5 Cheapest German Cities to Live in as a Student

Germany is popular among students as one of the most affordable study destinations. Even though most postgraduate courses have no tuition fees, the cost of your Masters or PhD is also dependent on how much you spend on basic living necessities.

Unfortunately, not all cities in Germany were created equal and some (like Munich and Berlin) are considerably more expensive than the rest. If you’re not looking to spend a fortune on rent and utilities, we have a list of the five cheapest cities in Germany to live in as a student as of 2023.

#5 Essen

Essen lies in the heart of the Ruhr district and has transformed from an industrial town into a cultural hub. Most of the 100,000 students who study at one of the four higher education institutions like to live in the northern districts.

You could, like most people in the city, travel downtown to shop or watch the theatre. Don’t miss out on Tram Line 107 also called the ‘cultural line’ which takes you on a cultural tour of the city.

Here’s how prices in Essen compare to the national average

You save on rent and utilities when living in Essen, however, transportation costs are higher than the national average. You must consider the travel costs and the cost of eating at restaurants when calculating your study budget.

#4 Bremen

Located in the north of the country, Bremen is the perfect blend of city living and rural landscape. Whether its catching the football game at the Weser Stadium or talking a stroll in the numerous parks, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Rent is considerably cheaper than the national average, especially outside the city centre. Excellent train and bus services mean that you can still feel part of city life (it’s only 10-15 minutes away) without having to pay the high rents.

Here’s how prices in Bremen compare to national average

Look out for the famous statue in front of the town hall of a donkey, a dog, a cat and a cockerel called the Bremen Town Musicians (based on a Brothers Grimm fairy-tale of the same name) while you’re there!

#3 Aachen

Located at the western border between Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, Aachen is a student-oriented city with over 58,000 students and two prestigious higher education institutions.

It is home to the popular Lousberg marathon, which is a 5,555 metre zigzagging course over the Lousberg hill which is the largest of its kind in Aachen.

Here’s how prices in Aachen compare to the national average.

And with all that money you save on rent, you can hop over the borders and visit all three countries in one day!

#2 Leipzig

Leipzig, or ‘Hypezig’ as some newspapers have nicknamed the city, is a bustling hub in the state of Saxony. Home to 38,000 students and five higher education institutions, you’ve got plenty to do from enjoying the outdoors to dancing your way through the many popular clubs.

Most of the students live downtown near the Plagwitz or the Südvorstadt districts. If you’re interested in history, you can find every piece of media printed since 1913 in Germany at the German National Library in Leipzig.

Here’s how prices in Leipzeg compare to the national average.

So if you’re after the hustle and bustle of a larger city but without the price tags, then Leipzeg could be for you.

#1 Dresden

With nine higher education institutions, Dresden is a haven for students with bars, restaurants and attractions for everyone. Most students live in the newer Neustadt district.

The river Elbe provides breath-taking views and the Elbe boat tour to Meissen is a must-do in your time in Dresden.

Here’s how prices in Dresden compare to the national average.

A royal seat in the 18th century, Dresden will make you feel like royalty one without burning a hole in your pocket.

If you’ve decided on one of these cities to be your home while you study, the next step is to look for accommodation. There are a few options to choose from, so read our complete guide on student accommodation in Germany to help you make the right decision.