What is the cheapest city to live in Germany in 2024? Germany is known as one of the most expensive places to live in Europe. However, there are still some cities within the country that offer a low cost of living to residents.
Anyone considering relocating to or attending school in Germany should be fully aware of the expense of living there. Calculating the average monthly cost, which will cover costs for things like rent, utilities, food, transportation, and health insurance, is a part of preparing for this exciting relocation.
But the good news is that residents in Germany can enjoy a relatively low cost of living considering the standard of living in the country. In this article, we will explore the cheapest city to live in Germany in 2024.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Living in Germany
Before we dive into the specific city that offers affordable living in Germany, it is important to understand the factors that affect the cost of living in any given location.
1. Housing
One of the most significant factors that impact the cost of living is housing. Rent and utilities can make up a large portion of an individual’s spending. In addition, food, transportation, healthcare, and entertainment costs are also critical factors in determining the cost of living.
2. Local Wage Rate
Another vital consideration is the local wage rate. The amount that people earn in a particular area can drastically impact their ability to afford necessities.
3. Taxes, Laws and Regulations
Lastly, taxes, laws, and regulations can make a significant difference in the overall cost of living in a specific area, especially in Germany. These laws and regulations control the flow of money within the country and may affect the cost of living in specific areas.
5 Cheapest City to Live in Germany in 2024
The five cheapest cities to live in Germany are:
- The City of Halle
- Bielefeld
- Frankfurt (Oder)
- Krefeld
- Passau
1. The City of Halle
Halle is one of the cheapest cities to live in Germany. It is a city in eastern Germany, located in the state of Saxony-Anhalt. It has a population of about 238,000 people and is known for its university, historic buildings, and cultural events.
Halle offers affordable housing options. According to Numbeo, the average cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city Centre is around €450 a month, and a three-bedroom apartment averages €800 per month.
In Halle, the cost of food is relatively low compared to other German cities. Essentials such as milk, bread, rice, and eggs can be purchased at a low price. A standard meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around €10, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant averages around €25. The cost of beer in Halle is also relatively low, with a bottle costing around €2.
In addition, In Halle, public transportation is readily available and reasonably priced. A single one-way ticket for public transportation costs €2.40, while a monthly pass costs €59. Additionally, taxis in Halle are also reasonably priced, with an average fare of €6.
Living ExpensesHalle City vs Berlin
| Living Expenses | Halle City | Berlin City |
| Transportation One-way Ticket (Local Transport)Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | 2. 73€ 49.00€ | 49€ – 65€ |
| Accommodation Apartment (1 bedroom) in City CentreApartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | 533.33 Euro 950.00 Euro per month | 650€ – 900€ |
| Restaurants | 10.00€ – 20.00€ per meal | 12€ – 25€ |
| Utilities | 104.00€ Per month | €245 |
2. Bielefeld
The city of Bielefeld is located in the northeast region of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and has a population of around 350,000 citizens. Living here comes at an affordable price.
Paying rent in this city isn’t as expensive as in other cities in Germany. At present, you can get a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre for an average cost of €460. With a bit of luck, you can find something in downtown areas for €400 per month and between €200-€450 in peripheral areas.
In Bielefeld, there are many good restaurants around where you can have a meal at an affordable price. On average, a meal for a single person in an inexpensive restaurant will cost you €10 whereas for two the bill can climb up to €50. A beer costs about €3.50, and a cup of cappuccino costs €2.70.
Living Expenses in Bielefeld Ver Berlin
| Living Expenses | Cost in Bielefeld | Cost in Berlin |
| Rent (1-bedroom apartment) | €350 – €500 per month | €650 – €900 |
| Utilities | 300.00€ per month | €245 |
| Transportation | €30 – €50 for monthly pass | 49€ – 65€ |
| Restaurants (Average meal) | €9 – €14 | €12 – €20 |
| Groceries | €150 – €200 | €200 – €250 |
2. Frankfurt (Oder)
Frankfurt (Oder) is a city located in East Germany near the Polish border, situated alongside the Oder River. It has around 60,000 residents residing in an area of about 150 km2.
The cost of living is relatively low, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costing about €460 per month and €325 in outlying locations. A three-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs on average around €1,250 per month, but there are several available for a price range of €400-€1,400.
Utility expenses can be reduced to €225 by cutting back on the use of power, water, and other utilities. Frankfurt is known for affordable dining options, with budget restaurants costing around €8 for a single person’s dinner. The cost of beer is about €3.10 for domestic and €2.85 for imported beers.
Living Expenses for Frankfurt (Oder) vs Berline
| Category | Frankfurt (Oder) | Berlin | Difference |
| Rent (Monthly) | Studio: €400-5001-Bedroom: €500-6502-Bedroom: €650-800 | Studio: €600-8001-Bedroom: €700-9002-Bedroom: €800-1,100 | 40-50% higher in Berlin |
| Utilities (Monthly) | €100-150 | €150-200 | 33% higher in Berlin |
| Transportation (Monthly Pass) | €50 | €80 | 60% higher in Berlin |
| Groceries (Weekly) | €40-50 | €50-60 | 20% higher in Berlin |
| Restaurants (Daily) | Budget: €5-10Mid-range: €10-20 | Budget: €8-12Mid-range: €15-25 | 40-60% higher in Berlin |
| Leisure (Daily) | €5-10 | €10-15 | 50-100% higher in Berlin |
| Internet (Monthly) | €20-30 | €30-40 | 33% higher in Berlin |
| Mobile Phone Plan (Monthly) | €15-25 | €20-30 | 20-33% higher in Berlin |
Source: Numbeo, Expatistan and TripAdvisor
3. Krefeld
Krefeld is a city in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany that is situated near Dusseldorf. With an approximate population of 230,000 people, the city spans an area of 137 square kilometres. It is a cost-effective location to reside in as the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is around €450 per month, and it is even cheaper on the outskirts at €400 per month. If someone requires a larger apartment, with three bedrooms, then they must be prepared to pay more, as the average rent for such accommodation in Krefeld’s centre is approximately €760 and ranges between €400 and €1,100.
Living Expenses in Krefeld
| Living Expenses | Cost |
| Accommodation Studio Apartment (City Center)- 1 Bedroom Apartment (City Center)- 2 Bedroom Apartment (City Center) | €600-€800€700-€900€800-€1100 |
| Transportation Monthly public transport Pass | €70-€90 |
| Food Groceries Eating Out (Casual)Eating Out (Restaurant) | €200-€300 per month€10-€15 per meal€20-€30 per meal |
| Utilities ((Electricity, Water, Gas))Internet | €100-€150 per month€30-€50 per month |
Source: Numbeo, Vergleich.org, livingcost.org
4. Passau City Germany
Another cheap place you can find to live in Germany is Passau. Passau is a small German city situated in the south of the country bordering Austria. The city’s central attraction is the convergence of the Danube, Ilz, and Inn rivers, earning it the name “The City of Three Rivers,” with 50,000 inhabitants.
Passau is an incredibly budget-friendly location compared to other German cities as the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is €600 in the city and €340 outside. In comparison, a three-bedroom apartment’s average cost is approximately €1,050 within the city center and €700 in the suburbs.
The cost of living, such as food and drink, is relatively cheaper than in other cities, with an inexpensive meal at a restaurant costing around €7 per person, a cup of beer costing €2.80, and a cappuccino costing €2.20. As a consequence, both Krefeld and Passau are incredibly cost-effective German cities to live in and should be considered by individuals seeking affordable accommodations.
Living Expenses in Passau
| Living Expenses | Cost |
| Transportation Monthly Pass (Regular Price)Gasoline (1 liter) | 48.00€1.72€ |
| Utilities (Monthly)Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) Internet Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | 275.78€ 47.95€13.99€ |
| AccordmodationApartment (1 bedroom) in City CentreApartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | 567.37€415.00€ |
| Food Eating Out (Casual)Eating Out (Restaurant) | €8-€12 per meal€15-€25 per meal |
Source: Numbeo, Livingcost.org
Which German City is the most Affordable?
According to the website, Livingcost.org, and by the assertion of this article, the Cheapest Cities or rather, the most affordable cities to live in Germany are
- Bielefeld – Average cost of living is $1658
- Frankfurt (Oder) – Average Cost of living €2,439
- Halle – Average Cost of Living $1217
- Krefeld – The Average cost of living in Krefeld is $1312
- Passau – The average cost of Living in Passau is Cost of living 1300
Therefore, depending on your budget, either of these can be the most affordable. But by our estimate, Halle is the best city to live in Germany.
What is the cost of living in Germany in 2024?
You can expect your total costs to be between €1200 – €3000 per month as an individual living in Germany.
General estimates of Cost of living in Germany
Here’s a rough estimate of the average monthly cost of living in Germany for different situations:
- Single person: €1,698 (excluding rent) or €2,456 (including rent).
- Family of four: €3,203 (excluding rent) or €4,473 (including rent).
Breakdown of costs:
- Accommodation: €500-€1,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment (depending on location and size).
- Food: €200-€400 per month for groceries, €10-€30 per meal for eating out (depending on dining style).
- Transportation: €40-€100 per month for public transport, €1.65-€1.85 per liter for gasoline.
- Utilities: €80-€150 per month for electricity, water, and gas.
- Health insurance: €100-€300 per month (depending on income and chosen plan).
- Mobile phone plan: €20-€40 per month.
Source: Numbeo, Expatistan, Studying-in-germany.org
Summary of Cheapest City to Live in Germany
Starting a new life in another country is no small joke but with the right resources and planning, you can set out just fine. So whether you are a student planning to relocate, or a family seeking a new beginning in Germany, you can find just the city that fits your budget.
According to popular research, Halle will be one of the cheapest cities to live in Germany in 2024 with $1217 as the estimated average cost of living The city offers affordable housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and entertainment, making it an ideal option for individuals looking for a low cost of living.
However, keep in mind that the cost of living is not the only factor to consider when deciding where to live. It is vital also to consider other factors such as job opportunities, culture, education, and the environment. Nonetheless, Halle remains a great option for anyone looking to reduce their cost of living in Germany.
We hope you found this article insightful, feel free to leave us a comment in case you have any questions or something you’d like to add. We would love to hear from you.
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