Study guide · 06

Living costs & budgeting

Monthly costs range from €800 to €1,100 depending on city. Cities like Wuppertal, Dortmund, and Bochum are significantly more affordable than Munich or Frankfurt — and often better for international students.

Germany's cost of living varies enormously between cities. Cities like Wuppertal, Dortmund and Bochum are not only home to strong universities; they are among the most affordable places to study in Germany. This is not a compromise. It is a strategic advantage.

Key information

Wuppertal

~€750–850 / mo

Rent €350–500 · Food €200–250 · Transport: SemesterTicket · Insurance & phone €130–150

Dortmund

~€750–900 / mo

Rent €350–500 · Food €200–250 · Transport: VRR covered · Insurance & phone €130–150

Bochum

~€800–950 / mo

Rent €380–520 · Food €200–250 · Transport: covered · Insurance & phone €130–150

Berlin

~€1,000–1,200 / mo

Rent €600–800 · Food €220–280 · Transport: BVG covered · Insurance & phone €130–150

Munich

~€1,200–1,500 / mo

Rent €750–1,100 · Food €250–300 · Transport: covered · Insurance & phone €130–150

Student canteens (Mensa) serve hot meals for €2.50–4.50. Working up to 120 full days per year is permitted on a student visa.