This is the question that never seems to get a clear answer.
Anyone planning a move to Germany ends up asking the same thing: “How much money do I really need before I arrive?”
You don’t want a rough guess or another “it depends.” You need a realistic estimate that covers your deposit, first month’s rent, registration fees, basic furniture, groceries, a SIM card, transport, and a little extra for surprises.
After living in Germany for over ten years and helping many newcomers settle in, I created just that. The First 3 Months Survival Calculator gives you a clear and honest estimate based on your city, your family situation, and whether you already have a job.
Costs are different for everyone, but having a realistic ballpark figure is much better than showing up unprepared. Treat this as your starting point, not the final word.
No fluff. No vague advice. Just a straightforward estimate to help you plan your move with confidence.
Germany Arrival Cost Calculator
🗺️
Your Situation
Tell us the basics so we can personalise your estimate.
Up to 3 months
More than 3 months
Single
Just you
Couple
Two adults
Family
Couple + 1 child
Family
Couple + 2 children
🎓 Student
Under 30 years old
Over 30 years old
💼 Working Professional
On-site visit
Company sponsored
Self-sponsored
Moving independently
🔍 Job Seeker
No offer yet
Actively searching
1 month
2 months
3
months
€
🔒 We don’t store or share this number — it’s
used only to show your readiness verdict.
🏠
Housing Plan
Your accommodation type affects monthly rent and the upfront deposit.
Apartment (arranged)
Temporary (Airbnb / hotel)
WG –
Shared Flat
Student Dorm
2 months
3 months
💡 Landlords in Germany typically require 2–3 months’ cold
rent as a deposit, payable before you move in. This is fully refundable when you
leave — it’s a hold, not a permanent cost.
💡 WG deposit is typically 1 month’s rent —
already included in your estimate as a one-time cost.
💡 No deposit for temporary stays. Note: nightly rates are
higher than long-term rentals.
💡 Student dorm deposit is usually 1 month’s
rent — already included.
🏥
Health Insurance
Health coverage is mandatory in Germany from day one.
Public — ~€150/month
Private — ~€35/month
⚠️ As a job seeker, you need private health insurance until
you’re employed. Budget approximately €200–400/month. We use
€300/month in your estimate.
⚠️ If your partner is also
unemployed, budget an additional €300/month for their private coverage — not
automatically included.
ℹ️ Once employed, health insurance is deducted from your salary by your employer.
If there’s a gap before your start date, budget €200–350/month for private coverage
independently. This is not included in your estimate.
✅ In Germany, a non-working spouse and children are covered for
free under the primary applicant’s public health insurance
(Familienversicherung).
✅ Company-sponsored professionals typically have health insurance arranged by
their employer.
🏢
Company Sponsorship
Toggle off anything your company does NOT cover.
Company covers accommodation
Monthly rent fully covered
Company covers local transport
Deutschlandticket
63 €/mo
Daily food allowance
€15/day ≈ €450/month covered
450 €/mo
💶
Additional Costs
Toggle off anything that doesn’t apply to you.
One-time costs on arrival
Airport to accommodation transfer
Train, taxi or bus on arrival day
€
SIM card (connection fee)
One-time activation, ~€35–40
€
Basic furniture & setup
Essentials for your new place
€
Kitchen appliances
Microwave, kettle, basics — many apartments have no kitchen
€
Winter clothing
Jacket, boots, thermals — essential if moving from a warm country
€
⚠️ Einbauküche (built-in kitchen): Many German apartments come with no kitchen at
all.
Buying and installing a full kitchen can cost €1,500–5,000+. Not included here.
Monthly recurring
Mobile plan
~€10–15/month
/mo
Deutschlandticket
Monthly public transport pass — all of Germany
/mo
Internet
Home broadband ~€30–40/month
/mo
Electricity
Based on household size
/mo
Rundfunkbeitrag (GEZ)
Mandatory per household. If shared, split equally.
