In this article, we want to answer one of the most frequently asked questions before moving to Germany: how much does it really cost and how much money do I need to save before moving to Germany?
Here we give you a realistic estimate for 2026. Please note that the total amount depends on the city, the type of accommodation, and whether you're arriving with a job already secured or not.
Initial costs upon arrival in Germany
Unfortunately, the first month in Germany is often the most expensive due to various one-off payments. However, don't worry, once these initial expenses are covered, living in Germany doesn't have to be expensive. It all depends on your lifestyle, priorities and decisions in the following months.
Rental deposit (Kaution)
What is the Kaution?
One of the biggest initial expenses when starting your life in Germany is the apartment deposit. This deposit is paid to the landlord and is refundable.
Usually equivalent to 2–3 months’ basic rent (Kaltmiete). Although it may seem like a high amount, it is returned at the end of the contract if the apartment is in good condition.
We also recommend having a third-party liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung). It is very useful in the event of accidental damage to the home.
Example of a deposit in 2026
City | Monthly rent | Approx. capacity. |
|---|---|---|
Berlin | 900 € | 1.800 € |
Hamburg | 850 € | 1.700 € |
Leipzig | 600 € | 1.200 € |
Tip: some landlords allow you to pay in instalments.
By town
More affordable: Leipzig Dresden / Magdeburg
Intermediaries Hanover/ Bremen / Nuremberg
More expensive: Munich / Frankfurt / Hamburg
On our Guide to Accommodation in Germany You can find more information on this.
Compulsory health insurance
If you’re already in work, your health insurance is usually deducted directly from your salary.
If you’re currently unemployed and have to pay for private health insurance out of your own pocket, it can cost €75 a month.
Well-known public health insurance providers:
- Barmer
- TK (Techniker Krankenkasse)
- AOK
If you need help taking out compulsory health insurance, please don’t hesitate to contact us — We’ll help you for free. You can also read more here.
Transport during the first few months
To get around the city, we recommend the Deutschlandticket.
It currently costs 63 per month and includes local public transport (buses, S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams) and regional trains (2nd class).
It is one of the most economical and practical options for newcomers.
Food expenses
Food costs vary from person to person, but here is a general estimate:
Type of expense | Monthly cost |
|---|---|
Supermarket | 200–350 euros |
Eating out | 100–250 € |
Total | 300–600 euros |
If you cook at home and buy budget-friendly products, you can spend around 200 € per month.
Eating out
It can cost between €25 and €50 per person depending on the type of restaurant.
- Döner: £7-£10.
- Fast food menu: €10-15.
- Budget restaurant: €15-25 per person.
- Mid-range restaurant: €25-€50 per person.
Regarding the supermarket, it depends on where you do your shopping. There's a wide variety of supermarket chains.
Cheaper supermarkets in Germany
- Lidl or Aldi: The cheapest and the best value for money.
- Penny or Netto
- Kaufland: if you do large shopping it's usually the best because it has a great variety of products and relatively good prices
- Rewe or Edeka: they are the most expensive but you can find special or international products there.
To give you an idea, Lidl and Aldi are usually between 20% and 40% cheaper than Rewe and Edeka.
Other important expenses that many forget
- Registration of residence (Anmeldung) – This process is completely FREE.
- Basic furniture (IKEA or Facebook Marketplace are popular options) in case you rent an unfurnished flat or room.
- Basic utensils: pots, sheets, lamps. You can find very cheap or even free options at kleinanzeigen.de
- SIM card
- Certified translations
- Immigration procedures
Emergency fund
The emergency fund is one of the most important parts when moving abroad.
Even if everything goes well, it's always advisable to be prepared for unexpected situations such as delays in finding work or housing. With savings, you'll be able to pay for a hostel or Airbnb temporarily without stress until you find somewhere to live. Registration.
Broadcasting contribution
- Approximately €18-19 per dwelling per month. If you share a flat with other people, then you will pay less, as payment is per dwelling, not per person.
- The letter for payment will arrive one or two months after they moved in.
Recommended budget for 3 months:
Very tight (WG + austere living):
£3,500 – £5,000
Comfortable for one person
£6,000 – £8,000
Arrive with time to spare and in a relaxed manner
£8,000 – £12,000
These costs depend on the city and lifestyle. It's possible to live very simply at first to reduce expenses while you adapt.
(These examples are for if you're renting a shared room)
Realistic example (medium-sized city)
Initial expenses
- Deposit: €1,200
- First month's rent: €600
- Furniture and basic equipment: €500
- Administration, transport and initial purchases: €300
Starting total: 2.600 €
Monthly expenses
- Room to rent flatshare: €600
- Food: €250
- Transport: €63
- Telephone: €15
- Leisure and unexpected expenses: €150
Monthly total: ≈ £1.075
For three months:
- £2,600 (installation)
- €3.215 (daily life)
Total recommended: ≈ £5,800
Is it possible to move to Germany with very little money?
Yes, it's possible, but it involves more risk.
To reduce costs you can:
- Flatshare
- Looking for a job before arriving «How to find work without speaking German»
- Reduce expenses at the start
Conclusion
Although it is possible to move to Germany on a reduced budget, most newcomers will need between €4,000 and €7,000 to cover the initial costs with peace of mind.
If you're wondering How much money do you need to move to Germany, What is the Cost of living in Germany in 2026, o How much does it cost to emigrate to Germany, This guide gives you a very clear basis for starting to plan your budget for living in Germany.
