Cost of Living in Germany for Indian Students in 2025-26

Studying in Germany is exciting. But do you know? Even if your tuition is free, nothing else is.

And that “nothing else” can quickly add up

In 2024, the average monthly living expense for a student in Germany is about EUR 934 (around INR 85,000). That includes rent, groceries, transport, phone bills, basically, your entire life there.

And yes, it can go higher in cities like Munich, Frankfurt, or Hamburg.

So before you pack your bags, it’s smart to know what it’s really going to cost.

Key Highlights:

• In 2024, students in Germany spent EUR 850 to EUR 1,200 per month (approx. INR 78,000 to INR 1.1 lakh) on living expenses.

• Tuition at public universities in Germany is usually free, but students must still pay a semester fee of EUR 250-350.

• Rent in Germany ranges from EUR 300 to EUR 700 (INR 27,000-64,000) depending on the city and housing type.

• Food, groceries, and eating out cost between EUR 150-250 (INR 14,000-23,000) per month.

• Health insurance is mandatory and costs around EUR 70-110 (INR 6,400-10,100) monthly.

• Shared flats (WGs) are the most popular and affordable housing choice among students.

• Big cities like Munich and Frankfurt are expensive, while cities like Leipzig, Dresden, and Bochum are much more budget-friendly.

In this blog, we’ll break down actual living expenses in Germany, rent, food, transport, insurance, and more, with city-wise comparisons, money-saving tips, and hacks specific to Indian students.

As of 2024, the average monthly living cost for international students in Germany falls between EUR 850 to EUR 1,200 (around INR 78,000 to INR 1.1 lakh). This includes all your basic expenses like rent, food, transportation, and health insurance.

Your actual spending will depend a lot on your city (Munich is costlier than Leipzig), your housing type (shared flat vs private studio), and your lifestyle choices.

Here’s a detailed monthly cost breakdown to help you plan better:

The student cost of living in Germany is based on your accommodation type, the number of times you eat at a restaurant etc.

As an international student, you obviously will be tempted to explore the country, cuisine etc. And to spend on your first year, you can withdraw about €850 or INR 82,542 every month from your Germany blocked account. Thus, keep in mind that the costs mentioned above are the basic expenses you will incur regularly.

To understand your expense structure further, let’s discuss each of them in detail:

Rent in Germany

The main student living cost in Germany for Indian students is the accommodation cost. Your expenses as a student vary depending upon the kind of accommodation and location you choose to reside. Living in Germany is the most expensive in Munich and Stuttgart. Whereas, living in Dortmund can be pretty reasonable.

The average cost of living in different cities in Germany in a rented accommodation:

Food and Outings Cost

Leaving your home and moving miles away to another country implies that you will have to manage your meals. Be it if you need to cook or go to a restaurant. Although, one thing that you need to remember is that spending on food in a restaurant on a daily basis will be very expensive for you as a student. Therefore, cooking for yourself is the best way to keep your expenses in check in Germany. 

Average Cost in Germany on Food and Beverages is -

Transportation Cost in Germany

The cost of living in Germany for Indian students also includes the cost of commuting around the city. But, the good news is, travelling across Germany and in the cities of Germany is very convenient. Students use a bicycle to move around easily in the city.  Germany’s public transport services are well-planned and well connected with trains and buses. And so, the cost of living for Indian students in Germany aren’t highly impacted by their transportation charges.

In addition to the easy cheap transportation across the city, round tickets to travel across Europe come in handy to Indian students. Many Indian students have hassle-free travel because of the easy and low-cost transportation systems.

Shopping Cost

As an Indian student, you will for sure be excited by everything available for you in Germany. Be it the fashion parade of trendy clothes, the delicious desserts or even a pair of branded shoes, the list goes on. Even if you succeed in controlling your urge of buying a whole mall, you will still spend about €100+ every month on shopping.

(Sensibly speaking) Examining your needs and wants will further help you prioritise your living cost in Germany as a student. By doing so, the living expenses in Germany for Indian students reduces and the same amount helps them cater to much wiser needs.

Health Insurance Charges

Living cost in Germany for Indian students include the cost of personal health insurance. Foreign students are required to have mandatory health insurance to get a German student visa. It is important to have a health coverage plan to secure yourself in Germany while studying.

There are two types of insurances you can sign up for :

Other Expenses

The above regular expenses will definitely be a part of your monthly expenses in Germany. Although, there will be other additional expenses such as your phone bills, internet charges, recreational expenses and more. This expense is subjective to a student's interest and so can vary.

Implying that if you are an avid reader, you will spend on books often. Whereas, if you’re a gamer, you will be interested in buying the latest gaming equipment in Germany.

The monthly cost of living in Germany for Indian students usually falls between EUR 850 to EUR 1,200 (INR 78,000 to INR 1.1 lakh). But this number depends on a lot of personal choices, where you live, how you eat, and how you manage your lifestyle.

Here’s a realistic monthly estimate for students living in a mid-range city, staying in shared accommodation, cooking at home, and using public transport:

Where you live in Germany plays a huge role in how much you spend each month. Big cities like Munich, Frankfurt, or Hamburg are more expensive, especially when it comes to rent and dining out. 

On the other hand, cities like Leipzig, Bochum, or Dresden are much more student-friendly when it comes to costs.

Here’s a comparison of monthly rent and basic living costs in some popular cities:

Note: These are average estimates for shared accommodation. Costs can be higher for single apartments or private housing.

So, if you're planning to study in Germany on a budget, choosing a smaller or mid-sized city can significantly lower your monthly living expenses.

Not all German cities burn a hole in your pocket. In fact, several student-friendly cities offer great education, decent infrastructure, and a lower cost of living compared to places like Munich or Frankfurt. These cities are ideal for international students who want a balance of affordability and quality of life.

Here are some of the most affordable cities in Germany for students:

For most international students, studying in public universities in Germany is almost free, except for a small semester fee. 

However, private universities in Germany can cost anywhere from INR 8 lakhs to INR 25 lakhs per year (EUR 9,000 -]- EUR 28,000) depending on the course and institution.

Here's a breakdown:

Some states like Baden-Württemberg charge non-EU students an annual tuition of around EUR 3,000 (INR 2.6 lakhs), even in public universities.

Studying in Germany can be affordable, but smart budgeting is key. Here are five easy hacks that can help you save money as a student in Germany:

• Use Your Student ID for Discounts: Your student ID is more powerful than you think. It can get you discounts on transportation, movie tickets, museum entries, restaurants, gym memberships, and even shopping.

• Buy a Public Transport Pass: Monthly or semester transport tickets are cheaper than buying single rides. Many cities offer student-friendly passes that cover buses, trams, and trains across zones.

• Apply for Scholarships: Germany offers several scholarships that cover tuition, living expenses, or both. DAAD and university-specific scholarships are a good place to start.

• Shop During Seasonal Sales: Sales during summer, winter, or clearance events offer big discounts. Whether it’s clothes, electronics, or home supplies, plan your shopping around these times.

• Take Up a Part-Time Job: International students can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. This is a great way to earn extra money and cover your rent, groceries, or travel.

 Suggested: What are the Different ways to Finance your education in Germany?

Living in Germany as an international student doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but it does need planning. While public universities save you from high tuition fees, managing your rent, groceries, insurance, and transport smartly is where real savings happen.

The key is to research well, budget realistically, and track every cost from pre-arrival to monthly living.

And if you’re confused about blocked accounts, scholarships, or budgeting for specific cities like Munich vs Leipzig, that’s where Yocket Premium comes in.

From expert-led cost planning to tailored university and visa guidance, we simplify your entire journey to Germany.