The Cost of Student Accommodation in Germany
The cost of renting a property in Germany varies widely. One of the main factors which influences the cost is the location of the accommodation. In large cities such as Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne, Düsseldorf or Munich, rent prices are very high. Students will pay an average of €325 a month. In cities in the newer German counties, formerly East Germany, such as Dresden, Jena, Chemnitz, Rostock and Leipzig, average student rental prices are €216 a month: significantly cheaper than equivalent properties in the west. On average, students in Germany will spend €266 a month on rent and extra costs, estimated to be one third of the total average student income.
A much cheaper option for students is to live in a student hall. Average rental costs in former West Germany are €205 a month, in former East Germany just €185 a month. Although rooms in student halls are typically very small, they are generally furnished and comfortable. Rooms in shared apartments are available from as little as €200 a month, but prices will differ depending on the exact location of the property. If you are keen to sublet, for example rent a room from an old couple, you will typically pay less than you would if you were to rent your own apartment, but will pay a little more than you would pay for a room in a shared flat. You typically pay extra because you have a private kitchen and bathroom, and may even have some meals cooked for you by the people you live with.
Remember:
- In large cities rental costs are higher, but it is easier to find a student job.
- The price per square metre varies between cities and between areas of a city. Areas where many students live often have a cheaper square metre price.
- In the countryside and the suburbs rental costs are usually cheaper than in the city, but you ought to bear the additional transport costs in mind.
- When searching for a property to rent, make sure to consider the transport connections. Some properties will be cheap to rent because they are difficult to reach!
