Cost of living in Germany for Indian students (2026)

Tuition may be free, but living costs are real. The good news: Germany is affordable by Western standards, and the visa's blocked account is sized to cover a typical student month.

A realistic monthly picture

• The blocked account releases about €992/month — the official benchmark for student living costs.
• Rent is the biggest line item and varies a lot: student halls and shared flats (WGs) in smaller cities are far cheaper than central Munich or Frankfurt.
• Health insurance is mandatory; students get a reduced public rate.
• The semester contribution usually includes a public-transport ticket — a big saving.

How students stretch it

Cook at home, share accommodation, use your semester transport ticket, and work the permitted 140 full or 280 half days per year. Many students cover a meaningful share of costs this way.

Choosing a smaller university city over a big-name metro is the single biggest lever on your budget.