Mar 1, 2025
The Actual Price of Living as a Student in Berlin
Berlin is among the most energetic and reasonably priced cities in Europe for students, but careful money management is essential. This guide will offer you a realistic estimate of monthly expenses, regardless of whether you're going to Berlin for studies or are just interested in how much it costs to live here.
1. The largest expense is rent.
It can be difficult to find reasonably priced lodging in Berlin because rental costs have gone up over time. The location, size, and kind of housing will all affect your rent:
Student dorms: €250 – €450 per month (limited availability)
WG (shared apartment): €400 – €700 per month
Studio apartment: €700 – €1,200 per month
Because WGs (Wohngemeinschaften) are more reasonably priced and offer a social setting, the majority of students choose them. Facebook groups, ImmoScout24, and WG-Gesucht are excellent resources for finding shared housing.
2. Transportation: The Deutschlandticket costs €58.
Berlin has excellent public transportation, and students can take use of the Deutschlandticket, which costs €58 a month. With this ticket, you can travel throughout Germany on buses, trams, the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, and even regional trains. If you're a student at a university, your tuition may include a semester ticket that covers your transportation expenses.
3. Monthly groceries: €150 to €250
When it comes to food purchasing, Berlin has several possibilities. If you're trying to find inexpensive grocery stores, take a look at:
The least expensive stores for basic groceries are Lidl, Netto, and Aldi.
Mid-range supermarkets Edeka and Rewe; more costly organic food stores Bio Company and Alnatura; and the best places to buy toiletries and household goods are DM and Rossmann.
You can limit your monthly grocery spend between €150 and €250 if you cook at home. Saving money can also be achieved by buying at Asian or Turkish marketplaces and purchasing in bulk.
4. Monthly Health Insurance: €38 to €150
In Germany, having health insurance is required, and the cost varies depending on the provider:
Monthly public student health insurance premiums (TK, AOK, Barmer, etc.) range from €110 to €150.
Private insurance (for self-employed people or students over 30): €38 per month
Instead of buying extra coverage, EU citizens may be able to use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
5. Doctor and Medical Expenses
Depending on your insurance plan, the cost of seeing a doctor will vary:
The majority of doctor visits are covered by public health insurance.
If you have private insurance, you might be required to pay up front and receive reimbursement afterwards.
Without insurance: Specialist visits can be more costly than general visits, which can range from €30 to €100.
Furthermore, over-the-counter drugs are reasonably priced; at pharmacies, simple pain relievers or cold remedies typically cost between €5 and €15.
6. Costs Associated with Studying
You might incur extra costs as a student for school supplies:
Library membership: While public libraries charge between €10 and €30 annually, many university libraries are free.
Books and study materials: The cost of these items can range from €50 to €200 per semester, depending on your course.
Laptops & tech: Depending on the brand and specifications, a good laptop for studying can cost anywhere between €500 and €1,500. Take advantage of student discounts at Lenovo, Dell, or Apple.
7. Entertainment & Dining Out: €50 to €200 a month
Berlin's culinary culture is renowned for being reasonably priced. Here's what to anticipate whether you enjoy eating out or are simply stopping by for a quick snack:
Street food (Döner, Currywurst, Falafel): €4 – €7
Small restaurants & bars: €10 – €15 per meal
Mid-range restaurants: €20 – €40 per meal
Clubs & nightlife: €5 – €20 entry + drinks
Berlin offers many of reasonably priced options for those on a limited budget, including happy hour specials, inexpensive bars in Kreuzberg, Neukölln, and Friedrichshain, and student canteens (Mensa).
8. Other Expenses to Consider
Phone plan: €8 – €20 per month (Aldi Talk, O2, Vodafone)
Internet (if not included in rent): €20 – €40 per month
Gym membership: €20 – €50 per month (McFIT, FitX, Urban Sports Club)
Streaming services: €10 – €20 per month (Netflix, Spotify, etc.)
Laundry costs: €2 – €5 per load if using laundromats
Total Estimated Monthly Budget for a Student in Berlin
Expense Category | Estimated Cost (€) |
Rent (WG room) | 400 – 700 |
Transportation | 58 |
Groceries | 150 – 250 |
Health Insurance | 38 – 150 |
Eating Out & Fun | 50 – 200 |
Phone & Internet | 30 – 60 |
Miscellaneous | 50 – 100 |
Total Monthly Budget | €800 – €1,500 |
Money-Saving Advice for Berlin
Take advantage of student discounts: With a valid student ID, many establishments grant discounts.
Prepare meals at home: Eating out a lot can add up quickly.
Purchase used: For reasonably priced apparel and furniture, check out websites like Vinted and Kleinanzeigen.
Make use of free activities: Student events, parks, and museums are frequently free.
Walk or bike: Berlin is a bike-friendly city, and occasionally forgoing public transportation can save you money.
In conclusion
It can be reasonably priced for students to live in Berlin, but careful budgeting is crucial. Your monthly expenses will range from €800 to €1,500, depending on your lifestyle. The secret is to enjoy Berlin without going over budget, balance your expenses, and take advantage of student discounts.
Berlin offers more than just financial savings; it's also a place to experience culture, diversity, and an exciting student life. You can fully enjoy the city if you have a well-planned budget.
