For a long time now, Germany has been at the top when it comes to migration. People are drawn to the country because of its great standard of living. Many of them want to relocate to Berlin, the capital and a big city with plenty of job opportunities for IT experts.
In this article, we will explore the essential costs you'll encounter when moving to this wonderful location, from renting prices to buying groceries in a supermarket. If you're preparing to start a new life in this city and want to have a clear understanding of financial aspects, our article will provide you with helpful guidance.
Accommodation
Renting a flat in the capital can be quite costly. As the number of people desiring to move to this lovely city keeps growing, the real estate market reacts to the surge in demand by pushing housing prices up.
A notable aspect of renting here is that it's the apartment owner who selects the tenant, not the other way around. Why is that? In Germany, tenant rights are safeguarded by the law, making it challenging to evict them, even for overdue payments. Consequently, owners prefer to take their time and be more picky in their search to get more reliable renters.
After you express interest in a rental advertisement, the real estate agent will get in touch with you and arrange a tour through the apartment. They will also provide you with a specific questionnaire to complete. Initially, the realtor selects a few promising candidates that are later presented to the property owner for the final decision.
Preference is often given to quiet couples in the age range of 40 to 50, without small children, or pets, and with stable employment. For individuals from other countries, it’s a bit harder to compete with the locals. Still, many people are looking for and managing to find decent places to live. Where? On various online portals.
Immobilienscout24.de is a good example of such a platform. For a decent studio apartment located outside the city center, the average cost is around 1500 euros. If you're willing to live a bit further from the center, you can find options for around 1250 euros. However, in the heart of the city, rental prices can be astronomical. It's quite normal to see one-bedroom apartments in the center priced at around 2400 euros, which reflects the current market rates.
If you need a larger living space, you can find 3-bedroom apartments in more remote areas for around 3,000+ euros. The exact price will depend on your specific requirements and preferences.
Many employers offer assistance in finding housing and even provide free accommodation for the initial months. If you're planning to move to the city, ask whether you’ll get such a bonus or not.
A convenient platform for newcomers to secure a good flat is the popular online website Craigslist. Here, you can find lower-priced options, and many owners who post their ads are more willing to sign a contract with foreigners.
In addition to rent, it's important to budget for utilities, which typically amount to around 350-400 euros, as well as an additional cost for Internet services starting from 30 euros.
Groceries
On average, one person needs about 400 euros per month to buy groceries and cook at home. Here is an example of a weekly shopping cart:
White bread (500g) – €1.30
Chicken fillet (700g) – €8.60
Beef (700g) – €13.00
Milk (1 liter) – €1.20
Eggs (10 pcs) – €4.00
Bananas (1kg) – €1.50
Apples (700g) – €1.70
Potatoes (1kg) – €1.50
Beer (0.5l) – €1.25
The total cost amounts to approximately 35 euros. Please note that prices may change over time and in different stores. But you can always go and check the relevant information yourself. Just visit an online store (e.g., Rewe) and compile your own shopping cart to see how much of your budget it will take.
If you decide to skip cooking and opt to dine out or enjoy some drinks at a bar on a Friday or weekend, here are some estimated costs:
A cup of coffee: around 4 euros
A set meal at McDonald's: approximately 12 euros
Lunch at a cafe: around 15 euros per person
A meal at a restaurant with a bottle of wine: from 45 to 60+ euros for two people
A meal at the Michelin-starred Nobelhart und Schmutzig restaurant: from 200 euros per person
Transport
Germany is known for its efficient and well-developed public transportation system, particularly in Berlin. The city offers a comprehensive network of streetcars, buses, subways, and commuter trains, ensuring convenient travel options for residents and visitors alike. The combined daily distance covered by these modes of transport is impressive, totaling 8.7 times the diameter of the globe!
But convenience and speed often come at a cost. For a single trip within the unified system, the fare is around 4 euros. However, if you frequently use public transportation, a monthly pass can be more cost-effective, typically priced at 91 euros. It's important to note that attempting to ride without a valid ticket can result in penalties, which can amount to approximately 60 euros.
Alternatively, for shorter distances or when seeking more direct transportation, taking a taxi can be an option. A cab ride covering a distance of around 8 kilometers is typically about 25 euros.
The cost of a new European economy car starts from around 19,000 euros. Additionally, the price of gasoline in Germany is approximately 1.94 euros per liter. It's important to note that many roads in Germany have tolls, and parking is also not free in most places.
In Berlin, riding a bicycle is a convenient option due to the extensive network of paths available. The city's mild climate allows for year-round cycling. If you're considering purchasing a used bicycle, the cost can range from 100 to 150 euros.
Education
Germany has a well-established system of free schools and kindergartens, which can help reduce significant costs. If you are legally residing in the country, free placements are not a problem.
Additional activities such as clubs and sections may incur costs, but some of them are offered for free within schools and kindergartens. Paid sections typically start from around 50 euros per month.
If you plan to learn German after moving, private tutoring for an academic hour (45 minutes) typically costs around 25 euros. This expense can vary depending on the tutor's qualifications and location.
Entertainment
On average, one needs around 250 euros per month for leisure activities (but, again, it depends on your personality and wishes).
Germany offers a wide range of options to cater to diverse interests, from world-renowned philharmonic societies to vibrant events like gay parades, film festivals, and historical tours.
In Berlin, known as the techno music capital of the world, you can find famous techno clubs such as Berghain, where entrance fees start from 18 euros.
A cinema ticket costs around 10 euros. Attending a philharmonic performance may cost 25 euros or more.
If you're interested in sports activities, gym memberships start from 25 euros per month. Swimming sessions at a pool cost around 5.5 euros, while yoga classes are typically priced at 15 euros.
For current job vacancies in Germany and other countries, you can visit our website. We hope this information has been helpful! If you have any further questions, comments, or suggestions, feel free to contact us via promo@alexstaff.agency.