Cost of Living in Germany for Indians

While costs vary significantly based on your lifestyle and city, a single person can expect to spend between €950 and €1,500 per month (~₹94,790 to ~₹1,49,665). This budget covers rent, food, transport, health insurance, and other personal expenses. For students, the German government has a more precise figure that forms the basis of their visa application.

Note: The amount may vary depending on the location & currency exchange rate.

For any Indian planning to apply for a German student visa, understanding the Sperrkonto, or Blocked Account, is non-negotiable. It is the most common way to provide the mandatory Proof of Financial Resources (Finanzierungsnachweis).

What is a Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) and How Does It Work?

A Blocked Account is a special bank account in Germany where you deposit a lump sum of money required for your living expenses for one year. This account "blocks" the funds, allowing you to withdraw a fixed amount each month after you arrive in Germany. This assures the German government that you can support yourself financially during your studies.

Blocked Account Amount for 2025: Budgeting for the Cost of Living in Germany

As of 2025, the official mandatory amount that must be deposited into a Blocked Account for a German visa is €11,904 (~₹11,87,734) for the year. This translates to a monthly withdrawal limit of €992 (~₹98,978). This figure is based on the BAföG rate, Germany's federal student financial aid program, and is subject to periodic review.

How the Blocked Account Works for Indian Students?

The process is straightforward. Before your visa interview, you open an account with a recognised provider (like Expatrio, Fintiba, or Coracle) from India. You then transfer the €11,904 (~₹11,87,734) plus any service fees. The provider will issue a confirmation document, which is a vital part of your visa application. Once you are in Germany, you open a local German bank account, and your monthly allowance of €992 (~₹98,978) is transferred to it from your Blocked Account.

Here's an overview of key expenses, including student housing, food, transportation, and miscellaneous costs for a month of living in Germany.

Accommodation: Your Biggest Expense

Rent will consume the largest portion of your budget. Your choice of housing will have the biggest impact on your monthly costs.

• Student Dormitories (Studentenwohnheim): The most affordable option, costing between €300 - €500 (~₹29,933 - ~₹49,888) per month. However, they are in high demand, and waitlists can be long. Apply as soon as you have your university acceptance letter.
• Shared Apartments (Wohngemeinschaft or WG): The most popular choice for students. You get a private room and share the kitchen and bathroom. Costs range from €450 - €750 (~₹44,900 - ~₹74,832), depending heavily on the city and location.
• Private Apartments: Renting a one-room apartment provides privacy but is the most expensive option, starting from €800 - €1,300+ (₹79,820 - ₹1,29,709+). You will also be solely responsible for all utility bills (Nebenkosten).

Food and Groceries

Your monthly food expenses can be managed well with smart shopping. An average person spends around €200 - €300 (~₹19,955 - ~₹29,933) on groceries. Cooking at home is significantly cheaper than eating out, where a simple meal at an inexpensive restaurant can cost €10 - €15 (~₹997 - ~₹1,497). To save money, shop at discount supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, and Netto, which offer quality products at low prices.

Transportation: Getting Around Efficiently

Germany's public transport system is world-class. The best value for money is the Deutschland-Ticket (D-Ticket). For a fixed price of €58 per month (~₹5,787) as of 2025, it offers unlimited travel on all local and regional public transport (buses, trams, U-Bahns, S-Bahns, regional trains) across the entire country. For students, some universities offer a "Semesterticket" as part of the semester contribution, which can sometimes be even cheaper for the local city area.

Mandatory Health Insurance

Health insurance is compulsory for every resident in Germany. Students under 30 are eligible for public health insurance, which costs approximately €120 - €130 per month (~₹11,975 - ~₹12,970). This provides comprehensive coverage.

Utilities and Connectivity

If you are in a private or shared apartment, budget for utilities like electricity, heating, and water, which can add €50 - €100 (~₹4,990 - ~₹9,978) per person to your monthly costs. A good mobile and internet plan will cost around €30 - €40 (~₹2,995 - ~₹3,990) per month.

Miscellaneous Expenses: Other Factors in the Cost of Living in Germany

This category includes your university's semester contribution (typically €150 - €400 per semester), study materials (€30 - €50/month), personal care, and leisure activities like going to the cinema or cafes, which can add another €150 - €250 (~₹14,966 - ~₹24,944) to your monthly budget.

The city you choose to live in will dramatically alter your overall expenses. Metropolises like Munich are notoriously expensive, while cities in eastern Germany offer a much lower cost of living.

Note; The amount may vary depending on the location & currency exchange rate.

Yes, you can. Indian students are permitted to work for 120 full days or 240 half days per year. This is an excellent way to supplement your income, gain work experience, and improve your German language skills. Typical student jobs (Minijobs) in cafes, supermarkets, or as university research assistants pay an average of €12 to €15 (~₹1,197 to ~₹1,497) per hour.

• Choose Your City Wisely: As the table above shows, living in a city like Leipzig instead of Munich can save you hundreds of Euros each month.
• Master Cooking at Home: Eating out is a luxury. Embrace the German supermarket culture and cook your meals to save a significant amount of money.
• Utilise Student Discounts: Your student ID is a key to savings. Get discounts on transport, museum tickets, cinema, and even some restaurants.
• Buy Second-Hand: Use platforms like eBay, Kleinanzeigen, or local flea markets (Flohmarkt) to buy furniture, bicycles, and books at a fraction of the original price.
• Plan Your Travel: The €58 (~₹5,787) Deutschland-Ticket is a fantastic deal. Use it to explore Germany on weekends without buying expensive long-distance train tickets.

While the initial cost of moving and the monthly expenses in Germany are higher than in India, the return on investment is substantial. The access to high-quality, tuition-free education, a high standard of living, excellent public infrastructure, and strong post-study work opportunities make Germany a worthwhile destination.

By planning your finances diligently, making informed choices about your city and accommodation, and adopting a smart spending mindset, you can manage the cost of living effectively and make the most of your incredible journey in Germany.