What are the costs of living in Germany? This is a question that may cross your mind if you have made the decision to live, work, or study in Deutschland and are concerned about the cost of living. When we decide to relocate abroad, the cost of living is usually the first consideration. However, depending on the city you intend to settle down in, the cost of living in Germany differs. For instance, living in Augsburg would be less expensive than residing in Berlin or Dusseldorf, two large cities. Both the cost of living and the standard of living should be taken into account while moving abroad.

Safety, education, and employment possibilities are additional elements that are crucial. We hope the comprehensive information in this blog will assist you in budgeting for your time in Germany. To assist you understand how much it costs to live as an Indian in Germany, let’s take a closer look at some of the key components.

What an Indian would pay in Germany

1. Apartment rent
   Let’s examine a few figures. If the rent for a two-bedroom flat in Delhi is between Rs. 20, 000 and Rs. 35, 000, the rent in cities like Berlin and Munich would be between Rs. 80, 000 and Rs. 120, 000. The cost of maintenance and heating is included in your rent. Depending on how often you use the heating equipment and other services, this will change. Additionally, renting an apartment will need you to pay two months’ rent in advance, however this can vary from city to city. It’s also important to note that finding a furnished apartment in Germany can be challenging, and you may need to start your search far in advance. The Homelike will make it simpler for you to locate flats in Germany for rent.
2. Food
   Living in Germany as an Indian could be difficult because there might not be many cuisine options. The good news is that there are lots of cheap supermarkets like Lidl, Netto, and Aldi and that local groceries are reasonably priced in Germany. You should budget about 35–40 euros, or Rs. 3,500, per week for groceries. Given the expense of importation, you could have to spend more if you choose to purchase an Indian goods. Chapati, grains, veggies, fruits, and other Indian food products are available in numerous Indian and Pakistani supermarkets in Germany, but they would set you back about €100 each month.
3. Fees for electricity
   Did you know that you can select your electricity supplier in Germany? Your monthly electricity payment, which will be automatically debited from your bank account if you live alone, will be about fifty euros. On the other hand, if you live with your family, the monthly cost can be between 80 and 120 euros, or around Rs. 7,000 and Rs. 10,000. How much you cook at home or how often you use the washing machine and other electrical appliances determine how expensive your electricity bill will be. In Germany, air conditioners and ceiling fans are scarce.
4. Travel
   In Germany, public transportation is moderately affordable. In your city, you can choose between a monthly or yearly transportation ticket or pass. The monthly cost of the pass is approximately 30 euros (approximately Rs. 2700), and the payment is taken out of your bank account once a year. You can purchase the same pass for your parents or spouse if you live with them. There is no fee for children under the age of fourteen.
5. Internet access and mobile costs
   While you can communicate with friends and family back home in India using Skype or WhatsApp, you might find it more convenient to get a SIM card from local shops. Like Lebara, a lot of carriers allow limitless free calls to India. To take advantage of this offer, all you have to do is pay 30 Euros (around Rs. 2700) a month. For an internet connection, you can utilize Vodafone, M-net, and O2.
6. Daycare Center
   The fact that schools and higher education are free in Germany may surprise you. Kindergartens and daycare centers, meanwhile, are not. The monthly cost for kindergarten attendance is 120 euros (around 10,000 rupees). Furthermore, if your residency permit is still active, you can apply for Kindergeld, or children’s allowance. You will receive approximately 220 Euros (about Rs. 19,000) each month, directly deposited into your bank account. Therefore, you don’t need to be concerned about your child’s education in Germany.
7. Amusement and Subscriptions
   In Germany, the price of entertainment varies according on your tastes. You must subscribe to Netflix, Hotstar, or Amazon Prime if you want to keep watching the shows in your country. Unless you use a VPN like NordVPN, you might not be able to view some of the content you were watching earlier due to the change in your physical location. For the same, you will need to spend an extra 12–14 euros every month.
8. Germany’s tax system
   In Germany, taxes typically take 30% of your gross pay (or more if you’re married). For instance, you will only have 4200 in cash if your monthly income is 6000 euros. It is advised that you budget your monthly and annual expenses appropriately. Your pension fund, health insurance, unemployment insurance, accident and sick pay insurance, and disability insurance are all funded by the taxes you pay.
9. What is the average salary in Germany?
   In Germany, an IT specialist may make between 55,000 and 70,000 euros a year. It is important to remember that your income and expenses may vary based on the city in which you choose to live. You ought to investigate a company thoroughly before taking a pay offer. Germany’s top job-producing cities include Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Nuremberg. This is where the majority of large, well-paying German enterprises are situated.
10. Germany’s Most Reasonably Priced Cities to Live in
    Leipzig, Osnabruck, Bremen, Jena, Siegen, Kiel, and Bochum

Evidence of Monetary Resources
You must be aware of various regulations, such as “Proof of Financial Resources,” if you are relocating to Germany. The German authorities would like to make sure you have enough money to stay in Germany and continue to live comfortably. As such, you will need to provide proof of your financial stability. You can accomplish this in a number of ways, including through a bank guarantee, a blocked account, scholarships, an obligation letter from a friend or relative who resides in Germany permanently, or parental assistance. However, German authorities recommend blocking the account as the best option for applications for a visa or residency permit.