Living Cost Calculator

Monthly living costs range from €800-2,200 depending on city and lifestyle. Affordable cities like Leipzig and Dresden cost €900-1,300/month, while expensive cities like Munich and Frankfurt cost €1,600-2,200/month. The average trainee stipend is €900-1,300/month. The blocked account requirement is €992/month (€11,904/year).

The most affordable cities include: Leipzig (€900-1,300/month), Dresden (€850-1,250/month), Bochum (€800-1,200/month), Chemnitz (€780-1,180/month), and Erfurt (€850-1,280/month). Rent differences are significant: €300-500 for shared apartments in affordable cities vs €500-800 in Munich.

In affordable cities with €1,000-1,200/month stipend, it covers all basic costs. In moderate-cost cities, it's possible with careful budgeting. In expensive cities, you may face a €200-400 monthly deficit. Part-time work (up to 20 hours/week) can earn you €400-600/month at €12-15/hour.

The €992/month blocked account breaks down to: Accommodation (€350-600), Food (€200-300), Health insurance (€120), Transportation (€30-50), and Miscellaneous (€100-200). Note that actual costs often exceed this amount in expensive cities like Munich or Frankfurt.

Munich is 50-80% more expensive overall. Shared apartments: Munich €500-800 vs Leipzig €330-520. Total monthly costs: Munich €1,600-2,200 vs Leipzig €900-1,300. Rent is €300-400 higher, food costs 15-20% more, and miscellaneous expenses are 30-40% higher in Munich.

Yes, significantly. Dormitories cost €180-500/month (cheapest option). Shared apartments (WG) cost €300-800/month. Studio apartments cost €500-1,500/month. However, dormitory waiting lists can be 6-12 months in popular cities, so apply early.

Budget lifestyle (home cooking): €125-220/month. Moderate lifestyle (mixed): €175-320/month. Comfortable lifestyle (dining out): €255-450/month. Save money with student Mensas (€2.50-5/meal), discount supermarkets (Aldi, Lidl), and the Too Good To Go app.

Yes, up to 20 hours/week (120 full days or 240 half days per year). Wages: €12-15/hour (minimum wage €12.82 in 2026). Potential earnings: €400-600/month. Popular jobs include healthcare shifts (€15-18/hour), retail/hospitality (€12-14/hour), tutoring (€15-25/hour), and delivery (€13-16/hour).

Budget €2,500-4,500 total: Security deposit (€900-2,400), first month rent (€300-800), city registration (€30-50), health insurance first month (€120), residence permit (€100), bedding/kitchenware (€200-400), winter clothing (€150-300), SIM card (€10-30), transport/bike (€30-100), emergency buffer (€300-500).

Plan for €14,000-17,000 total: Blocked account (€11,904), first-month setup costs (€2,500-4,500), emergency buffer (€500-1,000), and an additional flexibility fund (€2,000-3,000) for unexpected expenses during your first months.