Best Cities in Germany for Affordable Student Housing

#GUEST POST

Germany is one of those cities where you can enjoy amazing education as well as affordable living. But let’s be honest, finding good student accommodation in Germany can feel like a full-time job. But with University Living, it is a very stress-free and simple process. Each city here has a completely different story that shapes how students live and spend their money.

Germany now has over 458,000 international students. Housing demand has increased by nearly 50% over the last decade. That means smart planning (and early booking) matters more than ever. In this guide, we’ll explore the best student housing cities in Germany, breaking down what rent looks like, how much you’ll spend, and where student life truly feels like home. 

Berlin 

Berlin’s the kind of city where a morning lecture can be followed by a music festival or a museum trip. With over 200,000 students, it’s one of Europe’s most student-friendly hubs. And around 17% of Berlin’s students are international. 

• Average rent: €300–€450/month for dorms; €600–€900/month for shared flats 
  
• Private apartments: €1,000–€1,400/month, especially in main cities 
  
• Transport costs: €49/month with the Deutschland Ticket. This gives you unlimited public transport nationwide 
  
• Average monthly living cost: It is around €1,050–€1,200, including rent, groceries, & transport 
  
• Top accommodations: Nazarethkirchstr. 51, Berlin Mitte, Cunostr. 44 
  

Berlin’s student accommodation scene is competitive. So, you must start with an early booking. Public transport is excellent, & living costs are around €1,100/month. Beyond affordability, Berlin has amazing student work opportunities. The city’s start-up ecosystem & creative industry make it super easy for students to find flexible part-time jobs. 

Munich 

Munich is spotless, safe, & full of opportunities. It’s also one of Germany’s most expensive student cities. Still, students keep coming. Why? Because the education, career exposure, & quality of life here do not match. It’s home to universities like LMU & TU Munich. They are both ranked among Europe’s best. 

• Average rent: €650–€850/month for shared flats 
  
• Private studios: Around €1,000–€1,500/month in areas like Maxvorstadt or Schwabing 
  
• Student dorms (via Studentenwerk München): €300–€450/month. But the waiting lists can stretch 6–12 months 
  
• Average living costs: €1,400–€1,700/month (including rent, groceries, transport, & leisure) 
  
• Monthly transport pass: Around €49 with the Deutschland Ticket  
  
• Student population: Munich hosts over 130,000 students. It has nearly 40,000 international students from across 120 countries. 
  
• Top accommodations: Vonder Munich, THE FIZZ Munich 
  

Students often apply for student accommodation in Munich through Studentenwerk München. The reason being that it manages affordable dorms for students, but the waiting list is very long. 

Stuttgart 

Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city & a port full of life. It has got both old-world charms & modern energy. Around 100,000 students study here, & many of them are from overseas.

• Average rent: €250–€400/week for dorms, €400–€650/week for shared flats 
  
• Living costs: €1,100–€1,300/month 
  
• Top Universities: University of Hamburg, HafenCity University, HAW Hamburg 
  
• Top accommodations: Aachener Straße – 1528590, Hahnstraße – 1554090, Tunnelstraße – 1519943 
  

The demand for student accommodation in Stuttgart is steady, so apply early. The city’s maritime vibe, part-time job availability, & bike-friendly layout make it ideal for students to balance study & work. 

Aachen 

Aachen is small but a powerful city. It has got RWTH Aachen University, one of Europe’s leading engineering schools. It’s packed with students from over 130 countries. 

• Average rent: €300–€500/week for shared flats, €600–€700/week for private studios 
  
• Living costs: €1,000/month, much lower than Munich or Frankfurt 
  
• Population: Nearly one-third of Aachen’s residents are students 
  
• Top accommodations: Preuswald, Theaterplatz 1, Buchel 
  

Student accommodation in Aachen is affordable, but demand is fierce during semester start. The city’s youthful energy & close-knit campus. This makes it a great pick for first-time international students. 

Dresden 

Dresden doesn’t get enough credit. It’s one of the most affordable & beautiful student cities in eastern Germany. The city has got baroque architecture, green parks, & a laid-back vibe. 

• Average rent: €250–€400/week for dorms, €450–€600/week for private flats 
  
• Living costs: Around €950–€1,100/month 
  
• Top Universities: TU Dresden, HTW University of Applied Sciences, Diu Dresden International University 
  
• Top Accommodations: Frühlingstraße – 1579951, Annenstraße – 1182376, Wiener Straße – 1510969 
  

The student accommodation in the Dresden market is calmer than in western cities. You can find great housing within walking distance of campus and still have money left for weekend trips. 

Hamburg 

If Berlin is bold and Munich is polished, Hamburg sits somewhere perfectly between, stylish but grounded. Home to more than 110,000 students, including a large international crowd, Hamburg is one of the country’s most student-centric cities. When it comes to housing, student accommodation in Hamburg isn’t as cheap as Dresden or Aachen, but it’s more manageable 

• Average rent: €250–€400/month for dorms, €400–€650/month for shared flats 
  
• Living costs: €1,100–€1,300/month 
  
• Top universities: University of Hamburg, HafenCity University, HAW Hamburg 
  
• Top accommodations: Boardinghouse Hamburg Billstedt, Navale, The Fizz Hammerbrook 
  
• Transport tip: A semester pass gives free public transport access, and the city is super bike-friendly 
  

The city’s maritime vibe, part-time job availability, & bike-friendly layout make it an ideal choice for students. 

Frankfurt

Frankfurt might be famous for its suits & stock markets. But underneath that is a fast-growing & diverse student community. The city is very lively once you know where to look. It has more than 45,000 students, and when it comes to student accommodation in Frankfurt, rents are high. But if you plan early & stay flexible, you’ll find good options near campus or in nearby suburbs. 

• Average rent: €600–€750/month for shared flats; €900–€1,200 for private studios 
  
• Dorm rooms: Around €350–€450/month through Studentenwerk Frankfurt  
  
• Average living costs: €1,300–€1,600/month, including rent, food, and transport 
  
• Transport pass: Students get a free semester ticket covering the entire Rhine-Main region. 
  
• City diversity: Over 30% of Frankfurt’s population is foreign-born, giving it one of the most international vibes in Germany. 
  
• Top accommodations: Klüberstraße, Alvarium, Urbanum 
  

Conclusion 

Germany doesn’t have a “one-size-fits-all” student city. Every place here brings its own rhythm. Wherever you choose to study, the key is simple: book your student accommodation early. Check what’s included and always read the fine print. Costs may vary, but comfort and safety shouldn’t. 

If you’re looking for verified and transparent housing options across these cities, explore University Living. A trusted platform connecting students to secure, all-inclusive student accommodation in Germany with zero guesswork. Because when your housing is sorted, you’re free to enjoy what really matters. 

IMFS helps students navigate Germany as a top study-abroad destination by offering expert guidance on university selection, APS and visa procedures, language requirements, funding options, and post-study opportunities. With personalised counselling, profile-based shortlisting, and end-to-end application support, IMFS ensures students make informed decisions and confidently pursue high-quality, affordable education in Germany.

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