When thinking about moving to Berlin, the following question is often decisive: How much money do I need to live in Berlin? Can I afford a life in the Berlin? The answer: Yes, compared to other hot spots in Germany and Europe, you can be sure of that. Below is a closer look at the cost of living and the reasons for this.

How much money do you need to live in Berlin? Berlin is not only characterized by its unique architecture: Centrally located in Europe, it is a Mecca for people from science, industry, culture and the media. In addition, highly respected sports, education, health and transport institutions make Berlin one of the most livable cities for its 3.75 million inhabitants – and that far beyond the German borders. Despite the massive population growth in recent decades, the cost of living in Berlin is still comparatively cheap. The moving history of the German capital also contributes to its unique character. But back to the real question.

The cost of living in Berlin

By now they are probably convinced that moving to Berlin makes sense if you long for big city life. However , it can still be worth taking a look at the cost of living.

1. How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Berlin?

Berlin is one of the cheapest cities in Europe. Apartments are amazingly cheap. For a fully equipped apartment you have to spend between 700 euros and 3500 euros, depending on the size and quality of the apartment and the neighborhood.

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2. Costs when buying a home

The average cost of buying a home is 6,447 euros per square meter. This means that real estate prices are cheaper than in other major German and European cities. More precisely, in the best case scenario you pay half as much for an apartment in Berlin as for an apartment in Paris and only a third of what you would have to pay in London. The price per square meter is also cheaper compared to other German cities such as Frankfurt, Munich or Hamburg . If you would like to know what prices you should expect in the respective districts, the following overview will help you:

3. Food costs

What you spend on groceries of course depends on which supermarkets you prefer, how often you go shopping and how often you let yourself be tempted to eat outside. 

▶ Roughly classified, the average monthly food costs for couples are 350 euros. 

▶ Families are likely to be full of around 750 euros.

4. Going to a restaurant

Berlin offers a variety of options to satisfy different culinary preferences. If you don’t want to swing the wooden spoon yourself, the price ranges from snack to star restaurant. 

▶ Falafel in bread on hand is available from 2.50 euros. 

▶ Those who don’t want to miss the real restaurant experience can be happy for as little as 8 to 12 euros. For the more upscale kitchen you spend 15 to 25 euros. 

▶ In the star restaurant you can eat from 50 euros.

5. Bus and train

Local public transport in Berlin is divided into areas A, B and C, with A and B covering the city center including Tegel Airport (Schönefeld Airport falls in Area C). 

▶ The tickets are valid for trains, S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams and buses and are available for the AB area for 3.00 euros per single journey. 

▶ Day tickets cost 8.80 euros, while monthly tickets cost 86.00 euros individually and 63.42 euros per month for an annual subscription. 

Anyone who invests in a bicycle can of course save these costs.

6. Entertainment

The metropolis lives from its culture and for many people this is one of the main reasons to move to Berlin. This also includes Berlin’s flourishing music scene. 

▶ For a club visit, day or night, you spend between 5 and 20 euros. You can also see live music for 5 euros, but concert prices can rise above 100 euros. 

▶ In one of the 175 museums you should expect around 8 to 15 euros as an adult and those who like to relax in the cinema with a good film will pay around 8 to 12 euros for the entrance ticket. Galleries, pubs, comedy events – the list of possibilities could go on and on. Ultimately, you decide which events you can skip and which you can’t.

7. Income

With an average of 42,500 euros, salaries in Berlin are similar to the national average. In other German cities such as Munich or Hamburg, incomes are sometimes significantly higher, but as mentioned above, you have to dig deeper into your pockets when it comes to housing costs.