What’s the Average Cost of Living in Berlin?

Berlin has long held the reputation for being one of Europe’s cheap capitals, but in recent years the cost of living has been steadily climbing. While Berlin remains a city where you can find good value housing and excellent public transport, expenses such as rent and groceries have gone up in comparison to other German cities. In this guide, we’ll examine how much of your budget you’ll need to put towards rent and other costs if you plan to live in Berlin.

Rent Costs

Rent is probably the biggest single cost when it comes to living in Berlin. The monthly rent for a place usually depends on its location, size, quality and any extras you include it (e.g. furniture). According to Nestpick, the average monthly rent of a one-bedroom apartment in an expensive neighborhood is €915, while a one-bedroom in a more affordable neighborhood can cost €625. It’s important to note that a large chunk of your salary is likely to go towards your rent each month due to a law called the Mietpreisbremse, which limits rent increases in certain areas. This means that you will be obligated to spend a large proportion of your income on housing; for example, for an €800 one-bedroom apartment in Berlin, you will likely need to be earning up to €3,250 per month depending on the district.

Utility Costs

Going alongside your rent will usually be utility costs such as gas, heating and electricity for your home in Berlin. You’ll typically face the highest bills during winter months when heating is switched on. Normally, these costs come out to an average total of €200 per month.

Food Costs

Grocery shopping can vary drastically depending on how fancy your tastes run, but if you shop wisely and prioritize discounts and supermarket brands you can generally purchase a decent amount of food for around €200 per month. Those looking to buy top-tier organic products may find themselves spending up to €400 per month. When it comes to eating out, you can find yourself paying around €8-15 per meal depending on where you choose to eat.

Transport Costs

Berlin’s public transport system is world class and very affordable. You can purchase an AB or BC ticket from the Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg for €81.10 per month (1 zone) or €105.60 (2 zones) which is great value considering you can use it for all underground, bus and tram trips throughout the city and surrounding area. Alternatively, those who wish to ride a bicycle have the added benefit in some boroughs of the ability to use city bike sharing programs such as Nextbike for next to nothing – usually just a few Euro per month for renting out a bike when needed.

Entertainment Costs

The cost of having fun in Berlin also varies depending on what activities interest you; there are free things to do but also opportunities to indulge in more expensive nightlife and activities. Typical expenses include eating out (€8-15 per person per meal), going out (€5-10 average drink cost), films (€10-12 cinema tickets) and concerts (upwards of €25 per ticket). With care and effort you can find plenty of bargains in Berlin if you look hard enough, but of course not everyone will always want to bargain-hunt for every activity!

Summary

All in all most people would end up spending roughly €1,100 or so per month before taxes on basic necessities such as rent, utilities, food, transport and entertainment. It’s important to keep in mind that if you have special requests such as wanting a larger apartment or eating at nicer restaurants these costs can quickly add up – but if you budget carefully you really won’t have much to worry about! Berlin may have become more expensive over time but overall it still offers great value and is an excellent city for those on a budget!

An Insider’s Guide to Berlin

Berlin, the cultural hub of Germany, has always been a city that captures the spirit of both the present and the past. Its remarkable history, modern architecture, and vibrant nightlife make it a city that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Here’s an insider’s guide to hidden gems, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions for your visit to Berlin.

Local Attractions

While visiting Berlin, you should make sure to visit the older parts of the city, like Prenzlauer Berg, Kreuzberg, and Friedrichshain. These districts are full of unique and diverse local attractions that shouldn’t be missed. You can take a stroll in the Volkspark Friedrichshain, a beautiful park that is perfect for a picnic or enjoying a relaxed afternoon. The hidden courtyard of Haus Schwarzenberg is another gem worth exploring. Its walls are covered in street art and are a perfect example of Berlin’s vibrant art scene.

Dining Spots

Berlin has an exciting food culture that is best experienced in local cafes and restaurants. If you want to try authentic German cuisine, visit Schwarzwaldstuben, a.k.a. The Black Forest Room restaurant, where you can enjoy traditional dishes like pig knuckle and sauerkraut. For something sweet, visit Zeit für Brot, which serves freshly baked bread, pastries, and cakes. The Berlin cuisine is diverse and influenced by its multicultural population; hence, you can find Turkish and Middle Eastern food in the city’s famous Kreuzberg district.

Cultural Experiences

The city of Berlin celebrates diverse cultures, and the Berlin International Film Festival is an excellent way to experience that. Every February, the festival showcases films from around the world, with a focus on promoting diversity, inclusion, and social justice. Berlin’s famous Street art can also serve as cultural experiences that are worth exploring. Check out the unique murals in the neighborhoods of Neukölln and Kreuzberg, where the city’s street artists have left their mark.

Local History

Berlin’s history is rich, with many captivating stories that shaped the city. The Berlin Wall was the symbol of the iron curtain separating East and West Germany during the cold war, and visiting the remains of the wall is a surreal experience. If you want to learn more about the city’s history, make sure to visit the Berlin Wall Memorial and the DDR Museum. You can also visit the Pergamon Museum, home to a vast collection of artifacts that date back to antiquity.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Sugestions

Berlin is full of unconventional and unique experiences that stand out from the typical sightseeing tours. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, try urban exploring and explore the abandoned buildings and factories in the outskirts of the city. If you’re not afraid of heights, the Berlin Baumkuchen bakery has a Tree-Cake-baking workshop, where you can make your Baumkuchen cake, layer by layer, using the semi-circular iron mold and a charcoal-fired range.

In conclusion, Berlin is an iconic city that has something for everyone. From vibrant culture to rich history and inspiring street art, Berlin is a city that you will never forget. Follow this guide to discover the city’s hidden gems, unique cuisine, and captivating history, and don’t forget to take on an off-the-beaten-path adventure!