| Updated On - Nov 19, 2024
Germany is ranked 10th globally in terms of cost of living, making it a more affordable study destination compared to countries like the UK, Denmark, France, and the Netherlands. For Indian students, Germany offers a unique combination of high-quality education, reasonable living expenses, and a vibrant student culture.
Key Insights:
- Average Monthly Expenses: Around €992 (~₹88,762), covering essentials like food, accommodation and travel.
- Blocked Account Requirement: Students must show €10,332 (~₹9.2 lakhs) to cover their first year of living expenses.
- Health Insurance: Mandatory public health insurance costs between €120-€130 (~₹10,725-₹11,635) per month.
Also Read: Study in Germany
What Is the Cost of Living in Germany Per Month?
The monthly cost of living in Germany varies significantly depending on the city, type of accommodation, and lifestyle choices. Here's a breakdown of typical expenses for Indian students:
| Particulars | Monthly Cost (EUR) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Apartment | €300-€700 | ₹26,814 - ₹62,586 |
| One-Bedroom Apartment | €500-€1,200 | ₹44,690 - ₹1,07,256 |
| Restaurant Meal for Two | €50-€150 | ₹4,469 - ₹13,406 |
| Public Transportation | €70-€100 | ₹6,257 - ₹8,938 |
| Groceries | €150-€250 | ₹13,406 - ₹22,344 |
| Utilities (Electricity/Water) | €150-€300 | ₹13,406 - ₹26,814 |
| Internet and Mobile Recharge | €30-€40 | ₹2,681 - ₹3,575 |
| Health Insurance | €120-€130 | ₹10,725 - ₹11,635 |
| Gym Fee | €30-€50 | ₹2,681 - ₹4,469 |
| Cinema Tickets | €10-€15 | ₹894 - ₹1,341 |
Source: Expatrio, Numbeo
Accommodation Costs in Germany for Indian Students
Finding suitable housing is one of the primary concerns for Indian students. Germany offers both on-campus and off-campus housing options.
On-Campus Accommodation
- Cost: €150-€300 (~₹13,406 - ₹26,814) per month.
- Features: Includes basic furniture, utilities, and internet.
- Availability: Limited; often managed by the university’s International Office or Student Union.
Off-Campus Accommodation
- Shared Apartments (WG): €300-€700 (~₹26,814 - ₹62,586) per month.
- One-Bedroom Apartments: €500-€1,200 (~₹44,690 - ₹1,07,256) per month.
- City-Wise Rent Comparison:
| City | Average Rent (EUR) | Average Rent (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Munich | €1,094 | ₹97,803 |
| Berlin | €796 | ₹71,291 |
| Stuttgart | €846 | ₹75,593 |
| Leipzig | €491 | ₹43,870 |
| Dortmund | €460 | ₹41,135 |
Source: Livingcost.org
Legal Considerations for Indian Students
- Rental Contracts: Typically require a 1-3 month deposit.
- Registration: Students must register their address with local authorities within two weeks of moving in.
Food & Grocery Costs in Germany
Food expenses in Germany depend on eating habits and lifestyle. Cooking at home is significantly cheaper than dining out.
| Type of Food | Cost in EUR | Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at a Restaurant | €10-€15 | ₹894 - ₹1,341 |
| Milk (1 liter) | €0.88 | ₹79.52 |
| Eggs (12) | €2.28 | ₹206.59 |
| Bread (500g) | €1.33 | ₹120.06 |
| Chicken (1kg) | €6.91 | ₹626.94 |
| Rice (1kg) | €1.93 | ₹175.02 |
Tips for Budgeting Food Costs
- Cook at home and plan meals.
- Shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, or Netto.
- Use loyalty cards for additional discounts.
Also Check: Application Deadlines for Universities in Germany
Transportation Costs in Germany
Germany's public transportation system is efficient and affordable, especially for students.
| Type of Transport | Monthly Cost (EUR) | Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Transport Pass | €55-€100 | ₹4,920 - ₹8,938 |
| Bike Rentals | €10-€30 | ₹894 - ₹2,681 |
| Taxi Rides (5km average) | €15-€30 | ₹1,341 - ₹2,681 |
|
Pro Tip: Many universities in Germany include a semester transport pass in their fees, offering unlimited access to buses and trains in the local area. |
Healthcare Costs in Germany
Health insurance is mandatory for all international students in Germany.
| Healthcare Service | Cost in EUR | Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor’s Visit | €30-€100 | ₹2,681 - ₹8,938 |
| Hospital Stay (Per Day) | €15-€200 | ₹1,341 - ₹17,876 |
| Prescription Medication | €10-€20 | ₹894 - ₹1,788 |
| Health Insurance (Public) | €120-€130 | ₹10,725 - ₹11,635 |
Utility and Internet Costs in Germany
Monthly utilities include electricity, water, and internet.
| Utility Type | Cost in EUR | Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity & Gas | €50-€100 | ₹4,469 - ₹8,938 |
| Internet | €30-€50 | ₹2,681 - ₹4,469 |
| Mobile Recharge | €20-€35 | ₹1,788 - ₹3,131 |
Tips to Save Money as an Indian Student in Germany
- Utilize Student Discounts: Many stores, museums, and public transport services offer discounts for students.
- Cook at Home: Eating out often can quickly add up.
- Use Discount Supermarkets: Lidl and Aldi offer great deals on groceries.
- Part-Time Work: Students can work up to 120 full days per year, earning up to €12/hour (~₹1,072).
- Opt for Shared Accommodation: Sharing reduces costs for rent and utilities.
Germany offers high-quality education and a manageable cost of living for Indian students. With average monthly expenses around €992 (~₹88,762) and numerous student benefits like discounts and public transport passes, Germany remains one of the most affordable destinations for higher education.
Note: 1 EUR = ₹89.38 (as of November 19, 2024)
FAQs
Ques. Can I cover my living expenses in Germany through part-time jobs?
Ans. Yes, Indian students in Germany are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year as per visa regulations. The average hourly pay for part-time jobs ranges from €12-€15 (~₹1,072-₹1,341), depending on the job and location. By working 15-20 hours a week, you can earn enough to cover a significant portion of your living expenses, especially for rent and groceries.
Ques. How do I find affordable housing in Germany as an Indian student?
Ans. The most affordable housing options include Student Dormitories (€150-€300) and Shared Apartments (WG) (€300-€700). Contact your university's International Office early for on-campus housing options or use platforms like WG-Gesucht.de and HousingAnywhere for off-campus shared accommodation.
Ques. Are there any specific discounts or benefits for students in Germany?
Ans. Yes, many institutions and services offer student discounts. You can save 10-50% on public transportation, museum entries, movie tickets, and even groceries in some cases. Carry your university ID card to access these benefits. Additionally, some universities include semester transport passes in their tuition fees, which provide unlimited local travel.
Ques. What are the hidden costs Indian students often overlook when planning their budget?
Ans. Some often-overlooked costs include:
- Registration Fees: €50-€100 (~₹4,469-₹8,938) for city registration.
- Blocked Account Fees: Approximately €150 (~₹13,407) for account setup and maintenance.
- Visa Extension Fees: €100 (~₹8,938) for renewing student visas.
- Translation of Documents: €20-€50 per document (~₹1,788-₹4,469). These costs can add up, so it’s important to budget for them.
Ques. How can I reduce utility and internet costs while living in Germany?
Ans. To save on utilities:
- Choose Shared Accommodation: Shared apartments split utility bills among roommates.
- Monitor Usage: Reduce heating and electricity usage, especially in winter.
- Select Affordable Internet Plans: Providers like Vodafone and O2 offer competitive plans starting at €25-€30 (~₹2,235-₹2,681).
- Opt for Bundled Deals: Many providers bundle internet and mobile services, offering better rates.
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