Cost of Living in Berlin for Students

Berlin, a city of diversity and vibrancy combined with old traditions and modernity, offers a variety of experiences for people of all tastes. The city is fueled with creativity, from street art to world-class galleries and museums. The nightlife in Berlin offers a different story, catering to every music and genre. The neighborhood tells its own stories and has its history and characters. Being a melting pot of cultures, Berlin’s student community is huge.

Is Berlin a student city?

According to QS Best Student Cities 2024 ranking, Berlin is in the top 10. Berlin is appealing to students partly because a wide variety of courses is in English, especially for the PG level. The highest-ranking university is Freie Universität Berlin, ranking 98th in the world.

Is Berlin expensive to live in?

Berlin is relatively affordable compared to big cities in Europe. Nevertheless, you should know that the cost of living in Berlin is €950 – €1,700 per month excluding tuition fees. On average, the cost of housing will range between €500 – €1,300 /month. Food cost will cost around €150/month, and transportation will approximately be around 90/month. 

Please bear in mind that the cost of living in Berlin will depend on your lifestyle. 

For more personalized information, use our cost of living calculator to estimate your desired area’s average cost of living.

Before we list the details of the cost of living in Berlin, let’s summarize its cost.

Is Berlin expensive to study?

Most of the public universities in Berlin are free for domestic and EU/EEA students. At the same time, private universities have a higher cost in tuition fees. The cost of tuition fees in Berlin will depend on the course type you choose to study and in which university. The fee cost will differ for every university and also the degree programs. Below, we have given an average cost for UG and PG degrees; please check with your university. 

How much does housing cost in Berlin?

Student accommodation in Berlin offers many options, from student housing and apartments to university halls. They are all different and offer various facilities and services. We have briefly described each of these accommodations to help you find the right choice to stay where you feel safe, secure and happy.

Student Housing

Student housing is ideal for students who want private and independent living. It is in close proximity to most campus buildings. The property offers a wide range of rooms to share or live alone. The rooms are fully furnished and equipped with modern amenities. 

Most of the accommodations are at a distance of under 3 miles. While the ones outside of the city center are upto 20 miles.

Private Apartment

 Private student apartments can come as individual or shared apartments. They offer more privacy, better services and facilities for students. The apartments are also in close proximity to universities. The apartments are fully furnished and equipped with modern amenities.

University Halls

University halls are ideal for first-year students as they ease their transition into student life. They are located within or close to the university campus. They offer basic services and facilities. University halls can be noisy and limited to independent living. 

What is the cost of food in Berlin?

Eating out is cheap in Berlin, especially since the street is packed with food stands selling hotdogs, kebabs and currywurst. Even sit-down restaurants are affordable as compared to most places in Europe. The meal cost at a mid-range restaurant will come to around €30/person while fast food costs €10 and transportation will cost approximately €90/month. As for groceries, it will cost €300 /month. 

How much are utility bills in Berlin?

The cost of utility bills in Berlin will depend upon your location, housing type and consumption. Student accommodation, like student housing and apartments, usually covers utility bills. As for university halls, it will vary from university to university. You will have to check in with the university for the same.

How to get around Berlin?

The best and cheapest mode of transportation in Berlin is the public transportation system. It includes buses, trains, trams and subways. As Berlin is a pedestrian-friendly city, you can also walk to places nearby. You can purchase a Youth Travel Card, where you can get unlimited public transportation travel within Berlin with a monthly or yearly subscription.