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Navigating Germany’s High Cost of Living: Tips for New Residents

Cost of living in Germany.  Life in Germany. The high cost of living and the gap between wages and job demands often drive many to seek work abroad, with Germany being a popular choice due to its significantly higher salaries. However, it’s important to factor in the cost of living, which can also be quite high. Expenses such as rent, food, and daily necessities can vary widely. Therefore, conducting a thorough cost analysis is crucial to ensure you can live comfortably and without financial stress in Germany.

Cost of living in Germany?

Germany has been seen as the strongest economy in Europe for years. The job market provides many opportunities, and salaries are generally higher than in Romania, especially for specialists. While German companies have high expectations for skills and training, they offer competitive wages in return.
Read also: Faster Path to German Citizenship: Work, Business, or Marriage?

 Another benefit of living in Germany is the efficiency of its healthcare system. Every German citizen has access to high-quality medical care. For those moving to Germany with their family or planning to have children, the education system is well-organized and provides many educational opportunities. However, the cost of living in Germany is generally higher than in other European countries, with real estate prices, especially in large cities, being quite high. Additionally, the language barrier can be a significant challenge, as German is a difficult language to learn.

Prices of everyday products

The cost of basic food items in Germany is higher than in Romania, but not by much. On average, a lunch for two people in a restaurant costs around 60 euros. A kilogram of bread costs 4 euros, a liter of milk just over 1 euro, chicken meat 12 euros per kilogram, and beef 15 euros per kilogram. For vegetables and fruits, you can expect to pay about 1.40 euros per kilogram for potatoes and 2.50 euros per kilogram for apples.

Fuel prices are also higher in Germany. A litre of Super E10 costs around 1.73 euros, while diesel averages 1.61 euros per liter. Cigarette prices are significantly higher, with a pack costing over 8 euros.
Read also: Germany’s new citizenship law: What you need to know about dual citizenship

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Germany?

The real estate market in Germany is significantly more expensive than in many parts of Romania. In central areas of major cities, prices can be very high. For example, in Berlin, the price per square meter is around 9,000 euros, and in Munich, it can reach 11,000 euros. However, in less populated areas or on the outskirts, prices are lower, averaging about 4,500 euros per square meter.

Renting a two-room apartment typically costs between 700 and 1,000 euros per month, depending on the location and distance from the center. Larger apartments can cost over 1,500 euros per month. Monthly bills for gas, electricity, and water are around 300 euros, according to T-online.de.

How high are the salaries in Germany?

Salaries in Germany are significantly higher than in Romania. The minimum wage in Romania is about three times lower than in Germany, with Romania at around 740 euros compared to 2,151 euros in Germany. Additionally, the average salary in Germany is 4,300 euros, while in Romania it is approximately 1,600 euros. All of these salary figures are gross.