Rental prices across major European student cities have jumped, with studio rents up by 5.4%, rooms by 3.5%, and apartments by 4.2%. The rising trend highlights growing pressure on international students’ budgets.
Europe is home to around 1.66 million international students and has some of the best study destinations. Studying in Europe can be exciting, but your monthly expenses vary greatly depending on your chosen country and city. Understanding these costs early helps students budget smarter and live in some of the best countries to study in Europe stress-free.
Costs of living in Amsterdam (approx. €1,200 to €1,800 or INR1.08L to 1.62L) can vary greatly from what students spend in studying in Germany (approx. €934 or INR84K) a month. Many countries like France, Netherlands also have student visa requirements when it comes to costs of living in Europe for students.
Category
Monthly Cost (EUR)
Monthly Cost (INR)
Estimated monthly cost for a student
700 – 1,200
72,079 – 1,23,564
Estimated monthly cost for a working professional
1,200 – 2,000
1,23,564 – 2,05,940
Shared Accommodation
400 – 800
36,000 – 72,000
Student Accommodation
300 – 700
27,000 – 63,000
Food (Eating Out)
150 – 300
13,500 – 27,000
Groceries
150 – 250
13,500 – 22,500
Transportation
50 – 100
4,500 – 9,000
Utilities
100 – 150
9,000 – 13,500
Entertainment
50 – 100
4,500 – 9,000
Miscellaneous
50 – 100
4,500 – 9,000
Total Monthly Cost (Off-campus)
1,200 – 1,800
1,08,000 – 1,62,000
Total Monthly Cost (On-campus)
1,000 – 1,600
90,000 – 1,44,000
Overall cost of living in Europe vs India: Europe is 120% – 200% more expensive
Rent comparison: Europe vs India: Average rent is 250% – 400% higher
This blog explores average monthly costs of living in Europe for students to help you make smarter choices based on your budget and lifestyle goals.
Average Monthly Cost of Living in Europe
Most students and professionals fall within predictable expense ranges. Western Europe has higher living costs, while cities in Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Portugal provide strong affordability.
Profile
Monthly Cost (EUR)
Monthly Cost (INR)
Student
700 to 1,200
72,079 to 1,23,564
Single person
1,000 to 1,600
1,02,970 to 1,64,752
Couple
1,800 to 2,500
1,85,346 to 2,57,425
Students save more through shared apartments, off-centre housing, student discounts, and meal prepping.
Cost of Living in Major European Cities
The cost gap across Europe is large. Cities like London and Paris are premium locations, while Prague, Warsaw, and Budapest offer economical living without compromising on safety or quality of life. Below is a broad comparison of monthly living costs for students and single individuals.
City Wise Monthly Cost
City
Avg Monthly Cost (EUR)
Avg Monthly Cost (INR)
London
1,800 to 2,400
1,85,346 to 2,47,128
Paris
1,400 to 2,000
1,44,158 to 2,05,940
Amsterdam
1,500 to 2,100
1,54,455 to 2,16,237
Berlin
1,100 to 1,600
1,13,267 to 1,64,752
Dublin
1,500 to 2,200
1,54,455 to 2,26,534
Prague
700 to 1,100
72,079 to 1,13,267
Warsaw
650 to 1,000
66,930 to 1,02,970
Budapest
600 to 1,000
61,782 to 1,02,970
Eastern European countries are gaining popularity among Indian students because they are more affordable yet offer industry relevant programs, especially in engineering, medicine, IT, and business.
Accommodation Costs in Europe
Rent forms the biggest part of monthly expenses in Europe. Prices vary significantly between city centre and suburban areas, as well as between studio apartments and shared flats. Students often reduce expenses by choosing shared accommodations or staying in university dormitories.
Average Rent in Europe
Accommodation Type
Monthly Rent (EUR)
Monthly Rent (INR)
Shared apartment
300 to 700
30,891 to 72,079
Private room
400 to 900
41,188 to 92,673
1 BHK apartment
700 to 1,600
72,079 to 1,64,752
Dormitory housing in countries like Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, and Austria can cost EUR 250 to 500 (INR 25,742 to 51,485) per month. Renting outside city centres can reduce monthly rent by up to 25 percent.
Food and Grocery Expenses in Europe
Food costs remain manageable if students cook regularly. Groceries are affordable in Central and Eastern Europe, while countries like France, Netherlands, and Ireland have relatively higher food prices.
Typical Monthly Food Costs
Monthly groceries: EUR 150 to 300 (INR 15,446 to 30,891)
Coffee: EUR 2 to 4 (INR 206 to 412)
Mid range restaurant meal: EUR 12 to 20 (INR 1,235 to 2,059)
Fast food meal: EUR 8 to 12 (INR 824 to 1,235)
Cooking at home can reduce total food expenses by 35 to 40 percent, especially in larger cities such as Paris, Dublin, and Amsterdam.
Transportation Costs in Europe
Most European cities offer reliable buses, metros, and trams. Students enjoy discounted passes, which lowers monthly travel costs.
Average Transport Costs
Student monthly pass: EUR 25 to 50 (INR 2,574 to 5,149)
Regular monthly pass: EUR 50 to 80 (INR 5,149 to 8,239)
Taxi per km: EUR 1 to 2 (INR 103 to 206)
Fuel per litre: EUR 1.6 to 2 (INR 165 to 206)
Cycling is a cost effective option in cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Berlin, and Vienna. Many European cities have dedicated lanes and public bike rentals starting from EUR 10 to 20 per month (INR 1,030 to 2,059).
Utilities and Internet Costs in Europe
Utilities depend on apartment size and local climate. Heating increases winter expenses in northern and central Europe.
Electricity, heating, water: EUR 120 to 200 (INR 12,356 to 20,594)
Internet: EUR 25 to 40 (INR 2,574 to 4,119)
Mobile plan: EUR 10 to 25 (INR 1,030 to 2,574)
Students typically share utilities with flatmates, which reduces bills by 30 to 40 percent.
Healthcare Costs in Europe
Many European countries operate excellent public healthcare systems. International students generally need mandatory insurance coverage.
Student health insurance: EUR 30 to 80 (INR 3,089 to 8,239)
Doctor visit: EUR 25 to 70 (INR 2,574 to 7,208)
Medicines: EUR 5 to 20 (INR 515 to 2,059)
Countries like Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic offer subsidised student insurance programs.
Education Costs in Europe for Students
Europe offers a mix of low cost public universities and mid to high range private universities. Tuition fees vary based on country, course type, and university.
Annual Tuition Fees
Public universities: EUR 800 to 3,000 (INR 82,376 to 3,08,910)
Private universities: EUR 6,000 to 20,000 (INR 6,17,820 to 20,59,400)
Business or engineering programs: EUR 10,000 to 30,000 (INR 10,29,700 to 30,89,100)
Countries like Germany, Finland, Norway, Austria, and the Czech Republic offer low or nominal fees for many programs.
Cost of Living: Europe vs India
European costs are higher in most categories due to rent, transport, and food pricing. However, European cities offer strong public systems, safety, and higher wages.
Expense Category
Europe (EUR)
Europe (INR)
India (INR)
Rent
700 to 1,600
72,079 to 1,64,752
20,000 to 30,000
Groceries
150 to 300
15,446 to 30,891
6,000 to 10,000
Transport
50 to 80
5,149 to 8,239
1,000 to 2,000
Restaurant meal
12 to 20
1,235 to 2,059
300 to 600
Europe offers higher living costs but also better infrastructure, safety, and quality of life.
Cheapest Countries to Live in Europe in 2025
Students looking for affordable destinations should consider Central and Eastern Europe. These countries offer lower rent and food prices while maintaining good education quality.
Most Affordable European Countries
Poland
Hungary
Romania
Portugal
Czech Republic
Slovakia
Latvia
Lithuania
These countries offer monthly living costs between EUR 600 to 900 (INR 61,782 to 92,673) which is significantly lower than cities in Western Europe.
Budgeting Tips for Students and Expats in Europe
Choose shared apartments or dormitories to reduce rent.
Cook meals instead of eating out regularly.
Use student travel passes for buses, trams, and metros.
Avoid city centre housing where rent is highest.
Choose budget friendly countries like Poland or Portugal for studies.
Apply early for scholarships and part-time work options.
Conclusion
Europe offers a wide range of living standards, from premium Western cities to budget friendly Eastern European hubs. With smart planning, shared accommodation, and student benefits, the cost of living becomes manageable. Whether you want low budget living or a vibrant metropolitan lifestyle, Europe provides strong opportunities for education and work.
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FAQs
How can international students find affordable grocery markets in Europe?
Discount chains like Lidl, Aldi, and Penny offer low-cost groceries across most of Europe. Weekly street markets in cities like Barcelona or Berlin also sell fresh produce at lower prices than supermarkets. Look for local "no-brand" products, often 30–40% cheaper than name brands.
What hidden costs should international students plan for in Europe?
Students often overlook residence permit renewals (€50–€150, INR 4.5k–13.5k), health insurance (€80–€120/month, INR 7.2k–10.8k/month), and municipality registration fees. Initial apartment setup, like buying bedding, utensils, or paying for city taxes, can also cost €300–€500 (INR 27K–45K).
Are there student groups offering discounts or free services in Europe?
Yes, groups like ESN (Erasmus Student Network) offer city discounts, free local tours, and social events. University unions often provide free legal aid, printing credits, or career workshops, saving students up to €100/month (INR 9k/month) on services.
How can international students make the most of their visa benefits to save money?
In many countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands, student visas allow part-time work, up to 20 hours/week. This can earn you €450–€800/month (INR 40K–72K), enough to cover rent or groceries. Some visas also allow travel across Schengen countries without added costs.
What are some ways to cut food costs while studying in Europe?
University canteens (mensa) often serve meals for €2.50–€5 (INR 225–450). Cooking in bulk, using frozen ingredients, and buying from ethnic stores (Turkish, Asian, etc.) can cut food expenses by €100–€150/month (INR 9K–13.5K). Avoid delivery apps, which charge high service fees.
How can international students manage healthcare expenses in Europe?
Most students need private insurance if not covered by public systems. Providers like AOK (Germany) or Mutuelle (France) offer affordable student plans for €80–€120/month (INR 7,200–10,800/month). Always ask for EHIC eligibility or look into country-specific student health exemptions.
How can students use public libraries to save on books and study materials?
Libraries in cities like Vienna, Prague, and Amsterdam offer free borrowing of academic books, journals, and e-books. Some also give free printing quotas and access to language labs or digital databases that would otherwise cost €50–€100/month (INR 4.5k–9k/month).
Which European cities are most affordable for international students?
Cities like Budapest (Hungary), Kaunas (Lithuania), and Łódź (Poland) offer monthly living costs under €800 (INR 72K) including rent. Tuition is also lower, starting at €2,000–€4,000/year (INR 1.8L–3.6L), and scholarships are widely available for non-EU students.
How can international students save on transportation within Europe?
Students can use FlixBus or RegioJet for long-distance travel, often €10–€20/trip (INR 900–1.8k). In cities, monthly student transport passes cost between €20–€40 (INR 1.8k–3.6k), and biking is free and popular in places like Copenhagen and Utrecht. Some cities also offer semester-long unlimited travel cards.
What are easy ways for international students to earn extra income while studying?
Common jobs include tutoring, café work, university assistant roles, or freelance gigs. Many students earn €10–€15/hour (INR 900–1.3k/hour) depending on location. Check your student visa's work limits and register with campus job boards or platforms like AppJobs or YoungCapital.
What should international students know about housing contracts in Europe to avoid hidden costs?
Always ask if utilities (water, heating, internet) are included. In some countries, you pay municipal taxes (e.g., €30–€80/month, INR 2.7k–7.2k/month) even as a tenant. Check for deposit terms, landlords often ask for 1–2 months’ rent upfront, and some deduct cleaning fees unless specified.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4225 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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