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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Freiburg 2024
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Cost of Living in Freiburg

By Betsy Burlingame

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: Understanding the the cost of living in Freiburg helps a newcomer what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Category Cost
Apartment Rentals
  • 1-bedroom apartment in city center: €700 - €1,000 per month
  • 1-bedroom apartment outside city center: €550 - €800 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment in city center: €1,200 - €2,000 per month
  • 3-bedroom apartment outside city center: €1,000 - €1,500 per month
Apartment Purchases
  • Price per square meter in city center: €4,500 - €6,500
  • Price per square meter outside city center: €3,000 - €4,500
Transportation
  • One-way local transport ticket: €2.50
  • Monthly public transport pass: €60 - €70
  • Taxi start (normal tariff): €3.50
  • Taxi 1km (normal tariff): €2.00
  • Gasoline (1 liter): €1.40 - €1.60
Groceries
  • Milk (1 liter): €0.70 - €1.00
  • Bread (500g): €1.00 - €2.00
  • Rice (1kg): €1.50 - €3.00
  • Eggs (12): €1.50 - €3.00
  • Cheese (1kg): €8.00 - €15.00
  • Chicken breasts (1kg): €7.00 - €12.00
  • Beef round (1kg): €10.00 - €20.00
  • Apples (1kg): €1.50 - €3.00
  • Bananas (1kg): €1.00 - €2.00
  • Oranges (1kg): €1.50 - €3.00
  • Tomato (1kg): €1.50 - €3.00
  • Potato (1kg): €0.50 - €1.50
  • Onion (1kg): €0.50 - €1.50
  • Water (1.5-liter bottle): €0.30 - €1.00
  • Bottle of wine (mid-range): €5.00 - €10.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter bottle): €0.70 - €1.50
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): €1.00 - €2.00
Restaurants
  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €8.00 - €15.00
  • Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: €40.00 - €70.00
  • McMeal at McDonald's: €7.00 - €9.00
  • Domestic beer (0.5-liter draught): €3.00 - €4.50
  • Imported beer (0.33-liter bottle): €3.00 - €4.50
  • Cappuccino: €2.50 - €4.00
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): €2.00 - €3.00
  • Water (0.33-liter bottle): €1.50 - €2.50
Utilities
  • Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for 85m2 apartment: €150 - €250 per month
  • 1 minute of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans): €0.10 - €0.20
  • Internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL): €25.00 - €40.00 per month
Private School Tuition
  • Preschool (or Kindergarten): €300 - €600 per month
  • Elementary School: €400 - €800 per month
  • Middle School: €500 - €1,000 per month
  • High School: €600 - €1,200 per month
Please note that these costs are approximate and can vary depending on individual circumstances and preferences. It's always a good idea to research and compare prices in your specific area of Freiburg.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Freiburg

"The cost of living in Freiburg, is considered to be relatively high compared to other German cities, especially for housing. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can be quite expensive, while it is somewhat cheaper in the outskirts of the city. Groceries are moderately priced, with the cost of food and other basic necessities being slightly above the national average. Eating out at restaurants can vary, with inexpensive meals available at smaller establishments, while dining at mid-range restaurants can be more costly. Public transportation in Freiburg is efficient and affordable, but owning and maintaining a car can be quite expensive due to high fuel prices and parking fees. Healthcare in Freiburg, as in the rest of Germany, is of a high standard and is generally affordable due to the country's statutory health insurance system. Overall, while the cost of living in Freiburg can be high, especially in terms of housing, it is often balanced out by the high quality of life and the city's many amenities," said one expat living in Freiburg.

Can I live in Freiburg on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Freiburg for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find a place to live that's affordable. I'd recommend looking for a shared flat (WG) or a small apartment in neighborhoods like Stühlinger, Haslach, or Weingarten. These areas are more affordable compared to the city center or neighborhoods like Herdern and Wiehre, which can be quite expensive.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on groceries and eating out. Shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, or Penny can help you save money on groceries. Also, try to cook at home more often and limit eating out, as restaurants can be pricey in Freiburg.When it comes to transportation, consider getting a monthly public transport pass, which costs around €50-60, depending on the zones you need to cover. This will save you money compared to buying individual tickets. If you're up for it, biking is also a popular and affordable way to get around the city.For leisure activities, take advantage of the many free or low-cost events and attractions in Freiburg. There are plenty of parks, hiking trails, and outdoor activities to enjoy without spending much money. Additionally, you can find affordable cultural events, such as concerts or theater performances, if you keep an eye out for student discounts or special promotions.In summary, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Freiburg is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, being conscious of your grocery and dining expenses, and taking advantage of low-cost leisure activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Freiburg.

Can I live in Freiburg on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Freiburg for a while now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. First, you'll need to find an affordable place to live. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in Freiburg are Stühlinger, Haslach, and Weingarten. These areas have a good mix of apartments and shared flats, and you can find a decent place for around €600-€800 per month. On the other hand, I'd avoid looking for housing in more expensive neighborhoods like Herdern, Wiehre, and Günterstal, as rents there can easily go above €1,000 per month.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Freiburg has an excellent public transportation system, and a monthly pass will cost you around €60. If you're used to having a car, you might want to consider selling it and relying on public transport, as owning a car can be quite expensive in Germany, especially when you factor in insurance, fuel, and parking costs.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you'll find that prices are generally reasonable in Freiburg. You can save money by shopping at discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl, and cooking at home more often. Eating out can be affordable if you stick to local cafes and restaurants, but you might have to cut back on dining at high-end establishments.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Freiburg. The city has numerous parks and green spaces where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors, and there are also many cultural events and festivals throughout the year that are either free or have a minimal entrance fee. If you're into sports and fitness, you can find affordable gym memberships for around €30-€50 per month, or you can take advantage of the city's extensive network of bike paths and go cycling.In summary, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Freiburg is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your housing, transportation, and entertainment expenses. By choosing an affordable neighborhood, relying on public transport, and enjoying the many free or low-cost activities the city has to offer, you can make it work," said one expat living in Freiburg.

Can I live in Freiburg on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Freiburg for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. Of course, you might have to make some sacrifices, but nothing too drastic. For example, you might not be able to dine out at fancy restaurants every night or live in the most luxurious apartment, but you can still enjoy a good quality of life.When it comes to finding a place to live, I'd recommend looking at neighborhoods like Stühlinger, Haslach, or Weingarten. These areas are more affordable, but still offer a good selection of shops, restaurants, and public transportation options. You can find a decent apartment for around €800-€1,200 per month, depending on the size and location. On the other hand, I'd avoid neighborhoods like Herdern or Wiehre, as they tend to be more expensive and might not fit within your budget.As for other expenses, groceries and utilities are quite reasonable in Freiburg. You can expect to spend around €300-€400 per month on groceries, and utilities usually cost around €150-€200 per month. Public transportation is also affordable, with a monthly pass costing around €60.In terms of entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of options that won't break the bank. Freiburg has a lot of beautiful parks and outdoor spaces where you can enjoy nature for free. There are also many affordable bars and restaurants where you can have a good time without spending too much. Additionally, the city offers a variety of cultural events and activities, many of which are free or have a low entrance fee.Overall, I think you can live quite comfortably in Freiburg on $5,000 a month, as long as you're willing to make some small sacrifices and be mindful of your spending. It's a beautiful city with a lot to offer, and I'm sure you'll enjoy your time here," commented an expat living in Freiburg.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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