Once international healthcare professionals have found an apartment in Germany, it is important to verify whether the rental costs fit within one's budget. Rental costs can often amount to approximately half of monthly income and frequently include more than just the pure apartment rent. It is therefore particularly important for newcomers to know which components belong to rental costs and which additional expenses must be considered in order to plan costs realistically.
Base rent and total rent
The base rent is the basic price for the apartment itself and depends on location, size, condition, and year of construction of the building. Utilities are added to the base rent, which the landlord bills for, such as for water, heating, building cleaning, garden maintenance, or lighting of common areas. The rental contract always specifies exactly which services count as utilities. Base rent and utilities together constitute the total rent, meaning the total amount paid monthly to the landlord. Rent varies greatly depending on location, size, and furnishings. If the apartment is furnished, additional costs for furnishing can be charged. The advantage of a furnished apartment is that no furniture needs to be purchased.
Example rental costs in Germany
A room in a shared apartment (WG) currently costs an average of around 505 euros per month in Germany (as of 2025). In cities with particularly tight housing markets, prices are significantly higher. In Munich, rent for a shared room currently averages 790 euros monthly, while in Mannheim it is 455 euros (Statista). Apartments also show strong regional differences. A 70 m² apartment currently costs an average of approximately 1,600.20 euros in Munich, 1,138.20 euros in Berlin, and around 625.10 euros in Bochum (North Rhine-Westphalia) (Rental Index 2025).
Additional costs: electricity, gas, waste and other fees
In addition to total rent, further costs can arise directly:
- Electricity: usually a separate contract with an electricity provides
- Gas: if heating is not central and regulated by the landlord
- Municipal fees: e.g., waste fees, if these are not included in utilities
- Broadcasting contribution: also known as “GEZ” fee, which is mandatory for every household; it currently amounts to 18.36 euros per person (as of 2026)
- Internet and telephone: separate contracts necessary
Which items are exactly included in utilities is specified in the rental contract.
Deposit
When moving in, landlords generally require a deposit. In Germany, this may not exceed three months' base rent and serves the landlord as security for possible damage to the apartment or outstanding payments. The deposit can often be paid in installments. The deposit is fully refunded after moving out, provided there is no damage and all financial obligations have been fulfilled.
Rent increase
Rent increases are legally regulated and may not occur arbitrarily. During an ongoing tenancy, rent can be increased at the earliest after 12 months. Additionally, the increase may only occur up to the local comparable rent and is generally limited to a maximum of 20 % within three years, in many cities even only to 15 %. If utilities increase, such as for water or heating, the landlord can also adjust these – but only if the additional costs are proven.
