Cost of living in Germany - 2017

Well, these questions are very much dependent upon where you live.
I find generally that the cost of living in the Frankfurt Rhein-Main area is a bit lower than in the UK in general, and considerably lower than in Greater London.

On the other hand, taxation is somewhat higher and you don't get much for your money unless you have kids.

Salaries are also on the whole higher, so on average you are likely to be better off here than in the UK.

Groceries, food, bars, hotels, public transport and leisure stuff in general are much cheaper than the UK. Services industries such as hairdressers, taxis, mechanics, handymen etc are much more expensive. Lawyers and accountants cost a small fortune in comparison.

Healthcare is expensive but you get what you pay for. No waiting times to see specialists. Wonderful, clean hospitals and doctors' surgeries.

For an apartment in a decent area of a large city, work on an average of around 10-12€ per square metre. Munich and Frankfurt are the most expensive cities in Germany and are more like 15€.

These are very broad average comments, so do post if you have more specific questions about any city in general.

The official minimum survival rate ("Existenzminimum") is currently EUR8800/year (or EUR730/month) per person.
This number is updated yearly and takes into consideration what you need for a very basic life with no luxuries (and no unplanned-for costs).
It is used to calculate social security (which a resident can get if he/she falls below) and at the same time it is the amount of money you need to have to get a long-term non-working visa (to make sure you do not become a financial burden to the state).
Since the official calculations are quite accurate, you should NOT consider living in Germany on less - it is simply not possible!
If you want to have a minimum of comfort, say an Internet connection, occasional food from your home country or phone calls to your family, you will need more. If you want to eat out on special occasions, or have any activities in your free time (e.g. travel and see the sights of Germany/Europe), you'll need much more.

How much does it cost to rent an apartment/house in Germany? 
varies on city and locality

> How much do you pay for your public transport tickets (bus, subway, train, tram)?
Monthly pass will cost you 87€ in Frankfurt and on weekdays after 7 PM & weekends you can take another adult & as many children along with you

> Staple food: what do people eat and how much do they pay for basic food like bread, rice or pasta?
covered below

>What is your monthly grocery budget?
it will be a function of number members in the family and what you like to eat and drink.  To give you an idea below are avg prices in a decent store like Rewe / Tegut. Lidl Aldi you could save 10 to 15% on these prices

Loaf of bread - 1.2€
Litre of Fresh Milk - 0.9€
Half dozen eggs - 2.2€
KG of Chicken Breasts - 7€
KG of Chicken Legs - 4€
Salmon (avg price per 100 g) - 3.5 €
KG of Lamb Shoulder - 8€
Tuna (avg price per 100 g) - 3.9 €
Box of Sushi - 9€
Bunch of seasonal flowers - 3 to 5 €
KG of Rice ( avg price) - 2.4€
Packet of pasta (avg) - 1.4€
Apple KG - 2.5 to 3 €
Pack of salad leaves (100 GM) - 2 €
Box of frozen Pizza - 2.5€
Potato KG - 2.49€
Onion KG - 2€
Tomatoes KG - 2 to 2.5 €
Banana KG - 1.5€
Bar of chocolate - 0.99€
Box of cereal - 3.5€
100 gm Bacon - 2.5€
pack of 6 bratwurst - 3€
Beer - 0.5€/l to 1€/l
Jar of honey - 4€
500g Butter - 2€
500 g Yogurt - 1.5€ to 2.5€


> How much does it cost to see a physician/doctor/specialist in Germany ? 
It is covered under your basic health insurance which is approx 400€ a month

> What is your children's schooling monthly budget?
If you send them to local German school, it is provided for by the state. International school will cost 1500€+ and Bilingual school will cost 550€ + monthly. Sports and Lunch will cost extra

> How much does it cost to fill up your car's fuel tank?
cost per litre of diesel averages between 1.15€ to 1.25€.

> How much do you pay for electricity/gas/water etc.?
Electricity will vary on usage and size of your flat. Also on number of persons living.

> How much do you pay for your Internet/phone subscription?
Monthly internet (50 mbps unlimited) connection will come between 35€ to 50€ with fixed landline


> How much do you pay for your lunch pack on weekdays?
a quick lunch in a food court will be 7 to 10 € depending you cuisine  & drink you chose. Sandwiches are an option if you are in a hurry or wanting to save some money. These typically are sold between 2.8€ to 4.5€ in a bakery depending on the filling and type of bread

> How much do you pay for an espresso coffee?
1€ in a supermarket to 2.5€ in a bakery to 3.5€ in a Starbucks

> How much do you pay for a cinema ticket?
Approx 12 to 15€ for a ticket. Popcorn & Cola will set you back by another 10€ per head

> How much does a gym membership cost in Germany? 
Annual cost can be from 400 Euros (Christmas / New Year special offer) to a regular price of 650-700 Euros for a year