Cost of living in Cologne (Germany) is 28% cheaper than in Paris (France)
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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 326 prices entered by 82 different people.
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Currency:
| Food | - 27% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Cologne (Germany) is 27% cheaper than in Paris (France) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Cologne | Paris | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | €17 | €21 | - 21% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | €9 | €12 | - 23% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | €4.54 | €8 | - 40% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | €1.38 | €1.51 | - 9% | |
| 12 eggs, large | €4.18 | €6 | - 33% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | €3.67 | €4.57 | - 20% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | €6 | €7 | - 14% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | €2.47 | €2.60 | - 5% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | €1.89 | €2.28 | - 17% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | €1.06 | €2.22 | - 52% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | €7 | €12 | - 40% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | €2.10 | €2.97 | - 29% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | €1.19 | €1.51 | - 21% | |
| Housing | - 38% | |||
| Housing in Cologne (Germany) is 38% cheaper than in Paris (France) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Cologne | Paris | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | €1,904 | €3,584 | - 47% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | €1,540 | €2,889 | - 47% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | €188 | €207 | - 9% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | €1,167 | €1,987 | - 41% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | €897 | €1,613 | - 44% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | €134 | €119 | + 13% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | €27 | €27 | + 0% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | €480 | €360 | + 33% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | €91 | €180 | - 49% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | €5.59 | €12 | - 54% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | €16 | €17 | - 8% | |
| Clothes | - 5% | |||
| Clothes in Cologne (Germany) is 5% cheaper than in Paris (France) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Cologne | Paris | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | €86 | €94 | - 8% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | €48 | €48 | + 1% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | €90 | €113 | - 20% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | €115 | €111 | + 3% | |
| Transportation | - 18% | |||
| Transportation in Cologne (Germany) is 18% cheaper than in Paris (France) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Cologne | Paris | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | €28,416 | €31,009 | - 8% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | €1.85 | €1.90 | - 2% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | €63 | €85 | - 26% | |
| Taxi trip on a business day, basic tariff, 8 km. (5 miles) | €20 | €19 | + 2% | |
| Personal Care | - 17% | |||
| Personal Care in Cologne (Germany) is 17% cheaper than in Paris (France) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Cologne | Paris | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | €6 | €3.40 | + 84% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | €10 | €12 | - 13% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | €46 | €27 | + 75% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | €3.18 | €5.32 | - 40% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | €2.06 | €4.61 | - 55% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | €2.09 | €4.19 | - 50% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | €1.66 | €2.66 | - 38% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | €1.43 | €3.03 | - 53% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | €22 | €23 | - 5% | |
| Entertainment | - 33% | |||
| Entertainment in Cologne (Germany) is 33% cheaper than in Paris (France) | ||||
| Update prices | Update prices | |||
| Cologne | Paris | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | €36 | €45 | - 20% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | €20 | €26 | - 21% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | €195 | €122 | + 60% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | €69 | €87 | - 21% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | €8 | €14 | - 42% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | €2.89 | €5.19 | - 44% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | €4.37 | €8 | - 44% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | €498 | €473 | + 5% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | €0.08 | €0.35 | - 76% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | €33 | €38 | - 13% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | €7 | €12 | - 43% | |
 |
TOTAL | - 28% | ||
This comparison has some inconsistent or sparse data. It already provides a reliable comparison but it is not bullet-proof. It is based on 326 prices entered by 82 different people.
These prices were last updated on March 21, 2025.
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For example, to keep the same standard of living that would require €11,000 in Paris you would need to make just about €7,881 in Cologne.
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