Cost of Living in Germany for Chancenkarte Holders (2025)

So, you’ve finally secured your Chancenkarte, Student Visa, or Skilled Worker Permit and are planning your big move to Germany. One of the very first questions that will pop into your mind (and rightly so) is:

“How much will it cost me to live in Germany, especially while working part-time or relying on a blocked account?”

The answer? It depends on your city, lifestyle, whether you’re solo or with your family, and the type of job or studies you’ll be juggling alongside your blocked account restrictions.

And yes, inflation hasn’t made things easier. But don’t worry: with smart planning, your Chancenkarte journey can start on a confident, financially stable note.

In this article, I’ll break down what you need to know, based on reliable data and everyday life experience in Germany.

Why Cost Awareness is Key for Chancenkarte Applicants

While the Chancenkarte opens doors, your blocked account will only give you €1,091/month, and many applicants plan to top this up with part-time jobs.

However, you need to consider the fact that once in Germany, you may not find a job immediately upon arrival, and your part-time income may fluctuate.

You should therefore ensure that your blocked account covers core expenses while you settle in.
Budgeting realistically from the start will prevent stress later.

Which German Cities are Expensive in 2025?

Southern Germany leads in high living costs. Cities like Munich and Stuttgart are pricey across the board.

Munich, Stuttgart, and Frankfurt: High rents and living costs.
Berlin: Affordable by European capital standards, but rising rapidly.
Leipzig, Dresden, and smaller cities: Lower rents, ideal for students and Ausbildung trainees on a tight budget.

For instance, a one-bedroom apartment:

Stuttgart centre: ~ €1,115
Bremen: ~ €811
Berlin: ~ €1,220
Leipzig: as low as €650–800

If you plan to work part-time (max 20 hrs/week on most permits), lower-rent cities will stretch your budget further.

How Much Will You Spend Monthly?

Here’s a realistic monthly budget for Chancenkarte holders in 2025

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (€)
Rent (with utilities)	600 - 1.000
Groceries & food	200 - 300
Health insurance	120 - 450
Public transport	58 - 100
Phone & Internet	30 - 60
Leisure & extras	100 - 200
Gesamt	€1.100 - 1.800

As you have noticed from the table, rent will swallow the largest portion of your blocked account budget, with small studios in major cities costing €900–1,200/month. Shared flats (WGs) can reduce your rent to €450–700.

You also need to note that most landlords require three months’ deposit plus proof of income or a blocked account. Ensure you consider all these factors in the upfront costs before your flight to Germany.

Grocery Shopping and Eating on a Budget

Discount supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, Penny, and Netto are your best allies.

Groceries: €200–300/month
Basic restaurant meal: €10–15
Döner kebab: €6–9 (affordable lifesaver!)
Toiletries & household: €30–50/month

Cooking at home is a major money-saver, especially in your first months on a Chancenkarte.

How Much Does Grocery Shopping Cost and How Can You Eat on a Budget as a Chancenkarte Holder?

Discount supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, Penny, and Netto are your best allies. Germans love discount shopping, and you’ll quickly understand why.

Groceries: €200–300/month
Basic restaurant meal: €10–15
Döner kebab: €6–9 (affordable lifesaver!)
Toiletries & household: €30–50/month

Preparing food at home is a major money-saver, especially in your first months on the Chancenkarte visa.

What is the cost of Health Insurance in Germany?

Health insurance is mandatory and required for your Chancenkarte visa.

For simplicity and compliance, I highly recommend Mawista Reisecare for visa application, offering quick, German authority–compliant coverage.

Here’s what you can expect:

Public insurance (TK, AOK): ~15% of gross income (shared with your employer).
Freelancers/self-employed: €200–400/month.
Students: €120/month (public student insurance).
Private insurance: This is optional for high earners (€73,800+/year), freelancers, and civil servants, with costs varying by age and coverage.

Is Public Transport Expensive in Germany in 2025?

Whether you’re rushing to class, commuting to work, or heading out with friends, transport is a big part of life in Germany.

Bicycle: You can buy one or use Deutsche Bahn’s Call a Bike for €5.90/month.
Public Transport: One-way tickets cost about €3, but the Deutschland Ticket is a great deal at €58/month.
Taxis: Start around €4.50, plus €1.80–3/km.
Cars: Fuel costs around €1.75/litre. Factor in insurance and road taxes, too.

How much should students and Ausbildung applicants budget per month when coming to Germany?

If you’re coming to Germany for university or vocational training (Ausbildung), budget around €950–1,300/month.

Blocked account requirements:

€11,208/year (~€934/month) is mandatory proof for your visa.

Budget:

€950–1,300/month realistically.
Semester fees: €150–350, often including a transport pass.
Student dorms: as low as €250–400/month.
Canteen meals: €2–4.

If you plan to work part-time while studying, know that many students earn €450–900/month in student jobs, which can supplement your blocked account allowance.

Are you moving with your Family or Freelancing?

Suppose you are planning to come with your family or plan to work freelance, here’s what to know:

A couple with one child needs at least €2,400–3,000/month to live comfortably.
The immigration office often asks for proof of sufficient income before approving residence permits.
Freelancers must budget for private insurance, income tax, and business expenses.

It is important to note that you should always over-budget your first 3–6 months to cover initial setup costs such as deposits, furniture, and paperwork.

Here is a sample of cost variations from a few cities in Germany.

City	Approx. Monthly Living Cost (Solo)
Berlin	€1.300 – 1.800
Munich	€1.500 – 2.000
Leipzig/Dresden	€1.000 – 1.300
Frankfurt/Mainz	€1.300 – 1.700
Smaller towns	€950 – 1.200

Conclusion: Plan Smart, Live Well

Germany may not be the cheapest, but it offers an excellent quality of life, infrastructure, and growth opportunities. For Chancenkarte applicants, budgeting carefully around your blocked account while seeking part-time work can ensure that your landing in Germany is smooth and sustainable.

Plan early, save diligently, and let Chancenkarte.com guide your journey.

Whether you’re a developer from Nairobi, a nurse from Manila, or a student from São Paulo, Germany is ready for you—just be ready for it financially.

This article was written by our Senior Content Writer Henry Odhiambo.