Cost of Living Rankings in Germany

Germany
Worldwide
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.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Oct, 2025
Munich
Munich
#1 in Cost of Living (#34 worldwide)
Munich is a vibrant city with a relatively high cost of living, particularly in terms of housing and dining. Renting in the city centre is notably more expensive than outside, with significant variations in prices. Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport being a cost-effective option. Grocery prices are reasonable, though some items like local cheese and beef can be on the higher side. Utilities and internet costs are consistent with other major European cities.
Hamburg
Hamburg
#2 in Cost of Living (#48 worldwide)
Hamburg offers a diverse range of living costs, with housing being a significant expense, especially in the city centre. Dining out can vary widely in cost, with options available for both budget-conscious and upscale dining experiences. Public transportation is relatively affordable, and the city provides a comprehensive network of options. Grocery prices are moderate, with some variation in costs for fresh produce and meats.
Dusseldorf
Dusseldorf
#3 in Cost of Living (#50 worldwide)
Dusseldorf offers a moderate cost of living compared to other major German cities. Housing is relatively affordable, especially outside the city centre. Dining out can be expensive, particularly in mid-range restaurants, but there are affordable options available. Public transportation is reasonably priced, making it a cost-effective option for getting around the city.
Frankfurt
Frankfurt
#4 in Cost of Living (#53 worldwide)
Frankfurt offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly between casual and upscale restaurants. Grocery prices in Frankfurt are relatively moderate, with essentials like milk and bread being affordable. Transportation costs are reasonable, with public transport offering a cost-effective way to navigate the city. Housing in Frankfurt can be expensive, especially in the city centre, but more affordable options are available outside the centre. Utilities and internet costs are in line with other major European cities, providing reliable services at competitive prices.
Heidelberg
Heidelberg
#5 in Cost of Living (#56 worldwide)
Heidelberg offers a balanced cost of living with moderate expenses in dining and groceries, while housing can be relatively high, especially in the city centre. Public transportation is affordable, and utilities are reasonably priced, making it easier to manage monthly expenses. For those looking to buy property, prices per square meter are significant, reflecting the city's desirability and historical charm.
Cologne
Cologne
#6 in Cost of Living (#67 worldwide)
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.
Darmstadt
Darmstadt
#7 in Cost of Living (#70 worldwide)
Darmstadt offers a balanced cost of living with moderate expenses in dining and housing compared to other German cities. Public transportation is affordable, and the cost of groceries remains reasonable, making it a viable option for families and individuals alike. Housing costs vary significantly between the city centre and the outskirts, providing options for different budgets.
Stuttgart
Stuttgart
#8 in Cost of Living (#76 worldwide)
Stuttgart offers a moderate cost of living compared to other major German cities. Housing is relatively affordable, especially outside the city centre. Dining out can be costly, but there are budget-friendly options available. Public transportation is efficient and reasonably priced. Grocery prices are competitive, with a wide range of options for fresh produce and essentials.
Augsburg
Augsburg
#9 in Cost of Living (#77 worldwide)
Augsburg offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger German cities, with moderate housing and dining expenses. Public transportation is reasonably priced, making it a viable option for daily commuting. Grocery prices are competitive, though some imported goods may be more expensive.
Dortmund
Dortmund
#10 in Cost of Living (#85 worldwide)
Dortmund offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major German cities, especially in terms of housing and dining. Public transportation is reasonably priced, making it a cost-effective option for getting around the city. Grocery prices are moderate, with some variation in costs for fresh produce and dairy products.
Freiburg im Breisgau
Freiburg im Breisgau
#11 in Cost of Living (#88 worldwide)
Freiburg im Breisgau offers a moderate cost of living compared to other German cities, with reasonable prices for dining and groceries. Housing costs can vary significantly depending on the location, with city centre apartments being more expensive. Transportation is affordable, especially with public transport options, while utilities can be a significant expense.
Bonn
Bonn
#12 in Cost of Living (#89 worldwide)
Bonn offers a relatively balanced cost of living, with moderate expenses in dining and groceries. Housing costs vary significantly between the city centre and outskirts, providing options for different budgets. Public transportation is affordable, and utilities are moderately priced, making Bonn a practical choice for residents.
Berlin
Berlin
#13 in Cost of Living (#92 worldwide)
Berlin offers a diverse range of living costs, with dining and transportation being relatively affordable compared to other major European cities. Housing costs can vary significantly depending on the location, with city centre apartments being more expensive. Groceries and utilities are moderately priced, making Berlin a balanced choice for those looking to manage their living expenses effectively.
Essen
Essen
#14 in Cost of Living (#94 worldwide)
Essen offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major German cities, especially in terms of housing and dining. Public transportation is reasonably priced, making it a cost-effective option for commuting. Grocery prices are moderate, with essentials like milk, bread, and eggs being quite affordable.
Bremen
Bremen
#15 in Cost of Living (#98 worldwide)
Bremen offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major German cities, especially in terms of housing and dining. Public transportation is reasonably priced, making it a cost-effective option for getting around the city. Grocery prices are moderate, with some variation in the cost of fresh produce and dairy products.
Karlsruhe
Karlsruhe
#16 in Cost of Living (#104 worldwide)
Karlsruhe offers a moderate cost of living compared to other major German cities. Dining out is relatively affordable, with a variety of options available. Housing costs vary significantly depending on location, with city centre apartments being more expensive. Public transportation is reasonably priced, making it a viable option for daily commuting. Grocery prices are competitive, with a wide range of products available at different price points.
Nuremberg
Nuremberg
#17 in Cost of Living (#105 worldwide)
Nuremberg offers a balanced cost of living with moderate expenses in dining and groceries. Housing costs vary significantly depending on location, with city centre apartments being more expensive. Transportation is affordable, especially with public transport options, while utilities and internet costs are reasonable. Overall, Nuremberg provides a comfortable living environment with a mix of modern amenities and historical charm.
Mannheim
Mannheim
#18 in Cost of Living (#107 worldwide)
Mannheim offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major German cities, especially in terms of housing and dining. Public transportation is reasonably priced, making it a viable option for daily commuting. Grocery prices are moderate, with some variation in costs for fresh produce and meats.
Hanover
Hanover
#19 in Cost of Living (#110 worldwide)
Hanover offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major German cities, especially in terms of housing and dining. Public transportation is reasonably priced, making it a cost-effective option for getting around the city. Grocery prices are moderate, with some variation in costs for fresh produce and dairy products.
Dresden
Dresden
#20 in Cost of Living (#113 worldwide)
Dresden offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major German cities, especially in terms of housing and dining. Public transportation is reasonably priced, making it a cost-effective option for getting around the city. Grocery prices are moderate, with some variation in costs for fresh produce and dairy products.
Kiel
Kiel
#21 in Cost of Living (#115 worldwide)
Kiel offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major German cities, particularly in terms of housing and dining. Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport being a cost-effective option for daily commuting. Grocery prices are reasonable, with a variety of options available for fresh produce and essentials.
Leipzig
Leipzig
#22 in Cost of Living (#127 worldwide)
Leipzig offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major German cities, with reasonable housing and dining costs. Public transportation is efficient and moderately priced, making it a viable option for daily commuting. Grocery prices are competitive, with a wide range of options available for fresh produce and essentials.
Aachen
Aachen
#23 in Cost of Living (#128 worldwide)
Aachen offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major German cities, particularly in terms of housing and dining. Public transportation is reasonably priced, making it a cost-effective option for daily commuting. Grocery prices are moderate, with local produce and essentials available at competitive rates.
Erlangen
Erlangen
#24 in Cost of Living (#131 worldwide)
Erlangen offers a moderate cost of living compared to other German cities, with affordable dining and grocery options. Housing costs vary significantly between the city centre and outskirts, providing options for different budgets. Transportation is reasonably priced, with public transport and fuel costs being manageable.

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