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If you are also planning to study in Germany, then you must look at Cologne. Located on the Rhine River, it’s the largest city in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the fourth-largest in Germany. If you are also interested in pursuing your education in Cologne, then we’ve got you. Keep reading this blog post to learn about the cost of living in Cologne and some of the things you as a student should keep in mind before travelling abroad.
This Blog Includes:
- Cost of Living in Cologne Overview
- Cost of Accommodation in Cologne
- Cost of Dining in Cologne
- Cost of Groceries in Cologne
- Cost of Utilities in Cologne
- Cost of Transportation in Cologne
- Miscellaneous Costs in Cologne
- Cost of Living in Cologne as Compared to Other Cities
- Average Tuition Fees in Cologne
- Things to Consider When Moving to Cologne
- FAQs
Cost of Living in Cologne Overview
It is estimated that the average cost of living in Cologne can go up to EURO 2,140. Below is a table that will provide you with all the information you need. Look at the table which lists the average cost of living in Cologne for all categories.
| Categories | Approx Cost (per month) |
| Accommodation | EURO 1,173.875 |
| Food | EURO 15.80 |
| Transportation | EURO 5,511.784 |
| Utilities | EURO 125.783 |
| Entertainment/Personal Expenses | EURO 45.005 |
Source: Numbeo
Also Read: Living in Cologne, Germany: Pros and Cons, Tips, Cost of Living, Surprising Elements
Cost of Accommodation in Cologne
The cost of accommodation in Cologne varies significantly depending on the type of accommodation you choose, the time of year, and the location. Cologne is a fantastic city for students, but it’s essential to consider several factors before moving there.
Some factors include cultural lifestyle, safety, transportation costs they will have to incur to and fro to the college if there are any hospitals nearby to their accommodation and the list goes on. Well, we have prepared this small table which provides the approximate cost for different types of bedrooms.
| Accommodation Costs | Approx Cost |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | EURO 983.82 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | EURO 785.88 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | EURO 1,683.00 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | EURO 1,242.08 |
Source: Numbeo
Cost of Dining in Cologne
Cologne offers a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, catering to every taste and budget. Whether you’re craving traditional German fare, international flavours, or a quick bite, you’ll find everything to satisfy your appetite.
Of course, the cost of dining in Cologne can vary significantly depending on the type of restaurant, location, and the dishes you order. Here’s a general overview:
| Dining Costs | Approx Cost |
| Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant | EURO 13.00 |
| Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course | EURO 62.00 |
| McMeal at McDonald’s (or Equivalent Combo Meal) | EURO 10.00 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) | EURO 4.00 |
| Cappuccino (regular) | EURO 3.64 |
| Water (0.33 liter bottle) | EURO 2.18 |
Source: Numbeo
Cost of Groceries in Cologne
The cost of groceries in Cologne is generally reasonable compared to other major European cities. However, like anywhere, prices can vary depending on where you shop, what you buy, and the time of year. Check out the prices of some of the essential items that are necessary for everyday life.
| Cost of Groceries | Approx Cost |
| Milk (1L) | EURO 1.03 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | EURO 2.0 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | EURO 2.09 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | EURO 3.49 |
| Chicken Fillets (1kg) | EURO 15.53 |
| Banana (1kg) | EURO 1.33 |
Source: Numbeo
Cost of Utilities in Cologne
The cost of utilities in Cologne, like anywhere, can vary depending on factors such as the size of your apartment, your consumption habits, and the time of year. On average, the cost of utilities for each person can go around EURO 150 to EURO 250 per month for utilities. However, here are some of the approximate costs of utilities which one must incur.
| Cost of Utilities (Monthly) | Approx Cost |
| Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment | EURO 301.69 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | EURO 29.07 |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | EURO 46.59 |
Source: Numbeo
Cost of Transportation in Cologne
Cologne boasts an efficient public transportation system, making it relatively affordable to get around the city. A single ticket for a short journey is generally around EURO 3.20. Here’s a complete breakdown of the costs:
| Transportation Mode | Approx Cost |
| One-way Ticket (Local Transport) | EURO 3.20 |
| Monthly Pass (Regular Price) | EURO 49.00 |
| Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | EURO 5.00 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | EURO 1.72 |
| Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car | EURO 27,500 |
Source: Numbeo
Miscellaneous Costs in Cologne
While we’ve covered the major expenses of living in Cologne, there are additional costs which every student will have to consider every month. As discussed earlier, costs vary widely based on the type of restaurant. Here is a table that provides all the miscellaneous costs with their approximate costs.
| Miscellaneous Costs | Approx Cost |
| Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult | EURO 30.36 |
| 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) | EURO 90. 67 |
| Dinner at a restaurant | EURO 30 |
| Gym membership (monthly) | EURO 43 |
| Cinema ticket | EURO 12.00 |
| Theatre ticket | EURO 64 |
Source: Numbeo and Housinganywhere
Cost of Living in Cologne as Compared to Other Cities
Cologne is generally considered to be a city with a moderate cost of living compared to other major German cities. It falls somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. Cities like Munich and Frankfurt are significantly more expensive than Cologne, especially in terms of housing and general living costs.
| Cost of Living City-wise | Average Cost of Living | Comparison with Cost of Living in Cologne |
| Berlin | EURO 992.45 | Lower than Cologne |
| Munich | EURO 1,082 | Lower than Cologne |
| Frankfurt | EURO 3,399 | Higher than Cologne |
| Hamburg | EURO 1,067 | Lower than Cologne |
| Dortmund | EURO 1,451 | Lower than Cologne |
It’s important to note that while Cologne might be more affordable than some cities, the overall cost of living in Germany is higher than in many other countries.
Also Read: Cost of Living in Kleve: Updated Prices (2024)
Average Tuition Fees in Cologne
Several public universities in Germany do not charge any tuition fees to the students. This makes it an incredibly attractive option for international students. However, there is a semester contribution fee which varies from EURO 250 and covers services like public transportation within North Rhine-Westphalia, student union membership, and administrative costs.
It’s important to note that while tuition is free, other living expenses like accommodation, food, transportation within the city, and personal costs will still apply.
Cost of UG Courses in Cologne
As mentioned earlier, public universities in Germany, including the University of Cologne, do not charge tuition fees for undergraduate programs. This is a significant advantage for international students. The below table mentions some of the universities that provide UG courses.
| University Name | Course Name | Tuition Fees |
| University of Cologne | BSc in Business Administration | Free |
| TH Köln – University of Applied Sciences | IT and Computer Science | Free |
| CBS International Business School | Digital Management | Free |
Cost of PG Courses in Cologne
Just like undergraduate studies, you’ll only need to pay a semester contribution fee, which covers services like public transportation, student union membership, and administrative costs. Check out the table which lists the universities offering masters courses.
| University Name | Course Name | Tuition Fees |
| University of Cologne | Business and Economics | Free (Tuition Fees)Semester contribution charged from every student |
| TH Köln – University of Applied Sciences | Business and Economics | Free (Tuition Fees)Semester contribution of approximately EURO 28 |
| CBS International Business School | Master in Management | Free (Tuition Fees)Semester contribution charged from every student |
Also Read: Free Universities In Germany For International Students
Things to Consider When Moving to Cologne
Cologne, or Köln as it’s known locally, is a captivating city with a rich history, lively culture, and stunning architecture. But before you move abroad, here are some of the three most important things you should consider when moving to Cologne.
Language Skills
While English is widely spoken, learning German will significantly enhance your experience in Germany. Worry not if you can’t speak German, you can always consider taking language courses before or after your move. By speaking the native language, you will be able to mix with people already living or studying there more easily. Not only this, but it also proves as an advantage in carrying out all the daily tasks.
Financial Planning
It is very essential for the student moving abroad to understand the cost of living in Cologne, which includes rent, utilities, transportation, and food. To be more organised, it would be advisable for one to create a budget to manage finances effectively. Before moving abroad, make sure you organise all your bank accounts, and basic expenses, understand tax implications and so on. One of the best advice anyone can give related to financial planning would be to save as much money as you can and avoid unnecessary expenses.
Visa and Work Permit
If you’re not a European Union (EU) citizen, you’ll likely need a visa and work permit. It would be best to research the specific requirements based on your nationality and occupation. Make sure all your documents regarding visa/study visa or work permit are clear before you even reach the airport.
Other than this, if you are moving abroad to a European Union (EU) country for work or residential purposes, then you can always apply for the EU blue card.
Check more blogs on Study in Germany
FAQs
No, Cologne is not the most expensive city in Germany to live in or pursue your education. In fact, a person planning to live in Cologne will have to incur the cost of living of EURO 2,140.
Yes, Cologne is an affordable place and a beautiful place for one to live in. The city is rich in the rich choice of museums and cultural sites as well as the great variety of multicultural food and the famous Carnivals.
The liberal, carefree culture of Cologne is well known; it blends mediaeval architecture, Roman history, beer halls, carnivals, and a chocolate museum.
This was all about the ‘cost of living in Cologne.’ Evaluate all study abroad options and know about the cost of living abroad with Leverage Edu. Stay tuned with Leverage Live classes and get 30-minute free counselling by calling our toll-free number 1800 572 000 and realise your dream of becoming a global citizen.
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