The Cost of The Cost Living in Germany

So, you are thinking about moving to Germany from Kenya? That is a big and exciting step. Germany is one of the strongest economies in the world. It has excellent healthcare, good schools, and a high quality of life. But before you pack your bags, you need to know one very important thing: how much does it actually cost to live there?

This guide is written for Kenyans and other immigratnts who are planning to relocate to Germany.  You could be relocating for work, study, or family reasons.  In this guide, we break down the major costs you will face, from rent and food to transport and health insurance.

We will also give you tips on how to manage your money wisely so you are not caught off guard.  We have another detailed guide about the cost of moving to Germany from Kenya here.

All prices in this article are in Euros (€). As of March 2026, 1 Euro is approximately KES 145–150. Keep this in mind as you read through the numbers below.

1. The Big Picture: How Much Does It Cost to Live in Germany?

Germany is not the cheapest country in Europe, but it is also far from the most expensive. According to Numbeo, a trusted global database for cost-of-living data, a single person living in Germany spends an average of around €997 per month on basic living costs, not including rent. When you add rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a city centre (around €890–€1,231 per month depending on the city), the total monthly budget for a single person comes to roughly €1,880 to €2,500 per month.

For a family of four, expect to spend around €5,000 to €5,500 per month including rent. This may sound like a lot compared to what you are used to in Kenya, but Germany also offers very good salaries. The average gross salary in Germany in 2025 is around €54,000 per year, which translates to a monthly take-home pay of approximately €2,850 after taxes.

The good news: Germany is cheaper than the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, and Ireland. So if you were considering any of those countries, Germany is a more budget-friendly choice that still gives you a great standard of living.

2. Rent: Your Biggest Monthly Expense

Rent will almost certainly be your biggest monthly cost in Germany. Prices depend greatly on which city or region you choose to live in. Germany has 16 federal states and thousands of cities and towns, and costs can vary a lot between them.

Rent Prices by Major City (1-Bedroom Apartment, City Centre):

• Munich (München): €1,500 – €2,000+ — Most expensive city in Germany
• Frankfurt: €1,300 – €1,800 — Germany’s financial capital
• Hamburg: €1,200 – €1,700 — Major port city, vibrant culture
• Berlin: €1,100 – €1,400 — Capital city, still relatively affordable
• Stuttgart: €1,100 – €1,500 — Automotive and engineering hub
• Cologne (Köln): €1,000 – €1,400 — Good balance of cost and lifestyle
• Leipzig: €700 – €1,000 — One of the cheapest major cities
• Halle / Magdeburg: €500 – €800 — Eastern Germany, very affordable

Tip for Kenyans: Many people new to Germany start by renting a room in a shared flat, known locally as a WG (Wohngemeinschaft). This can save you hundreds of euros per month. A room in a shared flat typically costs between €400 and €800 per month, including utilities, and is a great way to meet people and settle in.

Also note that when you sign a rental contract, you usually need to pay a security deposit (Kaution) of 1 to 3 months’ rent upfront. So budget for this before you move.

Useful resource: ImmobilienScout24 (www.immobilienscout24.de) — Germany’s largest property listing site.

3. Food and Groceries: Affordable If You Shop Smart

Food in Germany is reasonably priced, especially if you cook at home. Germany is actually the birthplace of two of the world’s largest discount supermarket chains — Aldi and Lidl. You will find them all over the country, and they offer good quality food at low prices.

Monthly Grocery Budget:

• Single person: €200 – €350 per month
• Couple: €400 – €600 per month
• Family of four: €700 – €1,000 per month

Where to Shop:

• Budget-friendly: Aldi, Lidl, Netto, Penny — great for everyday essentials
• Mid-range: Rewe, Edeka — slightly more expensive but wider selection
• Premium/Organic: Bio Company, Alnatura — can cost 30–50% more

Eating Out: A simple lunch at a local restaurant or cafeteria (called a Kantine) costs around €10–€15. Dinner at a mid-range restaurant will cost approximately €15–€25 per person. If you want to save money, cooking at home is the best strategy. Many Kenyans also find that African and Asian grocery shops in major German cities stock familiar products like ugali flour, sukuma, and African spices.

4. Transport: Excellent Public Transit System

One of the best things about Germany is its public transport network. Cities have extensive U-Bahn (underground trains), S-Bahn (city trains), trams, and buses. You can get almost anywhere without a car.  Here a more detailed guide on German public transport.

Transport Costs:

• Single ticket (one-way local trip): €3.20 on average (Berlin: €3.80, Hamburg: €3.90)
• Deutschland-Ticket (monthly pass, unlimited travel): €63 per month (from January 2026)
• Bicycle rental (monthly): from €5.90 (Deutsche Bahn Call-a-Bike service)
• Taxi: starting fare around €4.80 + €2–€3 per kilometre
• Car fuel: approximately €1.72 per litre
• Car ownership (insurance, fuel, parking, maintenance): €300–€500 extra per month

Smart tip: The Deutschland-Ticket at €63 per month is one of the best deals in Germany. It lets you travel on all local and regional public transport anywhere in Germany. If you use public transport daily, this will save you a lot of money compared to buying single tickets.

5. Health Insurance: Mandatory for Everyone

This is very important to understand: health insurance is mandatory by law in Germany for all residents, including foreigners. You cannot legally live or work in Germany without it. You also need proof of health insurance to get your residence permit.

Two Types of Health Insurance:

• Public Health Insurance (GKV – Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung): This covers about 90% of people in Germany. The cost is 14.6% of your gross salary plus a small additional contribution (average 2.5%), and your employer pays half. For an average earner, the employee contribution is roughly €200–€350 per month. Popular public providers include TK (Techniker Krankenkasse), AOK, and Barmer.
• Private Health Insurance (PKV – Private Krankenversicherung): Available to high earners (above €73,800/year), freelancers, and self-employed individuals. Costs range widely, but a healthy person in their 30s might pay around €280–€550 per month. Private insurance often provides better service and faster access to specialists.

If you are employed in Germany and your salary is below €73,800 per year, you will be automatically enrolled in public health insurance. This is great because it means you do not have to search for coverage on your own — it is handled through your employer.

Useful resource: Expatrio Health Insurance Guide (expatrio.com)

6. Utilities and Internet

In Germany, utilities such as water, heating, and waste collection may be included in your rent as part of what Germans call Warmmiete (warm rent). However, electricity and internet are usually billed separately.

• Electricity: approximately €40–€80 per month (depending on usage)
• Internet (home broadband, high-speed): €20–€80 per month
• Public broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag): €18.36 per month per household — this is a mandatory fee for all residents
• Mobile phone plan: from €20 per month (includes calls and up to 10GB data)
• Total utilities estimate for a single person: €100–€200 per month

Note: Many Kenyans are surprised by the broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag). This is a fee every household in Germany must pay for public radio and television services. It is collected regardless of whether you own a TV or radio. Do not ignore letters about this — it is a legal requirement.

7. Other Important Costs to Budget For

Leisure and Entertainment:

• Cinema ticket: €12–€15 per person
• Gym membership: €30–€50 per month
• Sports club membership: €50–€150 per year
• Museum entry: €5–€15 (many museums have free days)

Clothing:

Germany has a wide range of clothing stores, from budget-friendly options like H&M, Primark, and C&A, to higher-end brands. A pair of jeans costs around €40–€80. Buying second-hand (from shops called Secondhand or via apps like Vinted) is popular and very affordable.

Childcare and Education:

• Public schools: Free for all children
• Kindergarten/Daycare (Kita): €0–€500 per month, depending on the state and your income
• University: Public universities charge minimal fees — typically €150–€400 per semester (called Semesterbeiträge), not tuition fees

8. Monthly Budget Summary: What to Expect

Here is a rough monthly budget breakdown for a single Kenyan professional living in a mid-sized German city (e.g., Berlin or Cologne):

• Rent (1-bedroom, city area): €800 – €1,200
• Groceries and food: €250 – €350
• Public transport (Deutschland-Ticket): €63
• Health insurance (employee share): €200 – €350
• Utilities (electricity, internet, phone): €120 – €200
• Broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag): €18.36
• Leisure/Entertainment: €50 – €150
• Clothing/Personal Care: €50 – €100
• Savings/Emergency Fund: €100 – €300
• TOTAL ESTIMATE: €1,651 – €2,631

With the minimum wage of €12.82 per hour (about €2,200/month gross before taxes), it is possible to cover basic costs — but you will need to budget carefully, especially in larger cities.

9. Cheapest Cities for Kenyans to Consider

If you have flexibility in choosing where to live in Germany, consider these more affordable cities, especially when you are just starting out:

• Leipzig – Vibrant arts scene, very affordable. Rent is over 38% cheaper than Stuttgart.
• Halle (Saale) – One of the cheapest cities in Germany. A single person can live on around €1,130/month total.
• Magdeburg – Affordable rents, growing economy. Monthly costs around €1,180 for a single person.
• Dresden – Historic and beautiful. Rents are about 37% cheaper than Stuttgart.
• Saarbrücken – One of the cheapest major cities in Germany, near the French border.
• Dortmund / Essen – Affordable cities in the Ruhr region with good industrial job opportunities.

10. Smart Money-Saving Tips for Kenyans in Germany

Here are practical tips to help you save money after you arrive:

• Start in a WG (shared flat): This cuts rent costs dramatically, especially in your first year.
• Shop at Aldi, Lidl, Netto, or Penny: You can eat well for much less than at regular supermarkets.
• Get the Deutschland-Ticket: At €63/month, it is cheaper than buying daily transport tickets.
• Cook at home: Eating out adds up quickly. Meal prepping saves both time and money.
• Use apps to track expenses: Apps like Finanzguru, or even a simple spreadsheet, help you stay within budget.
• Take advantage of student discounts: If you are a student, you can get discounts on transport, cinema, museums, and more.
• Buy second-hand: Apps like Vinted, eBay Kleinanzeigen, or local charity shops offer great deals on clothes and furniture.
• Avoid owning a car (at first): Germany’s public transport is so good that a car is unnecessary in most cities — and owning one adds €300–€500 per month to your costs.
• Use a blocked account (Sperrkonto): If you are coming as a student, you will need a blocked account showing at least €11,208 for the year. Use providers like Expatrio, Coracle, or Fintiba that are German-visa accepted.

11. Sending Money Back Home to Kenya

Many Kenyans in Germany regularly send money home to support family. When doing so, always compare exchange rates and transfer fees. Services like Wise (formerly TransferWise), Remitly, WorldRemit, and M-Pesa international transfer options often offer better rates than traditional bank transfers.

Useful resource: Wise Money Transfer (wise.com) — Transparent fees and real exchange rates for international transfers.

12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I survive in Germany on €1,500 per month?

A: Yes, but only in smaller, more affordable cities like Leipzig, Halle, or Magdeburg. In Munich or Frankfurt, €1,500 would be very tight after rent.

Q: Is Germany more expensive than Kenya?

A: Yes, significantly. The general cost of living in Germany is about 4–5 times higher than in Kenya when you compare in KES. However, salaries are also much higher, so the purchasing power in Germany is stronger for those who are employed.

Q: Do I need to speak German to manage my finances in Germany?

A: Many banks and insurance providers now offer services in English, especially in big cities. However, learning basic German will help you with paperwork, contracts, and dealing with local authorities.

Q: Is healthcare free in Germany?

A: Not exactly free — you pay contributions through your salary — but it is comprehensive and heavily subsidised. You will not receive a hospital bill after treatment if you are publicly insured. Doctor visits, hospital stays, and most medications are covered.

Germany offers a very high quality of life. The healthcare system is excellent, public transport is efficient, and the country is generally safe and well-organised. For Kenyans making the move, the cost of living is manageable — as long as you plan ahead, choose the right city, and make smart financial choices from the beginning.

The key is to start by researching which city fits both your job situation and your budget. Use the figures in this guide as a starting point, and always check current prices using live data tools like Numbeo or the links provided.

We at kenyan-german-links.com are here to help you every step of the way. Browse our other articles for guides on visas, finding work in Germany, the German language, and community life for Kenyans in Germany.