Average rents by German city

Munich is consistently Germany's most expensive rental market, followed by Frankfurt and Hamburg, with Berlin sitting above the national average. Here is what to budget before choosing a city.

Key points to understand

Munich: €19–22/m² Kaltmiete; Frankfurt/Hamburg: €15–18/m²; Berlin: €13–16/m²; Leipzig/Cologne: €10–14/m²

Munich: €19–22/m² Kaltmiete; Frankfurt/Hamburg: €15–18/m²; Berlin: €13–16/m²; Leipzig/Cologne: €10–14/m². In practice, this is one of the details newcomers most often ask about, so take a moment to understand how it applies to your situation before moving on.

WG room vs studio vs one-bed — the cost gap is large in Munich but smaller in eastern German cities

WG room vs studio vs one-bed — the cost gap is large in Munich but smaller in eastern German cities. In practice, this is one of the details newcomers most often ask about, so take a moment to understand how it applies to your situation before moving on.

Factor in Nebenkosten: typically €2–3/m² extra per month for heating, water, and building charges

Factor in Nebenkosten: typically €2–3/m² extra per month for heating, water, and building charges. In practice, this is one of the details newcomers most often ask about, so take a moment to understand how it applies to your situation before moving on.

Practical tips

• Prepare your documents and translations in advance — most delays come from missing paperwork.
• Always note the office name, address, and a contact number before you go.
• Ask the community on MyHAbroad if you’re unsure — chances are someone has already been through it.