Berlin
Hamburg

Berlin vs Hamburg — Cost of Living Comparison

Berlin
Germany
VS
Hamburg
Germany
Estimated average living costs are ~31% lower in Hamburg

Berlin

$2,900

avg. monthly cost

Population

3,645,000

Safety

60/100

Quality

75/100

Cost
70
Safety
60
Life
75

Hamburg

$2,000

avg. monthly cost

Population

1,900,000

Safety

65/100

Quality

78/100

Cost
72
Safety
65
Life
78

Data last updated:

Compare Two Cities

Estimated average living costs are ~31% lower in Hamburg

Overall Monthly Cost Comparison

Berlin

$2,900

estimated per month

Hamburg

$2,000

estimated per month

Difference

-31.0%

Monthly savings

$900

Yearly savings

$10,800

Figures shown are estimated averages for general comparison purposes only and may not reflect individual spending patterns.

Cost Comparison by Category

Monthly averages side by side

Estimated Salary Equivalency (Informational)

What you'd need to earn for the same lifestyle

This calculation provides an estimated comparison based on average living costs and does not represent financial or employment advice.

$/year (USD)

$51,724

-$23,276/year (USD)

Salary equivalency figures are illustrative estimates only and should not be used for employment, negotiation, or financial planning decisions.

Detailed Category Breakdown

Item-by-item price comparison across 7 categories

ItemBerlinHamburgDiff
1-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$1,200.00$1,000.00
-16.7%
1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$850.00$720.00
-15.3%
3-Bedroom Apartment (City Center)(per month)
$2,300.00$1,900.00
-17.4%
3-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Center)(per month)
$1,600.00$1,300.00
-18.7%
ItemBerlinHamburgDiff
Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant(per meal)
$12.00$13.00
+8.3%
Meal for 2 at Mid-Range Restaurant(per meal)
$55.00$55.00
0.0%
McMeal at McDonald's(per meal)
$9.00$9.50
+5.6%
Milk (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.10$1.10
0.0%
Bread (500g loaf)(per loaf)
$1.50$1.60
+6.7%
Rice (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.70$2.00
+17.6%
Eggs (12)(per dozen)
$2.80$3.00
+7.1%
Chicken Breast (1 kg)(per kg)
$8.00$9.00
+12.5%
Apples (1 kg)(per kg)
$2.40$2.50
+4.2%
Banana (1 kg)(per kg)
$1.60$1.60
0.0%
ItemBerlinHamburgDiff
Monthly Public Transit Pass(per month)
$58.00$65.00
+12.1%
One-Way Ticket (Local Transport)(per trip)
$3.20$3.50
+9.4%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)(base fare)
$4.50$4.00
-11.1%
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)(per km)
$2.30$2.50
+8.7%
Gasoline (1 liter)(per liter)
$1.85$1.85
0.0%
ItemBerlinHamburgDiff
Basic Utilities (85m² Apt)(per month)
$280.00$250.00
-10.7%
Mobile Phone Plan(per month)
$18.00$22.00
+22.2%
Internet (60 Mbps+)(per month)
$32.00$35.00
+9.4%
ItemBerlinHamburgDiff
Doctor Visit(per visit)
$35.00$35.00
0.0%
Dentist Visit(per visit)
$60.00$65.00
+8.3%
Prescription Medicine (avg)(per prescription)
$8.00$7.00
-12.5%
ItemBerlinHamburgDiff
Fitness Club Monthly(per month)
$35.00$38.00
+8.6%
Cinema Ticket(per ticket)
$12.00$13.00
+8.3%
Cappuccino(per cup)
$3.50$3.50
0.0%
Beer (0.5l) at Restaurant(per glass)
$4.50$5.00
+11.1%
ItemBerlinHamburgDiff
Pair of Jeans (Levi's)(per pair)
$75.00$82.00
+9.3%
Summer Dress (Chain Store)(per item)
$35.00$35.00
0.0%
Running Shoes (Nike, Adidas)(per pair)
$90.00$90.00
0.0%

Category values are aggregated estimates and may vary by neighborhood, lifestyle, and market conditions.

Frequently asked questions: Berlin vs Hamburg

Is Berlin or Hamburg more expensive?
Hamburg is more expensive, with a cost of living index of 72 compared with 70 for Berlin.
How much cheaper is Berlin than Hamburg?
Living in Berlin is around 3% cheaper than Hamburg, based on their overall cost of living indices.
What is the cost of living difference between Berlin and Hamburg?
Berlin scores 70 out of 100 on our cost of living index, while Hamburg scores 72 — where New York City equals 100.