Cost of Living in Cologne, Germany

Are you considering a move to Cologne, Germany, and wondering about the cost of living? Cologne is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Cologne and help you understand whether $2793 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $2915.67.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Cologne, Germany
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

13.03 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

62.41 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

9.77 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

3.8 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

3.26 $

Cappuccino (regular)

3.34 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

2.54 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

2.11 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.24 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

2.16 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

2.63 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

3.32 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

12.81 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

15.11 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

17.87 $

Apples (1 lb)

2.42 $

Banana (1 lb)

1.59 $

Oranges (1 lb)

2.2 $

Tomato (1 lb)

2.55 $

Potato (1 lb)

1.72 $

Onion (1 lb)

1.72 $

Lettuce (1 head)

1.61 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

0.64 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

5.42 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.03 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

1.99 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

8.79 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

3.36 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

92.26 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

4.88 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

2.17 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

29.85 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

2.1 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

26050.29 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

32924.67 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

310.35 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

45.96 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

29.85 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

24.83 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

13.03 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

747.86 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

12590.97 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

79.57 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

29.54 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

83.69 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

98.23 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

999.58 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

753.08 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

1926.3 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

1308.26 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

5624.85 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

4047.74 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

2915.67 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

2.8 %

Cost of Living in Cologne, Germany

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Cologne?

The monthly expenses for living in Cologne come to a total of approximately $2793. This includes an average monthly rent of around $999 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $333 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $912 per month.

How affordable is living in Cologne?

Living in Cologne appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $2915.67. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Cologne, you would likely need an income exceeding $2915.67.

What is the average salary in Cologne?

In Cologne, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $2915.67, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Cologne?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Cologne is approximately $999. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $753.08 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Cologne?

The expense for groceries in Cologne can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $640 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in Germany?

The cost of living in Germany can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Germany.

Cologne, Germany

How Safe Is Cologne, Germany for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Cologne, Germany

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Public transportation and taxis are safe. Use common sense and watch your pockets.

OVERALL RISK: LOW

In general, the city is quite safe, you should avoid some areas at night and watch your pockets in crowded places.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

There are many pickpockets in Cologne, especially in tourist places, at festivals and in public transport. Be careful.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

The main hazard in Cologne comes from a river spill. This occurs in spring when the snow melts in the mountains and leads to flooding.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Regarding mugging and kidnapping risks, Cologne is a safe place. Just be watchful and avoid dangerous areas.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

Terrorism not an issue in Cologne but it's an issue in Europe. Every time you are in a touristic place or at the festival - be watchful.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Fraud can occur on the streets when someone tries to distract or talk to you. Sometimes it can even be beggars. Don't do stop to talk with strangers.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women can safely travel to Cologne alone. Just use common sense and you won’t get into trouble.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

You can enter Germany without a visa if you stay for less than 90 days. If you are EU nationals, you can stay in the country as long as you want. A valid passport is a must.

currency_exchange

Currency

he Euro is the official currency for Germany. A sign is €; code: EUR. The euro is divided into 100 euro cents.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

The best times to visit Cologne for ideal weather are from May to October. Temperatures feel cold for about half of the year and otherwise nice with a very low chance of rain or snow throughout the year.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Cologne Bonn Airport is the international airport of Cologne, located 14 km from the city. Airport also serves Bonn, the former capital of West Germany.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Cologne, Germany

What about weather in Cologne, Germany ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 42°F 44°F 51°F 59°F 66°F 71°F 75°F 74°F 67°F 59°F 49°F 43°F
Temp 37°F 38°F 44°F 50°F 57°F 62°F 66°F 65°F 59°F 52°F 44°F 39°F
Low 32°F 32°F 36°F 41°F 47°F 53°F 56°F 55°F 50°F 45°F 38°F 34°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 5°C 6°C 10°C 15°C 18°C 21°C 23°C 23°C 19°C 15°C 9°C 6°C
Temp 2°C 3°C 6°C 10°C 13°C 16°C 18°C 18°C 15°C 11°C 6°C 3°C
Low 0°C 0°C 2°C 5°C 8°C 11°C 13°C 12°C 10°C 7°C 3°C 1°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in Germany with Cologne

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

Cost of living in countries