Renting In Cologne: Understanding The Cost Of Living

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, is known for its vibrant nightlife, arts scene, and diverse culture. The city offers a range of furnished and unfurnished apartments for rent, with prices varying depending on location and amenities. While the Innenstadt (city centre) is a popular choice for its historical landmarks and entertainment options, other sought-after districts include Lindenthal, home to the University of Cologne, and Nippes, a trendy and green area favoured by students and young professionals. The cost of living in Cologne is considered average compared to other German cities, with monthly expenses for a single person estimated at around €1,024 without rent and €2,402 with rent.

Rent prices in Cologne-Mülheim

Cologne-Mülheim is an easy-going, multicultural area centred around the bustling Wiener Platz on the east bank of the Rhine. The area reflects the diversity and coolness of modern Cologne, with Keupstrasse being the hub of the city's Turkish business community and the TV studios on Schanzenstrasse responsible for a stream of hit shows. With its eclectic flavour and lively nightlife, Cologne-Mülheim is popular with younger foreign visitors and singles.

Rent for a furnished one-bedroom apartment in Mülheim typically ranges from €800 to €1,200 per month, which is below the average for the city of Cologne. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking short-term rentals that offer access to the city's sights without a large price tag.

For example, a 33 sqm modern furnished apartment on Leostraße, available from 13/12/2024, is listed at €1,150 per month. Another listing, available from 01/01/2025, offers a 3-room, 58 sqm apartment on Clevischer Ring for €1,100 per month.

Rent prices in Cologne-Nippes

About the Area

Cologne-Nippes is loved by students and trend-setters, making it one of the hippest areas in the city. This part of town encourages you to think green, with a large car-free zone and several green spaces. However, there is no shortage of shopping opportunities either. The Nippeser Tälchen park is a highlight for those who love the outdoors, and the Cologne Zoo is also a favourite. If you're more in the mood for shopping, the boutiques on Neusser Strasse draw crowds daily, and the market at Wilhelmplatz is loved by foodies.

Rent Prices

A furnished one-bedroom flat in Nippes goes for €950 - €1,400 per month, making it one of the most expensive districts in the city. However, it's an appealing choice for graduate research students and young professionals looking for proximity to the city centre and a lively neighbourhood.

Examples of Apartments in the Area

• A bright apartment with a balcony in Cologne-Nippes is listed for €1,690 per month.
• A beautiful apartment in Nippes with a large roof terrace is listed for €1,850 per month.
• A tiny home in Nippes is listed for $10 per night.
• A modern apartment near the main train station and zoo is listed for €1,400 per month.

Rent prices in Cologne-Porz

The rent prices in Cologne-Porz offer good value for money, with furnished one-bedroom apartments ranging from €750 to €1,150 per month. These prices are well below the city average, making Porz an attractive option for those looking for short-term rentals or those who don't mind commuting to the city centre.

The neighbourhood has a mix of old and new residential streets, providing a range of accommodation options. The apartments in Porz typically come with modern amenities and facilities, such as private entrances, flat-screen TVs, and fully equipped kitchens. Some apartments also offer access to a garden or balcony, providing additional outdoor space.

Overall, Cologne-Porz is a convenient and affordable choice for individuals and families looking for short-term or long-term rentals in Cologne. The area offers a good balance of community feel, amenities, and proximity to the city centre, making it a popular option for those seeking a more residential setting without compromising on accessibility.

Rent prices in Cologne-Lindenthal

For example, a 25-square-metre apartment on Stadtwaldgürtel is available for rent at €1,150 per month, while a 41-square-metre apartment on Wiener Weg is listed at a slightly higher price of €1,500 per month.

The price of an apartment in Lindenthal also depends on the amenities and features included. For instance, a modern two-bedroom apartment in the heart of Cologne is listed at €1,799 per month, while a chic and fashionable apartment in the same area with a loggia and garden is priced at €2,100 per month.

Lindenthal is an appealing location for those seeking a balance between nature and city life. The neighbourhood is known for its leafy avenues, elegant houses, and the green area of Stadtwald, which includes a zoo and a pond.

Rent prices in Cologne-Innenstadt

The Innenstadt, or city centre, is the historic heart of Cologne. It is home to iconic landmarks such as the cathedral and Hohenzollern bridge, as well as bustling shopping streets such as Schildergasse. The Cologne Philharmonic Hall, an opera house, theatre and museums are also located in the Innenstadt. The city's famous carnival begins every year in the Old Market Square, found in the Innenstadt, on the 11th of November at 11:11 pm.

As the Innenstadt is such a central location, rent prices are higher than in other parts of the city. For a furnished one-bedroom apartment, prices start at €1,000 and can go up to €1,450 per month.

For those looking for a more permanent residence, unfurnished apartments are also available. However, be aware that "unfurnished" in Germany usually means completely empty apart from the inbuilt units. While this may be a more expensive option initially, it gives you a blank slate to work with and make the space your own.

Cologne is Germany's fourth-largest city and has a lot to offer in terms of amenities, sights, retail destinations and efficient transport.

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