As of April 2026, a single person's monthly cost of living (excluding rent) is around €993, and a family of four's is roughly €3,432 (excluding rent). Housing varies dramatically by city: Munich is the most expensive (€1,200-2,000/month for a central 1-bedroom), Frankfurt and Stuttgart are more manageable (€1,100-1,400), and Berlin sits at €1,000-1,400 in central areas but €900-1,200 outside the ring. Groceries typically run €200-350/month per person, plus €80-150 for occasional dining out. Health insurance (public) costs €400-500/month split with the employer; private plans range €200-600/month.
Single person monthly cost (excl. rent), April 2026: ~€993; family of four: ~€3,432.
Munich is the most expensive city for housing (€1,200-2,000/month for a central 1-bedroom); Berlin is comparatively affordable (€900-1,400 depending on location).
Groceries: €200-350/month per person; occasional dining out: €80-150/month.
Public health insurance: €400-500/month (split with employer); private plans: €200-600/month.
Costs
Single person, monthly (excl. rent): ~€993
Family of four, monthly (excl. rent): ~€3,432
1-bedroom central apartment, Munich: €1,200-2,000/month
Common Mistakes
Budgeting with a single national average when city-to-city cost variance (especially housing) is substantial — Munich can cost nearly double Berlin for comparable housing.