
According to the Study in Europe portal, a student in Germany spends on average €1,150 a month on living costs. Rent is the biggest item, and prices vary a lot between cities – Munich, Frankfurt and Hamburg are much more expensive than smaller towns.
The cheapest option is a Studierendenwerk student residence: around 197,000 places in more than 1,700 residences, on average €318 a month including bills. But there are not enough places, so apply as soon as you have decided where to study. Other options are a room in a shared flat (WG) or renting privately.
The Studierendenwerke also run canteens (Mensa) and offer advice and support to students. You can find yours at studierendenwerke.de.
Sources: European Commission – Study in Europe (education.ec.europa.eu/study-in-europe), Eurostat, official national study and residence portals and authorities, Eurodesk, enic-naric.net, studentnews.eu. As of September 2026.