Cost of living in Cologne
Cologne, a vibrant city in Germany, is known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and bustling economy. Understanding the cost of living in Cologne is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this dynamic city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $13.70 on average, with a range between $10.54 and $26.34.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $68.49, with prices ranging from $52.68 to $126.44.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.54, with a range between $9.48 and $12.64.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $2.24 to $5.27, imported beer $2.63 to $5.27, cappuccino $2.36 to $5.37, and Coke/Pepsi $2.16 to $4.21.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.04 and $1.53 per liter, averaging $1.15.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.68 and $3.69, with an average price of $2.13.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $3.00 to $5.25, averaging $3.68.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.05 to $3.15 per kg, while oranges range from $1.58 to $3.16 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.79 and $2.00 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.94 to $2.10 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $3.16 and $3.69.
- Monthly Pass - A monthly pass for public transport ranges from $51.63 to $103.26.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.79 and $1.84 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $5.27, with a cost of $2.00 to $2.32 per km and $31.61 to $36.67 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $816.59 to $1369.76, averaging $1091.53.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $684.88 to $1000.98, averaging $833.71.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1475.13 to $3687.82, averaging $2151.23.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1053.66 to $1791.23, averaging $1382.33.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $5795.15 to $6321.99, averaging $6234.18.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $4003.92 to $5900.52, averaging $5566.86.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $210.73 and $537.37, averaging $346.41.
- Internet - Internet services range from $31.61 to $50.52, with an average cost of $47.11.
Cost of Living Rankings
Cologne ranks 8th on the Cost of Living rankings in Germany. The cost of living indices for Germany are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Germany, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Cologne offers a moderate cost of living compared to other major German cities. Dining out can be affordable, especially at casual restaurants, while housing costs vary significantly depending on location.
Public transportation is reasonably priced, and owning a car involves typical European fuel costs. Grocery prices are generally competitive, with some variation in fresh produce and meats.
Utilities and internet services are moderately priced, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Cologne.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cologne presents a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for both residents and expatriates. While housing in the city centre can be pricey, options outside the centre offer more affordable alternatives.
With its rich cultural scene and efficient public transport, Cologne provides a high quality of life without the exorbitant costs found in some other European cities.