Cost Of Living In Germany For Indian Students

It is good that you have thought about studying in Germany, as this blog is just what you have been searching for. Germany is one of the promising countries and is popular among all the European countries. When you think about studying in Germany, the first thing you should consider and know about in detail is the cost of living in Germany. You need not worry too much about this, as Germany is not a very expensive country, especially when compared to those like the USA or the UK. The average cost of living is, however, higher than the average in the European Union. The cost of living in Germany, of course, depends on your living area. On average, international students will have to spend around EUR 800 - EUR 1000 per month or EUR 10,000 - EUR 11,000 per year. 

What Is The Cost of Living in Germany?

The average cost of living in Germany ranges from EUR 800 to EUR 1000 per month for Indian Students. The cost of living in Germany as a student includes accommodation, travel and other costs apart from the study cost. It is important to have a thorough understanding of the cost of living in Germany for international students as it helps you plan your expenses accordingly. The table below helps you get an average idea of the expenses that can incur per month. It should be noted that it is a rough estimate and may or may not increase/decrease. Also, the amount in INR is subject to change.

Accommodation Costs in Germany

Cost of accommodation constitutes a larger share of the expenses in Germany. Several forms of accommodation are available, and you can choose the one that best fits you according to your interest. The three types of accommodation are given in the table below.

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Rent in The Best Cities in Germany

As mentioned above, accommodation forms the major part of the cost of living for students in Germany. This cost can vary depending on the place you live in and the type of accommodation you choose. The most expensive cities in Germany are Munich and Stuttgart. Dortmund, on the other hand, is the cheapest one. The average monthly rent in different German cities is listed below.

Cost of Living in Munich

As mentioned above, Munich is one of the most expensive cities in Germany. The average expense can come from around EUR 1000 to EUR 1200, but don't worry; you will find several ways to cut down your expenses. It is no joke that accommodation costs make a huge chunk of the total expenses. At the same time, you can choose to live in a student hall or private apartment as per your financial situation. The average expenses in Munich are listed in the table below.

Cost of Living in Berlin

Berlin is one of the popular student destinations in Germany. Some famous universities in Berlin include the Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin Institute of Technology etc. As such, there are several international students in the city of Berlin. The average cost of living in Berlin is given in the table below.

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Food Cost in Germany

The cost of essential food items and groceries in Germany is low compared to several other places. The table below shows the average cost of some food items and groceries.

Transportation Costs in Germany

You would have observed that the cost of transportation was included in the cost of living in Germany section. It can come up to EUR 150. There are a few modes of transportation available for students; it is essential to know about them and their average cost. The same is mentioned in the table below. It should be kept in mind that the same is the cost that can incur per month.

Entertainment Costs in Germany

You are shifting to Germany and you should, of course, try out all the exciting stuff that the country has to offer. As a tourist attraction, there are plenty of things to explore in Germany. You should surely experience the social lifestyle lived by the natives. With various clubs, restaurants, adventures, and other similar activities, Germany will surely be an exciting place to explore. It will indeed incur expense, and there is nothing wrong with spending on something you really should know about. You must enjoy a new culture and lifestyle. Though it may sound expensive, it is not as expensive as you think. You can spend around EUR 150 to EUR 250 per month on eating out, exploring, etc. However, all of this depends on your financial situation. You must keep track of your expenses.

Costs And Types of Health Insurance in Germany for International Students

Health insurance is a critical factor in studying in Germany. It can also constitute a significant source of expense for you. You can go for special student discounts for public health insurance if you are under 30 years and are admitted to a degree course in a recognised German institution. Those under 23 years of age can pay EUR 105.05, and those over 23 can pay EUR 106.93 as a part of their monthly living expense in Germany. This amount will cover both nursing care and public healthcare.

Those aged above 30 years can choose either public or private health insurance. You will come across several private health insurance premiums that cost lower than the public ones. The amount can be as low as EUR 40 per month. However, if you have already found a job to support your expenses, it is better to opt for public health insurance. You can pay it in the form of security contributions that come to around 14.6% of your gross salary. Another advantage is that the overall amount will be equally shared between the employee and the employer and comes to around EUR 360 per month. The best public health insurance premiums in Germany are AOK, KKH, TK, Barmer etc.

Those above 30 years of age doing PG or non-graduate programs and without a job can choose private health insurance like EDUCARE24. The premium will be somewhere around EUR 33 to EUR 130 per month.

The public health insurance premiums available for those below 30 years of age are as follows. The average amount that can come is also listed.

• DAK Gesundheit: EUR 111.75
• Techniker Krankenkasse (TK): EUR 105.80 and EUR 103.94 for those aged 22 and below.
• Kaufmannische Krankenkasse (KK): EUR 111.75
• Barmer: EUR 108.77
• AOK Baden Wurttemberg: EUR 107.29

Best Cities to Live in Germany

A few places like Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt etc. are the more famous ones in Germany. These are the places where you find a concentration of students, both domestic and international. The table below comprises some of the most popular and cheapest cities and the estimated monthly cost of living.

Tips to Save Money in Germany

All the discussion till now was about the cost of living in Germany. Almost all the costs are mentioned in detail, which will help you get a clear picture of the expenses coming your way in Germany. What is more critical with this estimate is a few tips to help you save money. You now have an idea about your expenses, and the points mentioned below are here to help you more.

• Choose supermarkets wisely: It was mentioned earlier that groceries and food items have comparatively lower prices in Germany. One equally important thing is your choice of supermarkets. You can inquire with the natives and domestic students about farmers' markets where you will get fresh products. You can check for discounts, offers and sales in several stores and buy accordingly. Another idea is to buy in bulk.
• Choose sports over gym: Physical fitness, undoubtedly, is essential. If you go to a gym, you will have to pay a few Euros monthly. Thus, choosing outdoor games and sports over the gym is advisable.
• Share your room: The monthly rent will be considerably reduced when you have roommates. In fact, the more the number of people with you, the lesser the rent. Wohngemeinschaft or WG is an arrangement where you can share your room with others. You can have a tenancy agreement and save EUR 100 - EUR 200.
• Transportation: You can choose those modes of transport that are cheaper and visit their official website. There you will find student concessions. You can even buy a bicycle and use it, which is a cheaper option.
• Find an additional source of income: There are options of working part-time after your classes on weekdays or weekends. Though they may not be highly-paid jobs, it is always better than having nothing. You can use it for your purposes. International students are allowed to work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year.

Cost of Living in Germany vs Other Study Abroad Destinations

It was already discussed that the cost of living in Germany is lower compared to several other popular study-abroad destinations. The table below shows the average price of some basic daily necessities in Germany, the USA, the UK, Canada and Australia.

If you wish to know more about studying in Germany, scholarship opportunities, visa processing etc., you can contact aecc . We will provide you with all the help and assistance you need. That way, you will not be stuck anywhere during your application and get expert guidance.

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