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Are you considering a move to Berlin, Germany, and wondering about the cost of living? Berlin 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 Berlin and help you understand whether $3337 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $3377.2.
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
13.57 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
67.84 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
10.85 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
4.88 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
4.34 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
3.8 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
3.22 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
2.78 $ |
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.3 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
2.14 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
3.03 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
3.6 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
14.23 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
13.74 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
16.26 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
2.82 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.81 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
2.58 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
3.1 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
1.78 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
1.94 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
1.64 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
0.87 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
5.43 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.06 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
1.77 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
8.9 $ |
|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
3.47 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
54.26 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
4.88 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
2.28 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
37.99 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
1.99 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
32562.86 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
31276.63 $ |
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
375.6 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
43.74 $ |
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
40.3 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
22.25 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
13.57 $ |
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
274.12 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
7309.01 $ |
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
93.59 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
39.77 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
98.65 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
136.03 $ |
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
1445.41 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
1000.11 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
2713.35 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
1887.87 $ |
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
8862.1 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
6347.24 $ |
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
3377.2 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
4.1 % |
|
The cost of dining varies with the type of establishment. A meal at an affordable restaurant averages around 13.57 USD, while a three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant generally costs 67.84 USD.
Basic grocery prices are accessible for most essentials. For instance, a gallon of milk costs about 1.3 USD, a loaf of bread 2.14 USD, and a dozen eggs approximately 3.6 USD.
Public transport is relatively affordable, with a single trip priced at about 3.47 USD and a monthly pass around 54.26 USD. If you plan to use public transit regularly, these passes offer great value.
For an 85 m² apartment, monthly utility bills—including electricity, heating, water, and waste services—average around 375.6 USD.
For those interested in fitness and leisure, a monthly gym membership averages around 40.3 USD, while an hour on a tennis court on weekends costs about 22.25 USD.
Families looking for private childcare services will find that a month at a local preschool or kindergarten costs around 274.12 USD. For international schooling options, annual tuition can reach approximately 7309.01 USD.
Clothing and shoe prices vary widely. A pair of Levi's 501 jeans, for example, costs about 93.59 USD, and mid-range Nike sneakers are priced around 98.65 USD.
Rental prices depend on location, with a one-bedroom apartment in the city center averaging 1445.41 USD per month, while one outside the center costs around 1000.11 USD.
If you're considering buying property, prices per square foot vary as well. In central areas, the price per square foot is roughly 8862.1 USD, while in the suburbs, it's closer to 6347.24 USD.
The average monthly net salary here is about 3377.2 USD after taxes, and mortgage interest rates for a 20-year fixed-rate loan average around 4.1% annually.
The monthly expenses for living in Berlin come to a total of approximately $3337. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1445 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $397 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $901 per month.
Living in Berlin appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $3377.2. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Berlin, you would likely need an income exceeding $3377.2.
In Berlin, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $3377.2, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Berlin is approximately $1445. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $1000.11 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Berlin can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $653 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.
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.
Berlin, Germany
Considering its location score of 78, Berlin can be seen as a very safe city, both at night and in the daytime. As in any other major city, there are some areas where you can encounter criminal activity. As long as you are cautioned, you can feel safe while in Berlin.
When public transport and taxis are in question, Berlin can be considered generally safe. However, there is always a possibility of becoming easy prey if you are not attentive, so you should remain vigilant. Taxi scams do not exist in Berlin.
Pickpockets are the main problem not only in the public transportation and tourist areas but also in clubs or pubs, just as in any other capital. Their techniques and strategies are so sophisticated and not only tourists are the target, but the Berliners as well. You should keep an eye on your possessions.
There is no threat of a serious natural disaster in Berlin. The only possible disaster is flooding which can happen in the spring due to the snow melting or heavy rain.
Mugging and kidnapping are rare in Berlin, and there are very few reports on tourists being assaulted. In case it happens, it is usually against locals. Dangerous zones should be avoided.
Due to the recent history, which reports terrorist attacks in Berlin on Christmas Market, there is a possibility of further terrorist attacks. The main targets can be events with a lot of people or crowded streets. Even though tourists are not the direct target, in case of the attack, they can become victims.
Scammers exist, and tourists are their main target. They will try to distract your attention and take your valuables. The best advice is not to accept the offer to help with your luggage.
Berlin is one of the most accessible destinations for solo travelers and women do not need to worry while in Berlin. Any possible problems against females can happen in those areas of the city that tourists never go to.
Visas are not obligatory for 90 days to stay, while for those who have Schengen, staying is not limited. A valid passport is necessary. There are useful websites that offer information on whether you need a visa or not.
Even though the official currency in Germany is the Euro, there are some large department stores that may take foreign currencies. Germany is considered as a cheap country, but the prices are higher in Berlin then in the rest of the country. Cash machines are widespread, while credit cards are rarely accepted, so you should have cash on you.
Berlin has a temperate continental climate, characterized by warm summers and cloudy winters. The weather during winter can be very cold, especially around Berlin. The best time to visit is from June to September.
There are many international airports in Germany, and some of them are Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Stuttgart and Cologne. When you decide to come to Berlin, you can land at the Tegel International Airport which is the airport for international carriers like British Airways, Air France-KLM, or Schönefeld, the smaller one for most low-cost airlines.
Whether you are traveling for work or pleasure, it is impossible to predict an accident or illness that might happen to you while out of your country. In order not to ruin your trip, international travel health insurance is the perfect solution.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 38°F | 40°F | 48°F | 57°F | 67°F | 71°F | 76°F | 74°F | 66°F | 56°F | 46°F | 39°F |
| Temp | 33°F | 35°F | 41°F | 49°F | 58°F | 63°F | 68°F | 67°F | 59°F | 50°F | 41°F | 36°F |
| Low | 29°F | 30°F | 35°F | 41°F | 49°F | 55°F | 59°F | 58°F | 51°F | 44°F | 37°F | 32°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 3°C | 4°C | 8°C | 13°C | 19°C | 21°C | 24°C | 23°C | 18°C | 13°C | 7°C | 3°C |
| Temp | 0°C | 1°C | 5°C | 9°C | 14°C | 17°C | 20°C | 19°C | 15°C | 10°C | 5°C | 2°C |
| Low | -1°C | -1°C | 1°C | 5°C | 9°C | 12°C | 15°C | 14°C | 10°C | 6°C | 2°C | 0°C |