Living Costs in Europe for Students 2025: Complete Budget Guide by Country

Introduction: Budgeting for Student Life in Europe

Understanding living costs is crucial when planning to study in Europe. While tuition fees might be low or free in many European countries, living expenses vary significantly. This comprehensive guide breaks down actual costs across major European student cities in 2025.

Overview: Average Monthly Student Budgets

Accommodation Costs: Where to Live as a Student

1. University Dormitories (Student Residences)

Pros:

• Most affordable option (€200-€500/month)
• Bills often included
• Easy to make friends
• Close to campus
• Fully furnished

Cons:

• Limited availability
• Shared facilities
• Less privacy
• Strict rules

Cost Examples by City:

• Berlin: €250-€400/month
• Paris: €300-€500/month (CROUS residences)
• Amsterdam: €400-€600/month
• Copenhagen: €400-€700/month
• Barcelona: €300-€500/month

How to Apply:

• Apply early (6-12 months in advance)
• Through university housing office
• First-come, first-served or lottery system

2. Shared Apartments (WG/Colocation)

Cost: €300-€700/month depending on city
Popular Platforms:

• Germany: WG-gesucht.de
• France: Leboncoin.fr, Appartager.com
• Netherlands: Kamernet.nl, Housinganywhere.com
• Multi-country: Spotahome.com, Uniplaces.com

3. Private Studio Apartments

Cost: €500-€1,200/month
Best for: Graduate students, couples, those valuing privacy

4. Homestay with Local Families

Cost: €400-€800/month (often includes meals)
Best for: First semester, language immersion

Food & Groceries Budget

Monthly Food Costs by Country:

Western Europe:

• Germany: €200-€250
  • Supermarkets: Aldi, Lidl, Netto (cheapest)
  • Weekly grocery cost: €40-€60
  • Restaurant meal: €8-€15
  • Döner kebab: €5
• France: €200-€300
  • Supermarkets: Intermarché, Carrefour
  • University restaurant (CROUS): €3.30/meal
  • Baguette: €1
  • Restaurant meal: €12-€18
• Netherlands: €200-€300
  • Supermarkets: Jumbo, Albert Heijn
  • Weekly grocery: €50-€70
  • Restaurant: €15-€20

Nordic Countries:

• Sweden: €250-€350
  • Supermarkets: Willys, Lidl
  • Weekly grocery: €60-€85
  • Fast food: €10-€12
• Norway: €300-€400 (most expensive!)
  • Supermarkets: Rema 1000, Kiwi
  • Pizza: €20-€25
  • Coffee: €5-€6
• Denmark: €300-€400
  • Supermarkets: Netto, Fakta
  • Weekly grocery: €70-€95

Southern Europe (Most Affordable!):

• Spain: €150-€250
  • Supermarkets: Mercadona, Día
  • Menu del día: €10-€12
  • Tapas: €2-€4 each
• Portugal: €150-€200
  • Supermarkets: Pingo Doce, Continente
  • University canteen: €2.50-€3
  • Pastel de nata: €1.20
• Italy: €200-€300
  • Supermarkets: Conad, Esselunga
  • Pizza slice: €2-€3
  • Pasta at supermarket: €1-€2

Central/Eastern Europe (Cheapest!):

• Poland: €150-€200
  • Biedronka, Lidl
  • Milk bar meal: €3-€5
  • Pierogi at restaurant: €4-€6
• Czech Republic: €150-€200
  • Beer: €1.50-€2 (cheaper than water!)
  • Lunch menu: €5-€7

Money-Saving Food Tips:

1. Shop at Discount Supermarkets: Aldi, Lidl, Netto save 30-40%
2. Use Student Canteens: €2.50-€6 for full meal
3. Cook at Home: Save 60% vs. eating out
4. Buy Store Brands: 20-30% cheaper than name brands
5. Shop at Markets: Fresh produce cheaper on weekends
6. Use Student Discounts: Show student ID at restaurants
7. Buy in Bulk: Split with roommates
8. Use Food Apps: TooGoodToGo for discounted meals

Transportation Costs

Public Transport Monthly Passes:

• Germany: €0 (included in semester ticket!) or €30-€90
  • Semester ticket covers entire state/region
  • Valid 6 months
  • Usually included in semester contribution
• France: €50-€75 (Paris), €30-€50 (other cities)
  • Navigo pass (Paris): €75.20/month
  • Youth discount available (under 26)
• Netherlands: €30-€100
  • Many students cycle (bike: €50-€200 one-time)
  • NS Student Travel Product: free off-peak travel
• Nordic Countries: €50-€100
  • Often student discounts available
  • Bikes popular (even in winter!)
• Spain/Portugal: €30-€50
  • Metro monthly pass (Madrid): €54.60
  • Barcelona: €40
  • Lisbon: €30-€40

Alternative Transport:

• Bicycle: One-time €50-€300 (most cities bike-friendly)
• Walking: Free! Many European cities are compact
• Student Bike Schemes: Often available through universities
• Carpooling: BlaBlaCar for intercity travel (€10-€30)

Health Insurance

Cost by Country:

• Germany: €110/month (statutory insurance)
  • TK, AOK, DAK most popular
  • Covers doctor visits, hospital, medication
• France: €0-€20/month
  • CVEC contribution: €95/year
  • Social security coverage included
  • Mutuelle (supplementary): €20-€50/month optional
• Netherlands: €100-€120/month
  • Mandatory basic insurance
  • €385/year deductible
  • Student discount available
• UK: €££££££ €470/year (Immigration Health Surcharge)
  • Included in visa application
  • Covers NHS services
• Nordic Countries: €30-€100/month
  • EU/EEA: Use EHIC card
  • Others: Private insurance required

Additional Monthly Expenses

Mobile Phone:

• Germany: €10-€30/month (prepaid or contract)
• France: €5-€20 (Free Mobile: €2/month!)
• Netherlands: €10-€25
• Nordic: €15-€30
• Eastern Europe: €5-€15

Internet (if not included in rent):

• €20-€40/month
• Often included in student dorms
• Share with roommates in apartments

Utilities (if not included):

• Electricity, water, heating: €50-€150/month
• Higher in Nordic countries during winter
• Usually included in student dorms

Leisure & Entertainment:

• Cinema: €7-€15 (student discount: €5-€10)
• Gym membership: €20-€50/month
• Museum: €5-€15 (often free with student ID)
• Beer at bar: €3-€8
• Nightclub entry: €5-€15
• Coffee: €2-€5

Study Materials:

• Books: €50-€150/semester
  • Buy used or borrow from library
  • Many universities provide digital copies
• Printing: €5-€20/semester
• Software: Often free through university

Clothing:

• €30-€100/month (varies by season)
• Budget more for Nordic winter clothes (initial investment: €200-€500)

Student Discounts to Maximize Savings

1. International Student Identity Card (ISIC)

Cost: €15/year
Benefits: 150,000+ discounts worldwide on transport, accommodation, food, entertainment

2. Country-Specific Student Cards:

• Germany: University student ID (free, automatic discounts)
• France: Carte Jeune (€10/year, extensive discounts under 30)
• Netherlands: Student OV-chipkaart (free travel)
• UK: NUS Extra Card (£12/year)

3. Common Student Discounts:

• Museums: 50% off or free entry
• Cinemas: €2-€3 discount on tickets
• Restaurants: 10-20% off with student ID
• Public Transport: 25-50% off monthly passes
• Software: Free Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud discounts
• Amazon Prime: 50% off (€3.49/month for students)
• Spotify: Student plan €4.99/month (vs €9.99)
• Apple Music: €5.99/month (student)

4. University Benefits:

• Free sports facilities and classes
• Subsidized meals at canteens
• Free language courses
• Career counseling and workshops
• Mental health support

City-Specific Budget Breakdown

Berlin, Germany 🇩🇪

Monthly Budget: €850-€1,000

• Accommodation: €300-€500 (WG) or €600-€900 (studio)
• Food: €200-€250
• Transport: €0 (semester ticket)
• Health insurance: €110
• Phone: €10-€20
• Leisure: €100-€150

Paris, France 🇫🇷

Monthly Budget: €1,200-€1,500

• Accommodation: €600-€800 (shared) or €800-€1,200 (studio)
• Food: €250-€300
• Transport: €75 (Navigo)
• Health: €20
• Phone: €10
• Leisure: €150-€200

Cheaper alternatives: Lyon, Toulouse, Lille (€900-€1,100/month)

Amsterdam, Netherlands 🇳🇱

Monthly Budget: €1,000-€1,300

• Accommodation: €500-€700
• Food: €250
• Transport: €50 (or bike €10-20/month amortized)
• Health insurance: €110
• Phone: €20
• Leisure: €150

Stockholm, Sweden 🇸🇪

Monthly Budget: €1,000-€1,300

• Accommodation: €400-€600
• Food: €300
• Transport: €70
• Insurance: €50
• Phone: €25
• Leisure: €150-€200

Barcelona, Spain 🇪🇸

Monthly Budget: €800-€1,000

• Accommodation: €350-€500
• Food: €200
• Transport: €40
• Insurance: €50
• Phone: €15
• Leisure: €150-€200

Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹

Monthly Budget: €650-€850

• Accommodation: €300-€400
• Food: €150-€200
• Transport: €35
• Insurance: €40
• Phone: €15
• Leisure: €100-€150

Krakow, Poland 🇵🇱

Monthly Budget: €500-€700

• Accommodation: €250-€350
• Food: €150
• Transport: €30
• Insurance: €30
• Phone: €10
• Leisure: €80-€100

How to Earn Money as a Student

Part-Time Work:

Germany:

• Work up to 120 full days or 240 half days/year
• Average wage: €12/hour (minimum wage)
• Common jobs: Research assistant (€12-€15/hour), tutor (€15-€25/hour), campus jobs
• Monthly earnings: €400-€800

France:

• Work up to 964 hours/year (20 hours/week)
• Minimum wage: €11.52/hour
• Monthly earnings: €400-€600

Netherlands:

• 16 hours/week during term, full-time during breaks
• Minimum wage: €12/hour (21+)
• Monthly earnings: €500-€800

UK:

• 20 hours/week during term
• National Living Wage: £11.44/hour (23+)
• Monthly earnings: £800-£1,000

Online Freelancing:

• Tutoring: €15-€30/hour
• Writing/Translation: €10-€50/hour
• Graphic design: €20-€50/hour
• Programming: €30-€100/hour
• Platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer

Internships:

• Paid internships: €500-€1,500/month
• Part of curriculum in many programs
• Excellent for gaining experience

Financial Aid Beyond Scholarships

1. Student Loans:

• Netherlands: DUO student finance (up to €1,000/month)
• Germany: BAföG (up to €934/month, 50% grant + 50% interest-free loan)
• Nordic countries: Generous loan/grant combinations for residents

2. Housing Subsidies:

• France: CAF housing allowance (€100-€200/month)
• Germany: Wohngeld (housing benefit, income-dependent)
• Netherlands: Rent allowance (huurtoeslag)

3. Emergency Funds:

• Most universities have emergency funds for students
• €100-€500 one-time assistance
• Apply through student services

Money-Saving Life Hacks

1. Share Subscriptions: Netflix, Spotify, Amazon Prime with roommates
2. Free Entertainment: Use university events, free museums, parks
3. Student Meal Plans: Cheapest way to eat (€2.50-€6/meal)
4. Buy Second-Hand: Furniture, bikes, books from Facebook groups
5. Cook in Batches: Meal prep saves time and money
6. Use Free WiFi: At university, cafes, libraries
7. Walk or Bike: Save on transport and stay fit
8. Shop Sales: End-of-season sales save 50-70%
9. Use Student Apps: TooGoodToGo, StudentBeans, UNiDAYS
10. Open Student Bank Account: Often comes with perks and no fees

Budget Planning Worksheet

Monthly Budget Template:

Conclusion

Living costs in Europe vary significantly by country and city, but with proper budgeting and smart spending habits, studying in Europe is affordable. Countries like Poland, Portugal, and Germany offer the best value for money, while Nordic countries are more expensive but offer high quality of life.

Key Takeaways:

• Budget €600-€1,600/month depending on country
• Eastern Europe is cheapest (€500-€750/month)
• Nordic countries most expensive (€1,000-€1,600/month)
• Apply early for student housing (cheapest option)
• Use student discounts extensively
• Cook at home to save 50-60% on food
• Consider part-time work to supplement budget

Start planning your European budget today! Use this guide to estimate costs, apply for scholarships, and prepare financially for your study abroad adventure.