Cost of Living in Dortmund for Students: 2024

Dortmund is an affordable city for students in Germany, especially in 2024. The estimated monthly cost of living ranges from about EUR 450 to EUR 750, which includes expenses like rent, food, health insurance, and leisure activities. Rent for a room can start as low as EUR 260, making it easier for students to find budget-friendly accommodation. Further, the cost of dining out and everyday expenses is relatively low compared to larger cities like Berlin or Munich. With a rich student life and an abundance of cultural activities, Dortmund offers a supportive environment for students to thrive while managing their finances effectively.

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Cost of Living in Dortmund Overview

The cost of living in Dortmund is generally considered affordable compared to other major German cities like Munich and Hamburg. Rent prices vary, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costing about EUR 765 and around EUR 443 outside the centre. Basic groceries are reasonably priced, with items like milk costing approximately EUR 1.08 per litre and bread around EUR 2.40 per loaf. 

Transportation is also affordable, with a one-way ticket costing about EUR 3.00. Dining out is relatively inexpensive, with meals in restaurants averaging between EUR 10 to EUR 15 per person. Overall, Dortmund offers a good quality of life with manageable living costs, making it an attractive place for residents and newcomers alike.

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Cost of Accommodation in Dortmund

The cost of accommodation in Dortmund is quite reasonable compared to many other cities in Germany. Renting an apartment typically costs around EUR 7.50 per square meter per month. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be rented for about EUR 650, while a three-bedroom apartment may cost around EUR 1,000. 

For those looking to buy, the average price for purchasing an apartment is around EUR 2,500 per square meter. Overall, Dortmund offers a variety of options for both renters and buyers, making it an attractive choice for many residents. Here are a few information regarding accommodation costs:

Rental Prices	Alternative Accommodation
The average cost of renting an apartment in Dortmund is approximately EUR 7.50 per square meter.	Prices for budget accommodation, such as hostels, start at around EUR 32 per night. Shared rooms can be found for EUR 200-EUR 526 per month, depending on the location and amenities included.
A one-bedroom apartment typically costs around EUR 650 per month.
A three-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages around EUR 1,000 per month.
Renting a furnished 85 m² apartment in a normal area costs around EUR 706 per month.

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Cost of Utility in Dortmund

The cost of utilities in Dortmund is relatively affordable. This price can vary based on usage and the size of the apartment. For example, daily activities like showering or using appliances have minimal costs, making it economical to manage energy consumption. Overall, utilities in Dortmund provide a good balance of affordability and quality service, contributing to a manageable cost of living for residents. A single person’s utility bill is estimated to be about EUR 168 per month, covering similar services. Here are the key facts regarding utility costs:

Utility Type	Utility Name	Approx. Cost
Basic Utility Bills	Electricity, water, gas, and internet services	EUR 168

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Cost of Dining in Dortmund

Dining in Dortmund offers a variety of options at different price points, making it accessible for many budgets. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant typically costs around EUR 15.50, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant can be about EUR 60. Fast food meals, like a combo at McDonald’s, are around EUR 11. For those who enjoy beverages, a domestic beer in a bar costs approximately EUR 5.50, and a cappuccino is about EUR 3.57. Overall, dining out in Dortmund is reasonably priced, providing a good balance between quality and affordability for residents and visitors alike. Here are the key facts about the cost of dining in Dortmund:

Type of Restaurant	Approx. Cost of Meal
Inexpensive Restaurant	EUR 15.50
Mid-range Restaurant (Three-course meal for 2)	EUR 60.00
Fast Food (e.g., McMeal at McDonald’s)	EUR 11.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)	EUR 5.50
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)	EUR 3.50
Cappuccino	EUR 3.57
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)	EUR 2.70
Water (0.33 liter bottle)	EUR 2.30

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Cost of Groceries in Dortmund

The cost of groceries in Dortmund is relatively affordable compared to other parts of Germany. A litre of milk costs around EUR 1.01, while a loaf of fresh white bread (500g) is approximately EUR 2.25. Eggs (a dozen) are priced at EUR 3.40 on average. A head of lettuce costs around EUR 1.86. Overall, the cost of groceries in Dortmund allows for a balanced and affordable diet for residents. Here are the key facts about the cost of groceries in Dortmund:

Groceries Items	Cost
Mid-range bottle of wine	EUR 5.00
0.5-litre bottle of domestic beer	EUR 0
Head of lettuce	EUR 1.86
1.5 liter bottle of water	EUR 0.82
Tomatoes (1kg)	EUR 3.65
Potatoes (1kg)	EUR 1.99
Onions (1kg)	EUR 1.73
Oranges (1kg)	EUR 2.07
Litre of milk	EUR 1.01
Bananas (1kg)	EUR 1.44
Apples (1kg)	EUR 2.77
Beef round (1kg)	EUR 15.93
Chicken fillets (1kg)	EUR 14.26
Local cheese (1kg)	EUR 12.30
Dozen eggs (regular)	EUR 3.40
Loaf of fresh white bread (500g)	EUR 2.25
0.33-litre bottle of imported beer	EUR 1.40

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Cost of Transportation in Dortmund

Transportation in Dortmund is convenient and reasonably priced, making it easy for residents and visitors to get around the city. Public transport options include buses, trams, and local trains, all of which are well-connected. For those who use public transport frequently, a monthly pass is available for around EUR 79. 

Additionally, day tickets are offered at approximately EUR 6.70, allowing unlimited travel for one day. Overall, the cost of transportation in Dortmund is manageable, providing a reliable way to navigate the city without breaking the bank. Here are the key facts about the cost of transportation in Dortmund:

• A one-way ticket for local public transport costs around EUR 3.00.
• A monthly pass for public transportation is approximately EUR 79.
• The SchönerTagTicket NRW Single allows you to travel throughout North Rhine-Westphalia for an entire day on any buses, railways and trains (2nd class).
• The SchöneFahrtTicket NRW lets you travel for two hours on public local transport buses, railways and trains anywhere in NRW (2nd class) from the time of validation.

Taxis

• Taxi fares in Dortmund are regulated by local and national authorities, with defined maximum prices for taxi rides.
• Some leading limo services, such as UBER, may apply surge prices when demand is high and the number of available drivers is limited.
• Price adjustments are typically implemented during peak hours in major cities, including the morning rush from 7 am to 9 am, the evening rush from 5 pm to 7 pm, and on special event days like strikes or major football matches.

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Cost of Living in Dortmund Compared to Other Cities

The cost of living in Dortmund is generally lower than in many other major cities in Germany and Europe. For instance, Dortmund is about 19% cheaper than Frankfurt am Main, making it an attractive option for those looking to save money while enjoying urban life. In comparison to the national average, residents in Dortmund spend less on essentials like groceries and dining out. While some costs, such as transportation, may be slightly higher, overall, Dortmund offers a more affordable lifestyle. This affordability, combined with a good quality of life, makes Dortmund a favourable choice for families and individuals alike. This table provides a comparative overview of the cost of living in Dortmund and its nearby cities, highlighting differences in monthly expenses, accommodation costs, and overall affordability.

City	Monthly Cost (Single Person)	1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)	1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)
Cost of living in Hagen	EUR 1,200	EUR 650	EUR 400
Cost of living in Bochum	EUR 1,350	EUR 700	EUR 430
Cost of living in Witten	EUR 1,250	EUR 680	EUR 410
Cost of living in Herne	EUR 1,220	EUR 670	EUR 390
Cost of living in Essen	EUR 1,400	EUR 750	EUR 440
Cost of living in Dusseldorf	EUR 1,800	EUR 1,100	EUR 600
Cost of living in Cologne	EUR 1,900	EUR 1,200	EUR650

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Average Tuition Fees in Dortmund

There are no tuition fees for studying at the Technical University of Dortmund (TU Dortmund). However, students are required to pay a semester fee of around EUR 300, which is paid twice a year. This fee includes the Germany Semester Ticket for public transportation and a theatre flat for the Dortmund theatres. 

The average tuition fee per year for postgraduate studies at TU Dortmund is approximately EUR 46,556. Overall, the cost of studying at TU Dortmund is relatively affordable, with no tuition fees for undergraduate programs and reasonable semester fees. The average tuition fees for (UG & PG) courses in Dortmund, especially at the Technical University of Dortmund, are as follows:

Cost of UG Courses in Dortmund

The cost of undergraduate courses in Dortmund varies depending on the university and the program. Overall, students should budget for living expenses, including rent, food, and study materials, which can add up to around EUR 819 per month. This makes studying in Dortmund a relatively affordable option for many students, especially when considering the quality of education offered.

University	Tuition Fees	Additional Costs	Notes
TU Dortmund University	Approximately EUR 300 – EUR 600 per semester	Semester fee of around EUR 300 – EUR 350	No tuition fees for undergraduate programs; the semester fee includes public transport tickets.
Dortmund University of Applied Sciences	Free education, but a semester fee of about EUR 1,000	–	Education is free for everyone, but students must pay the semester fee.

Cost of PG Courses in Dortmund

The cost of pursuing postgraduate (PG) courses in Dortmund can vary based on the university and program chosen. Generally, tuition fees for international students range from EUR 0 to EUR 1,500 per semester, depending on the institution and whether the student is from the EU or outside the EU. Additionally, students need to consider other expenses such as semester fees which are around EUR 300.

Category	Cost (EUR)	Notes
Average Tuition Fee (PG Courses)	EUR 628 per year	For programs like PG in Computer Science
Semester Fee	EUR 300 per semester	Covers administrative costs and includes public transport tickets
Total Tuition for 2 Years	EUR 1,256	Total for a typical 2-year Master’s program

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How to Manage the Cost of Living in Dortmund?

To manage the cost of living in Dortmund, it’s essential to understand the key expenses and budget effectively. Dortmund offers relatively affordable living compared to other German cities, with average monthly rents for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre around EUR 765 and about EUR 443 outside the centre. 

To keep costs down, consider cooking at home, utilizing public transport, and exploring free or low-cost leisure activities. Additionally, managing the cost of living in Dortmund can be achieved through various strategies. Here are some effective ways to manage expenses, supported by factual information:

• Opt for apartments outside the city centre to reduce rent costs.
• Utilize public transport instead of owning a car to save on fuel and maintenance.
• Shop at local markets and discount supermarkets to save on food costs.
• Eat at less expensive restaurants or cook at home to manage dining expenses.
• Create a monthly budget to track expenses and identify areas to cut back.
• If you are a student, take advantage of discounts available for transportation, dining, and entertainment.
• Implement energy-saving measures at home to lower utility bills.
• Participate in free local events and activities to minimize entertainment costs.

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FAQs on Cost of Living in Dortmund

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