Cost of living in Essen (Germany) is 26% cheaper than in Munich (Germany)
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This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 252 prices entered by 31 different people.
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Currency:
| Food | - 38% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Essen (Germany) is 38% cheaper than in Munich (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Essen | Munich | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | €11 | €19 | - 42% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | €7 | €13 | - 46% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | €4.30 | €4.99 | - 14% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | €0.96 | €1.36 | - 30% | |
| 12 eggs, large | €2.93 | €4.24 | - 31% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | €2.33 | €4.95 | - 53% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | €4.84 | €7 | - 26% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | €2.32 | €4.11 | - 43% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | €1.29 | €2.67 | - 52% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | €0.80 | €1.27 | - 37% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | €6 | €7 | - 15% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | €1.77 | €1.76 | + 1% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | €1.35 | €2.46 | - 45% | |
| Housing | - 48% | |||
| Housing in Essen (Germany) is 48% cheaper than in Munich (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Essen | Munich | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | €1,047 | €2,241 | - 53% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | €598 | €1,830 | - 67% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | €201 | €267 | - 25% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | €615 | €1,551 | - 60% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | €427 | €1,049 | - 59% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | €146 | €170 | - 14% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | €25 | €32 | - 22% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | €447 | €395 | + 13% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | €134 | €75 | + 78% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | €8 | €8 | + 10% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | €13 | €19 | - 32% | |
| Clothes | - 1% | |||
| Clothes in Essen (Germany) is about the same as in Munich (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Essen | Munich | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | €82 | €88 | - 6% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | €49 | €40 | + 21% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | €82 | €100 | - 17% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | €111 | €147 | - 24% | |
| Transportation | + 3% | |||
| Transportation in Essen (Germany) is about the same as in Munich (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Essen | Munich | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | €23,072 | €27,102 | - 15% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | €1.43 | €1.70 | - 16% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | €63 | €55 | + 15% | |
| Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | €22 | €20 | + 10% | |
| Personal Care | - 1% | |||
| Personal Care in Essen (Germany) is about the same as in Munich (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Essen | Munich | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | €9 | €7 | + 24% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | €13 | €10 | + 37% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | €76 | €69 | + 10% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | €2.52 | €4.00 | - 37% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | €1.73 | €2.31 | - 25% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | €2.36 | €3.20 | - 26% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | €1.35 | €1.83 | - 26% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | €1.38 | €1.35 | + 2% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | €16 | €23 | - 30% | |
| Entertainment | - 26% | |||
| Entertainment in Essen (Germany) is 26% cheaper than in Munich (Germany) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Essen | Munich | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | €31 | €50 | - 37% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | €19 | €24 | - 22% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | €89 | €149 | - 40% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | €56 | €65 | - 14% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | €8 | €13 | - 40% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | €3.15 | €4.74 | - 34% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | €3.49 | €4.21 | - 17% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | €453 | €431 | + 5% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | €0.12 | €0.12 | - 4% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | €27 | €63 | - 57% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | €6 | €8 | - 22% | |
 |
TOTAL | - 26% | ||
This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 252 prices entered by 31 different people.
These prices were last updated on June 20, 2025.
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For example, to keep the same standard of living that would require €7,100 in Munich you would need to make just about €5,258 in Essen.
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