | €3–€6 |
As you can see, the cost of a night out in Berlin varies widely. So how much to budget will depend on where your preferences lie within the low and high ends of these ranges.
We typically spend around €300 per month on entertainment, which includes dining out at least once a week. And since public drinking is allowed in Berlin, we often grab cheap pre-drinks from a Späti (late shop) on our way to a night out, saving money along the way.
🗺️ Bonus Tip: Here’s a map with all our favorite places to eat in Berlin. It features the best restaurants for German food, Asian cuisine, our favorite döner kebab spots, fast food joints, the best places for cakes and desserts, and more.
Other Costs to Consider when Living in Berlin
When you move to Berlin, there are a few unexpected costs that might pop up on your radar. While rent, groceries, transport and healthcare are the usual suspects, there are some other things you’ll want to budget for.
From mandatory taxes to your daily coffee fix, here’s a quick rundown of what else you might need to budget for when living in Berlin.
Germany TV Tax
If you haven’t heard about it yet, then we’ll be happy to be the horse’s mouth. TV Tax in Germany is a real thing! So don’t be surprised when you receive a letter in the post requesting payment after you move into your new home.
The TV license fee works out to €18.36 per month, and you can pay it quarterly, semi-annually or annually. There are ways of avoiding the fee, but rather budget for it so there are no surprises when you arrive in Berlin.
Find out how it works and whether you’re exempt from paying in our Germany TV Tax guide.
Coffee
Another expense to consider is coffee. That’s because coffee-drinking culture in Berlin is ‘huuuge’! It’s simply a way of life. Your monthly coffee habit can easily exceed €100, blowing the lid of your cost of living wide open.
We brew our own coffee every morning using a coffee machine and barista accessories we bought on Amazon. At less than €0.80 per cup, we keep our costs in check, while sipping on the best lattes in Deutschland.
Learning German
What about learning German at a language school in Berlin? That can cost anywhere between €229 to €750 per month.
Yup, learning German is an investment. But don’t worry, you can also use these 22 free ways to learn German online.
Monthly Expense Breakdown: What We Spend Living in Berlin
We’ve been living in Berlin for over six years now and have settled quite well into our new life as expats. During this time, we’ve worked out that living here is surprisingly affordable compared to many other in-demand cities around the world.
If you’re curious about just how much more affordable Berlin is, check out our Living in London vs Berlin guide.
For us, Berlin takes the top spot as one of the most affordable, expat-friendly, and in-demand cities to live in Europe. But don’t just take our word for it, decide for yourself!
Here’s a summary of our monthly expenses for two people and our pet dog in Berlin, ordered from highest to lowest cost. This breakdown gives you a clear idea of how affordable living costs are in this vibrant city.
| Monthly Expenses | Provider | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | N/A | €1,385 |
| Health Insurance | TK | €900 |
| Groceries | Rewe / Edeka / Alnatura | €600 |
| Nebenkosten (Utilities) | N/A | €435 |
| Entertainment | N/A | €300 |
| Gym | Holmes Place (try with Free Weekly Pass) | €199.80 (€99.90 per Person) |
| Public Transport | BVG (valid country-wide) | €116 (€58 per Person) |
| Electricity | Ostrom (get €100 Sign-up Bonus) | €75 |
| Dental Insurance | Feather | €73.89 |
| Transport (Moped) | Dance (get 50% OFF for 3 months) | €63.99 |
| Internet (1,000Mbps) | Vodafone (get €90 Sign-up Bonus) | €45 |
| Pet Insurance | Agila | €44.67 |
| Pet Food | Fressnapf (get 12% OFF) | €20 |
| Mobile Phone Minutes & Data (200 min & 10GB) | Vodafone CallYa | €19.98 (€9.99 per Person) |
| Germany TV Tax | Rundfunkbeitrag | €18.36 |
| Tenants’ Association | Berliner Mieterverein | €11 |
| Private Liability Insurance | GetSafe (get €15 Sign-up Credit) | €6.49 |
| Home Contents Insurance | Lemonade | €6 |
| Investment Account | eToro (0% Commission on Stocks) | €0 |
| Bank Account | Revolut & N26 | €0 |
| Credit Card | American Express | €0 |
| Coffee | Amazon | €0 |
| Total | €4,320.18 (€2,160.09 per Person) |
Wrapping Things Up
Whatever your reason for moving to Berlin, we hope this cost of living guide helps you decide if the city is the right fit for you. If you do choose to make the move, here are some great deals on essential services and resources to help you get started.
Before making the big leap, be sure to check out our guide, How The ‘Unorthodox’ Netflix Series Reveals 10 Truths About Living in Berlin, for more insight into what it’s really like to live in the city.
Related Guide: It’s no secret that the cost of living in Berlin (and Germany as a whole) is rising. But don’t worry, there are easy ways you can cut down costs without sacrificing quality of life. Check out our How to Save Money in Germany guide for 14 easy tips to lower your living expenses.
