Cost of Living in Frankfurt for Indians

Frankfurt, Germany's financial capital, is a popular destination for Indian students, workers, and families seeking a quality education, employment opportunities, and a high standard of living. Frankfurt is a vibrant city renowned for its modern infrastructure, global connectivity, and diverse cultural landscape. It is essential for Indians who wish to move or stay here to understand the cost of living in this large city.

The cost of living in Frankfurt is much higher than in big Indian cities. This is due to factors such as rent, utilities, and transportation. In Germany, pay and benefits typically cover these costs, but it's essential to create a realistic budget to avoid unexpected expenses. This guide provides comprehensive information on the cost of Living in Frankfurt for Indians, whether you're traveling alone or with your family. 

Here's an overview of average monthly expenses in Frankfurt:

Expense Category	Average Monthly Cost (EUR)	Average Monthly Cost (INR)
Accommodation
1-bedroom in city center	€1,283	₹1.23L
1-bedroom outside city center	€939	₹90K
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage)	€200 to €493 (according to consumption)	₹19.30K to ₹47.60K
Internet (uncapped ADSL or cable)	€45.24 (High Speed)	₹4.3K
Groceries	€250	₹24.1K
Public Transport (monthly pass)	€ 110.30	₹ 10.6K
Dining Out
Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant	€80	₹7.7K
Cappuccino	€3.43	₹331
Fitness Club (monthly fee)	€63.48	₹6.1K

Indian students in Frankfurt can make the most of their time there by learning about these prices and planning accordingly. 

Rent and Housing Costs in Frankfurt for Indians 

Frankfurt is one of the more expensive cities in Germany, with rents averaging around €17(₹1.6K) per month. For dorms, students typically pay €250–€450 (₹24.1K- ₹43.4K) per month, while private apartments for workers and families can cost €600–€1,200 (₹57.9K - ₹1.15L). 

Student Housing Options

Indian students in Frankfurt can choose from several places to stay:

• Student Dormitories: The Studentenwerk Frankfurt runs dorms for students, which cost between €250 (₹24.1K) and €450 (₹43.4K) per month.
• Private Student Residences: Private student residences offer fully furnished rooms with shared bathrooms, costing between €400 (₹38.6K) and €600 (₹57.9K) per month.
• Shared Apartments (WG): Private rooms in shared apartments that cost between €350 (₹33.7K) and €500 (₹48.2K) a month.
• Private Apartments: You can rent an entire flat for €600 (₹57.9K) to €900 (₹86.9K) per month, but it is usually empty.

In private apartments, utilities may cost an extra €100 (₹9.6K) to €150 (₹14.4K) a month. 

Rent for Professionals & Families

For Indian business people and their families:

• Private Apartments: The first month's rent is €600, with an average of €650–€1,200 (₹62.7K - ₹1.15L), depending on the size and location of the apartment. 
• Shared Apartments (WG): If you live in a shared apartment, the monthly rent starts at €400 (₹38.6K). 

Consider the additional costs for services and amenities. 

Tips for Saving on Rent

The cost of rent in Frankfurt can be high, but Indians can save money in several ways:

• Apply Early for Student Housing: The rent for student dorms run by Studentenwerk Frankfurt is affordable. However, there is a great deal of desire, and people may have to wait a considerable amount of time. To ensure you secure a spot, please apply as soon as possible.
• Consider Sharing Apartments: A popular and inexpensive way to live is in a Wohngemeinschaft (WG), which is short for "shared flat." The monthly rent is usually between €350 (₹33.7K) and €500 (₹48.2K), and friends split the cost of utilities.
• Discover Affordable Suburbs: Rent prices are lower in places like Offenbach, Eschersheim, and Bockenheim, but they are still easily accessible from central Frankfurt. Compared to living downtown, this can cut rent by €100 (₹9.6K) to €200 (₹19.3K) a month.
• Use Housing Platforms You Trust: You can avoid scams and find real ads on websites like WG-Gesucht.de, ImmoScout24, and official university housing portals.
• Understand Rent Terms: Tell the difference between Kaltmiete (cold rent) and Warmmiete (rent that includes energy and heating). When you compare Warmmiete, you can see the total costs more clearly.
• Avoid Agency Fees: Look for ads that say "provisionsfrei," which means "no agent fee." Often, you can find these on neighborhood and student boards.

Planning, selecting the right neighborhood, and utilizing reputable platforms can significantly reduce living costs. 

Food and Grocery Expenses in Frankfurt 

Food and grocery costs in Frankfurt can range from approximately €250 to €400 (₹ 22.5K to ₹ 36K) a month, depending on your eating habits and lifestyle. This includes cooking at home and occasionally going out to eat. 

Grocery Costs

There are many grocery stores in Frankfurt, and buying raw ingredients for cooking at home can save you money. The prices below are the averages for some popular grocery items:

• Milk (regular), 1 liter – €1.25 (₹115)
• Loaf of fresh white bread (500g) – €1.97 (₹180)
• Rice (white), 1 kg – €2.93 (₹270)
• Eggs (regular), 12 pieces – €3.52 (₹325)
• Local cheese, 1 kg – €12.91 (₹1,195)
• Chicken fillets, 1 kg – €11.86 (₹1,100)
• Apples, 1 kg – €2.99 (₹275)
• Banana, 1 kg – €1.83 (₹170)
• Oranges, 1 kg – €1.97 (₹180)
• Tomato, 1 kg – €4.31 (₹400)
• Potato, 1 kg – €1.48 (₹135)
• Onion, 1 kg – €1.46 (₹135)
• Lettuce (1 head) – €1.70 (₹160)
• Water, 1.5-liter bottle – €0.98 (₹90)

You can easily keep track of your monthly food costs in Frankfurt by monitoring these prices and shopping smartly. 

Eating Out

There is a wide range of local and international food to choose from when dining out in Frankfurt, from quick meals to fine dining. But going to places often can make your monthly costs go up a lot:

• Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant: 16.00 € (~₹1,456)
• Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course: 77.50 € (~₹7,048)
• McMeal at McDonald's (or Equivalent Combo Meal): 11.00 € (~₹1,001)
• Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught): 5.00 € (~₹455)
• Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle): 4.50 € (~₹410)
• Cappuccino (regular): 3.81 € (~₹347)
• Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle): 3.18 € (~₹289)
• Water (0.33 liter bottle): 2.87 € (~₹261)

Setting a separate budget for eating out is a good idea if you plan to do it frequently. This way, you can still enjoy Frankfurt's rich food culture without spending too much. 

Affordable Grocery Stores

Shop at budget supermarkets in Frankfurt that are known for offering reasonable prices and high-quality food to save money on groceries. These places have great deals on everyday things that you need:

• Aldi: Aldi is known for offering low prices on fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and everyday essentials. It's mostly about store names, which are significantly less expensive than those of well-known brands. The store's simple layout keeps costs low and shopping quick.
• Lidl: Lidl is another affordable grocery store that offers a wide range of products, from healthy foods to household essentials. Families and kids love it because it has sales every week and during certain times of the year. The bakery section and wide range of foreign goods are also big draws.
• Penny Penny: It's great for quick and affordable shopping runs, especially for everyday essentials. Penny helps you save money on food every week by offering small stores and a wide selection of private-label goods. It's an easy and cheap way to get around Frankfurt. 

These budget stores are easily accessible to many people and offer great value for those who want to save money without compromising quality. If you shop smartly here, you can significantly reduce your monthly food costs.

Transportation Costs in Frankfurt for Indians 

Frankfurt's vast transportation makes getting around cheap and easy. A one-way public transit ticket in the city costs approximately €3.65 (₹330). A monthly pass costs approximately €58.00 (₹ 5.2K). Taxis cost €5.00 (₹450) to start and €2.55 (₹230) per kilometer thereafter. Gasoline costs €1.75 (₹160) per liter. 

Transportation Passes

Frankfurt has several public transportation passes that are good for both locals and tourists:

• One-way Ticket (Einzelfahrt): €3.65 (₹330)
• Deutschlandticket: €58.00/month (₹5.2K)
• All-day Ticket (Tageskarte): €7.10 (₹640)
• Group Day Ticket (Gruppentageskarte): €13.60 (₹1.2K)
• Frankfurt Card (24 hours): €12.00 (₹1K)
• Weekly Pass (Wochenkarte): €25.00 (₹2.2K)

People with a Deutschland ticket can travel anywhere in Germany on buses, trams, and S-Bahn trains, as well as on local and regional public transportation. Please note that this pass does not cover ICE or IC trains that travel long distances. 

Taxi and Ride-Sharing

As a result of regulations, taxi prices in Frankfurt are clear:

• Base Fare: €4.00 (₹360)
• Per Kilometer: €2.40 (₹220)
• Waiting Time (per hour): €38.00 (₹3.4K)

On a normal day, the price for a 5 km ride would be about €18.00 (₹1.6K). The prices stay the same at night, and there is no extra charge.

In Frankfurt, you can also use ride-sharing services like Uber, which offer reasonable prices and ease of use. For example, a 5 km ride could cost around €13.00 (₹ 1.1K).

Frankfurt's transportation system offers everyone affordable and reliable ways to get around, whether commuting to work or exploring the city. 

Utilities and Internet Costs in Frankfurt 

It costs approximately €378 (₹33.7K) per month to live in Frankfurt and cover the costs of energy and internet. Keeping your family budget in check requires energy, heat, water, waste disposal, cell phone plans, and internet connection. 

Monthly Utility Breakdown

Expense Category	Cost (EUR)	Cost (INR)
Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage)	€319.31	₹28,500
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan (10GB+ Data, Calls)	€21.68	₹1,900
Internet (60 Mbps+, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)	€37.09	₹3,300

Note: Exchange rates are approximate and may fluctuate.

These costs vary depending on usage, provider, and apartment size, so it's advisable to research and compare plans to find the best fit for your needs.

Health Insurance and Medical Costs in Frankfurt

In Germany, including Frankfurt, everyone is required to have health insurance. The costs vary depending on the type of insurance and the person's situation. Premiums for public health insurance are usually between €400 and €500 ( ₹36.4K and ₹45.5K) per month. The costs of private insurance vary depending on the person's risk and the coverage they choose.

Public Health Insurance Costs

The amount you pay each month for public health insurance is based on your average monthly salary and can't exceed €5,512.50 (₹5L). From 2025 on, the total pay rate will be:

• Health insurance contribution: 14.6% of gross pay goes toward health insurance.
• Provider-specific supplementary contribution: 2.5% on average (varies by insurance).
• Long-term care insurance: 3.6% on average (up to 4.2%) if you are over 23 and don't have any children.

The company and employee each pay about half of these costs, but the company pays 1.8% of the long-term care costs, and the employee pays the rest.

For example, a 32-year-old man who makes €4,480 a month (₹4,07,000) and has two children covered by Techniker Krankenkasse pays about

• Health insurance: €327 (₹29.7K)
• Supplementary contribution: €54.88 (₹4.9K)
• Long-term care: €69.44 (₹6.3K)

The total amount that employees put in is €451.32 (₹41K) a month

The company pays about €462.52 (₹42K).

Private Health Insurance Costs

Private health insurance rates vary significantly depending on your age, health, and the benefits you select. People who make more than €73,800 a year (₹67L), are self-employed or work for the government can get it. Because premiums vary for each person, costs can fluctuate significantly.

Student Health Insurance

Students receive assistance with paying for their state health insurance premiums, which are approximately €140 (₹ 12.7K) per month and cover both short-term and long-term care. Students can get this insurance until they turn 30 years old. After that, they can switch to private insurance or regular state insurance. 

Cost of Living in Frankfurt vs Other German Cities 

One of the most expensive places to live in Germany is Frankfurt, where high rent prices significantly contribute to the overall costs. However, costs are also high in other big towns, such as Munich, Berlin, and Cologne. For spending and planning your finances, it's essential to be aware of these costs. 

To help you see how Frankfurt compares to other German cities, here is a table that shows the average monthly costs of living in those places:

Expense Category	Munich (€ / ₹)	Frankfurt (€ / ₹)	Berlin (€ / ₹)	Cologne (€ / ₹)
Rent (1-bedroom, city center)	€1,446 (₹1.30L)	€1,283 (₹1.15L)	€1,220 (₹1.09L)	€1,027 (₹92.4K)
Rent (1-bedroom, outside center)	€1,213 (₹1.09L)	€939 (₹84.5K)	€881 (₹79.2K)	€791 (₹71.1K)
Meal for 2 (mid-range)	€80 (₹7.2K)	€80 (₹7.2K)	€70 (₹6.3K)	€65 (₹5.8K)
Meal for 1 (cheap restaurant)	€17 (₹1.5K)	€18 (₹1.6K)	€15 (₹1.3K)	€13 (₹1.1K)
Grocery bill	€34.34 (₹3K)	€37.02 (₹3.3K)	€34.34 (₹3K)	€38.35 (₹3.4K)
Utilities (85m² apartment)	€334.07 (₹30K)	€329.70 (₹29.6K)	€322.57 (₹29K)	€379.65 (₹34.1K)
Taxi start	€5.60 (₹504)	€5.00 (₹450)	€5.00 (₹450)	€5.00 (₹450)
Gym membership	€50.25 (₹4.5K)	€52.08 (₹4.6K)	€34.69 (₹3.1K)	€32.08 (₹2.8K)

Tips to Reduce Living Costs in Frankfurt 

In Frankfurt, one of Germany's major business hubs, life can be both exciting and expensive at the same time. You can significantly reduce your living costs without compromising your quality of life, though, if you plan and make informed choices. Here are some useful tips that will help you save money while still having fun in the city:

• Choose Affordable Neighborhoods: Typically, rent is the most expensive expense in Frankfurt. Instead of living in the city center, you might want to think about living in Fechenheim, Rödelheim, or Sachsenhausen. The rents in these areas are usually lower, and it's easy to access downtown by public transportation. Another great way to save money on rent is to share a room in a WG (Wohngemeinschaft).
• Use Public Transportation or Bike: Frankfurt's buses, trams, and trains are all reliable forms of public transportation. If you compare daily tickets to monthly transport passes (RMV), you can save a lot of money. Biking is also a healthy and inexpensive way to get around town for short distances because the city is very bike-friendly.
• Shop at Discount Supermarkets: Discount stores like Aldi, Lidl, and Penny are great places to buy food. When compared to high-end supermarkets, these places sell good food at lower prices. Additionally, purchasing fruits and vegetables in season and cooking at home instead of eating out frequently can significantly reduce food costs.
• Enjoy Free and Low-Cost Activities: Frankfurt offers a variety of cultural events, parks, and museums that are either free or have minimal admission costs. You can visit places like the Palmengarten botanical garden or attend free music and art shows outside. Exploring these options is enjoyable without incurring significant costs.
• Manage Utilities Wisely: Monitor your usage of water, electricity, and heat. Use energy-efficient equipment, turn off lights when you're not in the room, and avoid overheating your home in the summer. Since many flats have their meters, cutting back on usage will directly lower your bills.
• Choose Cheap Internet and Mobile Plans: You can find cheap internet and cell phone deals by comparing providers and plans. Deals from providers like O2 and Vodafone are hard to beat, especially when combined.
• Use Student and Employee Discounts: If you're a student or working adult, don't forget to take advantage of the deals available for restaurants, movies, public transportation, and more. Keep your ID or school card with you at all times to get discounts.

You can manage living expenses in Frankfurt for Indian students effectively with these tips, allowing you to enjoy the city without overspending.