10 Most Expensive Cities To Live in Germany

Those of you who want to live in Germany, but don’t have very deep pockets, better avoid these 10 most expensive cities to live in Germany. Too bad they are also the ones that are the most attractive.

Germany is one of the greatest economy forces in the world and one of the most developed countries in Europe. For these reasons alone, it is easy to understand why people would want to move and live here. After the United States, it is the second most popular migration destination in the world. Why? Germany is a progressive country with a high standard of living, well organized and offers a lot of opportunities. Sometimes, those opportunities cost some money, and you have to think carefully before choosing the city in Germany to reside in.

Some parts and regions of Germany are more developed than others, and people earn more money there, with the benefits of rich cultural life and amazing commodity. It would be foolish to say that the whole Germany is extremely expensive to live in. Similarly like in France, where not all cities can be compared with the expenses people have in Paris, as you can see in our article on most expensive cities to live in France.

To figure out most expensive cities to live in Germany, we used a research made by Expatistan, which based their rankings on the price of food, housing, clothes, transportation, health, and entertainment. The prices are submitted by users and official reports, and for each city Cost of Living Index was calculated, Prague being the starting ground and assigned value of 100. If one city has an index of 123, it means that it is 23% more expensive than Prague. Also, we added lists from Immobilien Scout and Numbeo that based their rankings on similar criteria. Each city received points from 1 to 10 based on their ranking on the lists. After we summed the points our ranking was finalized, and we got the list of most expensive cities to live in Germany. Let’s check them out! 

10. Berlin

You would think that the capital of Germany will be the most expensive, but it sure doesn’t look like that. It is 44% cheaper than London. The prices of food and personal care products are affordable; only the rent could be an issue. But you get to see the remains of the Berlin Wall. How cool is that?

9. Regensburg

Although it may seem like an unknown and a small city, Regensburg has a rich history since it was the cultural center in the Middle Ages. If you like lots of tourists passing beneath your window, than Regensburg might be just the city for you since it is one of the most popular travel locations in Germany

8. Cologne

If you are moving from Melbourne to Cologne, you will be happy to hear that the cost of life is 28% cheaper in this German city. If you are moving from some smaller city, you may have a hard time adjusting, since Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany and the rents can go up to 1,200 $.

7. Freiburg im Breisgau

According to Immobilien Scout, one of German’s largest real estate agencies, the rents are very expensive in this German city. Any city that expensive is welcomed on our list of most expensive cities to live in Germany. Who knows, maybe someone will rent you just the bed. You don’t really need a whole apartment if you think about it.

6. Heidelberg

This name will be familiar to intellectuals because of the famous Heidelberg University, which is, naturally, located here. This town is considered a romantic cityscape, so it could be ideal for the newlyweds. Note that one of you needs to know how to cook since this is the most expensive city in Germany if you take only food prices in consideration.

5. Stuttgart

The eighth largest city in Germany, Stuttgart is the best choice for nature lovers. The city is spread across a variety of hills, valleys, and parks – things that can rarely be seen in German cities. It has slightly greater prices of food and housing than the previous cities on the list, but nightlife is reputedly very expensive.

4. Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf as an international business and financial center is all about high prices. Food prices can be tolerated, but rent prices from 700$ to 1,700$ can’t. Also, a pair of high-end jeans will leave you 100$ shorter.

3. Hamburg

Being the second largest city in Germany, Hamburg is also the eighth largest city in the European Union. From transportation to housing, everything in Hamburg is dedicated to one goal – taking your money. The cheapest rent is 740$ per month, although the food is considered affordable. At least one good thing, since you will spend a lot of your money on all the other things.

2. Frankfurt am Main

Frankfurt am Main is a place where you will spend a large sum of your hard earned money on rent. According to Immobilien Scout, the rents are very expensive in this German city. Who knows, maybe someone will rent you just a bed. You don’t really need a whole apartment if you think about it.

1. Munich

We will conclude our 10 most expensive cities to live in Germany with its third most populous city and one of the most recognizable ones. According to Mercer survey in 2015, Munich is in the first place in Germany by standard and quality of living, and 4th worldwide. This comfort comes with the price, of course, so you shouldn’t head to Munich if you don’t have the funds to finance your life there. Don’t let the food or personal care product prices fool you. You will give much more for rent, clothes, and social life (if you decide to have any).