Renting In Cologne: A Cheaper Alternative?

Cologne, Germany's fourth-largest city, is known for its vibrant culture, bustling city life, and educational institutions. With its unique charm and tolerance, it attracts expats and students worldwide. The cost of living in Cologne is relatively affordable compared to other German cities like Munich and Berlin. On average, a person needs around €2,140 per month to live in Cologne, including rent, utilities, and leisure activities. Rent prices vary depending on the location and type of accommodation, with furnished one-bedroom apartments ranging from €750 to €1,450 per month. The city offers a mix of old and new residential areas, with some neighbourhoods, such as Porz, providing affordable options for families. Overall, Cologne provides a good balance between cost of living and quality of life, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a unique and vibrant city experience.

Cologne's average monthly costs

Colognes Average Monthly Costs

The average monthly cost of living in Cologne, Germany, varies depending on a person's lifestyle and the number of dependents.

Single Person

A single person living in Cologne can expect to spend around 1,096.0$ (1,032.6€) without rent. This estimate includes basic expenses such as food, transportation, and utilities but does not include rent or other housing costs.

Family of Four

For a family of four, the estimated monthly costs without rent are 3,692.2$ (3,478.7€). This figure covers basic necessities and day-to-day expenses for a family but does not factor in rent or accommodation expenses.

Rent and Accommodation

Rent prices in Cologne can vary depending on location, size, and other factors. According to sources, the average rent for a single person ranges from 400 to 1,500 Euros. The median rent in the city centre is expected to be higher than in other areas.

Comparison with Other Cities

Cologne is considered less expensive than some other cities in Germany and worldwide. It is 38.5% less expensive than New York when rent is excluded, and rent in Cologne is, on average, 73.6% lower than in New York. Additionally, Cologne is 13% less expensive than Hanover and 8% less expensive than Barcelona, Spain.

Average Salary

The average monthly salary in Cologne is around 2,385€, which is slightly lower than the average salary in Berlin. This salary is sufficient to cover the average cost of living in the city.

Student Budget

Cologne is also known for being student-friendly. Students do not have to pay tuition fees and can benefit from free public transport with their student tickets.

In conclusion, the average monthly costs in Cologne depend on individual lifestyles and family sizes. While some expenses like rent and utilities can be significant, Cologne is generally considered less expensive than other major cities, and the average salary is sufficient to cover the cost of living.

Rent prices in different neighbourhoods

The German city of Cologne is one of the largest cities in the country, with a population of over one million people. It is a sought-after place to live due to its importance for business, research, and education. As a result, property prices in Cologne have been continuously rising for years.

Cologne-Mülheim

Cologne-Mülheim is an easy-going, multicultural area on the east bank of the Rhine. It is a popular place to shop, eat, and socialise, with a diverse range of Turkish restaurants and cafes. Rent for a furnished one-bedroom apartment in Mülheim typically ranges from €800 to €1,200 per month, which is below the city average.

Cologne-Nippes

Nippes is a trendy area that is popular with students and young professionals. It features a large car-free zone and several green spaces, as well as shopping opportunities on Neusser Strasse and the market at Wilhelmplatz. Rent for a furnished one-bedroom flat in Nippes usually falls between €950 and €1,400 per month, making it one of the more expensive districts in the city.

Cologne-Porz

Cologne-Porz is a former independent town that was incorporated into the city in 1971. It is a family-friendly area with a pedestrian town centre, community gardens, playgrounds, and nature reserves. Rent for a furnished one-bedroom apartment in Porz is generally between €750 and €1,150 per month, which is below the city average.

Cologne-Lindenthal

Lindenthal is a coveted residential area that is home to the University of Cologne. It features elegant houses, leafy avenues, and small boutiques. One of the prime attractions is the green area Stadtwald, which has a zoo and a pond. Rent for a furnished one-bedroom apartment in Lindenthal typically starts from €880 to €1,330 per month.

Cologne-Innenstadt

The Innenstadt is the historic heart of Cologne, featuring iconic landmarks such as the cathedral and Hohenzollern bridge, as well as popular shopping streets like Schildergasse. Rent for a furnished one-bedroom apartment in the Innenstadt usually ranges from €1,000 to €1,450 per month.

Other Districts

In addition to these neighbourhoods, Cologne also has several other districts with varying property prices. The purchase prices for single- and two-family homes, as well as condominiums, depend on their location. Districts close to the city centre and located south of Cologne tend to be more expensive.

For example, the average price per square metre for condominiums in Lindenthal, Marienburg, Hahnwald, Klettenberg, and parts of the new and old town can be between €7,000 and €18,000. On the other hand, districts in secondary locations, such as Höhenhaus, Holweide, and Buchheim, have lower property prices, with condominiums costing between €3,000 and €4,000 per square metre.

Cost of living comparison to other cities

Cost of Living in Cologne Compared to Other Cities

Cologne is Germany's fourth-largest city and offers a unique attitude to life that attracts expats and students from around the world. The cost of living in Cologne is around €2,140 per month, which is lower than Berlin but higher than Leipzig.

Rent

Rent prices in Cologne vary depending on the location and type of accommodation. Furnished one-bedroom apartments in the Innenstadt (historic heart of Cologne) are priced at around €1,000 to €1,450 per month. In the sought-after Lindenthal neighbourhood, prices start at €880 and go up to €1,330 per month. In the hip Nippes area, prices range from €950 to €1,400 per month. In Mülheim, a furnished one-bedroom apartment costs between €800 and €1,200 per month. Porz, on the other hand, offers some of the least expensive rentals in the city, with one-bedroom apartments starting at €750 per month.

Food and Groceries

Cologne is 38.5% less expensive than New York, with rent prices 73.6% lower. When compared to Berlin, restaurant prices in Cologne are 9.6% lower, while grocery prices are 4.7% higher.

Salary

The average monthly salary in Cologne is around €2,385, which is 20.6% less than the average salary in Berlin.

Other Expenses

A single person's estimated monthly costs in Cologne are $1,096 or €1,032.60 without rent. Local beer (0.5L) costs around €2.10, while a monthly gym membership costs around €30. A monthly public transport ticket costs €97.70, but students can travel for free with their student tickets.

Average salary in Cologne

The average salary in Cologne, Germany varies depending on the source and the metrics used. According to SalaryExpert, the average yearly salary is €53,663, or an hourly rate of €26. This is a gross salary, meaning before tax deductions. However, another source suggests that the average monthly net salary (after tax) is €4,276, which equates to €51,323 per year.

The cost of living in Cologne is estimated to be around €2,140 per month, which is considered average when compared to other German cities. This includes expenses such as rent, food, leisure activities, and transport. The average monthly rent in Cologne is between €1,000 and €1,500, with some sources stating that a single person can expect to pay around €1,032 per month, excluding rent.

The salary range in Cologne varies drastically between careers. The lowest average salary is reported to be around €1,040 per month, while the highest average is €18,400, with the actual maximum salary being higher. The median salary is €3,560, meaning 50% of the population earns less than this, while the other half earns more.

The cost of living in Cologne is lower than in Berlin, and the average salary is around 20.6% less. Expats in Cologne spend around 12.7% less on food, rent, and leisure activities than in Berlin, but spend a similar amount on transport.

The perks of living in Cologne

Cologne is Germany's fourth-largest city and has a lot to offer its residents. Here are some perks of living in this vibrant and unique city:

A Sentiment of Joie de Vivre and Tolerance

Cologne has a unique atmosphere that is full of joie de vivre and tolerance. The people of Cologne embrace their flaws and are, therefore, accepting of others. This attitude attracts expats and international students who are drawn to the city's sentiment rather than its beauty or cost of living.

Affordable Cost of Living

While not the cheapest city in Germany, Cologne is still more affordable than Berlin. Expats in Cologne spend around 12.7% less on food, rent, and leisure activities than in Berlin, and the cost of living is about 6.7% lower when rent is included.

Student-Friendly

Cologne is a great city for students, as there are no university fees to pay. This makes Germany a much more attractive option for university studies than the UK. Additionally, students can apply for a residence permit for up to 18 months after graduating, taking the pressure off finding a job immediately. Students can also benefit from free public transport with their student tickets.

Cultural Hub

Cologne is a cultural hub, being the source of more than a third of Germany's TV shows. It also has a long and fascinating history, with iconic landmarks such as the cathedral and Hohenzollern bridge. The city has a vibrant nightlife and a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and bars, particularly in the multicultural neighbourhood of Mülheim.

Efficient Transport

Cologne has an integrated system of buses, trams, and overground trains, making it easy to get around. The city also offers an eco-friendly bike-sharing scheme called KVB-Rad, and taxis are a sensible option for getting around, with a base fare of around €4.

Green Spaces

Cologne has several beautiful green spaces, including the Nippeser Tälchen park, with its playground and fountains, and the Stadtwald (city forest), which features a zoo and a pond.

In conclusion, Cologne offers a unique blend of history, culture, and tolerance, with an affordable cost of living and efficient transport system, making it a great place to live, work, and study.

Frequently asked questions