Cost of living in Berlin (Germany) is 50% cheaper than in New York City (United States)
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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 1,104 prices entered by 155 different people.
Full price comparison, by category
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Currency:
| Food | - 40% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Berlin (Germany) is 40% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Berlin | New York City | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | €18 ($21) | $30 | - 30% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | €12 ($14) | $15 | - 6% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | €5.25 ($6) | $7 | - 15% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | €1.26 ($1.48) | $1.36 | + 9% | |
| 12 eggs, large | €4.05 ($4.76) | $8 | - 42% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | €3.51 ($4.13) | $8 | - 46% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | €7 ($8) | $9 | - 9% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | €2.96 ($3.48) | $5.68 | - 39% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | €2.35 ($2.76) | $2.95 | - 6% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | €1.16 ($1.37) | $8 | - 82% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | €7 ($8) | $19 | - 58% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | €1.81 ($2.13) | $3.79 | - 44% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | €1.67 ($1.96) | $4.38 | - 55% | |
| Housing | - 50% | |||
| Housing in Berlin (Germany) is 50% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Berlin | New York City | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | €2,244 ($2,643) | $6,011 | - 56% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | €1,495 ($1,761) | $3,627 | - 51% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | €255 ($301) | $297 | + 1% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | €1,421 ($1,674) | $3,501 | - 52% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | €976 ($1,150) | $2,615 | - 56% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | €184 ($217) | $225 | - 4% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | €30 ($36) | $67 | - 47% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | €499 ($587) | $380 | + 55% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | €96 ($114) | $138 | - 17% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | €6 ($7) | $26 | - 72% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | €15 ($18) | $28 | - 37% | |
| Clothes | - 6% | |||
| Clothes in Berlin (Germany) is 6% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Berlin | New York City | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | €85 ($100) | $69 | + 45% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | €35 ($41) | $50 | - 17% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | €89 ($105) | $126 | - 17% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | €134 ($157) | $266 | - 41% | |
| Transportation | - 40% | |||
| Transportation in Berlin (Germany) is 40% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Berlin | New York City | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | €28,915 ($34,059) | $48,568 | - 30% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | €1.77 ($2.08) | $0.90 | + 133% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | €47 ($55) | $127 | - 56% | |
| Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | €20 ($24) | $34 | - 30% | |
| Personal Care | - 70% | |||
| Personal Care in Berlin (Germany) is 70% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Berlin | New York City | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | €8 ($9) | $19 | - 52% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | €5.27 ($6) | $54 | - 88% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | €58 ($68) | $208 | - 67% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | €4.33 ($5.10) | $14 | - 63% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | €2.86 ($3.37) | $10 | - 65% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | €3.08 ($3.63) | $13 | - 72% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | €1.67 ($1.96) | $9 | - 79% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | €1.58 ($1.87) | $3.14 | - 41% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | €23 ($27) | $44 | - 39% | |
| Entertainment | - 68% | |||
| Entertainment in Berlin (Germany) is 68% cheaper than in New York City (United States) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Berlin | New York City | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | €46 ($54) | $86 | - 37% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | €25 ($29) | $38 | - 24% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | €139 ($164) | $541 | - 70% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | €63 ($74) | $229 | - 68% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | €12 ($14) | $20 | - 30% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | €3.77 ($4.44) | $7 | - 36% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | €4.00 ($4.71) | $9 | - 49% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | €776 ($915) | $853 | + 7% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | €0.09 ($0.11) | $1.66 | - 93% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | €35 ($41) | $177 | - 77% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | €9 ($11) | $18 | - 42% | |
 |
TOTAL | - 50% | ||
WARNING! This comparison is based on only a few data points. At this point it is only a guess. It is based on 1,104 prices entered by 155 different people.
These prices were last updated on July 08, 2025.
Exchange rate:
1.178
USD
/
EUR
Detailed prices for each city individually
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For example, to keep the same standard of living that would require $18,000 in New York City you would need to make just about $8,957 (€7,604) in Berlin.
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