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Hi! I’m Astronaut Alex 👨🚀🚀, and today, we’re talking about the cost of living in Essen. Do you know about the living expenses in Essen? Well, it can be expensive to study abroad in Essen but with the right knowledge of managing the expenses, you will be able to stay comfortably.
Essen is a prosperous city, located in the Ruhr region of western Germany. Students and expats frequently choose Essen as their destination because of its great living conditions and a plethora of career opportunities. If you also wish to move to Essen, then you should be aware of its living expenses beforehand. So, in this blog, we will have a detailed discussion on the cost of living in Essen.
This Blog Includes:
- Cost of Living in Essen Overview
- Cost of Housing in Essen
- Cost of Grocery in Essen
- Cost of Utilities in Essen
- Cost of Transportation in Essen
- Miscellaneous Costs in Essen
- Cost of Living Comparison: Essen vs Other Cities
- Average Tuition Fees in Essen
- ✈️ Why Choose Essen to Study Abroad
- Things to Know When Moving to Essen
- FAQs on Cost of Living in Essen
Cost of Living in Essen Overview
The average cost of living in Essen for international students is EUR 1,398 per month, including rent, according to LivingCost data. This amount of living expenses places Essen among the top 36% of the most expensive cities globally. Along with this Essen offers a high quality of life, excellent amenities, and access to a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities.
The typical cost of living in Essen for international expatriates encompasses several categories, such as housing rent, utility bills, travel expenses, personal expenditures, and food and grocery costs. Below is an overview of these essential categories to provide insight into the average cost of living in Essen.
I hope you have grasped the idea of the living expenses in Essen. But this is just the start! Join me as we delve into a detailed breakdown of the cost of living in Essen. Let’s get started! 🚀
Also Read: Cost of Living in Bordeaux: Updated Prices, Other Cities Comparison
Cost of Housing in Essen
Renting single-person housing in Essen typically costs around EUR 721 per month. There are various accommodation options available for students according to their budget. Before moving to Essen, it’s essential to conduct comprehensive research and compare rental prices across different neighbourhoods to find options that fit your needs and financial situation.
To assist you, we’ve compiled average housing cost information for apartments both in the city centre and outside it. Reviewing this data will help you make an informed decision about your accommodation in Essen.
| Apartment Location | Monthly Rent |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre | EUR 721 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | EUR 582 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | EUR 1,114 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | EUR 1,041 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Australia: A 2023 Guide
Cost of Grocery in Essen
Grocery expenses are essential for students who opt to cook at home, and these costs significantly impact the overall cost of living in Essen. It’s advisable to compare prices across different stores or vendors to get the best value when shopping for groceries in Essen.
To assist you, we have provided a list of grocery items along with their respective costs below. This will help you understand the amount you need for groceries in Essen and plan your budget accordingly.
| Grocery Items | Approx Costs |
| Milk (regular), (1 liter) | EUR 1.09 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) | EUR 1.91 |
| Rice (white), (1kg) | EUR 2.64 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | EUR 3.24 |
| Local Cheese (1kg) | EUR 12.74 |
| Apples (1kg) | EUR 2.66 |
| Banana (1kg) | EUR 1.47 |
| Oranges (1kg) | EUR 2.05 |
| Tomato (1kg) | EUR 3.36 |
| Potato (1kg) | EUR 1.61 |
| Onion (1kg) | EUR 1.62 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | EUR 1.76 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | EUR 0.91 |
Cost of Utilities in Essen
For an individual living in Essen, basic utility costs are approximately EUR 329 per month. This amount for utility is relatively affordable, considering the overall cost of living in Essen City.
The utility bills typically include heating, electricity, gas, a mobile phone plan, and internet service. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the typical utility costs an international student can encounter while residing in Essen:
| Utility Type | Approx. Monthly Cost |
| Basic Utility for an Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) | EUR 329 |
| Internet (60+ Mbps, Unlimited Data) | EUR 45.56 |
| Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data | EUR 32.35 |
Also Read: 💵 Cost of Living in Marseille, France for International Students: A 2023 Guide
Cost of Transportation in Essen
Essen features a highly convenient and cost-effective transportation system that facilitates easy travel throughout the city. Residents have access to a range of local transport options, including bus, light rail, train subway and taxis.
The monthly cost for a transportation pass is approximately EUR 49, making it a notable component of the overall cost of living in Essen. Here’s an overview of the different modes of transportation available and their associated monthly costs:
| Type of Transportation | Approx Costs |
| Price of a One-way Ticket for Local Transport | EUR 3.15 |
| Regular Price of Monthly Pass | EUR 49 |
| Cost of Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) | EUR 4.20 |
| Cost of Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) | EUR 4.75 |
| Cost of Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) | EUR 33.90 |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | EUR 1.76 |
Miscellaneous Costs in Essen
In addition to the primary categories of the cost of living in Essen, there are several other essential expenses to consider. These include costs for items and activities that you’ll likely need or want after spending some time in Essen, such as clothing, entertainment, and minor healthcare services. Below is a breakdown of some miscellaneous expenses:
| Miscellaneous | Approx Cost |
| Movie Ticket | EUR 12.50 |
| Brand Jeans | EUR 84.83 |
| Fitness Club | EUR 33.99 |
| Summer Dress | EUR 51.80 |
| Pair of Sports shoes | EUR 84.83 |
| Doctor’s visit | EUR 76.5 |
Cost of Living Comparison: Essen vs Other Cities
When comparing the cost of living in Essen to other nearby major cities, it’s important to consider several factors. Essen is renowned for its affordable housing, lower utility bills, and affordable food and transportation costs, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.
To make informed decisions about moving or long-term stays in Essen, it’s essential to understand how the cost of living in Essen compares to other major and nearby cities. To provide an accurate comparison, we have gathered data on the cost of living in major cities such as Germany, Frankfurt, Berlin, Munich, France and Estonia. This comparison will give you better clarity and help you in decision-making for a living in Essen.
| Cost of Living City Wise | Average Cost of living (including rent) | Comparison with Cost of Living in Essen |
| Cost of Living in Germany | EUR 1456 | Higher than Essen |
| Cost of Living in Frankfurt | EUR 1751 | Higher than Essen |
| Cost of Living in Berlin | EUR 1853 | Higher than Essen |
| Cost of Living in Munich | EUR 2014 | Higher than Essen |
| Cost of Living in France | EUR 1420 | Higher than Essen |
| Cost of Living in Estonia | EUR 1109 | Lower than Essen |
Average Tuition Fees in Essen
When evaluating the cost of living in Essen, international students should also consider their university tuition fees. Before relocating to Essen, students need to research and compare the average tuition fees of universities in Essen. This allows them to make informed decisions about their choice of university in Essen and effectively manage their finances.
In order to help you understand the tuition fees at universities in Essen, we have provided the average tuition fees at universities below. This will assist you in budgeting accordingly:
| Level of Couse | Average tuition fees |
| Undergraduate Courses | EUR 300 |
| Postgraduate Courses | EUR 300 |
| PhD Courses | EUR 300 to EUR 3000 |
Also Read: Cost of Living in Fredericton, New Brunswick Canada: A 2023-24 Guide
✈️ Why Choose Essen to Study Abroad
Essen provides perfect studying in Germany and a living environment for the students, with its top-ranked universities and warm culture. After diving deep into the details of the cost of living in Essen, let’s understand why you should study in this city:
English-Taught Programs
One great thing about Essen and the whole of Germany is that numerous English-taught courses are available there. Studying in Germany doesn’t mean that you will have to study in German. So, if you don’t know the German language, studying here is not a problem.
Affordable Tuition Fees
The tuition fees at the universities of Essen are very affordable. Several universities don’t even charge tuition fees.
Career Opportunities
Germany has a thriving economy with a high rate of employment. The country houses numerous prominent companies like Adidas and BMW. Hence, you can work in these companies and have a bright future once you graduate from here.
Great Universities
Students get the opportunity to receive a world-class education from very prestigious universities by studying in Essen. Some of the top universities in Essen are the University of Duisburg-Essen, FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management, and Folkwang University of the Arts.
German Culture
You get to enjoy the beautiful German culture while studying in Essen. Germany is famous for its rich and diverse culture. Some of the most significant literature, inventions, and scientific discoveries came from this country.
Things to Know When Moving to Essen
Apart from the affordable cost of living in Essen ita has a warm culture, employment opportunities, and good living conditions making Essen a very attractive destination for international students and expats. So, if you have made up your mind to move to this city, here are some of the crucial things you should know beforehand:
Great Transportation Service
Essen provides a wide range of transportation links, such as motorways, public transportation, and air travel. The city’s main form of public transport is the Straßen- and Stadtbahn network, which includes 57 bus lines and seven tram lines.
Rich Culture
Essen has a lot to offer to those who seek galleries, museums, and other cultural attractions. You should visit the Zeche Zollverein, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the most beautiful coal mine across the globe. It holds numerous museums and offers a fascinating insight into the region’s past.
Safety and Security
While Essen is a very safe city, one should not always pay attention to their safety. In Essena and throughout Germany, the dial number for emergency services is 112. Through this number, you can contact the police, fire services, and ambulance, among others.
Mild Weather
Essen has a temperate oceanic climate. The city has mild winters and cooler summers. The average temperature is about 10°C year-round.
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Mr. Astronaut👨🚀🚀- “ Kiddos, I have answered all your queries with the utmost precision that I was capable of. Now, I will be taking my leave, but if you think that I might have missed something do check out the FAQ section or drop a comment. I always respond!”
FAQs on Cost of Living in Essen
Answer: The average monthly cost of living in Essen, including rent, is approximately EUR 1398. This amount is fairly reasonable for students, especially when compared to other nearby cities.
Answer: You need around EUR 1398 to live comfortably in Essen. This amount is the sum of the cost of living in Essen and renting a one-bedroom apartment in Essen, Canada.
Answer: The monthly housing rent in Essen for a single person is approximately EUR 500 to EUR 900. This cost can vary based on factors such as the specific location within the city, amenities offered by the apartment, and personal preferences.
Answer: Yes, Essen a good place to live, it boasts various green spaces, a welcoming culture and extensive career opportunities.
Answer: Essen is a former industrial city that has transformed into a vibrant, modern urban centre over the years.
So, this was all about the cost of living in Essen. Many Indian students dream of pursuing education in foreign nations due to the exposure and career growth they offer. Consider joining a free counselling session with Leverage Edu if you plan to study abroad.
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