Cost of Living in Germany for Indian Students 2025 - Monthly Expenses & Budget Tips

Germany is one of the top study abroad destinations for Indian students. It offers top-notch education and lifestyle for international students. However, studying and living in Germany can be a little more expensive for Indian students.

On average, a single student needs around €620 - €1,360 per month to manage their study and living costs in Germany. The estimated budget to live and study in Germany includes expenses of accommodation, food, transportation, health, utilities, and personal expenses.

Meanwhile, you can strategically control your monthly expenses through proper budgeting and financial planning. Most public universities in Germany offer education with zero tuition fees for international students. Moreover, candidates can also apply for scholarships, financial aid, and loans to manage their average cost of living in Germany.

Average Monthly Living Cost in Germany

On average, the monthly costs of living in Germany is around €620 to €1,360 per month, which is about INR 52,700 to INR 1,15,600. The cost is calculated by including the expenses of rent, food, transport, health insurance, internet, books, and some personal spending. The average may be higher in cities like Munich or Frankfurt, whereas the expense will be lower for smaller cities. Here, we have included the average living cost of Indian students in Germany.

Category	Monthly cost (€)	Monthly cost (INR)
Rent	€300 - €700	INR 25,500 - INR 59,500
Food	€150 - €250	INR 12,750 - INR 21,250
Health Insurance	€80 - €120	INR 6,800 - INR 10,200
Transportation	€20 - €100	INR 1,700 - INR 8,500
Telephone/Internet	€20 - €40	INR 1,700 - INR 3,400
Study Materials	€20 - €50	INR 1,700 - INR 4,250
Leisure Activities	€30 - INR 100	INR 2,550 - INR 8,500
Total	€620 - €1,360	INR 52,700 - INR 115,600

Accommodation Costs in Germany

On average, rent in Germany is around 441.8% higher than in India. There are many types of accommodation options in Germany, such as shared apartments (WG), student dormitories, and private flats. Most students prefer to live in shared apartments because they are cheaper and help save money. On the other hand, if you rent a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre, you may pay around €885 (approx. ₹75,300) per month. If you live a little far from the city, the rent drops to around €671 (approx. ₹57,100).

If you are moving with family or need more space, a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs about €1,659 (₹1,41,300), while one outside the centre is around €1,257 (₹1,07,000). Many students go for university dorms and hostels to save money on private rents. 

Accommodation Type	Average Rent (€ / month)	Approximate Rent (INR / month)
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre	€885	₹75,300
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre	€671	₹57,100
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre	€1,659	₹1,41,300
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre	€1,257	₹1,07,000

Conversion Rate Used: €1 = ₹85 (approx.). The actual INR value may vary based on the daily exchange rate.

Also Read: Accommodation in Germany for International Students

Utilities and Internet in Germany

When you live in Germany, the utilities and internet charges are an important part of the overall living expenses. For basic utilities like electricity, heating, water, garbage, and cooling in an average 85m² apartment, the monthly cost is around €302, which is about ₹25,700. This price can change based on how much energy you use and the season. In winter, heating bills can be a bit higher.

A mobile phone plan with calls and at least 10GB of data usually costs around €24 per month.

For home internet, most people go for a fast and unlimited plan of €45 per month.

So, when you plan your monthly budget in Germany, make sure you include these utilities and internet costs too.

Service	Average Monthly Cost (€)	Approximate Monthly Cost (INR)
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m²	€302	₹25,700
Mobile Phone Plan (Calls + 10GB+ Data)	€24	₹2,000
Internet (60 Mbps or more, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	€45	₹3,800

Conversion Rate Used: €1 = ₹85 (approximate and may change). The actual INR value may vary based on the daily exchange rate.

Also Read: Cost of Living in Frankfurt for Indians: Affordable Guide

Food and Groceries Cost in Germany

On average, international students spend around €150 to €250 per month on food. This includes groceries, small snacks, and basic cooking items.

You can save money by cooking at home instead of eating outside. Supermarkets like Lidl, Aldi, Rewe, and Edeka offer affordable prices for fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, milk, rice, and other everyday items. 

If you eat at restaurants or order food often, your monthly food budget in Germany can go up fast. Also, if you are a vegetarian or have special food habits, you may need to spend a bit more to buy organic or imported products. So, plan your monthly food costs wisely while living in Germany.

Item	Average Price (€)	Approximate Price (INR)
Milk (1 liter)	€1.11	₹95
Bread (Loaf, 500g)	€1.93	₹165
Rice (white, 1kg)	€2.93	₹250
Eggs (12 regular)	€3.32	₹280
Local Cheese (1kg)	€12.82	₹1,090
Apples (1kg)	€2.78	₹235
Bananas (1kg)	€1.59	₹135
Oranges (1kg)	€1.97	₹170
Tomatoes (1kg)	€4.20	₹360
Potatoes (1kg)	€1.36	₹115
Onions (1kg)	€1.39	₹120
Lettuce (1 head)	€1.63	₹140
Water (1.5 liter bottle)	€0.94	₹80

Conversion Rate Used: €1 = ₹85 (approximate and may change). The actual INR value may vary based on the daily exchange rate.

Also Read: Cost of Living in Hamburg: Detailed Expense Overview

Transportation Cost in Germany

Transportation in Germany includes public transport like buses, trams, and trains for daily travel. The average transportation cost in Germany is between €20 to €100 per month.

Students can get discounted travel passes or even free travel in some areas if their university gives a semester ticket. A monthly public transport pass usually costs around €58 (approx. ₹5,000), but students often pay less.

Transport Item	Average Price (€)	Approximate Price (INR)
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)	€3.20	₹270
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)	€58.00	₹4,930
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	€5.00	₹425
Taxi per km (Normal Tariff)	€2.50	₹210
Taxi 1-hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)	€33.00	₹2,805
Gasoline (1 liter)	€1.73	₹147

Conversion Rate Used: €1 = ₹85 (approximate and may change). The actual INR value may vary based on the daily exchange rate.

Also Read: Cost of Study in Germany – Plan Your Budget for 2025

Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Germany

Health insurance in Germany is very important for all international students. Without it, you cannot even get your student visa in Germany or start your studies. In Germany, it is mandatory to have health insurance, either public or private.

On average, health insurance costs in Germany for international students range between €80 to €120 per month. Most students go for public health insurance because it covers more things and is trusted by universities. But if you are above 30 or doing a language course, you may need to take private insurance, which sometimes costs more.

Most international students apply for public insurance like TK or AOK. These insurances cover doctor visits, emergency care, hospital stays, and basic medicines. 

Always buy your health insurance before coming to Germany, and carry your proof. Without health insurance, you can’t even enrol at the university. So, make sure to include it in your monthly living cost in Germany.

Also Read: Cost of Living In Munich For Indian Students

Hidden Costs in Germany

When you plan your budget, don’t forget the hidden costs in Germany. These are the small things that many students forget, but can really add up every month.

One common hidden cost is for study materials. Even though public universities have free tuition, you still need to buy books, notebooks, stationery, or special software for your course. This can cost around €20 to €50 per month, which is around ₹1,700 to ₹4,250.

Another big area is leisure and entertainment. You may want to go out with friends, visit museums, watch movies, or take weekend trips. This can cost about €30 to €100 per month (₹2,550 to ₹8,500), depending on your lifestyle. If you go to clubs or concerts often, this cost can go even higher.

Also, things like laundry, buying kitchen tools, clothes for different weather, and small electronics can come up suddenly. So, always keep a little extra budget for these unexpected monthly expenses in Germany.

Also Read: Cost of Living in Berlin- Vital Stats

Cost of Studying in Germany for International Students

The cost of studying in Germany for international students is quite affordable. Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for international students. But you still have to pay a semester fee, which is around €150 to €350 (₹13,475 to ₹31,443). This fee covers things like admin costs and public transport. On the other hand, private universities are more expensive. Their tuition fees can go from €3,000 to €20,000 per year (₹2,69,540 to ₹17,96,977), depending on the course and university.

Tips to Manage Living Costs in Germany

Living in Germany can be expensive for international students. Cities like Munich or Frankfurt cost a hefty amount compared to smaller cities. But it is possible to minimize the overall spending by adapting some regular saving practices and budgeting habits. 

Below are some practical tips to help you manage your living expenses effectively:

• Choose student accommodation or shared flats (WG) to save on rent. Living in the city centre is costlier, so try to stay a little outside.
• Cook your own meals instead of eating out. Groceries are much cheaper, and you can prepare healthy food too.
• Use semester tickets from your university for free or cheap public transport.
• Shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, or Penny. They offer good quality products at low prices.
• Buy second-hand things like furniture, books, or even clothes from flea markets or online sites.
• Use free internet at the university or library to avoid high data bills.
• Don’t forget to apply for scholarships or student discounts available for public transport, movies, museums, etc.
• Track your expenses using a budgeting app to see where your money is going.

Study in Germany for Free

Conclusion

The cost of living in Germany for Indian students in 2025 is about €620 to €1,360 per month, covering rent, food, health insurance, transport, and other needs. Big cities like Berlin or Munich can be more expensive, while smaller towns are cheaper. 

You can save money by cooking at home, using student discounts, and sharing rooms. Many Indian students also work part-time to help with costs. 

For help with budgeting, finding the right city, or planning your Germany study, talk to upGrad experts. Experts will guide you step by step for a smooth and affordable study experience.