Cost of Living in Berlin: Updated Prices, Other Countries and Cities Comparison

Berlin, the capital of Germany, is recognized for its extensive history, a dynamic city where history, culture, and modernity all come together to create a singular and exciting living environment. It is the perfect place to live but before visiting this amazing state one should be aware of the cost of living in Berlin so that they can manage their budget accordingly.

If you are deciding to relocate to Berlin for your higher education, you should be aware of the recent data on the cost of living in Berlin. We will delve into the Cost of living in Berlin in this blog post, giving you a look into the character of this international city. Continue reading to know more about the cost of living in Berlin.

Cost of Living in Berlin Overview

Excluding rent, the average monthly cost of living in Berlin for one person is approximately 1,013 euros. However, the average rent in Berlin is between EUR 800 and EUR 2,000 and can vary according to a person’s budget and lifestyle.

The living expenses in Berlin depend on some essential factors for a single person, such as accommodation rent, meals cost and grocery prices, utility bills, recreation costs, local transport costs and a few others. Check out the cost of living in Berlin which is mentioned with different components below: 

Also Read: Cost of Living in Albania: A Guide on Albania’s Expense

Cost of Accommodation in Berlin

The cost of housing in Berlin can vary significantly depending on the neighbourhood and the type of accommodation. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranged from EUR 900 to EUR 2000, while outside the city centre, it could be around EUR 800 to EUR 1500.

Prices for larger apartments or houses are higher accordingly in Berlin. You can comprehend the average housing rent in Berlin inside and outside the city centre by looking at the table below:

Apartment	Location	Approx Monthly Cost
Single-Bedroom Apartment	City Centre	EUR 1,271
Single-bedroom Apartment	Outside the Centre	EUR 907
Three-bedrooms Apartment	City Centre	EUR 2,378
Three-bedrooms Apartment	Outside the Centre	EUR 1,787

Cost of Utilities Bills in Berlin

On average, monthly utilities (including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage) for a small apartment in Berlin can cost around EUR 334. Internet services may cost an additional 39 per month.

The cost of utility bills in Berlin is a significant part of the cost of living in Berlin. For your convenience, we have already counted these utility costs to the cost of living in Berlin. In the following table, utility costs in Berlin are given for your reference:

Utilities	Average Cost
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment	EUR 334
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data	EUR 19
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	EUR 39

Cost of Transportation in Berlin

Berlin has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the U-Bahn (subway). A monthly ticket to travel within Berlin’s AB zone costs approximately EUR 49. If you plan to use a bicycle, you can also consider purchasing or renting one.

Transportation costs in Berlin depend on the type of service someone prefers and the distance of the journey. But for your reference, below we have outlined the average cost of transportation in Berlin:

Type of Transportation	Average Cost
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	EUR 3.50
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	EUR 49
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	EUR 5
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)	EUR 2.30
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	EUR 35
Gasoline (1 liter)	EUR 1.80

Also Read: Cost of Living in Newcastle: A Comprehensive Guide

Cost of Groceries in Berlin

The cost of your groceries depends on the foods you buy and where you shop. An individual should budget between EUR 200 and EUR 300 per month for groceries. Lunch at a mid-range restaurant can cost you between EUR 10 and EUR 20, whereas a fast-food meal might cost you between EUR 9 and EUR 12.

Grocery and food costs are primary and can affect the cost of living in Berlin as preferences and quality may vary. For your amenity, the average price of groceries in Berlin is shown in the table below:

Groceries	Average Cost
Milk (regular), (1 litre)	EUR 1.13
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)	EUR 2.01
Rice (white), (1kg)	EUR 2.75
Eggs (regular) (12)	EUR 3.21
Local Cheese (1kg)	EUR 12.81
Potato (1kg)	EUR 1.66
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	EUR 0.88
Apples (1kg)	EUR 2.67

Cost of Health Insurance in Berlin

In Germany, health insurance is required. By 2021, the employer will pay half of the average monthly cost of public health insurance, which amounts to about 14.6% of your gross income.

Cost of Entertainment and Leisure in Berlin

The price of entertainment might vary, depending on things like movie tickets, concerts, and gym memberships. Berlin, however, provides a variety of reasonably priced cultural and leisure activities to suit various budgets.

Entertainment & Leisure	Approx Cost
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult	EUR 34
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)	EUR 22
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat	EUR 12.25

Cost of Living in Berlin Compared to Other Countries and Cities

Compared to many other major metropolitan areas in the United States, the cost of living in Berlin is quite affordable. For your reference, we’ve given the cost of living in Berlin compared to other cities like Munich, Toronto, London, the US, Amsterdam, New York, Barcelona, Frankfurt, Vienna, and Paris. So to give you an idea of ​​how affordable it is to live in Berlin compared to other countries or cities. Please have a look at the average cost of living in other states (without rent):

Cost of living city-wise	Approx Costs	Comparison Cost of Living in Berlin
Cost of Living in Munich	EUR 1,052	Higher than Berlin
Cost of Living in Toronto	EUR 1027	Higher than Berlin
Cost of Living in London	EUR 1291	Higher than Berlin
Cost of Living in the US	EUR 1080	Lower than Berlin
Cost of Living in Amsterdam	EUR 1,057	Lower than Berlin
Cost of Living in New York	EUR 1533	Higher than
Cost of Living in Barcelona	EUR 785	Lower than
Cost of Living in Frankfurt	EUR 993	Approximately equal to Berlin
Cost of Living in Vienna	EUR 1,030	Lower than
Cost of Living in Paris	EUR 1,088	Lower than

Also Read: Cost of Living in Canberra: A Comprehensive Guide

Why Choose to Study Abroad?

Studying abroad is a life-changing experience that offers numerous benefits and opportunities for personal, academic, and professional growth. Here are some compelling reasons why choosing to study abroad can be a rewarding decision apart from the affordable cost of living in Berlin:

Academic Excellence: Studying abroad allows you to access high-quality education and learn from renowned professors and experts in your field of study. It provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in a different academic system, gain a fresh perspective, and expand your knowledge and skills.

Cultural Immersion: Living in a foreign country exposes you to new cultures, traditions, and perspectives. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with locals, make international friends, and develop a global mindset. There are several compelling reasons why choosing to study in Berlin can be an excellent decision.

Global Reputation: Berlin is renowned worldwide for its academic excellence and intellectual rigour. The city has a long history of producing groundbreaking research and has been a hub for intellectual and artistic movements. 

Things You Should Know Before Going to Berlin

Here are some amazing things to know before going to Berlin:

• Berlin’s multicultural makeup is one of its distinguishing characteristics, drawing people from all over the world. 
• A melting pot of cultures, languages, and viewpoints is created by its open and welcoming atmosphere, which also encourages a diverse and lively community. 
• Berlin provides a nurturing environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and personal development, whether you are an artist, businessperson, student, or professional.
• Everyone can find their ideal way of living and study in Berlin. With innumerable galleries, theatres, prestigious universities and concert halls displaying a broad range of cultural expressions, the city has an unrivalled arts and music culture. 
• Berlin’s nightlife is famed and attracts partygoers from all over the world, with everything from classical symphonies to underground techno raves.

Relevant Reads:

Cost of Living in Manhattan: A Guide on Expected Expenses	Cost of Living in Johannesburg: Overall Expenses Guide
Cost of Living in Madagascar: A Comprehensive Guide	Cost of Living in Connecticut: Expected Expenses Guide
Cost of Living in Sydney: A Comprehensive Guide on Sydney’s Expense	Cost of Living in Nashville: A Guide on Expected Expenses

FAQs on Cost of Living in Berlin

This was all about the cost of living in Berlin. To explore study abroad opportunities and calculate the cost of living abroad, stay in tune with Leverage Edu and Leverage Live. To plan your foreign studies journey, feel free to contact us at 1800 572 000.