Cost Of Living in Berlin 2025

cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Berlin

Average monthly spending for singles, couples, students, and families in Berlin

Whether you're living in Berlin or planning to move there, it is very important to know the cost of living and the prices of things. Here we list the average spending for the four main population groups.

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: EUR
450 4,500 67,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$480 $4,800 $72,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Single

Currency: EUR
590 4,100 46,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$640 $4,500 $50,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Couple

Currency: EUR
950 6,200 57,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,000 $6,700 $62,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Family

Currency: EUR
1,500 7,300 73,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $8,000 $80,000

Monthly Expenditure ▶ Student

Currency: EUR
440 2,900 32,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$480 $3,100 $35,000
The figures displayed here are inclusive of everything: housing, travel, groceries, healthcare, etc.

Singles

The average monthly expense for a single person living in Berlin is 4,100 EUR. Expenses can range from 590 EUR at the minimum level to 46,000 EUR at the highest end.


Couples

The average monthly spending of couples in Berlin is 6,200 EUR. Expenditure can range from 950 EUR to 57,000 EUR per month.


Families

The average cost of living for families in Berlin is 7,300 EUR per month. Families spend anywhere from 1,500 EUR to 73,000 EUR.


Students

The average monthly expenditure for students in Berlin is 2,900 EUR. Students spend from 440 EUR to 32,000 EUR per month.


Spending behavior can change drastically from one person to another. It is best to consider the minimum, average, and maximum spending together.

Prices and cost of goods and services in Berlin

Chart showing the prices and cost of grocery, food, restaurant meals, market, and beverages in Berlin

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

5.1 EUR 10 EUR 17 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.6 $11 $19

Restaurant meal for one

18 EUR 27 EUR 54 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $30 $59

Fine dining meal for one

34 EUR 51 EUR 210 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$37 $56 $220

Cappuccino or latte

4.4 EUR 7.1 EUR 11 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.8 $7.7 $12

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

3.6 EUR 4.4 EUR 5.4 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.9 $4.7 $5.9

12 eggs

2.5 EUR 3.4 EUR 5.1 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.8 $3.7 $5.5

Fresh whole chicken

6.2 EUR 8.1 EUR 11 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.8 $8.7 $12

Pack of beef

7.6 EUR 11 EUR 23 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.3 $12 $25

Medium bag of rice

2.7 EUR 3.7 EUR 5.2 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.9 $4 $5.6

Bag of tomatos

1 EUR 1.4 EUR 2.6 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.5 $2.8

Bag of apples

1.9 EUR 2.5 EUR 4.1 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2 $2.7 $4.4
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Berlin

Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

4.6 EUR 5.5 EUR 11 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5 $5.9 $12

Average car full tank

26 EUR 34 EUR 69 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$28 $37 $75

Average car 1-day rental

23 EUR 31 EUR 47 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$25 $34 $51

Average car price

12,000 EUR 24,000 EUR 32,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$13,000 $26,000 $35,000

Bus ticket one way

0.80 EUR 1.2 EUR 2.4 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.87 $1.3 $2.6

Car Service

33 EUR 50 EUR 99 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$36 $54 $110
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in Berlin

Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Individual

29 EUR 200 EUR 2,300 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$31 $220 $2,500

Utility Bill - Couple

30 EUR 220 EUR 2,500 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$33 $240 $2,700

Utility Bill - Family

57 EUR 280 EUR 2,800 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$61 $310 $3,100

Internet and cable

27 EUR 55 EUR 73 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$30 $59 $79

Mobile phone charges

17 EUR 28 EUR 83 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $30 $89

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

11 EUR 15 EUR 22 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $16 $24

One month gym membership

42 EUR 53 EUR 110 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$46 $58 $120
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Berlin

Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

32 EUR 46 EUR 68 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$35 $50 $74

Woman dress

31 EUR 44 EUR 140 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$34 $47 $150

Woman shoes

27 EUR 37 EUR 86 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$29 $40 $93

Men's shoes

24 EUR 29 EUR 59 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $32 $64

Men suit

27 EUR 34 EUR 180 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$30 $37 $200

Regular t-shirt

14 EUR 19 EUR 57 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $20 $61
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Berlin

Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

520 EUR 780 EUR 2,100 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$560 $850 $2,300

1-bedroom apartment

810 EUR 1,300 EUR 3,200 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$880 $1,400 $3,500

2-bedroom apartment

1,100 EUR 1,700 EUR 4,400 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,200 $1,800 $4,800

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

110,000 EUR 170,000 EUR 330,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120,000 $180,000 $360,000

1-bedroom apartment

140,000 EUR 230,000 EUR 860,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150,000 $250,000 $930,000

2-bedroom apartment

210,000 EUR 620,000 EUR 1.2M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230,000 $680,000 $1.4M
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Berlin

Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

510 EUR 630 EUR 840 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$550 $690 $920

Double Bed

350 EUR 520 EUR 650 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$380 $570 $710

Single Bed

320 EUR 420 EUR 540 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$350 $450 $590

Living Room

620 EUR 800 EUR 2,800 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$670 $870 $3,000

Dining Table

250 EUR 340 EUR 630 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$270 $370 $690

Sofa or Couch

350 EUR 480 EUR 1,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$380 $520 $1,100
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Berlin

Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

350 EUR 530 EUR 1,100 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$380 $570 $1,100

Fridge or Freezer

320 EUR 500 EUR 680 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$350 $540 $740

Washing Machine

380 EUR 550 EUR 990 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$410 $590 $1,100

Stove or Cooker

360 EUR 460 EUR 640 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$400 $500 $690

Mobile Phone

440 EUR 530 EUR 750 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$480 $570 $820

Laptop or Computer

500 EUR 610 EUR 1,100 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$540 $660 $1,200
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Berlin

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Berlin

Rental costs and house/apartment prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Rent Cost in Berlin

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

520 EUR 780 EUR 2,100 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$560 $850 $2,300

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

810 EUR 1,300 EUR 3,200 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$880 $1,400 $3,500

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,100 EUR 1,700 EUR 4,400 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,200 $1,800 $4,800

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

1,400 EUR 2,300 EUR 6,300 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,500 $2,500 $6,800

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

2,600 EUR 6,500 EUR 13,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,800 $7,000 $14,000

Townhouse monthly rent cost

2,100 EUR 3,100 EUR 9,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,300 $3,400 $9,700

House monthly rent cost

2,600 EUR 6,500 EUR 13,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,800 $7,000 $14,000

Villa monthly rent cost

3,100 EUR 7,800 EUR 12,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3,400 $8,500 $14,000

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Berlin ranges between 520 EUR and 2,100 EUR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 810 EUR to 3,200 EUR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 1,100 EUR and 4,400 EUR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,400 EUR to 6,300 EUR. The average rent of a townhouse in Berlin is around 3,100 EUR while house rental costs can be as high as 6,500 EUR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 3,100 EUR to 12,000 EUR per month.



Apartment and house prices in Berlin

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

110,000 EUR 170,000 EUR 330,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$120,000 $180,000 $360,000

1-bedroom apartment price

140,000 EUR 230,000 EUR 860,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150,000 $250,000 $930,000

2-bedroom apartment price

210,000 EUR 620,000 EUR 1.2M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$230,000 $680,000 $1.4M

3-bedroom apartment price

720,000 EUR 1.1M EUR 3.2M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$780,000 $1.2M $3.5M

Townhouse price

960,000 EUR 2.2M EUR 8.4M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1M $2.4M $9.1M

House price

1.2M EUR 6.9M EUR 9.9M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.3M $7.5M $11M

Villa price

1.4M EUR 7.7M EUR 11M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.5M $8.3M $12M

The average price of a studio apartment in Berlin can range from 110,000 EUR to 330,000 EUR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 140,000 EUR to 860,000 EUR. A villa can cost you 7.7M EUR on average with prices ranging from 1.4M EUR to 11M EUR.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Berlin will probably constitute your biggest expenditure, yet it's an area where you wield considerable influence. This is due to the substantial variance in housing prices across communities. Keep in mind the location of your workplace and the accessibility of essential amenities to prevent negating the savings from lower rental rates with increased transportation expenses.

House / apartment prices to income ratio


Property price to income ratio

( average property price / average monthly income ) x 100


72 x212 monthly income 340
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Berlin can be x212 to x340 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x212 multiples of the average monthly salary in Berlin.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


31% 44% of income 57%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Berlin is around 44%. This means that people pay 44% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 31% to 57% depending on the salary, location, and type of property.


The housing-to-income ratio is a very important metric to evaluate and measure how affordable living is in a particular area, city, or country since housing comprises the biggest chunk of expenditure. A higher housing to income ratio means that the place is relatively expensive. The figure by itself does tell much. It only starts to make sense when comparing the housing to income ratio across different locations.

Housing affordability index

The housing affordability index measures how affordable accommodation is in a particular place. This can measured in multiple ways, the most common being housing expenditure to total expenditure ratio and the rent to income ratio. The housing expenditure ratio is a figure reported by individuals on the percentage they allocate for housing. Rent to income ratio is calculated by dividing the average monthly rent by the average income. Because these values are both percentages, we can find their average and get the best of the two worlds.

Housing Affordability Index
32%

Property Taxes

Real estate owners pay property taxes to local tax authorities, which are determined by the assessed value of their property. Typically, these taxes are paid once a year. Property tax funds contribute to community development, financing infrastructure improvements, public services, and local education initiatives.


FROM
2.4%
AVERAGE
3.4%
TO
4.4%

Home Maintenance Costs

Home maintenance costs encompass various expenses associated with the upkeep and repair of a residence. These expenditures include regular tasks such as lawn care, pest control, and HVAC system servicing, as well as occasional repairs and renovations like fixing leaks, painting, or replacing appliances.


8.9 EUR 89 EUR 1,300 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Urban vs. rural living costs

Urban living typically entails higher housing and transportation costs due to demand and limited space, while rural areas generally offer lower housing expenses but may have higher prices for goods and services. The differnce in rental rates between urban areas and rural areas can be as high as 300% in some cases.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses in Berlin

How do people spend their money in Berlin?

We asked thousands of people about their spending habits and expenditure breaks. Below are their answers.

The percentage figures in this section are percentages of total spending not income. If you would like to see the percentage of expenses as related to income or salary, see other sections.

Housing Expenditure28%

28% of total expenses on average (17% to 36%)

LOW$140   130 EUR
AVERAGE$1,400   1,300 EUR
HIGH$22,000   20,000 EUR
Per Month

People living in Berlin typically spend from 17% to 36% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 28% being the average. The average spend on housing is 1,300 EUR with expenditure ranging from 130 EUR to 20,000 EUR. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses. Housing costs are highest for families and lowest for students as expected.

Utilities, Electricity, Water, Internet, Mobile6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$20   19 EUR
AVERAGE$200   190 EUR
HIGH$3,100   2,800 EUR
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Berlin ranges from 3% to 10% of total expenses with 6% being the average. The average monthly cost of utilities is 190 EUR with 19 EUR and 2,800 EUR being the upper and lower limits.

Transport, Fuel, Commute9%

9% of total expenses on average (4% to 13%)

LOW$45   42 EUR
AVERAGE$450   420 EUR
HIGH$6,800   6,300 EUR
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether you live near your work or school, but roughly speaking you would expect to spend from 42 EUR to 6,300 EUR on commuting with 420 EUR being the norm for most people in one month. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 9% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 13%.

Food and Groceries Cost26%

26% of total expenses on average (18% to 32%)

LOW$110   100 EUR
AVERAGE$1,100   1,000 EUR
HIGH$16,000   15,000 EUR
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries in a month in Berlin is 1,000 EUR. The cost of groceries can range between 100 EUR to 15,000 EUR. People spend on average about 26% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 18% and 32% respectively.

Healthcare and Medical Services8%

8% of total expenses on average (3% to 11%)

LOW$26   24 EUR
AVERAGE$260   240 EUR
HIGH$3,900   3,600 EUR
Per Month

People in Berlin allocate 3% to 11% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending is around 8%. The range of medical expenses range from 24 EUR to 3,600 EUR with 240 EUR being the norm.

Leisure and Shopping6%

6% of total expenses on average (3% to 10%)

LOW$18   16 EUR
AVERAGE$180   160 EUR
HIGH$2,600   2,400 EUR
Per Month

This category mostly contains discretionary or non-essential expenses but also some non-discretionary spending like furniture for example. The monthly expenses range from 16 EUR to 2,400 EUR with 160 EUR being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 3% to 10% of total expenses with an average of 6% for most residents.

Education and Schooling6%

6% of total expenses on average (4% to 12%)

LOW$26   24 EUR
AVERAGE$260   240 EUR
HIGH$3,900   3,600 EUR
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different people. While working singles can spend 0% on education, families and students' expenditure can reach up to 22%. On average, education constitutes 6% of the monthly expenditure with 4% and 12% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 240 EUR per month with 24 EUR being the minimum spent amount and 3,600 EUR being the maximum.

Other Expenses11%

11% of total expenses on average (6% to 18%)

LOW$61   56 EUR
AVERAGE$610   560 EUR
HIGH$9,100   8,400 EUR
Per Month
Where do people choose to put their savings in Berlin

Typical saving choices for people in Berlin

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds10%
Gold9%
Savings Accounts18%
Retirement Accounts12%
Cash Savings15%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks7%
Bonds7%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit4%
Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning in Berlin

Financial Literacy in

Financial literacy is the knowledge of concepts and principles related to personal finance that allow individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money such as budgeting, saving, investing, borrowing, managing debt, financial risk management, and planning.

Financial Leteracy71%


We asked residents of whether they acquired any adequate personal financial training in their lives. Approximately 29% of the people who participated in the survey said that they are not well informed about the topics of budgeting, saving, etc., and just manage things based on their own experience, while 71% said that they know about the general principles of personal finance from sources other than their own experience.


Difficulty in Budgeting and Financial Planning

We wanted to understand whether residents of have problems or difficulties in managing their expenditures and savings so we asked people one simple question: do you struggle with your personal finances? 28% of the participants reported that they indeed struggle in creating budgets and in organizing their finances while 72% said that they have everything under control.

Struggles with finance28%

Easily manages finances72%

Chart showing the percentage of people who are in debt in Berlin

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Berlin


Percentage of people who are in debt


In Debt
27%
Debt Free
73%

According to the survey, 27% of the people in Berlin have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 73% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Berlin

Debt-to-income ratio in Berlin

Debt to income ratio

26%

17% to 36%

( monthly debt payment / monthly income ) x 100

Interpretation

The debt-to-income ratio measures the percentage of income being paid as debt settlement across the population. It is calculated by dividing the monthly debt settlement payment of an individual by their monthly income. Based on collected data, approximately 26% of the people's monthly income in Berlin goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%2%
50% - 60%10%
40% - 50%10%
30% - 40%12%
20% - 30%16%
10% - 20%20%
0% - 10%28%

According to our data, 2% of the debtors in Berlin pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 10% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 10% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 12% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 16% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Berlin

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage14%
Auto Loan24%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card24%
Personal Loan35%

14% of debtors in Berlin confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 24% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 24% of people and personal loans rose at 35%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Berlin.


About credit score and debt management

Managing debt is a critical aspect of maintaining a favorable credit score. Debt reduction is the first thing you should do improve your financial situation. Getting rid of debt takes precedence over saving money because of interest rates.

Good debt vs. Bad debt

Not all debt is bad. Good debt typically refers to borrowing money for investments that can increase in value or generate income over time like purchasing a home or acquiring student loans. On the other hand, bad debt involves borrowing for things that fail to generate lasting value like high-interest credit card debt used for non-essential expenses like luxury items or vacations.


Loan Affordability Index in Berlin

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked residents how many times in a year they defaulted or were unable to pay their due credit card or loan payments on time. Understanding how often people default on their due payments is one of the indicators of the cost of living and economic situation.

Frequency and percentage of people who failed to pay their monthly credit card or loan payments on time last year.

Frequency% People
Never56%
Once a year21%
Twice a year11%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year3%
A typical and healthy budgeting structure. The 50-30-20 rule

A typical and healthy budgeting structure

The 50/30/20 rule

Spending among different people can vary significantly based on factors such as their income, lifestyle, location, and personal preferences. A commonly used guideline for budgeting is the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating your income into three main categories in the following percentages.

  • 50% for needs and financial obligations

    This category includes essential expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and healthcare.

  • 30% for wants and discretionary spending

    This category covers discretionary spending on non-essential items, such as dining out, entertainment, travel, and other lifestyle choices.

  • 20% for savings and emergency fund

    This is the percentage that must be allocated to savings, emergency funds, and retirement accounts.

About financial planning, money management, and household budgeting

The 50/30/20 rule is used as a general guideline but may not be the best choice for all people. There are in fact many budgeting plans out there like the 70/20/10 and the 60/20/20 rules, all claiming to be the best. More important than all of this is to establish financial discipline by creating a budget tailored to your specific financial goals and situation. It is very important that your financial outflow be less than your income to maintain a healthy cash flow.

Income and cost of living compatibility. Is it affordable or economical to live in Berlin

Affordable living in Berlin

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked residents one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Berlin?


Yes
76%
No
24%

Around 76% of surveyed residents think that living in Berlin is affordable with proper budgeting while 24% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Berlin

Low-cost alternatives in Berlin

People are always looking for ways to cut down expenses and reduce expenditures. The hallmark of any affordable place is the availability of discount stores, bargain deals, smart or secondhand shopping, refurbished items, and couponing. We asked residents how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options61%

Few low-cost options39%


Based on the survey, 61% of the people living in Berlin have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 39% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Percentage of people who manage to save money from their income every month in Berlin

How much money can you save in Berlin every month?

We asked thousands of people what percentage of their income can they save in a month. Below are the answers.


What percentage of people in Berlin manage to save money from their income every month?


Saving Money
77%
Not Saving
23%

Almost 77% of the surveyed people in Berlin said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 23% said that aren't saving anything.


Percentage of people saving money by population group in Berlin

GroupSaversNon Savers
Singles84%16%
Couples84%16%
Families73%28%

Savings-to-Income Ratio

The savings-to-income ratio is measured as the percentage of income that people save over a specific period and it is simply calculated by dividing the saved money by total income and then multiplying the result by 100. (Savings / Income) x 100.


Savings to income ratio in Berlin

Saving to Income Ratio

18% 29% of income 42%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

200 EUR
$220
2,000 EUR
$2,200
30,000 EUR
$32,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

For most people, 18% to 42% of their monthly income is what they can allocate to their savings, with 29% being the average. The amount of money that people can save is approximately 2,000 EUR on average with savings ranging from 200 EUR to 30,000 EUR.

84% of surveyed singles reported some of their income going to savings while 84% of couples said the same. 73% of families confirmed their ability to save money.


How much money do people actually save in Berlin?

The amount of money that people can afford to save depends hugely on their income. It is better to focus on the percentage when trying to understand saving patterns.


Singles

Saving to Income Ratio

21% 34% of income 45%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

190 EUR
$200
1,700 EUR
$1,800
19,000 EUR
$20,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for singles

Saving To Income Ratio% Singles
0% - 10%28%
10% - 20%22%
20% - 30%15%
30% - 40%17%
40% - 50%13%
> 50%5%

Interpretation and Analysis

Singles who can afford to save reported that they allocate from 21% to 45% of their monthly income to savings, with 34% being the average for most singles. The average amount of money that singles are able to save is 1,700 EUR with 190 EUR and 19,000 EUR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Couples

Saving to Income Ratio

19% 32% of income 45%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

390 EUR
$420
2,500 EUR
$2,700
23,000 EUR
$25,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%32%
10% - 20%24%
20% - 30%18%
30% - 40%12%
40% - 50%10%
> 50%4%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples who confirmed their ability to save reported saving equivalent to 19% to 45% of their monthly income, with 32% being the average for most couples. The average amount of money that couples can save is 2,500 EUR with 390 EUR and 23,000 EUR being the minimum and maximum respectively.


Families

Saving to Income Ratio

15% 25% of income 36%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

600 EUR
$650
3,000 EUR
$3,200
30,000 EUR
$32,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for families

Saving To Income Ratio% Families
0% - 10%35%
10% - 20%27%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%9%
40% - 50%7%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Families in Berlin can save anywhere between 15% to 36% of their monthly income, with 25% being the average for most families. The average amount of money that families can put aside is 3,000 EUR with 600 EUR and 30,000 EUR being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money in Berlin

Saving Challenges in Berlin

Reasons that make it difficult for people to save money

We wanted to understand what is stopping people from maximizing their savings in Berlin. Listed below are the answers given by the survey participants.


Reason% People
Low Income7%
High Expenses10%
Debt and Loans19%
Lack of Budgeting Skills10%
Impulsive Spending9%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment7%
Will do it later16%
Inflation10%
Social Pressure4%
Market Instability3%

Around 7% of the people said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 10% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 19% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 10% reported that they just don't have the knowledge or discipline to create and stick to a budget, leading to overspending and an inability to save. 9% blamed impulsive spending as the reason for saving inability. Around 6% said that unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs are derailing their savings goals. 7% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 16% reported that they understand the value of saving but are putting off saving for the future, thinking they have plenty of time to start later. 10% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 4% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Expenditure to Income Ratio in Berlin

One of the most definite ways to determine how affordable a place is measuring the ratio of expenses to salary. A high expense-to-income to ratio indicates a high cost-of-living index while a low expenditure-to-salary ratio means the place is affordable to live in.

Cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Berlin

Spending to Income Ratio

98%

87% to 110%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Expense to income distribution levels

Spending To Income Ratio% People
< 50%7%
50% - 60%12%
60% - 70%19%
70% - 80%27%
80% - 90%14%
90% - 100%8%
100% - 110%5%
110% - 120%3%
120% - 130%2%
130% - 140%1%
> 140%1%

Interpretation and Analysis

The average spending-to-salary ratio in Berlin is 98% This means that on average, people spend around 98% of their income for living. According to the distribution table, 19% of the population spend approximately 60% to 70% of their income every month.


How can spending be more than income?

A value higher than 100% means that the expenditure of those people is higher than their income. They are spending more than what they earn. This is possible in two scenarios. They are either borrowing from their savings to survive or they are borrowing from other sources (relatives, friends, banks, etc.). More about this in the debt section.



Individual
91%
Spending-Income-Ratio
81%
100%

Couple
99%
Spending-Income-Ratio
88%
110%

Family
99%
Spending-Income-Ratio
88%
110%

Emergency Funds

An emergency fund is a financial safety net comprised of easily accessible savings set aside to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies, typically amounting to three to six months' worth of living expenses. We asked residents whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes73%

No27%


Based on the survey, 27% of the people living in Berlin said that they don't have an emergency fund while 73% said that they do.

Financial goals and targets of people living in Berlin

Financial goals of people in Berlin

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Berlin, we asked participants about their financial targets. By knowing what the population in general is trying to achieve, we can shed light on the economic outlook, cost of living, and quality of life in general.


Financial Goal% People
Emergency Fund6%
Debt Reduction30%
Retirement Savings7%
Education Funding9%
Homeownership16%
Investing9%
Travel or Lifestyle12%
Healthcare Expenses8%
Financial Independence9%

Around 6% of those who participated in the survey said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 30% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 7% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 9% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 16% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 9% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 12% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 8% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Retirement, pension plans, and life after work in Berlin

What does the retirement lifestyle look like in Berlin and how much retirement savings are required?

Retirement age

The retirement age for most employees in is 65 years. Specific retirement ages can vary based on factors like occupation, gender, years of contribution, and location. It is not entirely unlikely for people to retire either before or after this age.

Retirement planning and savings

There are many retirement saving options, some are personally initiated and others are government-sponsered. Regardless of the source of savings, the minimum amount of money that needs to be put aside to ensure a peaceful and comfortable retirement at each age can be found in the table below. This data is largely approximated and can vary drastically based on individual needs and situations. Treat these figures as a general guideline.


The typical saved amount of money you should have at every age as multiples of monthly salary:
AgeAmount
255x monthly salary at age 25
3010x monthly salary at age 30
3515x monthly salary at age 35
4025x monthly salary at age 40
4532x monthly salary at age 45
5048x monthly salary at age 50
5556x monthly salary at age 55
6064x monthly salary at age 60
6578x monthly salary at age 65

The typical average saved amount of money you should have at every age in Berlin:
AgeAmount
259,700 EUR
3020,000 EUR
3536,000 EUR
4053,000 EUR
4572,000 EUR
50100,000 EUR
55130,000 EUR
60170,000 EUR
65180,000 EUR

Retirement Income Distribution

We asked residents about their retirement income sources and below are the results.

Source% People
Pensions14%
Savings21%
Investments14%
Social Security9%
Annuities9%
Part-time Job9%
Real Estate16%
Dividends and Interest9%

Retirement Monthly Expenses in Berlin

330 EUR
$360
3,000 EUR
$3,200
33,000 EUR
$36,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Berlin

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


Energy, electricity, water, gas, internet, and mobile cost in Berlin

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Individual

29 EUR 200 EUR 2,300 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$31 $220 $2,500

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

30 EUR 220 EUR 2,500 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$33 $240 $2,700

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Family

57 EUR 280 EUR 2,800 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$61 $310 $3,100

Internet and cable cost

27 EUR 55 EUR 73 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$30 $59 $79

Mobile phone bill and charges

17 EUR 28 EUR 83 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$18 $30 $89

Because most utility bills club electricity, water, and gas costs in one bill, we can't provide a breakup for each type of utility and will display electricity, gas, and water as single cost.


The average monthly expenditure for individuals on electricty, water, and gas in Berlin ranges between 29 EUR and 2,300 EUR with average being 200 EUR, meanwhile the expenditure of couples is slightly higher at 220 EUR with 30 EUR and 2,500 EUR being the upper and lower limits respectively. As expected, the energy and water consumption of families is the highest among the three groups with an average of 280 EUR. The cost of internet and WiFi is unchanged among the three groups and ranges from 27 EUR to 73 EUR with 55 EUR being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 28 EUR but can range between 17 EUR and 83 EUR depending on consumption. Mobile charges include both calling minutes as well as data packages.


Energy / Utility expense to income ratio


( monthly utility expenses / monthly income ) x 100


1.3% 5% of income 10%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Berlin is around 5%. This means that people pay 5% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 1.3% to 10% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Berlin

Grocery / Food expenditure and prices can vary drastically between different areas and locations.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Berlin

Dining out, food, and beverages costs. Price variations for common food items.

Fast food combo meal price

5.1 EUR 10 EUR 17 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.6 $11 $19

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Berlin is approximatly 10 EUR with meal cost ranging from 5.1 EUR to 17 EUR. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

18 EUR 27 EUR 54 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$20 $30 $59

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 18 EUR and 54 EUR with 27 EUR being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Berlin.

Fine dining meal for one price

34 EUR 51 EUR 210 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$37 $56 $220

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 34 EUR to 210 EUR with the average cost being 51 EUR for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Berlin.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

4.4 EUR 7.1 EUR 11 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.8 $7.7 $12

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Berlin is around 7.1 EUR. Price ranges between 4.4 EUR and 11 EUR depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

3.6 EUR 4.4 EUR 5.4 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.9 $4.7 $5.9

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Berlin is 4.4 EUR. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 5.4 EUR and the minimum being 3.6 EUR depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

2.5 EUR 3.4 EUR 5.1 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.8 $3.7 $5.5

A dozen eggs costs around 3.4 EUR on average with 2.5 EUR and 5.1 EUR being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

6.2 EUR 8.1 EUR 11 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$6.8 $8.7 $12

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Berlin is between 6.2 EUR and 11 EUR depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 8.1 EUR.

Pack of beef price

7.6 EUR 11 EUR 23 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$8.3 $12 $25

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 11 EUR. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

2.7 EUR 3.7 EUR 5.2 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.9 $4 $5.6

A bag of rice in Berlin costs around 3.7 EUR on average with prices rangeing between 2.7 EUR and 5.2 EUR depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

1 EUR 1.4 EUR 2.6 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.1 $1.5 $2.8

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 1 EUR to 2.6 EUR. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

1.9 EUR 2.5 EUR 4.1 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2 $2.7 $4.4

A bag of apples costs 2.5 EUR on average. A bag of apples denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.


Grocery and food expenditure to income ratio


( monthly grocery expenses / monthly income ) x 100


21% 30% of income 38%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Berlin is around 30%. This means that people spend 30% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 21% to 38% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for every population group

A single person living alone spends approximately 580 EUR per month on grocery and food with expenditure fluctuating between 83 EUR and 6,400 EUR depending on location and the type of person. The average cost of food and groceries for a couple is around 730 EUR per month. That number can be get as low as 110 EUR or a high as 6,800 EUR. Families' spending on grocery ranges from 220 EUR to 11,000 EUR with the location, income, and size of the family being the most determinite factors.

Cost of living comparison by city

#1 Nurnberg

The average cost of living in Nurnberg is 2,000 EUR, which is 50% less than the country average. Nurnberg is ranked first in Germany in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#2 Hannover

The average cost of living in Hannover is 2,100 EUR, which is 50% less than the country average. Hannover is ranked second in Germany in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#3 Dresden

The average cost of living in Dresden is 2,300 EUR, which is 50% less than the country average. Dresden is ranked third in Germany in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#4 Leipzig

The average cost of living in Leipzig is 2,400 EUR, which is 50% less than the country average. Leipzig is ranked fourth in Germany in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#5 Dortmund

The average cost of living in Dortmund is 2,600 EUR, which is 50% less than the country average. Dortmund is ranked fifth in Germany in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#6 Bremen

The average cost of living in Bremen is 2,800 EUR, which is 50% less than the country average. Bremen is ranked sixth in Germany in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#7 Essen

The average cost of living in Essen is 2,900 EUR, which is 50% less than the country average. Essen is ranked seventh in Germany in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#8 Stuttgart

The average cost of living in Stuttgart is 3,100 EUR, which is 25% less than the country average. Stuttgart is ranked eighth in Germany in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#9 Dusseldorf

The average cost of living in Dusseldorf is 3,300 EUR, which is 25% less than the country average. Dusseldorf is ranked ninth in Germany in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#10 Frankfurt

The average cost of living in Frankfurt is 3,500 EUR, which is 25% less than the country average. Frankfurt is ranked tenth in Germany in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#11 Koln

The average cost of living in Koln is 3,700 EUR, which is 25% less than the country average. Koln is ranked eleventh in Germany in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#12 Munchen

The average cost of living in Munchen is 4,000 EUR, which is same as the country average. Munchen is ranked twelfth in Germany in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#13 Hamburg

The average cost of living in Hamburg is 4,200 EUR, which is same as the country average. Hamburg is ranked thirteenth in Germany in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


#14 Berlin

The average cost of living in Berlin is 4,500 EUR, which is same as the country average. Berlin is ranked fourteenth in Germany in terms of expendenture and cost of living.


Published: October 19, 2024   Last Update: March 23, 2025



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