Cost Of Living For a Couple in Koln 2024

Couple cost of living chart - average monthly expenditure in Koln

Average Monthly Expenditure

Currency: EUR
1,500 4,600 24,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,600 $4,900 $26,000

Average monthly spending for couples in Koln

How much money does a couple need in a month to survive in Koln?

Couples in Koln spend around 4,600 EUR per month on average. Depending on the lifestyle, a couple can survive with a monthly budget as low as 1,500 EUR or as high as 24,000 EUR. Location and income are very important factors and have a huge influence on expenditure and budget.


Prices and cost of goods and services in Koln


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

Dining, food, and beverages costs


Fast food combo meal

3.9 EUR 7.9 EUR 13 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.3 $8.5 $14

Restaurant meal for one

14 EUR 21 EUR 41 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $22 $45

Fine dining meal for one

27 EUR 41 EUR 160 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$30 $45 $180

Cappuccino or latte

3.3 EUR 5.3 EUR 7.9 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.6 $5.7 $8.5

Grocery and market costs


Milk large bottle

2.6 EUR 3.2 EUR 3.9 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.8 $3.4 $4.3

12 eggs

2 EUR 2.6 EUR 3.9 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.1 $2.8 $4.3

Fresh whole chicken

4.5 EUR 5.8 EUR 8.2 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.9 $6.3 $8.9

Pack of beef

5.3 EUR 7.9 EUR 16 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.7 $8.5 $17

Medium bag of rice

2.1 EUR 2.9 EUR 4.1 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.3 $3.1 $4.5

Bag of tomatos

0.79 EUR 1.1 EUR 2 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.85 $1.1 $2.1

Bag of apples

1.4 EUR 1.8 EUR 3 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.5 $2 $3.3
Chart showing the prices and cost of commute, travel, and transportation in Koln


Commute, travel, and transportation costs


20 minutes taxi ride

3.4 EUR 4.1 EUR 8.2 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.7 $4.5 $8.9

Average car full tank

20 EUR 26 EUR 53 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $28 $57

Average car 1-day rental

21 EUR 28 EUR 43 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23 $31 $46

Average car price

9,800 EUR 20,000 EUR 26,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11,000 $21,000 $28,000

Bus ticket one way

0.71 EUR 1.1 EUR 2.1 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.77 $1.2 $2.3

Car Service

28 EUR 43 EUR 85 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$31 $46 $93
Chart showing the prices and cost of utility, energy, water, and gas in Koln


Utility cost (monthly)


Utility Bill - Couple

61 EUR 200 EUR 1,300 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$66 $220 $1,400

Internet and cable

20 EUR 39 EUR 53 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $43 $57

Mobile phone charges

16 EUR 26 EUR 79 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $28 $85

Leisure and activities costs


Movie ticket

9.8 EUR 13 EUR 20 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$11 $14 $21

One month gym membership

34 EUR 43 EUR 85 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$37 $46 $93
Chart showing the prices and cost of clothing and accessories in Koln


Cloths and accessories costs


Pair of jeans or pants

25 EUR 36 EUR 53 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$27 $39 $58

Woman dress

24 EUR 33 EUR 110 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$26 $36 $120

Woman shoes

22 EUR 30 EUR 71 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$24 $33 $77

Men's shoes

19 EUR 24 EUR 47 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $26 $51

Men suit

21 EUR 27 EUR 140 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$23 $29 $150

Regular t-shirt

11 EUR 14 EUR 43 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$12 $15 $46
Chart showing the prices and cost of housing, accommodation, and rent in Koln


Housing costs / monthly rent


Studio apartment

360 EUR 530 EUR 1,400 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$390 $580 $1,500

1-bedroom apartment

530 EUR 850 EUR 2,100 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$580 $930 $2,300

2-bedroom apartment

710 EUR 1,100 EUR 2,800 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$770 $1,200 $3,100

Housing costs / Buying


Studio apartment

71,000 EUR 110,000 EUR 210,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$77,000 $120,000 $230,000

1-bedroom apartment

85,000 EUR 140,000 EUR 530,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$93,000 $150,000 $580,000

2-bedroom apartment

140,000 EUR 430,000 EUR 850,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150,000 $460,000 $930,000
Chart showing the prices and cost of furniture in Koln


Furniture Costs


King Size Bed

390 EUR 490 EUR 660 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$430 $530 $710

Double Bed

260 EUR 390 EUR 490 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $430 $530

Single Bed

230 EUR 300 EUR 390 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250 $330 $430

Living Room

440 EUR 560 EUR 2,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$470 $610 $2,100

Dining Table

200 EUR 260 EUR 490 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$210 $280 $530

Sofa or Couch

260 EUR 360 EUR 790 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $390 $850
Chart showing the prices and cost of electronic devices and appliances in Koln


Electronics and House Appliance Costs


TV Set

260 EUR 390 EUR 790 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$280 $430 $850

Fridge or Freezer

230 EUR 360 EUR 490 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$250 $390 $530

Washing Machine

300 EUR 440 EUR 790 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$330 $470 $850

Stove or Cooker

280 EUR 360 EUR 490 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$310 $390 $530

Mobile Phone

330 EUR 390 EUR 560 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$360 $430 $610

Laptop or Computer

360 EUR 440 EUR 790 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$390 $470 $850
Couple cost of living and expenditure to income ratio in Koln

Couple expenditure to income ratio in Koln

Analysing the how affordable it is for couples to live in Koln

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. Couples usually spend a larger chunk of their income than other population groups. A typical and healthy expenditure percentage for a couple of four ranges between 70% to 80%.


Spending to Income Ratio

80%

71% to 90%

( expenditure / income ) x 100


Couples in Koln spend around 80% of their monthly income. Some couples spend as low as 71% of their income while some as high as 90%.

Distribution of monthly cost of living expenses of a couple in Koln

How do couples spend their money in Koln?

We asked thousands of couples about their spending habits and expenditure break down.


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 and accomodation expenditure for couples

Accomodation Cost29%

29% of total expenses on average (22% to 39%)

LOW$560   520 EUR
AVERAGE$1,700   1,500 EUR
HIGH$9,000   8,300 EUR
Per Month

Couples in Koln typically spend from 22% to 39% of their total monthly expenditure on housing with 29% being the average. The average monthly spend on housing is 1,500 EUR with expenditure ranging from 520 EUR to 8,300 EUR. This cost mainly goes for rent but it also includes other accommodation-related expenses.

Electricity, utilities, energy, water, internet, and mobile expenditure for couples

Cost of utilities7%

7% of total expenses on average (5% to 11%)

LOW$66   61 EUR
AVERAGE$220   200 EUR
HIGH$1,400   1,300 EUR
Per Month

Utility expenditure like electricity, water, and gas in Koln ranges from 5% to 11% of total expenses with 7% being the average for most couples. The average monthly cost of utilities is 200 EUR with 61 EUR and 1,300 EUR being the upper and lower limits for a couple of four.

Transport, fuel, and commute expenditure for couples

Cost of transport and fuel10%

10% of total expenses on average (4% to 15%)

LOW$200   180 EUR
AVERAGE$590   550 EUR
HIGH$3,200   2,900 EUR
Per Month

Fuel consumption and cost of transport depend heavily on whether a couple resides near school and work, but roughly speaking a couple would expect to spend from 180 EUR to 2,900 EUR in a month on commuting with 550 EUR being the norm for most couples. This means that money spent on transport constitutes about 10% of total spending on average but can go as low as 4% or as high as 15%.

Food, groceries, and basic shopping expenditure for couples

Food and Groceries Cost16%

16% of total expenses on average (11% to 21%)

LOW$230   210 EUR
AVERAGE$690   640 EUR
HIGH$3,700   3,400 EUR
Per Month

The average outlay on groceries and basic houshold items for a typical couple in a month in Koln is 640 EUR. The cost of groceries can range between 210 EUR to 3,400 EUR. Couples spend on average about 16% on food and groceries with upper and lower bounds of 11% and 21% respectively.

Healthcare and medical services expenditure for couples

Cost of healthcare13%

13% of total expenses on average (7% to 17%)

LOW$180   170 EUR
AVERAGE$540   500 EUR
HIGH$2,900   2,700 EUR
Per Month

Couples in Koln allocate 7% to 17% of their total monthly expenditure to healthcare including health insurance and out-of-pocket medical expenses. The average spending on medical services and clinic visits is around 13%. The range of medical expenses range from 170 EUR to 2,700 EUR with 500 EUR being the norm for most couples.

Leisure and shopping expenditure for couples

Cost of leisure and shopping4%

4% of total expenses on average (2% to 7%)

LOW$99   91 EUR
AVERAGE$300   270 EUR
HIGH$1,600   1,500 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 91 EUR to 1,500 EUR with 270 EUR being the average. Speaking of percentages, that equates to 2% to 7% of total expenses with an average of 4% for most couples.

Education and schooling expenditure for couples

Cost of education and schooling2%

2% of total expenses on average (1% to 4%)

LOW$33   30 EUR
AVERAGE$99   91 EUR
HIGH$530   490 EUR
Per Month

Spending on education can vary drastically between different couples. On average, education constitutes 2% of the monthly expenditure of couples with 1% and 4% being the lower and upper bounds respectively. The average reported education cost is 91 EUR per month with 30 EUR being the minimum spent amount and 490 EUR being the maximum.

Other Expenses20%

20% of total expenses on average (14% to 26%)

LOW$280   260 EUR
AVERAGE$840   770 EUR
HIGH$4,500   4,100 EUR
Per Month
Percentage of couples who manage to save money from their income every month in Koln

What percentage of couples in Koln are able to save money and how much can they save?


Percentage of couples that reported their ability to save money


Saving Money
69%
Not Saving
31%

Almost 69% of surveyed couples in Koln said that they can save some money at the end of each month while 31% reported that they have to utilize their whole income to survive.


Couple savings to income ratio in Koln

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.


How much money do couples manage to add to their savings?

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.

Saving to Income Ratio

16% 26% of income 36%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Average Monthly Saved Amount

620 EUR
$670
1,800 EUR
$2,000
9,900 EUR
$11,000
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Savings to income distribution levels for couples

Saving To Income Ratio% Couples
0% - 10%34%
10% - 20%25%
20% - 30%19%
30% - 40%10%
40% - 50%9%
> 50%3%

Interpretation and Analysis

Couples that are able to save money can put anywhere from 16% to 36% of their monthly income to their savings, with 26% being the average for most couples. The average monthly amount of money that couples can put aside is 1,800 EUR with 620 EUR and 9,900 EUR being the minimum and maximum respectively.

Reasons that make it difficult for couples to save money in Koln

Saving Challenges in Koln

Reasons that make it difficult for couples to save money

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


Reason% People
Low Income6%
High Expenses9%
Debt and Loans16%
Lack of Budgeting Skills11%
Impulsive Spending10%
Financial Emergencies6%
Living the moment6%
Will do it later18%
Inflation11%
Social Pressure3%
Market Instability3%

Around 6% of the couples said that their salary is too low to accommodate a portion for savings while 9% said that the high cost of living leaves little room for savings. 16% of the residents said that they are burdened with debt and find it challenging to save money. 11% 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. 10% of couples 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. 6% bluntly said that they don't see the purpose of it and prefer to live each day to the fullest. 18% 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. 11% blamed inflation, saying that every time they save some money they end up using it immediately. A surprising 3% said that social pressure and keeping up with peers or social expectations makes them overspend. Lastly, 3% blamed market instability and price fluctuations.

Where do couples choose to put their savings in Koln

Typical saving choices for couples in Koln

Where do people choose to put their savings?


Saving Type% People
Emergency Funds11%
Gold11%
Savings Accounts17%
Retirement Accounts11%
Cash Savings18%
Real Estate10%
Investment6%
Stocks5%
Bonds6%
Mutual Funds3%
Certificates of Deposit3%
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 for couples to live in Koln

Affordable living in Koln

Income and cost of living compatibility

We asked couples one simple question and recorded their answers.

Is it affordable or economical to live in Koln?


Yes
79%
No
21%

Around 79% of surveyed couples think that living in Koln is affordable with proper budgeting while 21% reported that it is just too expensive and not affordable even with frugality and thriftness.

How easily is cost-cutting for couples. Are there plenty of low-cost options in Koln

Low-cost alternatives in Koln

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 couples how easily cost-cutting is and the answers were distributed as follows:

Plenty of low-cost options63%

Few low-cost options37%


Based on the survey, 63% of the couples living in Koln have no problem finding low-cost alternatives to support a frugal lifestyle while 37% think that thriftness is difficult due to scarcity in discount markets and secondhand outlets.

Emergency Funds For Couples

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 couples of Koln whether they have an emergency fund and the answers were as follows.

Yes76%

No24%


Based on the survey, 24% of the couples living in Koln said that they don't have an emergency fund while 76% said that they do.

Financial literacy and difficulty in budgeting and financial planning for couples in Koln

Financial Literacy in Germany

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 couple guardians and parents in Koln 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 couples of Germany 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%

Financial goals and targets of couples living in Koln

Financial goals of couples in Koln

In an attempt to understand the economic situation in Koln, 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 Fund7%
Debt Reduction36%
Retirement Savings8%
Education Funding8%
Homeownership17%
Investing8%
Travel or Lifestyle9%
Healthcare Expenses11%
Financial Independence7%

Around 7% of couples said that their main goal is to establish an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses while 36% said their number one priority is to pay off high-interest debt or loans and improve credit. 8% of surveyed people confirmed that saving for retirement to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in the final years is their main target. Around 8% reported that their priority is saving for the tuition fees and education costs of their children while 17% choose to buy a home or pay off existing mortgage before other things. 8% of the population would like to build wealth through investments such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or real estate. For 9% of people, saving for vacations or upgrading their lifestyle is the number one concern. Approximately 11% of the residents said that saving for healthcare expenses including insurance premiums is their main goal.

Chart showing the percentage of couples who are in debt in Koln

Debt, loans, and mortgages in Koln


Percentage of couples who are in debt


In Debt
28%
Debt Free
72%

According to the survey, 28% of the couples in Koln have some kind of debt, loan, mortgage, or credit card payments while 72% reported that they don't have financial obligations to banks.


Chart showing debt-to-income ratio in Koln

Debt-to-income ratio in Koln

Debt to income ratio

27%

18% to 37%

( 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 27% of a couple's monthly income in Koln goes to debt settlement.


Debt levels

Monthly debt settlement payment as percentage of monthly income

Debt-to-income ratio% People
> 60%3%
50% - 60%14%
40% - 50%12%
30% - 40%14%
20% - 30%13%
10% - 20%16%
0% - 10%27%

According to our data, 3% of the debtors in Koln pay 60%+ of their income as debt settlement while 14% of the people pay 50% to 60% of their income for the same, which is quite an alarming financial situation for those individuals. 12% of people in debt dedicate 40% to 50% of their income to loan and mortgage payments while 14% dedicated 30% to 40% of income for same. Things are looking brighter for 13% of individuals as they only pay 20% to 30% of their income for loan and credit card repayment.


Distribution by type of debt in Koln

Debt% People
Real Estate Mortgage11%
Auto Loan20%
Student Loan3%
Credit Card27%
Personal Loan39%

11% of debtors in Koln confirm that real estate mortgages constitutes the main part of their outstanding debt while 27% say that credit card payments are the reason they are in debt. Auto loans were the main type of debt for 20% of people and personal loans rose at 39%. Lastly, student loans are the main source of debt for 3% of debtors in Koln.


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 Koln

Besides measuring the loan-to-income ratio, we asked couples of Koln 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
Never53%
Once a year23%
Twice a year12%
Three times a year8%
Four times a year4%
Housing and accommodation affordability, property price to income ratio, rent to income ratio, and housing affordability index chart in Koln

Housing costs, accommodation, and housing affordability in Koln

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


Rent Cost in Koln

Monthly Rent Prices

Studio apartment monthly rent cost

360 EUR 530 EUR 1,400 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$390 $580 $1,500

1-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

530 EUR 850 EUR 2,100 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$580 $930 $2,300

2-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

710 EUR 1,100 EUR 2,800 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$770 $1,200 $3,100

3-bedroom apartment monthly rent cost

850 EUR 1,400 EUR 3,900 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$930 $1,500 $4,200

Furnished apartment monthly rent cost

1,700 EUR 4,300 EUR 8,500 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,900 $4,600 $9,300

Townhouse monthly rent cost

1,400 EUR 2,100 EUR 6,100 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,500 $2,300 $6,600

House monthly rent cost

1,700 EUR 4,300 EUR 8,500 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1,900 $4,600 $9,300

Villa monthly rent cost

2,100 EUR 5,300 EUR 8,500 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2,300 $5,800 $9,300

The monthly rental cost of a studio apartment in Koln ranges between 360 EUR and 1,400 EUR, meanwhile the cost of monthly rental of a one-bedroom apartment can be anywhere from 530 EUR to 2,100 EUR. Two-bedroom rentals rate ranges between 710 EUR and 2,800 EUR per month. The monthly rental for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 850 EUR to 3,900 EUR. The average rent of a townhouse in Koln is around 2,100 EUR while house rental costs can be as high as 4,300 EUR per month. Finally, if you want to rent a villa, expect to pay anywhere from 2,100 EUR to 8,500 EUR per month.



Apartment and house prices in Koln

Cost of buying a property

Studio apartment price

71,000 EUR 110,000 EUR 210,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$77,000 $120,000 $230,000

1-bedroom apartment price

85,000 EUR 140,000 EUR 530,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$93,000 $150,000 $580,000

2-bedroom apartment price

140,000 EUR 430,000 EUR 850,000 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$150,000 $460,000 $930,000

3-bedroom apartment price

470,000 EUR 710,000 EUR 2.1M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$510,000 $770,000 $2.3M

Townhouse price

610,000 EUR 1.4M EUR 5.3M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$660,000 $1.5M $5.8M

House price

710,000 EUR 4.3M EUR 6.1M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$770,000 $4.6M $6.6M

Villa price

850,000 EUR 4.7M EUR 7.1M EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$930,000 $5.1M $7.7M

The average price of a studio apartment in Koln can range from 71,000 EUR to 210,000 EUR depending on location. One bedroom cost can be anywhere from 85,000 EUR to 530,000 EUR. A villa can cost you 4.7M EUR on average with prices ranging from 850,000 EUR to 7.1M EUR.


If you're leasing or purchasing, housing costs in Koln 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


49 x144 monthly income 231
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

Property prices in Koln can be x144 to x231 multiples of the monthly income depending on the property and the income of the person. On average, property prices are approximately x144 multiples of the average monthly salary in Koln.



Rent to income ratio


Rent to income ratio

( monthly rental / monthly income ) x 100


25% 35% of income 46%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average rent-to-income ratio in Koln is around 35%. This means that people pay 35% of their income for rent. Those figures can range from 25% to 46% 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
33%

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
2.3%
AVERAGE
3.2%
TO
4.2%

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.


6.1 EUR 79 EUR 790 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.

Monthly costs and expenses of energy and basic utilities in Koln

Utilities expenditure can vary slightly between different areas and locations.


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

Utility Bill Cost / Electricity + Water + Gas / Couple

61 EUR 200 EUR 1,300 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$66 $220 $1,400

Internet and cable cost

20 EUR 39 EUR 53 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$21 $43 $57

Mobile phone bill and charges

16 EUR 26 EUR 79 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$17 $28 $85

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 energy and water consumption of couples is around 200 EUR. The cost of internet and WiFi ranges from 20 EUR to 53 EUR with 39 EUR being the average internet bill. Finally, the average monthly mobile charges is around 26 EUR but can range between 16 EUR and 79 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% 4.1% of income 8.3%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average utility-to-income ratio in Koln is around 4.1%. This means that people pay 4.1% of their income for energy, water, internet, and mobile charges. Those figures can range from 1% to 8.3% depending on salary and location.

Food Prices, Dining Expenses, and Grocery Costs in Koln

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


Prices and cost of goods and services in Koln

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

Fast food combo meal price

3.9 EUR 7.9 EUR 13 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.3 $8.5 $14

The average price of a regular combo meal at a fast food outlet or chain like McDonald's, Pizzahut, or KFC in Koln is approximatly 7.9 EUR with meal cost ranging from 3.9 EUR to 13 EUR. The typical combo meal consists of a burger, french fries, and a drink.

Restaurant meal for one price

14 EUR 21 EUR 41 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$15 $22 $45

If you are planning to have a nice meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay anywhere between 14 EUR and 41 EUR with 21 EUR being the average price of a plate for one person at a regular restaurant in Koln.

Fine dining meal for one price

27 EUR 41 EUR 160 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$30 $45 $180

The price range of a meal at fine-dining restaurant is 27 EUR to 160 EUR with the average cost being 41 EUR for one person. This is what you would expect to pay a top-tier diner in Koln.

Beverage prices, cappuccino, latte etc..

3.3 EUR 5.3 EUR 7.9 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$3.6 $5.7 $8.5

The average price of a regular beverage like cappuccino or latte at Starbucks, Costa, or similar coffee shops and cafes in Koln is around 5.3 EUR. Price ranges between 3.3 EUR and 7.9 EUR depending on the type of beverage, the size, and optional add-ons.



Grocery and market costs

Large bottle of milk price

2.6 EUR 3.2 EUR 3.9 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.8 $3.4 $4.3

The average price of a large bottle of milk in Koln is 3.2 EUR. The maximum what you would pay for milk is 3.9 EUR and the minimum being 2.6 EUR depending on the brand of milk and other properties.

12 eggs price

2 EUR 2.6 EUR 3.9 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.1 $2.8 $4.3

A dozen eggs costs around 2.6 EUR on average with 2 EUR and 3.9 EUR being the lower and upper limits respectively.

Fresh whole chicken price

4.5 EUR 5.8 EUR 8.2 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$4.9 $6.3 $8.9

The price range of a fresh whole chicken in Koln is between 4.5 EUR and 8.2 EUR depending on the size of the chicken and whether it is oraganic or not. The average price is approximatly 5.8 EUR.

Pack of beef price

5.3 EUR 7.9 EUR 16 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$5.7 $8.5 $17

The price of a regular pack of beef or meat is around 7.9 EUR. A pack of beef contains around 1Kg or 1lb depending on packing.

Medium bag of rice price

2.1 EUR 2.9 EUR 4.1 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$2.3 $3.1 $4.5

A bag of rice in Koln costs around 2.9 EUR on average with prices rangeing between 2.1 EUR and 4.1 EUR depending on the brand and quality.

Bag of tomatos price

0.79 EUR 1.1 EUR 2 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$0.85 $1.1 $2.1

A bag of tomatoes costs anywhere from 0.79 EUR to 2 EUR. A bag of tomatoes denotes 1Kg or 1lb depending on location.

Bag of apples price

1.4 EUR 1.8 EUR 3 EUR
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM
$1.5 $2 $3.3

A bag of apples costs 1.8 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


18% 26% of income 32%
MINIMUM AVERAGE MAXIMUM

The average grocery-to-income ratio in Koln is around 26%. This means that couples spend 26% of their income on grocery and basic household items. The expenditure can range from 18% to 32% depending on salary and location.


Expenditure on food and grocery for couples

Couples' spending on grocery ranges from 210 EUR to 3,400 EUR with the location, income, and size of the couple being the most determinite factors.

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