Housing is the second largest expense after food and the main hassle at the start. Here is what you should know before paying any money.
Benchmark — room prices in a shared apartment (WG) including utilities for the winter semester 2026/27: nationwide average ≈510 € per month; Munich — over 800 €, Berlin and Hamburg — ≈650 €, Cologne ≈640 €, Frankfurt ≈630 €. The cheapest is in smaller eastern cities, from ≈300 €. These are figures from student listings, so for a family or an entire apartment, amounts will be higher.
Within 2 weeks after moving in, the landlord provides a written confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung): names, move-in date, address. With it, you register at the address (Anmeldung). Your tax ID and correct tax rate at work depend on registration.
If housing is provided by an employer or agency, find out before departure: how much is deducted from the salary, how many people per room, and what happens to the housing if the job ends. All of this must be in writing, not just stated verbally.
Data verified on October 4, 2026. Rules and amounts change — check with the source before making important decisions.
Leave your contact — a real recruiter will find you a job with a proper contract and housing. €0 from candidates.
One minute — and a recruiter will message you
