Cost of living in Cologne (Germany) is 25% cheaper than in Berlin (Germany)
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WARNING! This comparison is based on only a few data points. At this point it is only a guess. It is based on 985 prices entered by 139 different people.
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| Food | - 13% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Cologne (Germany) is 13% cheaper than in Berlin (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Cologne | Berlin | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | €16 | €14 | + 9% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | €9 | €11 | - 23% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | €4.19 | €4.93 | - 15% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | €1.08 | €1.13 | - 5% | |
| 12 eggs, large | €3.61 | €4.92 | - 26% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | €2.96 | €3.23 | - 8% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | €5.17 | €7 | - 23% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | €2.52 | €2.76 | - 9% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | €1.85 | €1.88 | - 1% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | €1.00 | €1.15 | - 13% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | €8 | €7 | + 14% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | €1.66 | €3.55 | - 53% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | €1.46 | €1.96 | - 26% | |
| Housing | - 50% | |||
| Housing in Cologne (Germany) is 50% cheaper than in Berlin (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Cologne | Berlin | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | €1,729 | €2,260 | - 24% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | €1,264 | €2,554 | - 51% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | €212 | €452 | - 53% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | €1,009 | €3,066 | - 67% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | €705 | €1,533 | - 54% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | €131 | €572 | - 77% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | €26 | €32 | - 19% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | €343 | €482 | - 29% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | €101 | €172 | - 41% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | €7 | €32 | - 78% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | €14 | €16 | - 12% | |
| Clothes | + 4% | |||
| Clothes in Cologne (Germany) is 4% more expensive than in Berlin (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Cologne | Berlin | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | €82 | €86 | - 4% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | €42 | €35 | + 17% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | €92 | €94 | - 2% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | €91 | €108 | - 16% | |
| Transportation | + 5% | |||
| Transportation in Cologne (Germany) is 5% more expensive than in Berlin (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Cologne | Berlin | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | €20,632 | €30,839 | - 33% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | €1.74 | €2.00 | - 13% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | €95 | €75 | + 26% | |
| Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | €20 | €23 | - 13% | |
| Personal Care | - 42% | |||
| Personal Care in Cologne (Germany) is 42% cheaper than in Berlin (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Cologne | Berlin | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | €6 | €10 | - 37% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | €10 | €8 | + 30% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | €46 | €54 | - 14% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | €3.18 | €8 | - 59% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | €2.17 | €4.49 | - 52% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | €1.97 | €8 | - 77% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | €1.45 | €4.39 | - 67% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | €1.60 | €2.72 | - 41% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | €20 | €34 | - 41% | |
| Entertainment | - 25% | |||
| Entertainment in Cologne (Germany) is 25% cheaper than in Berlin (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Cologne | Berlin | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | €36 | €41 | - 13% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | €20 | €24 | - 15% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | €129 | €292 | - 56% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | €62 | €58 | + 7% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | €8 | €15 | - 46% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | €2.89 | €3.40 | - 15% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | €4.27 | €4.00 | + 7% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | €498 | €1,066 | - 53% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | €0.08 | €0.11 | - 24% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | €43 | €40 | + 8% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | €6 | €12 | - 46% | |
 |
TOTAL | - 25% | ||
WARNING! This comparison is based on only a few data points. At this point it is only a guess. It is based on 985 prices entered by 139 different people.
These prices were last updated on March 28, 2023.
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For example, to keep the same standard of living that would require €6,300 in Berlin you would need to make just about €4,700 in Cologne.
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