Cost of living in Germany. Life in Germany. Many people find it hard to manage their monthly budgets, and saving money is often not an option. According to the long-term study “Ängste der Deutschen,” carried out by R+V-Infocenter since 1992, 40% of those surveyed worry they won’t be able to keep up their standard of living. But how much money is needed each month to cover everyday expenses?
Cost of living in Germany
To get an idea of how much money is needed for daily expenses, it’s helpful to look at the average spending data. According to the Federal Statistical Office, in 2022, the average household in Germany spent €2,846 per month. The biggest portion, €1,025, went towards housing, energy, and property upkeep.
German households spent an average of €417 on food and tobacco. Transportation costs followed at €347, and entertainment, sports, and culture added €245. Dining out and hotel stays averaged €177, while home goods and appliances totalled €170.
Read also: How to successfully apply for a jobseekers visa to work in Germany
Other expenses included:
- Health: €118
- Clothing and footwear: €103
- Other goods and services: €96
- Educational services: €19
- Financial and insurance services: €7
These amounts are averages and can differ based on personal needs and lifestyle. Some costs, like rent or energy bills, are hard to adjust, while others, such as entertainment or dining, offer more room for savings.
Budget management example
If a single person lives in a rented apartment with a monthly rent of €800 (including utilities) and has a net income of €2,000, their total monthly expenses are about €1,800. This includes €1,000 for everyday expenses after rent is deducted. The remaining €200 can be set aside for savings or other uses, according to the expense calculator on the gofeminin.de portal.
What is the minimum wage in Germany?
In the example above, the person earns a net income of €2,000. However, many people earn a slightly higher gross salary, especially those on the minimum wage in Germany. Since January 1, 2025, the statutory minimum wage is €12.82 per hour. A full-time employee working 40 hours a week would earn approximately €2,230 per month.