Cost of Living in Germany 2026: A Real-World Monthly Budget for a Family

Relocating to Germany as a family requires precise financial planning. Over the last few years, inflation in Europe has reshaped the prices of everyday items, services, and rent. To ensure your transition goes smoothly, it is crucial to understand the real-world numbers instead of relying on outdated estimates from years ago. Below is a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a family of 3 to 4 people living in the North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) region—Germany's most populated and economically robust area. 1. Rent and Utilities (The Biggest Expense) Rent in Germany is divided into two distinct terms: Kaltmiete (base rent for the space only) and Warmmiete (base rent plus estimated building operating costs, excluding personal electricity and internet). Base Rent (Kaltmiete). For a family with a child, you will need at least a three-room apartment (two bedrooms and a living room) averaging around 80 to 90 square meters. In desirable residential neighborhoods of Düsseldorf or Cologne, this will cost between 1,300 and 1,600 Euros per month. In the city centers, prices can easily exceed 2,000 Euros. If you look at nearby cities like Duisburg, Essen, or Dortmund, you can find similar spaces for 850 to 1,000 Euros. Operating Costs (Nebenkosten). This covers heating, water, waste management, and building maintenance. For an 85-square-meter apartment, expect to pay around 300 to 340 Euros per month. Electricity (Strom). You must sign a separate contract with an electricity provider. A family of three will typically spend between 90 and 120 Euros per month on power. Total Housing Cost: Averaging 1,700 to 2,000 Euros per month (electricity included) in major NRW cities. 2. Internet and Mobile Plans Germany is known for strict telecom contracts that generally lock you in for a minimum of 24 months. If you cancel early, you are still legally required to pay off the remaining balance. Home Broadband. Unlimited cable or fiber-optic internet with speeds starting at 100 Mbps costs roughly 35 to 45 Euros per month through major providers like Vodafone, Telekom, or o2. Mobile Phone Plans. A standard SIM card with a 10GB to 15GB data package costs about 15 to 25 Euros per month per person. For two adults, budget around 40 Euros. The Mandatory TV Tax (Rundfunkbeitrag). Every single household in Germany is legally obligated to pay this public broadcasting fee, even if you do not own a TV or radio. In 2026, it stands at roughly 18.36 Euros per month (billed quarterly). Total Telecom Cost: Around 100 Euros per month. 3. Groceries and Household Goods Food prices have stabilized after the surges of recent years, but they remain a noticeable monthly expense. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, or Netto is significantly cheaper than buying from premium grocers like Rewe or Edeka. Weekly Groceries. A standard cart for a family (meat, poultry, dairy, fresh vegetables, fruits, and bread) comes out to about 150 to 200 Euros per week if you cook mostly at home. Hygiene and Household Items. Basic supplies purchased at specialized drugstore chains like DM or Rossmann will add another 40 to 50 Euros per month to your budget. Total Food and Household Cost: 650 to 850 Euros per month (assuming you rarely dine out). For context, a casual dinner at a mid-range restaurant for a family of three with drinks will cost at least 75 to 90 Euros. 4. Transportation and Cars Public Transit. Germany features a unified transit ticket called the Deutschlandticket. It gives you unlimited access to all regional public transport nationwide, including buses, trams, subways, and regional trains (RE/RB). The ticket costs 58 Euros per month per person. For two adults, that is 116 Euros. School-aged children often get heavily discounted versions through their schools. Owning a Car. If you decide to keep a car, your expenses will rise. Fuel prices hover around 1.80 to 1.85 Euros per liter. Mandatory car insurance (Haftpflicht/Kasko) costs between 50 and 80 Euros per month, heavily depending on your driving history (which you must formally prove in Germany). Vehicle taxes and routine maintenance add another 40 to 50 Euros per month. Total Transportation Cost: 116 Euros (public transit only) or roughly 300 to 350 Euros (for one car including fuel). 5. Childcare, Schools, and Hidden Costs Public Schools. State-run schools in Germany are entirely free, though parents pay for books, field trips, and classroom supplies, totaling about 150 to 200 Euros per year. Daycare (Kita). The cost of public daycare in North Rhine-Westphalia depends entirely on your total household income. In some cities, like Düsseldorf, public daycare for children over the age of three is free, meaning you only pay for their daily lunch (around 80 to 100 Euros per month). In other cities within the region, fees are scaled proportionally to what you earn. Personal Liability Insurance. Germany is a country obsessed with insurance. Almost every family signs up for a personal liability policy (Haftpflichtversicherung). It costs around 7 to 10 Euros per month but protects you financially if your child accidentally damages someone else's property or causes a mishap. Final Summary: The Baseline vs. Comfortable Budget When totaling all essential expenses (excluding clothes shopping, vacations, and major entertainment), the actual cost of living for a family of 3 to 4 in a major German city in 2026 shapes up like this: Basic Budget (Economy): Around 2,800 to 3,200 Euros per month. This amount covers mid-range rent, utility bills, quality groceries for home-cooked meals, and public transit passes. Comfortable Budget: From 4,000 to 4,500 Euros per month. This tier allows for car ownership, ordering takeout, dining out on weekends, extracurricular activities for children, and casual leisure activities.