Several foreign students have an ambition of studying in Germany and the cost of living there can be a huge problem. Berlin and Munich are the most popular student cities and both cities are lively and culturally diverse with some of the best universities in Germany. Nevertheless, the two cities differ significantly in as far as the cost of living is concerned. Berlin is seen to be less expensive than Munich which is called as one of the priciest in Germany. Those differences may influence the daily life of the students, their budgetary arrangement, and even render the study experience excellent or not so good.

So, what can you get in Berlin or Munich studying? The answer lies in the juxtaposition of the housing, food, transportation, and the total living expenses. Average spending on students in Berlin is EUR 1,000-EUR 1,200/ month, and in Munich it is safely EUR 1,400-EUR 1,600. That is a significant difference especially to students with limited budgets. However, cost is not the only factor that should decide on. Munich, however, is more expensive but high employment opportunities, safe setting, and good life. Berlin, however, lets you spend a little more liberal and not hustle over the strain on the finances and is also more varied and student friendly.

Both are good but when you have an idea of the costs to expect beforehand it assists you in planning. We need to de-budget the major living costs to determine where the difference really lies.

Housing Costs

Housing and the gap between Munich and Berlin are usually the biggest expense to the students.

Berlin: Students in Berlin are wildly attached to collective apartments (Wohn gemeinschaft). EUR400-EUR650/month is the cost of renting a room in a WG. Student dorms are also less expensive and typically ranging between EUR300-EUR400, however, the name is extremely competitive.

Munich: Munich is among the hardest housing markets in Germany. A joint room will cost EUR600-EUR900/month, student dorms (when available) EUR350-EUR450. The demand is that high to an extent that students prefer to live outside the city centre and this adds to transport costs.

Food and Groceries

Berlin: Groceries shopping is quite cheap in Berlin. preparing food in a place of residence can be easily afforded by a student with EUR200-EUR250 a month. Restaurants are inexpensive as well as compared to Munich and budget restaurants start at EUR8-EUR10.

Munich: Munich groceries are slightly higher with the average of EUR250-EUR300 a month. It is also more costly to eat out and a basic meal in a student friendly restaurant can begin at EUR12.

Transportation

Berlin: The transport system in Berlin is well networked and efficient. A semester ticket is commonly a free ticket to unlimited commuting on buses, trains, and trams. A rough cost of EUR30-EUR40 per month is achieved when the cost is shared between the semester fees.

Munich: Great public transport is also present in Munich but on a slightly higher cost. Transportation to school costs students on average EUR50-EUR60 a month. Biking is another fashionable way in Munich, and it might not be easy in winter.

Other Expenses

Health Insurance: Standard for all students, around EUR120 per month, the same in both cities.

Entertainment / Social Life: Berlin is reputed to have cultural parties, concerts, and cheap evenings. It is EUR80-EUR150/month to students. More expensive is Munich, no less civilised. The cost of socializing and night outs is extremely high at EUR150- EUR200 per month.

Part-Time Jobs: There are no problems with work in both cities, but Munich has a higher salary, and this point could compensate the level of living increase.

Which City Should You Choose?

Berlin: Best where students have a tight budget and like differentiation, art, and a looser style of life.

Munich: This is the best choice to students who can afford higher prices and are well likely to be in professional careers especially in the business, technology, and engineering sectors.

Good education, good student life is provided in both, it is just a question of how much money you can spend (and can afford) in a month.

By comparing the cost of living in Berlin and Munich, it is possible to state that Berlin prices are lower in comparison to Munich, where the prices are higher, but the quality of life is high. As an international student you will have to decide depending on how much money you have, your area of study and what you personally prefer. Your study abroad experience can be made to be memorable in either of the two cities when planned.