Cost of living in Germany compared to United States
Currency:
| Food | - 20% | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food in Germany is 20% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| Germany | United States | Diff | ||
| Basic lunchtime menu (including a drink) in the business district | €17 ($18) | $19 | - 4% | |
| Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal or similar) | €9 ($10) | $10 | + 0% | |
| 500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | €5.39 ($5.78) | $5.78 | + 0% | |
| 1 liter (1 qt.) of whole fat milk | €1.24 ($1.34) | $1.08 | + 24% | |
| 12 eggs, large | €3.74 ($4.01) | $4.96 | - 19% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of tomatoes | €2.89 ($3.10) | $4.69 | - 34% | |
| 500 gr (16 oz.) of local cheese | €7 ($7) | $7 | + 5% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of apples | €2.66 ($2.85) | $4.68 | - 39% | |
| 1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes | €1.90 ($2.03) | $2.52 | - 19% | |
| 0.5 l (16 oz) domestic beer in the supermarket | €0.96 ($1.03) | $3.05 | - 66% | |
| 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | €7 ($7) | $16 | - 55% | |
| 2 liters of coca-cola | €2.03 ($2.18) | $2.76 | - 21% | |
| Bread for 2 people for 1 day | €1.72 ($1.84) | $3.00 | - 38% | |
| Housing | - 28% | |||
| Housing in Germany is 28% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| Germany | United States | Diff | ||
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | €1,952 ($2,094) | $2,845 | - 26% | |
| Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | €1,499 ($1,608) | $2,149 | - 25% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | €217 ($233) | $222 | + 5% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | €1,207 ($1,294) | $1,889 | - 31% | |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | €921 ($988) | $1,445 | - 32% | |
| Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas ...) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | €176 ($189) | $150 | + 26% | |
| Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | €33 ($35) | $64 | - 44% | |
| 40” flat screen tv | €423 ($454) | $299 | + 52% | |
| Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | €112 ($120) | $137 | - 12% | |
| Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | €11 ($12) | $14 | - 10% | |
| Hourly rate for cleaning help | €16 ($17) | $31 | - 45% | |
| Clothes | + 6% | |||
| Clothes in Germany is 6% more expensive than in United States | ||||
| Germany | United States | Diff | ||
| 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | €81 ($87) | $54 | + 63% | |
| 1 summer dress in a high street store (zara, h&m or similar retailers) | €37 ($40) | $45 | - 12% | |
| 1 pair of sport shoes (nike, adidas, or equivalent brands) | €90 ($97) | $93 | + 4% | |
| 1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | €123 ($132) | $119 | + 11% | |
| Transportation | + 4% | |||
| Transportation in Germany is about the same as in United States | ||||
| Germany | United States | Diff | ||
| Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), with no extras, new | €25,424 ($27,269) | $27,977 | - 3% | |
| 1 liter (1/4 gallon) of gas | €1.91 ($2.05) | $1.05 | + 95% | |
| Monthly ticket public transport | €70 ($75) | $79 | - 6% | |
| Personal Care | - 41% | |||
| Personal Care in Germany is 41% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| Germany | United States | Diff | ||
| Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex, or equivalent brands) | €11 ($12) | $8 | + 49% | |
| 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | €8 ($9) | $21 | - 58% | |
| Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | €61 ($66) | $139 | - 53% | |
| 1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, ...) | €3.41 ($3.66) | $8 | - 57% | |
| Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | €2.79 ($2.99) | $4.83 | - 38% | |
| Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | €3.88 ($4.16) | $6 | - 34% | |
| 4 rolls of toilet paper | €1.73 ($1.85) | $4.78 | - 61% | |
| Tube of toothpaste | €1.58 ($1.69) | $2.24 | - 24% | |
| Standard men's haircut in expat area of the city | €23 ($25) | $27 | - 8% | |
| Entertainment | - 22% | |||
| Entertainment in Germany is 22% cheaper than in United States | ||||
| Germany | United States | Diff | ||
| Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | €41 ($44) | $55 | - 21% | |
| 2 tickets to the movies | €23 ($25) | $28 | - 11% | |
| 2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | €98 ($105) | $200 | - 47% | |
| Dinner for two at an italian restaurant in the expat area including appetisers, main course, wine and dessert | €59 ($63) | $89 | - 29% | |
| 1 cocktail drink in downtown club | €10 ($11) | $14 | - 20% | |
| Cappuccino in expat area of the city | €3.46 ($3.71) | $5.19 | - 28% | |
| 1 beer in neighbourhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | €4.16 ($4.46) | $6 | - 29% | |
| Ipad wi-fi 128gb | €649 ($696) | $563 | + 24% | |
| 1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | €0.10 ($0.11) | $0.20 | - 45% | |
| 1 month of gym membership in business district | €42 ($45) | $55 | - 17% | |
| 1 package of marlboro cigarettes | €8 ($8) | $10 | - 17% | |
| TOTAL | - 18% | |||
These prices were last updated on June 03, 2023.
Exchange rate:
1.073
USD
/
EUR
This comparison is based on abundant and consistent data. It is based on 24,170 prices entered by 3,192 different people.
Cost of living in Germany is 18% cheaper than in United States
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