The Cost of living in Munich is higher than out in the surrounding Bavarian countryside, and it is considered to be the most expensive of all the major German cities. It is, however, still much cheaper than London.
Apartment rental prices:
- About 14 Euro per square meter in the city center
- About 10 Euro per square meter on the edge of the city
- For a more detailed analysis, see: Apartment rental prices
Mercer HR do detailed "cost of living" analyses of cities throughout the world. In 2007 they rated Munich as the 39th most expensive place to live out of their selection of 100 international cities. This makes it cheaper than Tokyo, New York, London, Berlin, Paris, Zurich, Sydney and Madrid. See: Mercer Cost of Living rankings 2007.
- A packet of cigarettes costs about €4
- Petrol costs about €1.30 per litre
- A main course in a middling restaurant costs about €10
- A half-litre of beer typically costs about €3
- Men's clothing and shoes are more expensive than in London, esp decent suits, tailored shirts, etc
- There is generally a smaller selection of things than you may be used to in the south-east of England, so if you want something very specific it can be expensive
- Wine and alcohol are substantially cheaper than in the UK
- Flights to other major EU cities are more expensive than out of London, but you can drive or take the train to more places
- Commuting by public transport is substantially cheaper in Munich (and more pleasant/efficient)
- Books, especially English ones, are more expensive in Munich than in the UK (people love their hardbacks!)
- Mobile phone tariffs are generally more expensive in Munich than in the UK
- There is no council tax in Munich
When thinking about the costs, remember that the standard of living in Munich is very high: good public transport, low crime, green clean environment, etc. Mercer's annual Quality of Living surveys regularly put Munich in the world's top ten - the 8th best city but only the 39th most expensive! (see 2007 results).
See also