What Does It Actually Cost to Live as a Student?
When people talk about the cost of living in Germany, the numbers can feel a bit abstract. So instead of using averages from the internet, here's what I actually spend each month as a student living in Stuttgart.
I live in a student dormitory where 12 people share a floor. We have two toilets, two bathrooms, and one large shared kitchen. The setup is basic but affordable compared to renting a private apartment.
Monthly Expenses
| Expense | Monthly Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Student dorm rent | 362 |
| Internet (Wi-Fi) | 14.25 |
| ARD contribution | 3 |
| TK Health Insurance | 146 |
| Laundry (once per week) | 8.40 |
| Mobile phone plan | 9.99 |
| Deutschland Ticket | 45 |
| Gym membership | 25 |
| Groceries & occasional eating out | 170–220 |
| Total (without university fees) | 783.64 – 833.64 |
University Fees
My university charges approximately €1,680 per semester. Since a semester covers six months, this works out to around €280 per month.
Including university fees, the monthly picture looks like this:
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Living expenses | 783.64 – 833.64 |
| University fees (monthly equivalent) | 280 |
| Total (including university fees) | 1,063.64 – 1,113.64 |
Final Thoughts
For me, living in Stuttgart costs roughly €780–€835 per month for day-to-day expenses. Once university tuition is included, the total rises to around €1,060–€1,115 per month.
At first glance, these numbers may seem high, especially for students coming from India. However, most international students in Germany do not rely solely on their savings. Alongside their studies, many work part-time jobs to cover a significant portion of their living expenses and gain local work experience.
In my case, working while studying has helped me manage my expenses and understand the German job market better. If you're interested in learning more about how much I earn, what kind of student job I do, and what the job-hunting process was like, be sure to check out my blog post “Working as a Student in Germany.”
Everyone's spending habits are different, but this breakdown should give you a realistic picture of what student life in Stuttgart can actually cost in 2026.