Germany is one of the most popular destinations in the world. People from all over Britain have moved there over the last few years: Whether it is for employment, studies, or something else, there are a lot of opportunities in Germany that drive many people to move there.
Sadly, one of the biggest factors that dissuade people is the potential cost of relocation. You often hear, "moving to Germany is expensive, impractical, and unfeasible", but is this really true? In this article, we'll go over all the factors that determine the cost of relocation to Germany and give you tips on how you can potentially minimize it. Read on and find out!
How Much Does It Cost to Move to Germany?
Are you excited to finally relocate to Hamburg? Have you always wanted to live in Munich? The cost of relocation and living in Germany is usually the first hurdle people face. In this section, we'll go over all the costs you need to consider when planning a move to Germany.
Relocation Costs
Before you settle in Germany, you first need to move there. Relocating from one country to another sounds expensive and difficult, but that doesn't have to be the case, especially if you choose the right moving company.
Sadly, though, it is hard to give a precise figure since there are many factors that influence relocation costs from the UK to Germany. These include the trip distance, the city you depart from, the city you'll arrive at, the size of your luggage, furniture, etc., and more. Depending on whether you'll move to Berlin, Cologne, or Dusseldorf, you'll likely have to pay different amounts.
Daily Living Costs
Anyone considering relocating to or attending school in Germany should be fully aware of the cost of day-to-day living there. Calculating the average monthly cost, which will cover costs for things like rent, utilities, food, transportation, and health insurance, is a part of preparing for the relocation. The good news is that, relative to the high standard of living in the nation, Germans enjoy a comparatively low cost of living.
- Rent
- Food
- Health Insurance
- Transportation
You will need to choose a place to call home whether you intend to stay in Germany for a year or ten, and for most people, this will make up the bulk of their spending. Depending on the area, the size of your family, etc., the cost of housing varies greatly. But you can rest assured that rental costs in Germany are reasonable compared to most other European nations.
Depending on the size and location of the apartment, the cost to rent a flat in Germany can range from about €500 to well over €2,000. Additionally, you must account for a deposit and up to three months of rent might be payable in advance. City-to-city variations in prices are a huge factor and can't be ignored.
Germany offers very affordable food when compared to other Western European nations. For about 2-4 EUR, you can purchase fast food from stands all over the country (whether it is kebab or currywurst). Many restaurants and pubs across the nation provide affordable 9–15 euro meals. Sandwiches and McDonald's will set you back about 7 EUR. And if you're a home cook, a week's worth of groceries will cost between 35 and 65 EUR, which is well below what you have to pay in the UK.
You should be aware that regardless of your residency status or salary, health insurance is required by law in Germany. From the moment you arrive in the country for residency, you must either have pre-existing health insurance that is applicable in Germany or purchase health insurance.
The type of insurance plan you select will primarily determine the cost of your health insurance. Germany's public health insurance, which is required for all citizens, has lower premiums. The government controls the rate of payment required for your public health insurance plan. The current premium range for the plan is between 70 and 80 euros per month. If you're moving there, you should expect to pay something along those lines.
German public transit is renowned for its effectiveness and includes high-speed trains, cutting-edge metropolitan metro systems, buses, trams, and taxis. The country also has an excellent road network if you want to drive yourself. Particularly when compared to the majority of nations in northern and western Europe, the cost of public transportation in Germany is very inexpensive.
German bus and subway fares are reasonable. Typically, a single bus, tram, or metro ride costs between €2 and €3. Costs for monthly travel cards typically range from €70 to €85. When booking last-minute or early in the day, high-speed trains between major cities, like the Berlin to Munich train, can be expensive. However, between two major cities, advance off-peak tickets can be purchased for as little as €15.

Tips to Reduce Costs When Making the Move to Germany
If costs prove a significant hurdle in front of your relocation, there are always steps you can take and tips you can follow to alleviate some of it. In this section, we'll go over a checklist of the most important ones.
- Choosing the right moving company: Whether you are relocating to Frankfurt or Paderborn, when you're moving from the UK to Germany, costs will prove to be a significant factor. That's why it is important to choose the right relocation company that can provide services at affordable prices. This can save you hundreds to thousands of pounds.
- Research before relocation: Germany is an entirely different country with a different language. If you are trying to find the best places to live in Germany at affordable prices, you need to do research!
Moving to Germany FAQ
Is Moving to Germany Worth It?
Although it depends on your personal situation, many people have found moving to Germany to be more than worth it. There are excellent job opportunities, the cost of living is generally better than in the UK, and services are excellent in the country. If you are moving from the UK to Germany, then you definitely have a lot of good things to look forward to.
Can I Move to Germany Without a Job?
If you are from an EU country, you can move to Germany for any reason without any restrictions, but if you're from the UK, the situation is a bit more complicated. While you can stay there for a short period, if you want to stay for longer periods, you need a justification. Although the most common one is through finding a job, that's by no means the only route. You can also move there to study, for example.
How Much Money Do You Need in Your Account to Move to Germany?
Moving to another country is always a considerable undertaking, and this is also true for Germany. Generally, however, there are no bank minimums when moving from the United Kingdom to Germany, unless you're moving to study in the country. Then, you need to show you have a bank account that can help you sustain yourself for at least 6 months, which is about 6,000 euros or so.