Cost of Living in Frankfurt for Students (Budget Guide 2025/2026)

Frankfurt is Germany’s financial capital and a busy, modern city. Many students from around the world come here to study. The city has great universities, exciting cultural activities, and easy-to-use public transport. However, the cost of living in Frankfurt for students can be high which is why budgeting is important.

Even though costs are high, there are ways to save money and manage expenses. If international students understand the cost of living, they can plan better and enjoy their time in Frankfurt without too much financial worry.

Facts About Frankfurt

Hesse

Federal State

753.056

Population

89.562

Student population

21.853

International Students

What Are the Major Expenses for Students in Frankfurt?

Accommodation Costs

Finding affordable housing in Frankfurt can be a challenge due to high demand and limited availability. Students can expect to pay different amounts depending on the type of accommodation they choose:

• Student Dormitories: The most affordable option, with prices ranging from €250 to €400 per month. However, spaces are limited.

• Shared Apartments (WG): A popular option where a single person rents a room in a shared flat. The average rent is between €400 and €700 per month.

• Private Apartments: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost €1,200 or more per month, making this the most expensive choice.

Since Frankfurt is an expensive city, students should start searching for accommodation early and consider areas outside the city center to save money.

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Food and Grocery Expenses

Students in Frankfurt can expect to spend between €150 and €250 per month on groceries. Supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl offer budget-friendly options, while Rewe and Edeka provide a high-quality selection at slightly higher prices.

• Eating at the student cafeteria (Mensa) costs around €3 to €5 per meal.

• Budget restaurants charge €10 to €15 for a meal.

• Cooking at home is the best way to save money on food expenses.

Transportation Costs

Public transportation in Frankfurt is efficient and widely used by students. Many universities provide a semester ticket, which allows unlimited travel within the region and is included in tuition fees (around €200 to €300 per semester). Without a semester ticket, students can expect to pay:

• €93.85 per month for a public transportation pass.

• €80 to €200 for a second-hand bicycle, which is a cheap and eco-friendly alternative.

The semester ticket is one of the biggest advantages for students in Germany, providing unlimited public transport within your region at no extra cost beyond your university fees. If you're studying in Frankfurt, this means free travel on the RMV network, including buses, trams, and regional trains. Learn more about how to make the most of your semester ticket here.

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Health Insurance for Students

Public health insurance is mandatory for students under 30 and costs approximately €110 to €120 per month. Private insurance is available for those over 30 but varies in price and coverage. Understanding these costs is essential for international students living in Germany. 

📖 To learn more about the difference between private and public health insurance and the best-suited insurance for students, read more here. 

Utilities and Internet

• Utility bills (electricity, water, heating) add €150 to €250 per month to a student’s budget. Typically, these bills are covered by rent in student accommodations. 

• Internet plans with unlimited data start at €30 per month.

• Mobile phone plans range from €10 to €40 per month, depending on data and call options.

💡 Tip: Students living in shared apartments split these costs, making them more affordable.

Other Living Expenses

• Study materials: Up to €200 per semester for books and supplies.
• Gym membership: Around €30 to €50 per month.
• Entertainment and leisure: Students can expect to spend €50 to €150 per month.

Universities in Frankfurt with English Courses

11

Universities

View All Courses

• Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt am Main
• Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences
• Aalen University
• FOM University of Economics and Management
• Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
• Geisenheim University
• Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
• International School of Management
• HMKW University of Media, Communication and Economics
• Macromedia University
• University of Fine Arts Frankfurt

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Budget Breakdown for a Student Studying in Frankfurt

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How to Save Money as a Student Living in Frankfurt

Living in Frankfurt, one of Germany’s major financial hubs doesn’t have to be expensive if you know how to budget wisely. Here are some practical ways to save money while studying in the city:

1. Find Affordable Student Housing
Rent is one of the biggest expenses in Frankfurt, but you can reduce costs by applying for student dormitories through Studierendenwerk Frankfurt or looking for a room in a WG (shared apartment) on WG-Gesucht or Facebook groups. Living in areas like Offenbach, Sachsenhausen, or Bockenheim is often cheaper than central districts like Innenstadt.

2. Make the Most of Public Transport
Frankfurt has an excellent public transportation network, and students enrolled in universities receive a semester ticket, which allows unlimited travel on buses, trams, and regional trains (RMV network). This is significantly cheaper than buying individual tickets or monthly passes. If you're traveling within Germany, FlixBus and Deutsche Bahn’s regional tickets offer affordable options.

3. Cook at Home and Shop Smart
Eating out in Frankfurt can be pricey, especially in areas like the city center and Sachsenhausen. To save money, buy groceries from discount supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl, or Netto, or visit the Kleinmarkthalle for fresh produce at competitive prices. Meal prepping and cooking at home can help you cut down your monthly food expenses.

4. Take Advantage of Student Discounts
Many museums, theaters, and cultural venues in Frankfurt offer student discounts. The Kunsthalle Schirn, Städel Museum, and English Theatre Frankfurt all provide reduced entry prices for students. Gyms, cafes, and even some retail stores also offer discounts—just show your student ID.

5. Get a Part-Time Job
Frankfurt, being a major business city, offers many part-time job opportunities for students. You can find work in cafés, retail stores, tutoring, or even internships at banks and multinational companies. Students typically earn between €12 and €15 per hour, and you can search for jobs on Jobmensa, Zenjob, or university job portals.

📝 By following these tips, you can enjoy student life in Frankfurt without overspending. For more in-depth budgeting strategies, check out this guide on stress-free budgeting for international students.

Conclusion

Frankfurt is an expensive city, but students can manage their money well by planning their spending. International students usually spend between €960 and €1,733.85 per month, depending on their lifestyle.

To save money, they can use public transport, find affordable housing, cook at home, and use student discounts. With good budgeting, students can enjoy life in Frankfurt without too much financial stress and still experience the best of the city.