✦ Cost of living
Germany
National taxes, visas and economy — plus every city we track in Germany.
The cost of living in Germany averages 109 on our index (a typical US city = 100) — about 9% more expensive. Among the cities we track, Mönchengladbach is the most affordable and Munich the priciest. A one-bedroom rent runs roughly $1,229/mo and the top income-tax rate is 45%. The average net salary is about $2,900/mo.
- Currency
- Euro (€ EUR)
- Languages
- German
- Capital
- Berlin
- Driving
- Right-hand side
- Power
- F · 230V
▤ Taxes
45%
Income tax
progressive
19%
VAT / sales
30%
Corporate
26.375%
Capital gains
$2,900
Avg net salary
per month
$76,285
Avg annual wage
per year · OECD (PPP)
$2,716
Minimum wage
per month · Eurostat 2026
80.8 yr
Life expectancy
World Bank 2024
✈ Visas & residency
EU Blue Card and the new Opportunity Card (points-based job search).
✈ Schengen 90/180 for many; work needs a permit.
Degree + salary threshold.
Points-based, job-seeking.
❖ Cities in Germany
⚖ Compare Germany with other countries
▸ Recommended reading & gear
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