The city with the highest standard, but also the price
Munich (Munich) is known as the economic engine of Germany and, by many criteria, the city with the highest quality of life in the country. However, with high standards comes high prices. Living in Munich is indeed a struggle for survival, as many say, but it is also investment in career and quality of life which you can hardly find elsewhere.
This article offers an overview of all key aspects of life in the Bavarian metropolis, based on facts and the experience of local residents.
Cost of living: Munich is the most expensive in Germany
Munich is officially the most expensive city to live in Germany, often 25% more expensive than the national average, primarily due to real estate prices.
💰 Estimated monthly expenses for a single person (2025):
| Cost item | Average price (Monthly) | Note |
| Rent (1-bedroom apartment) | €1,100 – €1,500+ | Very hard to find; it is necessary to search outside the center as well. |
| Room in a shared apartment (WG) | €500 – €700 | The best option to start with, but in high demand. |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, internet) | About €220 | Depending on the consumption and the size of the apartment. |
| Food (Shopping in supermarkets) | €250 – €350 | Prices are similar to other cities. |
| Public transportation (Germany ticket) | 49€ | Or more expensive tickets for local MVV transport (the price increase was at the beginning of 2025). |
| Total (excluding outgoings/surprise expenses) | €1,700 – €2,300 | Just for survival! |
Here you can see how much apartment prices in Munich are. https://www.immobilienscout24.de
First-hand advice: Looking for an apartment is a race. Start looking before moving, prepare all documentation and be prepared to compromise on location.
Why is it worth it? Advantages of living in Munich
Despite the high costs, Munich offers compensation through work, safety and quality of life.
🌟 Business opportunities and salaries
Munich is home to technology giants, the automotive industry (BMW), financial institutions, and the IT sector.
- High salaries: Salaries are on average mostly in Germany. The general German average gross salary for 2025 is around €3,207 per month, but in Munich, for qualified workers, significantly more is expected.
- High demand: There is a huge demand for highly skilled technicians, engineers, IT specialists and medical personnel.
✨ Safety, culture and incredible proximity to the Alpsi
- Safest city: For years, Munich has been ranked as one of the the safest cities in Germany and Europe, with a very low crime rate.
- Culture and nature at your fingertips: Priceless proximity Alps, lakes (Starnberger See, Ammersee) and Italian borders. Within the city, there are English Garden, Isar and numerous beer halls (Beer gardens) that offer a unique quality of life.
- Sports spectacle in Garmisch-Partenkirchen: We must not forget about Garmisch-Partenkirchen, which is only an hour's drive from Munich. Impressive Alpine landscapes, top-notch ski slopes, and every January 1st you can enjoy the spectacular ski jumping as part of the “Four Ski Jumps” tour. The Alps are literally in your backyard, offering unlimited opportunities for hiking, skiing, and enjoying nature.
- Cleanliness and infrastructure: The city is extremely clean, and public transport (S-Bahn, U-Bahn) is, despite delays, efficient and well developed.
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Flaws and Challenges: The Struggle for Survival
- Pressure on the real estate market: This is biggest flaw. Rents are extremely high, and supply is extremely low. Competition is huge for every available apartment.
- Traffic jams: Despite good public transport, the amount of cars and traffic jams are increasing, especially during rush hours.
An investment in a better future
Munich is expensive, but it offers the best that Germany has to offer economic stability, business opportunities and personal security. The proximity to the Alps and places like Garmisch-Partenkirchen further enrich the quality of life, offering the perfect combination of urban and natural.
If you are ready to compromise on housing (or high rent) and are focused on your career, Munich is a worthwhile place to live and work.
Average salaries in 10 popular occupations in Germany
1. Nurse
- Gross salary: €3,200 – €4,500 per month
- Net salary: €2,200 – €3,000
- Note: It depends on the region and experience, with the possibility of bonuses for working in night shifts.
2. Postman (Deutsche Post, DHL)
- Gross salary: €2,200 – €3,000
- Net salary: €1,600 – €2,200
- Note: The job may include overtime bonuses and harsh conditions.
3. Factory worker
- Gross salary: €2,500 – €3,500
- Net salary: €1,800 – €2,500
- Note: Factories in the automotive industry offer higher wages than the food industry.
4. Cleaner
- Gross salary: €2,000 – €2,800
- Net salary: €1,500 – €2,000
- Note: The job often involves working nights or weekends.
5. Hairdresser
- Gross salary: €1,800 – €2,500
- Net salary: €1,300 – €1,900
- Note: Hair stylists in luxury salons can earn more thanks to tips.
6. Truck driver
- Gross salary: €2,800 – €4,000
- Net salary: €2,000 – €2,800
- Note: Drivers in international transport earn more.
7. Construction worker
- Gross salary: €3,000 – €4,500
- Net salary: €2,200 – €3,200
- Note: Seasonal workers usually earn less.
8. Programmer (software engineer)
- Gross salary: €4,000 – €7,000
- Net salary: €2,800 – €4,800
- Note: The IT sector is one of the highest paid in Germany.
9. Psychologist
- Gross salary: €3,500 – €5,500
- Net salary: €2,500 – €3,800
- Note: Salaries vary depending on whether you work in the public or private sector.
10. Seller
- Gross salary: €2,000 – €3,000
- Net salary: €1,500 – €2,200
- Note: Supermarkets and luxury stores offer different salaries.
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